International special ops and elite units

[Dominique]

OK, now that I've finally been released from active duty (at least for the moment), I've got a little time to work on specwarnet. What I'd like to do is update or list of elite units (its several years old and new units have been formed others disbanded), and generally bring the site up to date.

Here's the deal... you can send the info directly to me, or you can post it here. I'll credit anyone who wishes to have his listed as a source on any article I write. If you write the article, you get the credit. Please don't rip off some else's work. I'm friends or associate with a lot of writers and editors and you WILL get caught.

Anything you send would be useful (this includes info on police SWAT teams, CT units, airborne, Marines/Naval Infantry, recon units, etc.)

What I'm looking for is info on the following:

Europe-

Czech (MP SOG, Recon Battalions, 601 Special Ops Unit), Slovokian (5 PSU), Polish (1PSK and Formaza), and Hungarian SOF.
Greek SOF (ETA, DYK, DEA).

Asia-

Korean MP Special Guard Team;The ROKMC Special Recon Battalion "the Sharkmen", ROKAF PJ Squadron and Combat Control, and the Special Assault Battalions and Regiments.

The Royal Thai AF SOF unit, the Army's Ranger Battalion and 5th LRRP Co., the Border Patrol Police PARU.

Taiwan's 101st Amphibious Recon Bn., ROC MP Special Special Service Company "Nighthawks", and CMC Amphibious Recon Group.

South America-

Argentina's GEOF and 601 Commando Company

Venezuela's GAC

Mexican SOF

Thanks in advance.

Dominique Sumner

[mustamato]

Europe -> Finland, atleast the parachutists, special jaegers and attack divers counts as SF.

http://www2.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/rynnakkomies.jpg
Special jaeger

Etc.

[Dominique]

I've got a little info on the Merivoimat Sukeltajakurssi (attack/combat divers?) and Utin Jaakarirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment?). Unofrtunately the info the guy sent me is in Finnish, and I can't seem to get in contact with him. Soe naything you could send would be helpful.

[fokket]

ROKA SF
ROKNSW
ROKAF ROMAD/CCT
707

[Dominique]

I've got info on the ROKA SOCOM, Naval Special Warfare Brigade (SEAL, UDT, EOD, MCT team and SDV unit). 707 SMB (I've got an article up on them over at specwarnet), and Tracy white has one on the KNP SWAT (formerly Unit 868).

The other stuff I'm looking for is a little hard to come by.

[fokket]

ROKSF has been deployed as a part of Zayitun. (to IRaq_

[Marsuitor]

Howdy,
With regards to the Norwegian SF section on Specwarnet, it has a lot of errors and is quite outdated as of now.

Quick overview,
As of now only two proper Special Forces units exists in Norway. Them being MJK, naval special forces about the same as US-Navy SEALS, and FSK/Spesialjeger, army special forces about the same as the SAS.
Both units consist of enlisted fulltime professionals who undergo the usual suite of selection tests to test physical and psychological aptitude. Basic selection stands at around nine months with each unit, with another year or so required before being allowed to go on operational status.
The main differences between the two units, apart from being Navy-Army, is that FSK has the responsibility for taking care of Norwegian domestic and international interests, as well as the safety of our oil industry. They also are the countrys primary hostage rescue unit, together with the Police Delta/Beredskapstroppen HR unit.
Norway as of now has the draft in place. MJK accepts applicants with no prior military experience, whereas FSK requires the condidate to at least have completed their one year national service before being accepted into selection.

That goes for Norwegian "tier one" units. Apart from this we also have several conscript units that are trained to a quite high standard. This would especially go for KJK, or Kystjeger/Coastal Rangers, and FJ - Fallskjermjeger, Parachutists.
KJK is basically infantry set up on Stridsbåt-90 boats, an excellent Swedish conception. The unit itself consists of KJK-Storm (The fighting core of the unit), KJK-Oppklaring (Recce and Sniper wing), and KJK-LMB (Light Missile Battery, portable hellfire units used to kill smaller vessels in the archipelago). From 2005 the plan is to have one fulltime squadron from KJK-Oppklaring to be on standby for international missions.
FJ is organized under the HJK, or Hærens Jegerkommando alongside FSK. It's more like the British Pathfinders unit rather than parachute infantry. If successful through selection the Fallskjermjeger will complete a hectic one year training period including static and freefall parachuting, basic maritime operations and advanced survival before being discharged and put on a yearly training regime to maintain their skills.

On the sideline is the HV-016 National Guard special unit. It's a voluntary thing specializing in escorting, MOUT/FIBUA and point security operations. It's part time, so you can have a civvy life alongside being there. The only criterion being that you have to attend training a minimum 28 days a year to stay in the unit, although from what i understand, the actual amount is alot higher.

There's also a handful of units that like to see themselves as something very special. Jegerbataljonen (GP) and Grensevakt/Borderguards(GSV) unit being some typical examples of these. Anyhow, i'll cook up some more stuff and send it over if you wish. I'll also compile some photos of the various units if you wish.

Cheers,
Marcus

[Hannu_K2]

Europe -> Finland, atleast the parachutists, special jaegers and attack divers counts as SF.

http://www2.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/rynnakkomies.jpg
Special jaeger

Etc.

I disagree. Divers, paras or jaegers are not Special Forces. Compare these Finnish units to real SF forces like SAS or US Special Forces you'll notice our
units have more limited field of work than SAS for example.
They do not do hostage resque training, they do not train foreign guerillas or bodyguards, divers dont get any parachute training, no jungle training, etc..
And they serve only one year at maximum which is too short time to have real trained SF force, IMO.

[Dalleer]

I disagree. Divers, paras or jaegers are not Special Forces. Compare these Finnish units to real SF forces like SAS or US Special Forces you'll notice our
units have more limited field of work than SAS for example.
They do not do hostage resque training, they do not train foreign guerillas or bodyguards, divers dont get any parachute training, no jungle training, etc..
And they serve only one year at maximum which is too short time to have real trained SF force, IMO.

Well firstly, not all SF forces act as bodyguards for an example nor do they handle hostage rescue.

The Finnish police has special teams(I suppose that the Karhu-team could be handling them) for hostage rescue as you must know, so it wouldn't really be for the special-Jaegers to handle unless something really radical would happen.

Secondly, you cannot expect the Finnish special Jaegers to be trained in jungle warfare since quite literally there is no Jungle terrain here and paying a second country to give out this training to them is not a very good idea since the Special-Jaegers will never be fighting in an enviroment like that.

And what would the Finnish combat divers, paratroopers, and Special-Jaegers do with "foreign guerilla training" skills?

Please, get real.

Our country is very small and it's special forces are not meant for global operations such as the US forces not to mention the SAS.

[Hannu_K2]

Well firstly, not all SF forces act as bodyguards for an example nor do they handle hostage rescue.

The Finnish police has special teams(I suppose that the Karhu-team could be handling them) for hostage rescue as you must know, so it wouldn't really be for the special-Jaegers to handle unless something really radical would happen.

Secondly, you cannot expect the Finnish special Jaegers to be trained in jungle warfare since quite literally there is no Jungle terrain here and paying a second country to give out this training to them is not a very good idea since the Special-Jaegers will never be fighting in an enviroment like that.

And what would the Finnish combat divers, paratroopers, and Special-Jaegers do with "foreign guerilla training" skills?

Please, get real.

Our country is very small and it's special forces are not meant for global operations such as the US forces not to mention the SAS.

Yeah our army is not meant for global operations so we dont have any real Special Forces. We do have is ranger unit like capacity (sissit), divers do diving but little else (does this make it Special Force unit??), those special Jaegers do CQB but again does this make it any "special"? They are our elite units in our army but really you dont make Special Forces capable personnel in one year training!

That person can look cool with MP5 in picture doesn't mean he knows **** about being real SF soldier..

Cheers.

[Dalleer]

Yeah our army is not meant for global operations so we dont have any real Special Forces. We do have is ranger unit like capacity (sissit), divers do diving but little else (does this make it Special Force unit??), those special Jaegers do CQB but again does this make it any "special"? They are our elite units in our army but really you dont make Special Forces capable personnel in one year training!

That person can look cool with MP5 in picture doesn't mean he knows **** about being real SF soldier..

Cheers.

Well, the paratroops, the combat divers and the "special-Jaegers" might not be regarded as "special forces" by you, but in case of a real situation these units would have to do alot of similar duties as the special forces of the bigger countries.

Now the combat divers are regarded as "special forces" in our country, I wouldn't know what the US would call them but that's just how things are around here.

And, I'm sure that the special Jaegers do alot more than train in Close quarters battle, and certainly they would be regarded as something as "special" since not too many other garrisons around Finland give that type of a training.

Now mind you, we view them as special forces. Additionally, the training of our "special forces" does not go down to us on not being able to operate in "global hotspots" but rather to the fact that we do not need forces trained with jungle capabilities etc.

The first reason to this might be that we do not have the funds to train them with all that stuff, and if whether or not these skills that they are trained in are needed at all.

I'm sure it all comes down to the fact that we do not need all that amount of training for something that will most certainly never be used in real situations. Afterall, I'm sure that the defence forces would have a hard time trying to struggle that amount of money to the annual budget if such things would be considered to be added to the training program to the special-Jaegers , combat divers, and the paratroops.

As I understand, the Norwegian special forces have been deployed to Afghanistan on real "missions", so in this case their training would certainly need all that stuff you mentioned.

But then again, Norway is a NATO country that commits troops to it's missions and so on. We on the other hand are not, and I believe that our constitution prohibits the deployment of our troops on offensive operations on other countries soil.

Maybe all that stuff you mentioned might be included into the special-Jaeger training plan if we join NATO, that I surely hope not to happen...

[mack pl]

Dominique-1) Grupa Specjalna Płetwonurków(Special swimmer group) "FORMOZA"-50 memebers.Its SEAL stayle unit in Polish Navy.They have base in military port-Gdynia.Name Formoza is very interesting,its nothing similar to Taiwan :) Theirs base are in small island near port in Gdynia.GSP Formoza was founded in 1975.First commander was cmdr.Rembisz.They operate in 6 man groups(GSP have only 6 groups i guess).In this forum you could find all pics of this unit.Its a smallest SF unit in polish army.We have not too many informations about this unit :( 2) 1 Pułk Specjalny Komandosów( 1 Special commando regiment)-theirs base are in Lubliniec,near of Częstochowa(my city :D ).This unit have long history.Until 1994 it was only battalion(1 Independent special battalion).1PSK kave 3 special battalions and independent swimmwr companie.1 Bat. its 3 companies.In 1 comp. its 3 platoons.In Platoon its 3 groups(6 memebers).So, in 1PSK we have 90 Specials groups.1PSK comander is Col.Jania.Its the biggest SF unit in Poland.In this forum you could find few pics of this unit(in Iraq too).Maybe some other Poles on this forum have more information,but i hope i helped you a little :) Regards.

[Dominique]

OK gents, I'll start this of by stepping up on my soap box.

Daller & Hannu_K2, please don't let this thread start to take a down hill turn. No arguing back and forth. As I said I'm looking for info on ALL elite units. If it turns into another pissing contest I'll ask the mods to lock and delete the thread. OK. ;)

Now on to the fun stuff. Thanks for the info on the various units (even the Finish stuff ;) ). Thanks for letting me know about the Danish page. I new the stuff was a little outdated, and have never gotten around to updating it.

The info I read on the 1PSK said they are going to be reduced in strength to 1 battalion and combined with GROM and Formoza in a new special ops command. I could be wrong though. I'll get around to updating both the Formoza and 1PSK pages in the near future.

Also, do any of you guys want your names used as sources?

[Dennis79]

The Dutch Army SF (KCT) now have several CT teams,called Special Tactics and Technics teams(STT).Every Company has at least one STT team.
They are armed with FN Herstal P90,Mossberg 590DA and the Glock 17.
http://www.inhail.com/extra/stuff/ctt.html

This is how the KCT is structured(it's in Dutch,but you get the point):
http://www.inhail.com/extra/stuff/hk.html

[Kruglerek]

Mack pl you are wrong.
Formoza operates in 4 man teams, and its size is not 50 but not more than 30 operators. And they are not like SEALS. Their main mission is underwater special warfare. They don't train such many ground missions like US Navy Seals. They recently started training in maritime CT/VBSS operations.

[mustamato]

I've got a little info on the Merivoimat Sukeltajakurssi (attack/combat divers?) and Utin Jaakarirykmentti (Utti Jaeger Regiment?). Unofrtunately the info the guy sent me is in Finnish, and I can't seem to get in contact with him. Soe naything you could send would be helpful.

Well here is little (note, this is written by me so you can use it on your site
if you want). I have mainly been using "official information", so it should be
quite credible (unless they are lying to us of course :)). Since english is not
my native language feel free to correct my spelling:


The regiment in Utti in southern Finland has a proud military history that reaches
as far back as the 18th century. Today, since 1997 it has been the Finnish Defence
Forces (FDF) primary centre for the development of helicopter and Special Forces
operations. The regiment is under the direct command of the finnish military HQ.
Today the regiment is a dynamic and modern unit that is adapting to the new
challenges in the future, with a changing world that has replaced the cold war with
a terrorist threat and with new equipment coming in to use in FDF, such as the
NH-90 helicopters.

Uttis Jaeger regiment consists of a HQ, the helicopter batallion, Parachute jaeger
schoool, Military police school and logistics centre. The strength of the regiment
is about 500, of which 300 are employees and about 200 are conscripts.

Each year 500 to 600 young men apply for admission to the Parachute School.
Of the applicants, 150 to 170 are admitted to the 362-day course. At the school
three different types of soldiers are trained. Parachutist jaegers that are trained
for recon and saboutage missions behind enemy lines in small units. Also radiomen
for other non-parachute jaeger units are trained in the parachute school. And finally,
since 1997 there have also been training of special jaegers. These are trained to
be more versatile than the parachute jaegers and their main mission is to encounter
enemy special forces. They are trained to not only combat them in a forest
enviroment but also in example built-up areas. They are accordingly trained
and equipped for this. 2007 FDF will have a force of atleast 40 full-time special
jaegers ready for crisis management within the frame of EU´s rapid deployment
force. The special jaegers get a very broad weapons training. Including everything
from pistol to automatic grenade launchers, and the main focus is of course
that they should be excellent marksmen and to be ople to operate with special
equipment.

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/

Some (copyrighted by FDF, but can be used if you say where you have taken
them from) pictures from the Parachute school in Utti Jaeger regiment:

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/tarkampvaaka.jpg
Sniper with TaK-85 and SAAB Barracuda IR-covering net

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/rynnakkomies.jpg
Special jaeger, obviously dressed up and equipped for CQB

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/talvileiri.jpg
Parachute jaegers getting training in extreme survival, a necessity
since they are supposed to operate behind enemy lines (and up here
in northern Europe) there are a lot of endless forests.

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/uloshyppy1.jpg
Parachutist jaegers

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/barjuoksu.jpg
"Beret run", the maroon beret is earned after the first combat training
jump, the jump wings are earned after 5 jumps

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/johtaja-rmies.jpg
Special jaegers, all conscripts at the Parachute school gets a NCO rank,
about 20% are also selected for reserve officer training

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/lahitaistelu1.jpg
Since 1996 the Parachutist school has developed it´s own version of
close combat fighting. It´s basically "finnish Krav Maga". The goal is to
give soldiers that have not any experiene of martial arts a simple
way to knock down an enemy threat. The hand to hand-exercises are also
supposed to build up confidence.

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/koysilaskheko1.jpg
Roping(?), mainly a thing for the special jaegers to use during CQB, hostage
situations and so forth

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/sirad.jpg
Radioman trained in the Parachute school, during wartime he would serve in
a non-parachute jaeger unit (that does the same thing but just don´t get air-
dropped)

http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/kovawww.jpg
Recruitment ad for Special jaegers. There has been full-time special jaegers
some a time now, but not really a full-time unit. But one with about 40 soldiers
will be ready about 2007

[Nizark]

Europe -> Finland, atleast the parachutists, special jaegers and attack divers counts as SF.

http://www2.mil.fi/maavoimat/joukot/utjr/rynnakkomies.jpg
Special jaeger

Etc.

http://www.jager.com/media/images/jager_rock.jpg
Ahh, jagers ain't so strong...red bull can kill em p-)

[mack pl]

Kruglerek- my informations are from polish magazines like-MMS Komandos or Polska Zbrojna.What yours sources are?I could be wrong, but i want to know from where you get your informations.BTW anbout this SEAL ,maybe you are right ,they are more like australian CDT ;) (Moge sie mylic ale sam przyznasz ze Formoza jest najmniej znaną jednostka specjalną w Polsce).Pozdro :)

[Kruglerek]

Mack pl - check your private message. ;)

[mack pl]

THX Kruglerek :)

[Dominique]

Here's a few more requests:

Turkish SOF units:
Special Forces Command "Red Berets". The stuff I have is really out of date.
MAK (Combat Search and Rescue)?

Commando & Parachute Commando Brigades

Turkish Air Force (TuAF) special ops aviation and search and rescue units.

Greece:
The new AF CSAR unit

Portugal:
Commandos

Up ot date info on Spetsnaz (Al'fa, Vympel, etc.) from Russia, Ukrain, and Belurus.

[16 OBr SpN]

Up ot date info on Spetsnaz (Al'fa, Vympel, etc.) from Russia, Ukrain, and Belurus.

What exactly do you want to know?

Regards,
16 OBr SpN

[Dominique]

Just which units are still active and who they are assigned to (FSB, FSK, MVD, GRU). And possible a brief history of the units.

[16 OBr SpN]

Here we go... :)

1) Spetsnaz GRU (Army units).
GRU - Main Intelligence Directorate of Ministry of Defence.

Official date of birth of Spetsnaz GRU (SpN GRU), is October 24, 1950. Initially, 46 separate SpN companies were created. All of the commanding officers were the members of Soviet guerilla forces during WWII, as well as members of units which carried out different sabotage missions deep inside enemy territory. Foreign tactics were widely studied, especially the ones of the famous "Brandenburg-500" and German jaeger units.
By 1953, only nine SpN companies were left as the result of shortenings of the Army ranks.
In August 1957, five separate SpN batallions were created.
September 2, 1957, Marshall Zhukov signed an order to establish a new Airborne School under control of GRU for the officers of Spetsnaz. But his order was not executed. Some say it was because he lost the trust of party leaders, while others say it was because of fights for power within Ministry of Defence.
By February 1962, each military district had one SpN brigade. By the end of 1962 the total numers of spetsnaz troops in Soviet Union were: 10 brigades + 12 separate companies + 5 separate batallions.
In 1968, "spetsnaz faculty" is established within Ryazan Airborne School (RVVDKU). The faculty's main purpose was preparation of spetsnaz officers with much focus given to foreign language studies (English, German, French, and Chinese).
In August 1977, another "spetsnaz faculty" was established within Frunze Military Academy.
In May 1979, by the order of General Staff, 154th Separate Company (154 OO SpN) was established. The main feature of this batallion was that it consisted of muslims from Central Asian republics of Soviet Union. Later on, this unit had become known as the legendary "Muslim Batallion" which took part in Operation Storm-333 (overthrowing of the Afghan President, Hafizullah Amin on December 27, 1979). The native languages of the members of that unit were: Uzbek, Tadjik, and Turkmen, which are languages spoken in some of Afghani provinces.
During the Afghan campaign, units of SpN GRU were the most deadly and efficient weapon of Soviet Army. Although Spetsnaz were roughly 3% of total Soviet presence in the country, almost 75% of casualties among Afghan mujahedin were inflicted as the result of operations carried out by Spetsnaz.

NOTE: Read this thread for more indepth look into spetsnaz operations in Afghanistan. It has lots of information, including my personal experiences there.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7201

I'll continue later.

Regards,
16 OBr SpN [/i]

[mack pl]

Dominique wrote-

The info I read on the 1PSK said they are going to be reduced in strength to 1 battalion and combined with GROM and Formoza in a new special ops command. I could be wrong though. I'll get around to updating both the Formoza and 1PSK pages in the near future.

You have right-1PSK will have only 1 Special Batalion,and 1Support Bat. but this is only a plan,and its not mean of reduced Special groups in 1PSK.So, anyone in Poland dont know exactly what the structure will have 1PSK.Since few years are some plans about create Special Operations Command, but its not exist still :( So, untill now we havent got any sure informations about future of polish SF :( Ohhh, maybe you dont know but we will have 3 Combat Unit in GROM.It will be not CT team, but team for green tactic.At the moment GROM has maritime unit(in Gdynia) and A-team(CT and green tactic)in Rembertów(near of Warsaw). BTW Formoza have 30 people ,so Kruglerek have right ;) Regards :)

[Germanas]

I don't mean to be rude or insult anyone here in this topic, but please give some answers about Suommi SF:

1. What percent of them are proffesionals, let's say in Jaegers?;

2. When last time since WWII Suommi SF or SOF if such exists partcicipated in combat operations? I don't count UN peacekeaping missions or i.e. ISAF, that is not combat operations.

Thank You

G

[Kruglerek]

Well we have something that we could name Special Operations Command in Poland but unfortunately there are people in int who don't understend modern special warfare :( For example there are no GROM officers in it !

[Germanas]

And what Polish SOFCOM consists of then??? Having no GROM in it looks stupid, because so far I think this unit is the only one to represent Poland since Haiti operation in 1994????

[mack pl]

Kruglerek means -Oddział Operacji Specjalnych(Special Operations Detachment),its is part of General Staff.I think its not like SOCOM, because its not independent command.They are doing everything what General Staff want(its not ok, because ours generals know **** about special forces) :( BTW we have more units, not only GROM.But i agree, only GROM have real combat experience.Not only Haiti, but Eastern Slavonia 97, Kosovo and Macedonia 99, A-stan,Iraq etc.BTW Germanas, can you give us some info about yours Jeagers Battalion(and Alfa companie,if its still exist).

[Dalleer]

I don't mean to be rude or insult anyone here in this topic, but please give some answers about Suommi SF:

1. What percent of them are proffesionals, let's say in Jaegers?;

2. When last time since WWII Suommi SF or SOF if such exists partcicipated in combat operations? I don't count UN peacekeaping missions or i.e. ISAF, that is not combat operations.

Thank You

G

I couldn't answer your first question since I'm a bit lost on your "percentage of professionals" talk


But, as you must know our "special forces" have not participated in any global hotspots or operations mainly because our constitution bans this unless it's a defencive measure.

You know, we do have a "defence force" and are considered a neutral country so deploying our forces to something non-UN work would probably raise some questions...

So, our forces have not participated in any "operations" after the end of WWII.

[Germanas]

TO: Dalleer - thanks, it was always a question for me, why Suommi SF do not participate, while their neighbours do, i got my answers. Thanks again, anyway i can just imagine what your SF soldiers think of such a politics...

TO:Mack pl > Yes Alfa Company still exits, but as far as I know there was some changes in Lithuanian Armed Forces recently so I don't know how Jaegers are now.

G

[Dalleer]

TO: Dalleer - thanks, it was always a question for me, why Suommi SF do not participate, while their neighbours do, i got my answers. Thanks again, anyway i can just imagine what your SF soldiers think of such a politics...

Yes well, I suppose that some of our people would be willing to be sent on similar missions as the Norwegians, for an example. But it's a bit uneasy for the whole FDF to start agreeing on such missions since it really wouldn't be in the best interests of a "neutral country" to do such things...

[ivandebono]

The section on French special forces on the website is way out of date. Some points:
1) The Groupement Speciale Autonome has been replaced by the Brigade des Forces Speciales Terre (BFST), comprising 1er RPIMa, 13e RDP, DAOS, and an HQ.
2) DINOPS is part of 1er REG, which has replaced the disbanded 6e REG.
3) COFUSCO is now called FORFUSCO. ("Force" instead of "Commandement")
4) GCMC has been integrated into Commando Jaubert and is now called ECMC ("Escouade de Combat en Milieu Clos".
5) The "11th Parachute Division" no longer exists, as do the other divisions. It is now a Brigade (11e Brigade Parachutiste.)
6) COS has apparently been relocated to Villacoublay Airbase, although you'll have to check this.
7) 13e RDP is made up of 3 recce squadrons, 1 signals squadron, 1 training squadron, 1 intelligence squadron, 1 reserve squadron, and an HQ and Logistics squadron.

And in the UK section, 5th Airborne Brigade no longer exists. It is now the 16th Air Assault Brigade.

Cheers, and I hope you don't mind my nitpicking.

[Ballistic]

Australian units need updating.

Special Forces is now under it's own command:

Special Operations Command (SOCOMD)
Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) (Swanbourne, Western Australia)
1st Commando Regiment (Randwick, New South Wales)
4th (Commando) Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Holsworthy, New South Wales) - (4RAR)
Incident Response Regiment (Holsworthy, New South Wales)
126th Commando Signal Squadron (Holsworthy, New South Wales)
Special Operations Combat Service Support Company (Holsworthy, New South Wales)

ADG's (Airfield Defence Guards) arent Special Forces, just a specialised ground unit within the RAAF used for airfield defence (obviously) and a few other standard infantry roles aswell from what I'm lead to believe.

Someone more in the know please correct if I'm wrong.

[mack pl]

I hope my polish friends will correct me if im wrong ;) At Poland we have one SF unit more.I think about -1 Lotnicza Grupa Poszukiwawczo-Ratownicza in Bydgoszcz(1st Air Search and Rescue Group).Its CSAR team.They have 3 helicopters(2 W3 Sokol,1 Mi8T) and 1 airplan M28(command airplane).In this unit we have not only pilots,but medics and doctors,and commandos.First commandos was from 1PSK,but maybe now they have owns commandos.Maybe other Poles have more info about this unit,i know very little about it :( BTW in near future in polish Military police we will have CT unit.But this unit still dont exists.In summer will be first selection of recruits(i guess).At the moment we have in MP some small unit to VIP protection.This unit will be joint with CT team in future.Regards :)

[Dominique]

I have most of the info on the French, didn't know about the GCMC though.

I also have pretty good info on both the Aussies and Kiwi militray units, but very little on LE tactical units. As far as the ADGs go, I'm looking for info on elite and specilist units so the ADGs (and other counter SOF units would fit in).

Also, I'd like to take a second to thank everyone for the help and to point out that this is the way the forum should run. No flames, no arguing, just a chance for eveyone to share a little history, tell a few stories, and look at some good ole military and SWAT photos.

Now back to the topic.

[Elmo]

TO: Dalleer - thanks, it was always a question for me, why Suommi SF do not participate, while their neighbours do, i got my answers. Thanks again, anyway i can just imagine what your SF soldiers think of such a politics...



Well, they are a bunch of conscripts who have weaknesses.

a) during their service they are never able to be independent enough due to fear of their instructors. They lack initiative.

b) after their service and a couple of years in reserve they are independent and able to act on own initiative when called back for war games BUT they are not fit enough nor have the same skill level.

They are good but in my opinion no way near comparable to some killing machines who do SF for living.

As for the Finnish "SF" instructors, regular soldiers. Well, they are never really tested and pushed to the edge because they are simply holding supreme authority over the conscripts and in my opinion that corrupts their professionalism.

[Ballistic]

No worries Dominique, I guess the ADG's do fit into that context then. No worries :) Also the RAN (Royal Australian Navy) CDT's (Clearance Diver Teams) are in SOCOMD aswell, I dont know the extent of their activities within SOCOMD but they are used especially when a situation arises off shore, like the North Korean ship that entered Australian territorial waters a while back, and were in Iraq doing a damn fine job clearing the ports of mines with other coalition teams. (Where's BiZ when ya need him ??)

As far as "SWAT" units go for the Australian Police in their respective states:

Queensland - SERT (Special Emergency Response Team)
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Base/6412/

New South Wales - SPG (State Protection Group)
http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Australia/SPG/SPG.html

Victoria - SOG (Special Operations Group)
http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Australia/Victoria/Default.htm

Tasmania - SOG (Special Operations Group)
http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Australia/Tasmania/Default.htm

Northern Territory - PTRG (Police Territory Response Group)

Western Australia - PTRG (Police Tactical Response Group)

South Australia - PSTRD (Police Special Tasks and Rescue Division)

ACT (Australian Capital Territory) - AFP (Australian Federal Police) Special Operations Team (Similar to FBI HRT)

Those links arent exactly full of info but it's best I could find for you, atleast someone cares out there (good on ya SO.COM) :). Anyways, they all basically do exactly the same things as LAPD SWAT and whatever other LE Tactical Unit in the US as far as I can gather.

[Dominique]

OK gent's how about I do this, I'm adding a second thread with a list of all the countries I can think of and a list of that country's SOF, elite, marine, etc. units. It will have a VERY brief description of the unit's job.

You guys can jump in and ad info as I go along.

I'll also do one for international LE tactical teams ( BEOH, GEOF, NOCS, GIS, GEO, GEOS, UEI, GAR, GIGN, EPIGN, etc.)

What do yoy guys think?

[Swedish_Marine]

Swedish SF units:

SSG ( Särskilda Skydds Gruppen ) Consists only of officers. Exact numbers or choice of equipment is officially unknown or undisclosed. But you can see it on a couple of pictures in this forum. SSG is the swedish equal to the 22.SAS. The SSG are also trained in third person protection, and according to sources they are also trained in evasive driving and counter terrorism, but not for use in sweden, only on swedish soil in other countries ( like embassies where the swedish police can´t go. )

FJS IK ( Fallskärmsjägarskolans Insatskompani ) It´s open for everyone with completed compulsory military service to apply. Also equal to 22.SAS but purely concentrated on intelligence gathering.

Theese are the only real SF- units in the swedish armed forces. However there are a number of more elite units in the Swedish army and navy that are available for conscripts to volonteer for, and they are:

FJS ( Fallskärmsjägarskolan ) Trains conscripts for airborne insertion behind enemy lines. Training lasts for 15 months. They are trained purely for intelligence gathering and laying small ambushes.

Kustjägare: Derived from the UK Royal Marine Commandos. Training lasts for 15 months. ( when i served, not as KJ but as a amphibious soldier, KJ-conscripts could also serve for 10 months ). After the first 7 weeks, a KJ-applicant can apply for A-dyk ( attackdykare ). KJ are trained for LRRP operations, raids and ambushes in the archipelago and A-dyk are trained for similar tasks as FJS.

Norrlandsjägare: Trains for 15 and 10 months at K4 in Arvidsjaur. Inserted behind enemy lines by foot, skiing or scooters. Lays ambushes, and gathers intelligence.

LBB ( Luftburen Bataljon ) Equal in tasks to US Army Rangers ( Roughly ) Trains at K3 in Karlsborg along with FJS. However they are not inserted by parachute, either by foot or by helicopter. Allso trains conscripts for intelligence gathering in a DivUnd.bataljon ( Recce-battalion )

Amfibiesoldat: Trains for 15, 10 and 7,5 months. I served as a boat-driver for a Stridsbåt 90H at a KJ-company in the 1990-s. The Amphibious batallions tasks are to fend off or delay an attacker coming from the sea. Anyone who ventures into the archipelago are in for a nasty supprise. We are to engage landing-ships who enters the archipelago with missiles and antiship mines. and to engage infantry troops with KJ-companies ( but nowdays that is taken care of by the Riflecompanies ) and a mortar company for light artillery support. Soldiers in the Amphibious batallion are not considered to be Jägare, but they are considered to be elite.

The Army, Navy and Airforce has organized Säk.units. ( security-units ) that provide security for important installations against SF-units. For this they use dogs.

Army: MPJ ( Militärpolisjägare ) Military police rangers ( however i think their name should be MP Hunters because they hunt down SF-units and neutralise them )

Navy: Säkpluton Sjö ( Naval Security platoon ) used to be called Bassäk but recently changed their name to better reflect their tasks.

Airforce: Flygbasjägare ( Airforce Rangers ) Provides protection for wartime airfields and for fighter pilots, and inteligence gathering. Also capable of conducting CSAR operations.

For CT-operations within Sweden, the national police force has organized the NI ( Nationella Insatsstyrkan ) They are trained for hostage rescue operations ( taking down airplanes, buildnings, trains, buses, you name it ). They do what the 22.nd SAS did on Princess Gate in London in 1980. For barricaded suspects and other very dangerous criminals the three major cities in Sweden has it´s own Piketstyrka ( SWAT-team ).

Questions?

[OldRecon]

Howdy,
With regards to the Norwegian SF section on Specwarnet, it has a lot of errors and is quite outdated as of now.

Quick overview,
As of now only two proper Special Forces units exists in Norway. Them being MJK, naval special forces about the same as US-Navy SEALS, and FSK/Spesialjeger, army special forces about the same as the SAS.
Both units consist of enlisted fulltime professionals who undergo the usual suite of selection tests to test physical and psychological aptitude. Basic selection stands at around nine months with each unit, with another year or so required before being allowed to go on operational status.
The main differences between the two units, apart from being Navy-Army, is that FSK has the responsibility for taking care of Norwegian domestic and international interests, as well as the safety of our oil industry. They also are the countrys primary hostage rescue unit, together with the Police Delta/Beredskapstroppen HR unit.
Norway as of now has the draft in place. MJK accepts applicants with no prior military experience, whereas FSK requires the condidate to at least have completed their one year national service before being accepted into selection.

That goes for Norwegian "tier one" units. Apart from this we also have several conscript units that are trained to a quite high standard. This would especially go for KJK, or Kystjeger/Coastal Rangers, and FJ - Fallskjermjeger, Parachutists.
KJK is basically infantry set up on Stridsbåt-90 boats, an excellent Swedish conception. The unit itself consists of KJK-Storm (The fighting core of the unit), KJK-Oppklaring (Recce and Sniper wing), and KJK-LMB (Light Missile Battery, portable hellfire units used to kill smaller vessels in the archipelago). From 2005 the plan is to have one fulltime squadron from KJK-Oppklaring to be on standby for international missions.
FJ is organized under the HJK, or Hærens Jegerkommando alongside FSK. It's more like the British Pathfinders unit rather than parachute infantry. If successful through selection the Fallskjermjeger will complete a hectic one year training period including static and freefall parachuting, basic maritime operations and advanced survival before being discharged and put on a yearly training regime to maintain their skills.

On the sideline is the HV-016 National Guard special unit. It's a voluntary thing specializing in escorting, MOUT/FIBUA and point security operations. It's part time, so you can have a civvy life alongside being there. The only criterion being that you have to attend training a minimum 28 days a year to stay in the unit, although from what i understand, the actual amount is alot higher.

There's also a handful of units that like to see themselves as something very special. Jegerbataljonen (GP) and Grensevakt/Borderguards(GSV) unit being some typical examples of these. Anyhow, i'll cook up some more stuff and send it over if you wish. I'll also compile some photos of the various units if you wish.

Cheers,
Marcus

Besides these units one also have the recce/sniper platoons of infantry battalions (they tend to consist of picked men that get better training than the rest of the battalion), artillery jaegers (Forward gunnery observers), and lastly Cavalry medium recce and long range recce squadrons.
The last mentioned unit have supplied soldiers to a Norwegian recce unit operation in Bosnia/Kosovo and its soldiers receive the same medical training as FJK personell + mountain climbing instruction that FJK personell apparently don't get these days.

[Dominique]

Do you guys mind if I use this material over on Specwarnet? If so, do you want me to credit you as the source?

[16 OBr SpN]

Spetsnaz GRU (continued)

After the collapse of Soviet Union, spetsnaz GRU participated in many internal conflicts (Tadjikistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, etc.)
Currently, Spetsnaz GRU is one of the most battle-active units of Russian armed forces. During both Chechen wars, Spetsnaz GRU was/is the "fire team", which conducts different sorts of special operations against Chechen terrorists.

The new Insignia of Spetsnaz GRU:
http://www.agentura.ru/dossier/russia/symbolics/RU/specgru/gru1.jpg

[Marsuitor]

Dominique,
Go ahead and post on your site, not a problem with me. :)

Oldrecon,
Thanks for the additions!
Apparently the old recce units of the cavalry are now all placed into the new Cavalry Battallion which is solely a recce unit. Also, Arty Observers are no longer part of the artillery, but are now organized into the ISTAR battallion as TACP's. Selection into these units goes for being among the hardest you can undergo as a conscript.
Btw, quick question, did everyone in Oppklesk get parachute trained during your days?

[Alpha Leader]

Marcus wrote
"On the sideline is the HV-016 National Guard special unit. It's a voluntary thing specializing in escorting, MOUT/FIBUA and point security operations. It's part time, so you can have a civvy life alongside being there. The only criterion being that you have to attend training a minimum 28 days a year to stay in the unit, although from what i understand, the actual amount is alot higher. "

They are apox 60 days a year.And have the best equipment in the nationalguard.


here are some pictures of one of these units.
They are highly motivated and are quite competence in varios tasks.

http://www.vimenn.com/Uploads/Vi_Menn/2004/02/JPG/IMG_3ff943ecdf172.jpg
http://www.vimenn.com/Uploads/Vi_Menn/2004/02/JPG/IMG_3ff944143ba96.jpg
http://www.vimenn.com/Uploads/Vi_Menn/2004/02/JPG/IMG_3ff944018e9c4.jpg
http://www.vimenn.com/Uploads/Vi_Menn/2004/02/JPG/IMG_3ff9440920c35.jpg
http://www.vimenn.com/Uploads/Vi_Menn/2004/02/JPG/IMG_3ff943f878977.jpg

http://www.mil.no/multimedia/archive/00034/Tittelhv016_34731a.jpg
http://www.mil.no/multimedia/archive/00034/016oppdrag_34736a.jpg
http://www.mil.no/multimedia/archive/00034/hvordansoke_34738a.jpg

[MARINO]

Spanish SF

ARMY
GOE(Grupo de Operaciones Especiales)like delta
SERECO from Mountain Rangers
PRP from Airborne Brigade
Spanish Legion like rangers


Air Force
EZAPAC

NAVY
UEBC Unidad Especial de Buzos de Combate
Marines SERECO team
UOE Unidad de Operaciones Especiales

All those units are very efficient and probably one of best trained in the world

[Dominique]

Spanish SF

ARMY
GOE(Grupo de Operaciones Especiales)like delta
SERECO from Mountain Rangers
PRP from Airborne Brigade
Spanish Legion like rangers


Air Force
EZAPAC

NAVY
UEBC Unidad Especial de Buzos de Combate
Marines SERECO team
UOE Unidad de Operaciones Especiales

All those units are very efficient and probably one of best trained in the world

I thought that the GOE was more along the lines of the US Army Special Forces and 75th Ranger Reg.

Also is SERECO a search and rescue type unit?

Lastly, ayone have any info on the BRIPAC's UPRP, RECCO/SADA platoons and the combat diver/recon teams from BRIPAC's UZAPAC combat engineer/sapper unit?