The Really Big List of International Elite Forces

[Navor]

AUSTRALIA:
Special Operations Command (SOCOMD)
Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)
-Base Squadron
-HQ
-Anti Terrorism Cell
-Training and Operational Support Squadron
-Instruction Wing
-Wings : Medical, Transport, Material, Supply
1, 2, 3 “Sabre” Squadrons
“A Troop” - HALO Troop
“B Troop” - Boat Troop
“C Troop” - Mobility Troop
Counter Terrorism and Special Recovery (CTSR) Teams -TAG (West)
Does this mean,that SASR Sabre Squadrons no longer rotate through TAG Duties but that they estabkished a special Unit for TAG Duties?

[toymaker1]

Hello

I have seen on this site a very comprehensive list of what are regarded as elite military units, but I am surprised at the apparant ommission of some UK units. for example isn't No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment as much an elite unit as many others, in that it is trained to drop by parachute and capture an enemy airfield/fuel dump, or set up same in hostile territory?.
And what about E flight of 28 Squadron Royal Air Force. Surely that unit, although small, is an elite unit in that it is trained to rescue crashed aircrew or other isolated military personnel "in any geographical situation or any degree of hostile action"

Regards
toymaker1

[ArmyJonHall]

Perhaps you should set the record straight for us, and write about them for MP.net.

[Conman]

I have never heard of these units so I have no comment so I will let those that do speak up

But from your description it sounds like to me that the 2nd Squadron RAF might be rougly comparable to CCT/Rangers hybrid maybe? Again this is just what I think based on your description

And the E flight 28 squadron might be Pararescue(US) or SARTech(Canada)
Again I am totally out of my lane and am probably wrong, so I await some more informed opinions.

[Robbee]

...................

[RAFREGT.]

Hi Toymaker1,
Welcome to MP.NET,
having helped establish csar procedures for 28 Sqn RAF whilst on 33 Sqn RAF a few years ago, i would say, that although they (including me when i was there!p-)) are good at what they do. (remember, most Field Sqns have dabbled in this). But i think the "definition" of elite probably doesn't apply. Unique....maybe, in UK forces is probably more apt.

Again, II Sqn RAF Regt, good at what they do, but not elite, as there are a few units that do this kind of thing either by parachute ot TALO.

I think the word "Elite" is over used nowadays. Although i applaud your promotion of RAF Regt units they are not elite i'd say.

[Elemental666]

Could you please post a link to the list you are talking about?

Rob I believe he is referring to this (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7529&highlight=list) list.

[Robbee]

...................

[toymaker1]

Perhaps you should set the record straight for us, and write about them for MP.net.

Hello ArmyJonHall

I am not an expert in this field, so I would not be able to write any more than the info I have obtained on the internet.

For example, on Wikipedia 2 squadron is described as being capable of inserting by parachute and securing forward airfields.
The official MOD RAF site states that 2 Squadron is " a parachute capable Field squadron and and can be used to jump in to capture and secure a landing strip or refuelling point". If that is what it says on the RAF website, then that is what 2 squadron is trained to do.
So if they do what it says on the tin, they are at surely an elite unit as I understand the term.

Regarding The RAF "Ground Extraction Force". This is a recently formed unit manned by RAF Regiment personnel. It is part of E flight 28 Squadron based at RAF Benson and is equiped with Merlin helicopters.
The RAF website states that the unit's mission is "to recover isolated personnel (to include downed aircrew) and high value assets, by day or night, in all climatic and geographical conditions, in all threat levels over extended periods, and it's personnel are capable of operating in small, self sufficient teams, behind enemy lines, until the isolated persons or assets are recovered. Operation environments will include desert, arctic, mountain, jungle and urban, in high threat levels".

If I understand English, I would have thought that means those are elite units.

Regards

toymaker1

[toymaker1]

Could you please post a link to the list you are talking about?
Hello rob_e_bee

The list of elite units is this one:

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7529&highlight=list

As you can see it is very detailed, which is why I am surprised it does not include the units I referred to.

regards
toymaker1

[Opening Batsman]

So why didn't you post this there?

[playtym]

So why didn't you post this there?


Stop trying to spoil this discussion using 'logic'. p-)

[Opening Batsman]

Stop trying to spoil this discussion using 'logic'. p-)

Sorry, I'll have to get out of that habit.:p

[DeltaWhisky58]

Hello

I have seen on this site a very comprehensive list of what are regarded as elite military units, but I am surprised at the apparant ommission of some UK units. for example isn't No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment as much an elite unit as many others, in that it is trained to drop by parachute and capture an enemy airfield/fuel dump, or set up same in hostile territory?.
And what about E flight of 28 Squadron Royal Air Force. Surely that unit, although small, is an elite unit in that it is trained to rescue crashed aircrew or other isolated military personnel "in any geographical situation or any degree of hostile action"

Regards
toymaker1

Toymaker1 - as you have clearly read the main thread (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7529&highlight=list) which you have mentioned, wouldn't it have been common sense to post your query on the thread instead of opening this one?

Threads merged, original thread also moved to General discussion.

[toymaker1]

Toymaker1 - as you have clearly read the main thread (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7529&highlight=list) which you have mentioned, wouldn't it have been common sense to post your query on the thread instead of opening this one?

Threads merged.

Hello DeltaWhisky

I'm sorry about posting in the wrong forum. It wasn't very clear to me what forum to post it in, so I thought General Discussion would be OK.
I find anything to do with the internet very confusing.

regards
toymaker1

[Wylie coyote]

any body else really wanna join icelands viking squad. just so they can mount horns on their helmet?

[Uwe]

CZECH REREPUBLIC:
601. Skupina Specialnich sily (601.SSS - formally - Speciální Brigáda – “Generála Moravce” 6/6th Special Brigade - around 500 members - LRRP type unit) located in Prostejov
Speciální jednotka vojenské policie SOG (Military police SOG - small unit-around 60 members) (CT unit. Similiar to Delta)
102.Průzkumny Prapor (Reconnaissance battalion - around 450 members)
71 Vysadkovy Prapor - (Airborne unit)

Útvar Rychlého Nasazení (URNa - National Police CT unit - around 110 members)
-----

Hi,

please edit this two units:

71. is normal mech. imfantry - not airborne, so not elite force...

601. Skupina Specialnich sily - they are more like US SFG kind of unit

[goose36]

RAAF Airfield Defense Guards (Counter SOF unit)

Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSU):
-51 Far North Queensland Regiment (51 FNQR)
-Pilbara Regiment (Pilbara Reg.)
-North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE)
3RAR (Para)
- Recon Platoon

aaahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahaha.........aaaaahhhahahahahahahahaha

[kalkun]

If I am allowed I would post little info about Estonia.

SOG hasn't existed for some years by now(1998), for a while there was nothing official for years but from last year ESTSOF came up as special force unit in Estonian Defence Forces.

There is also a police special unit K-Komando from the beginning of 90s.

[AZRON]

any body else really wanna join icelands viking squad. just so they can mount horns on their helmet?

That's about what I think of the list to.

We seem to be caught up in the glamour of Hollywood or airsoft.
Any unit with specialized training is automatically classified as Elite.
The list catergory should be Specialized Military Units the word Elite is vastly over used. If a bn. is subordinated to the 11th Mtn. one tour of duty it's elite ? On the next tour of duty it's subordinated the 1st Cav and isn't elite ?

Did anyone notice Bagdad was taken by an armored brigade from one direction and a Marine regt. from the other ?
Where were all the Elites ? ( Posing for pictures?)

[EsoognomEhT]

Hello

I have seen on this site a very comprehensive list of what are regarded as elite military units, but I am surprised at the apparant ommission of some UK units. for example isn't No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment as much an elite unit as many others, in that it is trained to drop by parachute and capture an enemy airfield/fuel dump, or set up same in hostile territory?.
And what about E flight of 28 Squadron Royal Air Force. Surely that unit, although small, is an elite unit in that it is trained to rescue crashed aircrew or other isolated military personnel "in any geographical situation or any degree of hostile action"

Regards
toymaker1

Is this a wah? p-)

[DeltaWhisky58]

Hello

I have seen on this site a very comprehensive list of what are regarded as elite military units, but I am surprised at the apparant ommission of some UK units. for example isn't No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment as much an elite unit as many others, in that it is trained to drop by parachute and capture an enemy airfield/fuel dump, or set up same in hostile territory?.
And what about E flight of 28 Squadron Royal Air Force. Surely that unit, although small, is an elite unit in that it is trained to rescue crashed aircrew or other isolated military personnel "in any geographical situation or any degree of hostile action"

Regards
toymaker1

Toymaker1 has decided that he no longer wants to play on Mp.Net - his request has been complied with.

[Dominique]

Its been quite a while since I've had a chance to really go back and look over this thread. When, and if, I get a more spare time, I'll make updates and changes to it. As for some units not being "elite", a more accurate title would be elite and specialist units. Also, if anyone wants to add more info, or make a correction feel free.

[hasanito]

OK people here's a qucik and dirty list of international elite units. It will be added to slowly.
TURKEY: (...) Ozel Intihar Komando Birligi (OIKB - CT) (...) I'm bit puzzled about this entry with Turkish SF unit. This reads as "Special Suicide Commando Unit" I somehow doubt there is any such unit with TSF?

[Rob1bureau]

Its been quite a while since I've had a chance to really go back and look over this thread. When, and if, I get a more spare time, I'll make updates and changes to it. As for some units not being "elite", a more accurate title would be elite and specialist units. Also, if anyone wants to add more info, or make a correction feel free.

Well, I tried to re-write the French section :


FRANCE:

Military special forces (integrated in COS) :

Commandement des Opérations Speciales (COS, Special operations command)
"1st circle" (units under direct command of the COS; the COS is the sole or main user of these units) :
* Army : Brigade des Forces Speciales Terre (BFST, Army special forces brigade), inludes
- 1er Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine (1er RPIMa, 1st marine infantry parachute regiment) : direct action and abroad CT unit, heir of WWII Free French SAS units
** 3 compagnies de Recherche Aéroportée et Actions Spécialisées (RAPAS, airborne search and special actions), Staff, 1 command & logistics co., 1 communications co, 1 training co. Various specializations, inculding HALO/HAHO, SCUBA, heavy sniping, recon, "Patrouilles SAS" (PATSAS, vehicle-borne SAS patrols)...
- 13e Régiment de Dragons de Parachutiste (13e RDP, 13th parachute dragoon regiment) : LRRP for actionnable intelligence for other SF
** 3 airborne reconnaissance squadrons, 1 command & logistics sqn., 1 base & training sqn., 1 coms sqn., 1 intelligence analysis sqn.
- Détachement ALAT [Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre, army light aviation] des Opérations Spéciales (DAOS, ALAT special operations detachment) : air support
** EOS 1 (Escadrille des Opérations Speciales, special operations flight) : transport, 8 Cougar Mk.1 helicopters
** EOS 2 : fire support, 10 Gazelle Canon (20-mm gun) and Gazelle Viviane (HOT ATGM and Night IR sight) helicopters
** EOS 3 : created in june 2006, 8 Cougar HUS helicopters
** EOS 4 : army part of GIH (Groupement interarmées d'hélicoptères, joint helicopter force, for GIGN air support), 4 Puma helicopters from ALAT Régiments d'Hélicoptères de Combat (RHC, combat helicopters regiments : three RHC exist, all in 4e Brigade Aéromobile / 4th airmobile brigade : 1er, 3e and 5e RHC ; RHC tasked to GIH change every two months)
** EOS 5 : air force part of GIH "Air", 2 Puma helicopters from the ESH
** EOS 6 : unit to receive new Tigre helicopter
* Navy : Commandos-marine
- commando Hubert, also called Commando d'Action Sous-Marine (CASM, submarine operations commando) Hubert : sole Navy underwater/divers unit
- Commando Jaubert : assault
- Commando Trépel : assault
- Commando de Penfentenyo : Reconnaissance, actionnable intelligence gathering
- Commando de Montfort : special support (snipers, light missiles, light mortars)
- Escouade de Contre-Terrorisme et de Libération d'Otages (ECTLO, counter-terrorist and hostages rescue squad) : maritime counter-terrorism. Two groups of 15 people, one form Commando Jaubert, the other from Commando Trepel.
* Air force :
- Commando Parachutiste de l'Air n°10 (CPA 10, 10 air parachute commando) : CCT/TACP-like unit, airfield seizure and re-servicing
- Escadron de transport ET 3/61 "Poitou" (3/61 airlift squadron "Poitou") : special operations planes
** VB-118 (name of a flight) : 4 C-160R Transall
** VB-119 (second flight) : 2 C-130H-30 Hercules
- Escadrille Spéciale d'Hélicoptères (ESH, special helicopters flight) : special operations helicopters. Crews assigned to EH 1/67 "Pyrénées" CSAR unit, formerly they "borrowed" helos to the EH 1/67, now they have their own two Cougar HUS

"2nd circle" and "3rd circle" have been quoted but they have not units assigned, nor permanent command structure. "2nd circle" is usually said to encircle special operations capable not assigned to the COS (GCP, 17e RGP, GIGN - see below). "3rd circle" is even more bland, because COS can ask every armed forces unit.

Military Special Forces (outside COS) :

Various recon/special support units organic to conventionnal units
* Groupement des Commandos Parachutistes (GCP, parachute commandos grouping, formally Commandos de Recherche et d'Action en Profondeur [CRAP], long-range reconnaissance and operation commandos) : LRRP/Pathfinder units of the 11e Brigade Parachutiste
* Unité de Recherche Humaine (URH, human reconnaissance unit) : LRRP for regts. of the 27e Brigade d'Infanterie de Montagne (27th Mountain Infantry Brigade)
- URH 7 (7e Bataillon de chasseurs alpins, 7e BCA, 7th alpine chasseur battalion)
- URH 13 (13e BCA)
- URH 27 (27e BCA)
- URH 2 (2e Régiment Etranger du Genie, 2e REG, 2nd foreign engineer regt)
(27e BIM includes also 4e Régiment de Chasseurs / 4th chasseur regiment, 93e Régiment d'Artillerie de Montagne / 93th mountain artillery regt, 27e Compagnie de Commandement de Communications de Montagne/27th mountain command and communications co. It is unclear wether they have their own URH or not)
* Equipes d'Observation dans la Profondeur (EOP, long-range observation teams) : recon/forward control units for artillery regiments
* Sections d'Aide à l'Engagement Débarqué (SEAD, support plts.) are planned for infantry regiments in MOUT. Still experimental.

Other specialized units :

* Army :
- Brigade de Renseignement (BR, intelligence brigade) :
** 2e Régiment de Hussards : long range armored patrols
** 61e Régiment d'Artillerie : UAVs
** Groupement Aéromobile de Renseignement : 4 Cougar Horizon (J-STARS radar-style on Cougars) and some Gazelle Viviane (IR imaging) helicopters, assigned to the 3e RHC
** 54e Régiment de Transmissions : tactical EW regiment
** 44e Régiment de Transmissions : EW regiment (not strategical but higher level than tactical, called "opératif" in French)
** Le Groupement de Recueil de l'Information : HUMINT by agents and POW examination, wartime only.
- Plongeurs de Combat du Génie (PCG, engineering combat divers, former SAF and NIOs) : engineering divers, many or all being NIO (offensive intervention divers, brown water underwater teams)
- Peloton de Reconnaissance et Balisage (PRB, pathfinding and beaconning platoon) : support and security for RHC operations, and IMEX (immediate extraction) CSAR teams.
- 9e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine (9e RIMa, 9th marine infantry regiment) : marine unit based in French Guiana.
** CRAJ (Commandos de Recherche et d'Action en Jungle, jungle reconnaissance and operations commandos) section : two commandos, each having 5-men teams, specialised in tropical/equatorial jungle warfare. Their mission is to maintain a high-level of jungle warfare skills. They train other units, take part to rescue of personel lost in jungle, and since last year, along other army units, work together with gendarmerie to counter clandestine gold washing and traffics in Guiana.
* Air force :
- Escadron d'Hélicoptères EH 1/67 "Pyrénées" : air force CSAR unit. 4 Caracal (aka Cougar RESCO)
- Commando Parachutiste de l'Air n°20 (CPA 20, 20 air parachute commando) : specialized in Mesures Actives de Sûreté Aerienne (MASA, active means of air security) : snipers abroad Fennec (military Ecurreuil) helicopters to provide security against Ultralight and light aircrafts
- Commando Parachutiste de l'Air n°30 (CPA 30, 30 air parachute commando) : pararescue commandos. Organized in Groupes de Récupération au Sol (GRS, ground recovery groups). Some or all personnel is Sauveteur-Plongeur RESCO (CSAR rescue-divers) qualified
- Commandos-Fusilliers de l'Air : air bases security.
* Navy :
- Groupes de Plongeurs-Démineurs (GPD, divers-defusers groups or EOD)
- Fusilliers-marins commandos : naval bases security.


Elite military units

* 11e Brigade Parachutiste (11e BP, 11th parachute brigade) : all paras units
- 2e Régiment Etranger Parachutiste (2e REP) : unique both Légion étrangère and para unit
- 1er Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes (1e RCP)
- 3e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine (3e RPIMa) (despite the same name "RIMPa", 3e and 8e RPIMas are not SF, but classic parachute units)
- 8e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine(8e RPIMa)
- 35e Régiment d'Artillerie Parachutiste (35e RAP)
- 1e Régiment de Hussards Parachutiste (1e RHP)
- 17e Régiment du Genie Parachutiste (17e RGP)
- GCP (see higher)

* Marine troops : various marine infantry/artillery regts. dispatched in various brigades; marine infantry/artillery parachute regts. are in the 11e BP. Marine troops are a kind of elite units as the US Marine Corps and the UK Royal Marines (although assigned to Army)

* Foreign Legion : includes various regiments integrated within different brigades. Foreign Legion is not a army "branch" on the contrary of paratroops or marine troops, but a "contract" designed for foreign volunteers. That elite unit emphasis on honor, duty and worship during first training, and is physically and mentally tough to build a strong esprit de corps between all the foreigners grouped in the units. Provides units in various army branches (including infantry, paras, engineering...). These units can be noted by the use of the word Etranger (foreign) in its name.


Covert/clandestine operations units

In France, military personnel can't engage in undercover operations, restricted to the DGSE (Direction Générale de la Sécurite Extérieure, intelligence service). The DGSE has a directorate charged of clandestine operations called "service action" (officially "division action" since the early 1980s, but "service action" stuck). The service action has a "tank" of paramilitary operatives coming mainly from the Army (paras and SF). Since the early 1980s, the service action is organised in three main parts :
- Commandos
- Combat divers
- Air support

Commandos belong to two "training centers" of the French army : the CPIS and CPES (Centre parachutiste d'instruction/d'entrainement specialisé, specialized schooling/training parachutist centers). Between 1946-1963 and 1985-1993, the commandos belong to the "11e Choc" (11th shock parachute batalion/demi-brigade/regiment).
The combat divers, created in the early 1950s, were first merged in the CINC (combat divers training center), assigned to the 11e Choc. After the disaster taht the Rainbow Warrior affair represented for the French government, the CINC was officially disbanded, and the DGSE combat divers were transfered in the CPEOM (seaborne operations training parachutist center).
The air support of DGSE ops is provided by an French air force unit, called since the late 1960s the Groupe Aérien Mixte 56 "Vaucluse" (mixed air group). The unit currently uses DHC-6 Twin Otters, C-160 Transall and Cougar aircrafts, and can also borrow C-130 Hercules from air force units.



Special law enforcement units :

Gendarmerie Nationale (areas of responsabilty : rural areas up to towns under 10,000 people)

* Groupe d'Intervention Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) [after spet. 2007 changes] : national 400-men CT and anti-criminal unit
- intervetion (former GIGN) : expected 4 or 5 twenty-men teams and support units (negociators, K9, intel...). Hostage rescue and CT operations (in France, and sometime in foreign countries if military support is not needed), arrestation of dangerous individuals, deranged people neutralisation, prisons riots ... (Includes HALO/HAHO teams and divers teams)
- protection (former protection/EPIGN) : protective service. Permanent protection of high military autorities and embassies in dangerous countries ; other protective services for threatened personnalities, events security as requested by direction of gendarmerie
- observation-recherche (former observation-recherche/EPIGN and gendarmes of the GSPR) : undercover intelligence/surveillance for criminal and CT investigation/interventions
- training group ? (the fate of the now-GSIGN training groupe GISA is unknown)

* Pelotons d'Intervention Inter-régionaux de la gendarmerie (PI2G) : regional SWAT teams, still in experimentation/non operational. Low-level hostage rescue, high-risk arrests... About half a dozen PI2G planned.

* Pelotons d'Intervention (PI, intervention platoons) : Each gendarmerie squadron has three standard platoons and one PI. Support others squadrons for anti-riot, disaster relief operations and similar duties.

Police Nationale (areas of responsabilty : urban areas. 5% of the French territory, 50% of its inhabitants).

* RAID ("unité de Recherche, Assistance, Intervention, et Dissuasion", "Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence unit"). National CT and anti-criminal unit.
- 1st section : specialized in intervention and protection tasks. Three 18-men teams. Same as GIGN intervention and protection sections. GIGN is primary response team for aircraft and ship hijacks, BC threats, nuclear plants and French citizen taken hostages abroad. It seems that for juridical reasons, policemen can't be engaged in hostage rescue abroad (although GIPN helped to protect French citizen in Libanon an Iraq). RAID is primary response team for nuclear terrors threats and in the France-UK Eurotunnel (the last maybe for UK juridical reasons about police/military unit in L.E.)
- 2nd section - Groupe de Recherche et d'Information (GRI) : surveillance duties for RAID interventions and other Police services.
- 3rd section : support (negociation, technical means, K9 ...)

Groupe d'Intervention Police Nationale (GIPN, National Police SWAT units) : 9 GIPNs, with 2 or 3 eight-men groups each. Arrestation of dangerous individuals, deranged people neutralisation, low-level hostages rescue... Some GIPN try to expand their capacity in undercover intelligence/surveillance. Some have reinforced embassies security (the security of about 60% of the embassies is done by gendarmerie, 40% by the police ; Protection/GIGN - EPIGN and GIPN reinforce the embassies protected by their branch if needed).

* Préfécture de police de Paris (PP, Prefecture of police of Paris) : Paris has a special status, and is the only prefecture of police in France. The PP has various services including CID, scientific investigators... Its deputy directorates unclude (among others) :
- uniformed police (including night anti-criminality patrols, rollers-mounted units...)
- Direction de l'Ordre Public et de la Circulation (DOPC, law, order and circulation directorate)
* Brigade de Recherche et d'Intervention (BRI, called BRI-PP by policemen outside PP zone to avoid mistakes) : intervention and research brigade) nicknamed "brigade antigang" or just "l'antigang" : intelligence/surveillance of criminal and terrorists groups
- Direction Régionale de la Police Judiciaire (DRPJ, CID regional directorate)
* Brigade d'Intervention (BI or BI-PP) : technical and specialized tasks including surveillance of "high points" and underground complexes to protects special events.

The PP has a Brigade Anti-Commando (BAC or BAC-PP), melting BRI, BI and other policemen of the CID service, activated in cases of hostage rescue, CT, riot in prison, deranged and dangerous individuals, inside Paris.

The names of services of the PP are confusing because seven BRIs are under regional CID services (surveillance and arrestation in "flagrants"), and a BRI-N (BRI-Nationale, national BRI) having thoses later missions on the whole territory. Morover, BAC stands also for Brigades Anti-Criminalités, tasked with counter-delinquency and regional crime.

Other specialized units include :

* Peloton de Sécurité et de Surveillance Nucléaire (PSSN - Nuclear Security and Surveillance Platoon) for Nuclear plant security.

* Service de protection des hautes personnalités (SPHP, VIP protection service) protects ministers and other government personnel; it seems that it will replace the GSPR as the presidential protection unit.

* CRS (Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité) : rather similar to PIs (anti-riot)

* Équipes Régionales d'Intervention et de Sécurité (ERIS) : law and order and anti-riots teams units of the prisons administration.


Hope it helps...

[hukcuk]

Hey, bold -> South Korea
:D plz~

[Special Units]

Belgian Federal Police special intervention units are now called CGSU (Commissioner General Special Units), because they are directly structured under the Commissioner General of the Federal Police (before that they were part of the operational support direction and were called DSU, Direction of Special Units).
Under CGSU we find SIE (Speciaal Interventie Eskadron) or in French ESI (Escadron Spécial d'Intervention), which have an intervention and observation platoon. The intervention platoon has the specialties as snipers, divers, climbers etc.
Under CGSU we also find 4 regional teams called POSA (Protectie-Observatie-Steun-Arrestatie, in English Protection-Observation-Support-Arrest) which have always one or more arrest sections and observation sections.
As well SIE as POSA have a technical support unit (NTSU, National Technical Support Unit at SIE and RTSU, Regional Technical Support Unit for the POSA-teams).
A lot of local police departments also have their own "intervention" team, but their structure and missions are very different from one to the other.
Neither do they have fixed selection, training and formation.
They do not have the qualities of the federal police teams, but their missions aren't the same either.
They mostly perform good work at local crisis situations, when federal police teams are not required, or can't be there in such a short notice.

[AROUETLJ]

Update for France:

The BFST's Compagnie de Commandement et de Transmissions (CCT) was stood up on the 10th July. It's the Special Forces Brigade's Signals and Communications Company, based in Pau, with a complement of around 150 troops.

Here's the new fanion: http://anatap.free.fr/photos/photo_014.jpg

[Special Units]

Thanks to both of you. Mack pl, don't worry about your English, its my native language and I still mess it up. ;)

And in French it is also "Support" and not "Soutien"

[Dominique]

And in French it is also "Support" and not "Soutien"

Which unit are you refering to?

[Rob1bureau]

Which unit are you refering to?
He replied to a post on the second page of the topic (here (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=141303#post141303) ; date : 03-08-2004 !). You could directly reach it by a click on the arrow standing after the name of the quoted author. The message was about belgium POSA platoons (fr : Protection Observation Soutien Arrestation, nl : Protectie Observatie Steun Arrestatie).

As far as I know, soutien or appui are better translations of the English word support, althoug support also exist in French.

On google, "POSA Protection Observation Soutien Arrestation" returns 117 000 results, while "POSA Protection Observation Support Arrestation" returns only 49 200.

The most strange (laughable ?) : on the official French-speaking Belgium police page about special units (http://www.polfed-fedpol.be/org/org_cg_dsu02_fr.php), POSA is reported for "Protection, Observation, Appui et Arrestation" (it would make POAA)

[Dominique]

Ahhhhh....now I see. Thanks for the clarification as I only speak enough French to get me into trouble in clubs.

[~~~~]

Well, I tried to re-write the French section :


FRANCE:

Military special forces...


it looks like your army consists mainly of SF...
I don't even know if in Poland we have as much units in total as your SF tabed regiments.

[Rob1bureau]

it looks like your army consists mainly of SF...
I don't even know if in Poland we have as much units in total as your SF tabed regiments.
As subtitles of my post show, these are not all SF not even "elite military units" as the title of the topic says, but all military/law enforcement (police and gendarmerie)/secret services "special"/elite/"specialised" units. (There are longer explanations in the previous pages.)


Ahhhhh....now I see. Thanks for the clarification as I only speak enough French to get me into trouble in clubs.
You're welcome.

It's a rare opportunity to talk to you, so I take it : a long time ago I read the page about ISA you wrote for SpecWarNet.net and I was surprised to read "In 1989, during Operation Just Cause, the American invasion of Panama, ISA proposed to deploy a team of its intelligence agents to track Manuel Noriega, but the offer was declined."

I have read the three sources you listed on the page (Secret Warriors, Killing Pablo and Hunting War Criminals article), and none of them gave such information. Do you recall where did you learn that ?
(it should have been a rather good source because Killer Elite reported nearly identical story)

[Special Units]

He replied to a post on the second page of the topic (here (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=141303#post141303) ; date : 03-08-2004 !). You could directly reach it by a click on the arrow standing after the name of the quoted author. The message was about belgium POSA platoons (fr : Protection Observation Soutien Arrestation, nl : Protectie Observatie Steun Arrestatie).

As far as I know, soutien or appui are better translations of the English word support, althoug support also exist in French.

On google, "POSA Protection Observation Soutien Arrestation" returns 117 000 results, while "POSA Protection Observation Support Arrestation" returns only 49 200.

The most strange (laughable ?) : on the official French-speaking Belgium police page about special units (http://www.polfed-fedpol.be/org/org_cg_dsu02_fr.php), POSA is reported for "Protection, Observation, Appui et Arrestation" (it would make POAA)

It is certainly not the best French word for support (like you say "Appui" is best), but I suppose that was the only way to have the same acronym in Dutch and in French language.

[Dominique]

It's a rare opportunity to talk to you, so I take it

I'm currently deployed, so I don't get on the computer as much as I used to.


a long time ago I read the page about ISA you wrote for SpecWarNet.net and I was surprised to read "In 1989, during Operation Just Cause, the American invasion of Panama, ISA proposed to deploy a team of its intelligence agents to track Manuel Noriega, but the offer was declined."

I have read the three sources you listed on the page (Secret Warriors, Killing Pablo and Hunting War Criminals article), and none of them gave such information. Do you recall where did you learn that ?
(it should have been a rather good source because Killer Elite reported nearly identical story)

It been several years since I wrote that, but I believe it was an article on SOF in Panama. I think, and don't quote me on this, as I'm going off memory, it was either in Time Magazine or Newsweek. Or it may have been one of the major US newspapers (New York Times, or Washington Times).

SInce it looks like I'll have a little down time the next few days (I'm in a training course), I'll get around to posting info on MARSOC, and their proposed reorganization.

[Erik2a4]

That's about what I think of the list to.

We seem to be caught up in the glamour of Hollywood or airsoft.
Any unit with specialized training is automatically classified as Elite.
The list catergory should be Specialized Military Units the word Elite is vastly over used. If a bn. is subordinated to the 11th Mtn. one tour of duty it's elite ? On the next tour of duty it's subordinated the 1st Cav and isn't elite ?

Did anyone notice Bagdad was taken by an armored brigade from one direction and a Marine regt. from the other ?
Where were all the Elites ? ( Posing for pictures?)

Agree with you in principle. Why not use the terminology we already use: SOF and conventional?

It boils down to leadership, training, resources, motivation, and the ability to recruit, assess, validate and/or fire people without undue hinderance.

The most critical factor is leadership. Second is motivation, especially individual self-motivation and self-descipline (they're inter-related).

An "elite" is not designed to take down Baghdad with a massive armored thrust. It is designed to excute a range of missions outside the normal scope of METL tasks assigned to a BCT. However, I agree that specialized is not "high-speed".

One of the good things about the better units, though, is that they are able to cultivate some very good leaders, and some very good ideas. These are then able to filter to the line as those leaders bounce back and forth between "conventional" and SOF. In an institution as big as the US Military, sometimes it takes a special environment to foster change...especially if that change involves taking a lot of people out of their "comfort zone."

[ggk]

hi let me list the malaysian SF



Malaysian SOF consists of Grup Gerak Khas (GGK), Pasukan Khas Laut (Paskal), VAT 69 and Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK). Malaysia also has an elite Rapid Deployment Force (a size of a Brigade) called Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat (PAC), but it was not considered as a Special Operations unit.
GGK is the largest SOF element in Malaysia. It is basically a commando regiment in the Malaysian Army Corps. The mission of the GGK is to provide a squadron to locate, report, harass and disrupt the enemy through long range infiltration as well as operating in close collaboration with guerilla or partisan forces. GGK will also plan, prepare for, and when directed, deploy to conduct unconventional warfare, internal defense, special reconnaissance and direct actions etc. in support of Government policy objectives within designated areas of responsibility.
GGK continually train to conduct unconventional warfare in any of its forms - Guerilla / Anti-Guerilla Warfare, Escape and Evasion, Subversion, Sabotage, Counter Terrorist and their most highly regarded expertise - Jungle Warfare. It has an awesome reputation in operations against the communist terrorists. The troopers are also schooled in direct action operations and special reconnaissance. Currently, there are 3 fully equipped regiments (21st, 22nd & 11st GGK). GGK had seen action in Cambodia, Somalia, western Sahara, Namibia and Bosnia among others.
The Royal Malaysian Navy set up its sea commando unit called Special Naval Force or Paskal by its Malay acronym in 1980. The unit was established using commando-trained officers and men from the services Security Regiment. Some of its personnel are stationed in man-made 'islands' in the Spratlys and in strategic areas within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Paskal is equipped with the latest hi-tech weaponry as their operations is partly supported by a group of oil consortium (one of the Paskal's main missions is to protect oil rigs in the Malaysian coastal area).
In those days of communist insurgency, Malaysian police had a paramilitary arm called Pasukan Polis Hutan (PPH). They had several battalions and among them was the elite one, known as 69th Commando Battalion or VAT 69. It was actually formed in 1969 (hence the name - 69). The normal police too had an elite unit - Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK). UTK had a SWAT-like function as well as close protection roles. After the communist terrorist laid down arms in 1989, VAT 69 had problems finding a proper role. Finally on December 1997, the PPH was renamed as Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) while UTK and 69th Commando Battalion was disbanded and merged. It was then called Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK).
The Royal Malaysian Air Force once had a commando unit codenamed Handau or (maybe) Pasukan Khas TUDM. Officially, Handau is not recognized as an SOF unit by the Malaysian Armed Forces. The tentative "special forces" designation is probably due to the unit's airborne capability. Some GGK members were also roped in to join Handau at its formation. Lately, the RMAF had formed a regiment called the Regimen TUDM containing Handau as well as the CART (Combat Air Rescue Team). The purpose of Regimen TUDM is to conduct combat search and rescue mission (CSAR) to recover downed pilots behind enemy lines or hostile territory, but they are much more popular with life-saving services to the civilians (courtesy flights etc.). Other than that, Regimen TUDM may also search and eliminate enemy troops who execute sabotage against RMAF air bases.

[aneep]

ggk,
the descriptions you provided are quite oudated

HANDAU for example are recognised as one of Malaysian's SF units since late 90s (renamed as Pasukan Khas Udara or PASKAU)
69 Commando got their identity back (sandy beret, etc), separate from Unit Tindak Khas/UTK (previously they were forced to adopt UTK's maroon beret after the merger)
Marine Police established their own branch of maritime takedown unit (Combat Diver Unit) with the help of 69 Commando, training still ongoing
GGK is being reorganised, along with 10 Parachute Brigade/10 Para (deconfliction of roles, specialisations, etc), still ongoing, changes will probably be revelead to public soon

-aneep-

[ggk]

i know thanks for updating it

[Royal]

Did anyone notice Bagdad was taken by an armored brigade from one direction and a Marine regt. from the other ?
Where were all the Elites ? ( Posing for pictures?)

Been and gone p-)

[Rob1bureau]

According to a speech by Michael G. Vickers in mid-2006 ([1] (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/congress/2006_hr/060629-vickers.pdf)), then director of Strategic Studies Center, later nominated ASD SO/LIC (Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict) :

The number of Special Mission Unit (SMU) squadrons will be increased by one-third, which will further their transition from a reactive to a proactive counterterrorism posture, and significantly enhance their manhunting and clandestine operations capabilities.It probably means a D Squadron for Delta, probably a fourth "color" team for DEVGRU, and many guesses for "Gray Fox" (I came across an article written probably circa 2005 saying that TF Orange had set up a fourth squadron specialised in Computer Intelligence, but who knows how it could be reliable... moreover I don't find back that source).


About the French, a new change : the URH 27 of the 27e brigade d'infanterie de montagne has been renamed Groupement des Commandos de Montagne (GCM, mountain commandos grouping). Obviously I have mistaken about the composition of the URH. According to better sources the GCM includes :
- HQ with 27e BIM HQ.
- SR 7 (Section de recherche, search section of the 7e BCA)
- SR 13 (13e BCA)
- SR 27 (27e BCA)
- EOP of the 93e RAM
- SR 4 (4e Régiment de Chasseurs)
- GRH 2 (groupe de recherche humaine) of the 2e Régiment Etranger de Génie

Rumors are reported that the after the CRAP (-> GCP) and URH (-> GCM), the CRAJ could also be renamed. Wait and see...

[Rob1bureau]

I came across an article written probably circa 2005 saying that TF Orange had set up a fourth squadron specialised in Computer Intelligence, but who knows how it could be reliable... moreover I don't find back that source
I finally got it ! I didn't remember well. In fact it was an excerpt of Rowan Scarborough's book Sabotage in the Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/a-837597%7EExclusive_Book_Excerpt___Sabotage__Part_5____Capturing_Iraq_s_most_wanted_man.html) who gives some interesting news. According to that reporter, the "Activity" has now acout 600 members, a fourth main entity in his operations direction added in 2006 called Computer Network Operations (other being already "known" HUMINT, SIGINT and knob-turners). Some pieces of info about unit's aircrafts and SIGINT. A must read I think.

[M. chivers]

ISRAEL:
T'zanhanim (Parachute) Brigade
they arent SF they are an infantry brigade like all the others, they have 8 months infantry training like golani,givati and etc plus 2 weeks parachuting school.
the days of the tzanhanim being a commando brigade are long gone
Golani Brigade
infantry brigade not an elite force
Sayeret Golany (PALSAR 95), based in the Shrga army base.
Sayeret Givaty (PALSAR 8234), based in Mishmar HaNegev army base.
Sayeret NAHAL (PALSAR 374), based in the Beit Lead army base.
Sayeret T'zanhanim (PALSAR 5173), based in the Beit Lead army base.
Unit Rotem (LRRP unit stationed along Israeli/Egyptian border)
they are a police unit and I dont think they are LRRP anymore
Sayaret Mat'kal [attached to General Staff] (counter-terrorism & intelligence)
Sayeret Duvdevan (occupied territories undercover unit)

Unit 5101 (Israeli Air Force special missions unit)
Unit 669 (Israeli Air Force CSAR unit)
Unit 5707 (Israeli Air Force TACP unit)
5707 were disbanded in 2003

Sayeret Maglan/Unit 212 (Long range missiles warfare unit - attached to Armor)
they arent attached to the armor they blong to the paratroopers division + add its sister unit YANMAM(AA commando unit)
Palsar 500 (aka Sayeret Sherion, attached to Armor)
moved on to brigade 401 so its Palsar 410 now
Palsar 7 (aka Sayeret Sherion, attached to Armor)
Sayeret Egoz/Unit 621 - (Counter geurilla ops, attached to Golani brigade (Infantry)
Sayeret Yael (Combat Engineers SF demo unit)
Sayeret Yechida Lesiluk Pt'zat'zot (YACHSAP - Combat Engineers EOD unit)
Moran (Artillery Corps)
Meitar (Artillery Corps)
Moran and Meitar are now the same thing
Special Command Teams (IDF Operational Command’s LRRP units)
Shayetet 13(Naval Commandoes)
LOTAR Eilat/Unit 7707 (CT unit based in Eilat, Israel)
Force 100 (MP SERT unit)
Unit Alpinistim (Alpine/extreme weather unit)
Unit Oket'z/ Unit 7142 (SF K-9 unit)
Unit Yechidat Modiyin Matara/Unit Nit'zan (Unit 636) (YACHMAM - Target Intelligence Unit )

Field Intelligence Corps:
-Unit T'ZASAM/Unit 869 (Field Intelligence Corps)

-Unit Gideonim/Unit 33 (National Police undercover unit)
-Unit YAMAM (Border Guard’s CT/hostage rescue unit)
-Unit YAMAS (Border Guard’s undercover unit)
-Modiyin T'azpiyot Yerut VeLohama Needed (MATILAN - Intelligence Observations Interception and Mobile - Warfare Unit/ Border Guard’s counter infiltration unit)

some corrections

[Dominique]

1) As I've stated several times in this thread, it's a list of specialized paramilitary, law enforcement, and military elite units. I'd list airborne/parachute units as an elite force as well as certain specialized police forces.

As for the other units, this list got generated years ago (either 98 or 99), so a lot of the info on it is out of date. I can't make changes to the original post because it's so old. The info gets updated by people like you, who post corrections.

[31Bravo]

Dont know if anyone mentioned it in the last 20 pages or not but for Canada you need to add in there

CSOR (Canadian Special Operations Regiment)
JNBCDC (Joint Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence Company)
427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron

As far as the parachute capabilities of the infantry regiments i dont know what its currently at, but the Queens Own Rifles are also a reserve regiment with parachute capability.

[AZRON]

Agree with you in principle. Why not use the terminology we already use: SOF and conventional?


An "elite" is not designed to take down Baghdad with a massive armored thrust. It is designed to excute a range of missions outside the normal scope of METL tasks assigned to a BCT. However, I agree that specialized is not "high-speed".


We are near the same page here.
My comment is as you state SOF and conventional should be the correct words and drop the automatic labeling of Elite.

As to the Bagdad thrust by an armored unit which was a very direct in your face here I am do something about it action by a unit of a division that has performed extremely well since 1918 . IMHO an Elite unit by combat results for nearly 90 years. " Rock of the Marne" , Audie Murphy plus extensive credentials in WWII . Then it delivers the killing blow to Saddam's regime in '03 qualifies it as an Elite conventional unit. Elite title earned by results not Hollywood glamour.

As to the automatic Elite earned by SOF's the only ones that impressed me during my U.S. service ( as a tanker) were the Special Forces.
They had an attitude and air about them , along with skill sets that was quite impressive not just the bragging and chest thumping of the Airborne and Marine types.

[JJHH]

"Elite" is a meaningless, subjective bull**** term..

[Rob1bureau]

The gendarmerie nationale of the Republic of Djibouti has created a GIGN (same name as in France).

(source in French : http://www.lanation.dj/news/2008/ln2/national4.htm)



As for the other units, this list got generated years ago (either 98 or 99), so a lot of the info on it is out of date. I can't make changes to the original post because it's so old. The info gets updated by people like you, who post corrections.
Maybe begin another thread with the updated list ?

[DeltaWhisky58]

Maybe begin another thread with the updated list ?

There is no need for an unother thread, this one is updated, it suffices.

[Dominique]

Maybe begin another thread with the updated list ?

That's not happening for several reasons. One, this thread works just fine, it may require you to do some reading, and actually pay attention, but the info is there for those willing to make the effort. Secondly, I don't like multiple posts covering the exact same material over, and over. Why would I tie up bandwidth when I I've got to do is make an update to an existing thread?

When I get around to it, I need to add the changes to MARSOC, USASOC, AFSOC, Air Combat Command (ACC), NAVSPECWARCOM & DEVGRU, CSOR, UKSF, and the new RAAF Special Tactics unit.

Lastly, if you see info that's either out of date, or flat out wrong, feel free to post corrections that's what this thread is here for.

[muck]

Elite forces and formations or special forces exclusively? At least here it is quite mixed with unclear definitions.

Some suggested changes (Everything what is held as special and elite in this country's military and security forces):



GERMANY:
Heer - Army
Kommando Spezialkraefte (Special Forces Command)
Fernspählehrkompanie 200 (200th LRRP Coy)
Luftlandeaufklärungskompanie 260 (260th Airborne Reconnaissance Coy)
Luftlandeaufklärungskompanie 310 (310th Airborne Reconnaissance Coy)
Luftlandespezialzüge (Pathfinders)
Gebirgsaufklärungsbataillon 230 (230th Mountain Reconnaissance Bn)
Heeresfliegeraufklärungsstaffel 10 (10th Army Aviation Recce Sn)
Kampfmittelbeseitigungskompanie (EOD Coys)
Marine - Navy
Spezialisierte Einsatzkräfte Marine (Naval Special Forces Battalion)
Marineschutzkräfte (Force Protection Battalion)
Luftwaffe - Air Force
Objektschutzregiment (Air Force Regiment)
Aufklärungsgeschwader 51 (51st Reconnaissance Wing)
Luftwaffensicherungsstaffel "S" Büchel (Nuclear Weapons Protection Sn)
Landespolizei - State Police
Spezialeinsatzkommando (State SWAT)
Mobiles Einsatzkommando (Special Surveillance unit)
Präzisionsschützenkommando (Police Sniper Group)
Beweissicherungs- und Festnahmeeinheit (Specialized Riot Police unit)
Unterstützungskommando (Specialized Riot Police unit)
Verhandlungsgruppe (Negotiator group)
Technische Einsatzgruppe (Technical assistance group)
Landesjustiz - Corrections office
Mobile Einsatzgruppe (Specialized group for jail sieges)
Landeskriminalamt - State Criminal Investigation Office
Mobiles Einsatzkommando (Special surveillance unit)
USBV-Entschärfer (Bomb disposal unit)
Bundespolizei - Federal Police
GSG9 der Bundespolizei (Federal SWAT)
Beweissicherungs- und Festnahmeeinheit (Specialized Riot Police unit)
Bundeszollverwaltung - Federal Customs Service
Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll (Customs Swat)
Obersvationseinheit Zoll (Covert operations unit)
Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll (Special surveillance unit)
Bundeskriminalamt - Federal Criminal Investigation Office
Sicherungsgruppe (VIP Security)
Mobiles Einsatzkommando (Special surveillance unit)

[Dominique]

Muck, the list of units you is are the type I'd list so you’re fine. As I’ve stated time and again, this thread is more of a list of specialized units such as SOF, SWAT, EOD, Parachute, mountain, Marine/Naval Infantry, special recon/recce, protection units, etc. This thread is not meant to be the "go to" place, where you’ll get the most definitive information on a particular unit. Nor is it meant to be a “which unit is the most elite ” thread. The units you see listed should give you an idea of the type of units I’ll list.

I’m sure that some info as listed is no longer current (I can’t change posts once they go beyond a certain date), or it’s wrong ( I do the best I can with the info I have available), but as I’ve said many times, if you see a mistake, or have updated info, post it. I’m not going to bite your head off, if anything, I’ll post a quick thank you note.

While I’m on the subject, If you want to disagree with what I, or someone else, has posted, that’s fine too. But, please refrain from posting “I don’t think this unit, or that one” should be listed because it’s not special forces. I’m not here to argue. Also, don’t post comments insulting anyone because they either ask a question, or because they post something you don’t agree with. Just post a quick note stating the correct info, and move on down the road.

Sorry or droning n like that, and I hope I’m not stealing any of the mods thunder, I just want to clear a few things up.

[Snake90]

hi to all! i go fast to the point, someone of you know the name of these special forces? (or the name of the special forces use that mask)



http://meravigliosomondodibob.pbwiki.com/f/polizia_speciale_zarovna.jpeg

[Special Units]

Italian Polizia di Stato NOCS (see pics) also uses a kind of similar mask, but these guys don't look like NOCS to me.
Don't you have a high res pic ?
I would like to see their patch.

[Snake90]

i too want to see that patch, but that image Is the only one i've find.





(sorry for the bad english, im italian xD)

[Special Units]

The site where you find the image, speaks about BOB, seems to be some virtual world or game.

[Snake90]

ya ya, but the image is real

[Kippari]

Finland

Army:
Special Jaeger Battalion (including conscript paratroops and professional Special Jaegers)

Navy:
Combat Divers & Clearance Divers

Border Guard:
Special Border Jaegers
Readiness Team(s)

Police:
Readiness Unit Karhu

[Jag_är_ inte_svenska]

Any battles or missions contributed to special forces in ISAF? How many ISAF nations have active special forces in afghanistan? any reports of these? And can you inform me of the Danish and Norwegian special forces and their responsibilities and deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq?

[Serj]

Czech republic


Armáda/ Army
Vojenské zpravodajství/Military intelligence 601. Skupina speciálních sil/ 601. Special forces group (Prostějov)


Pozemní síly/Ground forces 102. Průzkumný prapor/ 102. Reconnaissance batallion (Prostějov)
43. Výsadkový mechanizovaný prapor/ 43. Parachute mechanized batallion (Chrudim)

Vojenská policie/ Military police Útvar speciálních operací/ Special operations group (SOG)
Pohotovostní oddělení/ Regional SWAT teams (Olomouc, Tábor, St.Boleslav)


Policie/ Police

Útvar rychlého nasazení (URNa) - Central AT unit
Zásahové jednotky (ZJ) - 8 Regional SWAT teams
Speciální jednotky kriminální policie (ÚOOZ, NPC) - Special arrest teams of criminal police (Bureau of the struggle against organized crime, National antidrugs office)
Celní správa/ Customs

Skupina operativního nasazení (SON) - customs intervention unit
Vězeňská služba/ Prison service

Operativně eskortní skupiny - operative conducting groups

[Jag_är_ inte_svenska]

Czech republic


Armáda/ Army

Vojenské zpravodajství/Military intelligence601. Skupina speciálních sil/ 601. Special forces group (Prostějov)

Pozemní síly/Ground forces102. Průzkumný prapor/ 102. Reconnaissance batallion (Prostějov)
43. Výsadkový mechanizovaný prapor/ 43. Parachute mechanized batallion (Chrudim)

Vojenská policie/ Military policeÚtvar speciálních operací/ Special operations group (SOG)
Pohotovostní oddělení/ Regional SWAT teams (Olomouc, Tábor, St.Boleslav)


Policie/ Police


Útvar rychlého nasazení (URNa) - Central AT unit
Zásahové jednotky (ZJ) - 8 Regional SWAT teams
Speciální jednotky kriminální policie (ÚOOZ, NPC) - Special arrest teams of criminal police (Bureau of the struggle against organized crime, National antidrugs office)
Celní správa/ Customs

Skupina operativního nasazení (SON) - customs intervention unit
Vězeňská služba/ Prison service


Operativně eskortní skupiny - operative conducting groups

Have they been deployed abroad? Kosvo? Iraq? Afghanistan?

[DeltaWhisky58]

Have they been deployed abroad? Kosvo? Iraq? Afghanistan?

If you read this forum rather than posting pointless questions, you'd find all the answers.

[Rob1bureau]

About US units, there is also the Navy's Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron 84 (HSC-84) "Red Wolves", formerly known as HSC-4, using HH-60H Seahawk for CSAR and NSW missions. The only other HSC squadron, HSC-5 "Firehawks", was disbanded in 2006.

On the USAF side, the 16th Airlift Squadron, which had C-141 Starlifters
and SOLL II (special operations low-level, with NVGs) capability, has also been disbanded. SOLL C-5 Galaxys too, so the C-17 is the only Air Force's SOLL aircraft now.

[Dominique]

About US units, there is also the Navy's Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron 84 (HSC-84) "Red Wolves", formerly known as HSC-4, using HH-60H Seahawk for CSAR and NSW missions. The only other HSC squadron, HSC-5 "Firehawks", was disbanded in 2006.

The Navy also disbanded the Red Wolves in 2007, but I'm unable to make changes to the original list. Same thing for for the UASF info. There's also ben a number of changes to other US units, such as the formation of MARSOC. The disbandment of the 1st and 2nd Force Recon Companies, the reorganization of NAVSPECWARCOM, the addition of the Ranger Special Troops Battalion, and expansion of the 160th SOAR, etc.

If I get time today, I may type up a "revised" version of the US, and possibly UK stuff though.

[Rob1bureau]

The Navy also disbanded the Red Wolves in 2007
After a quick search, I found that the HSC-4 is expected to be be re-established during FY09 as HSC-84 equipped with the MH-60S at Norfolk. (http://www.scramble.nl/mag/scramble332-images.pdf) The "HC" squadrons (CH-46) will become HSC sqns when receiving the MH-60S. Ii seems the Navy will not have longer specialized CSAR/NSW squdrons.

By the way, what are your sources for the ST-6 organisation ? I tried a search in the some books about ST6 (Marcinko Rogue Warrior, Chuck Pfarrer Warrior Soul, Dennis Chalker One Perfect Op) using Amazon "search inside", and found nothing (unfortuneatly there is not such link for Robert Gormly Combat Swimmer, which should be interesting because he was ST6 commander 1983-86)

[LRPV]

Thanks for the laugh...I needed it today.:)

Sorry to burst bubbles but I served in RAAF Airfield Defence and I'm now a choc (reservist) in an RFSU (Regional Force Surveillance Unit). Neither were or are "elite' units.

[Dominique]

Ii seems the Navy will not have longer specialized CSAR/NSW squdrons.

Which is my opinion, a mistake.


By the way, what are your sources for the ST-6 organisation ? I tried a search in the some books about ST6 (Marcinko Rogue Warrior, Chuck Pfarrer Warrior Soul, Dennis Chalker One Perfect Op) using Amazon "search inside", and found nothing (unfortuneatly there is not such link for Robert Gormly Combat Swimmer, which should be interesting because he was ST6 commander 1983-86)

There are a couple of Navy briefings, I'll dig around as I believe I've got copies of the press releases somewhere.

[Dominique]

Thanks for the laugh...I needed it today.:)

Sorry to burst bubbles but I served in RAAF Airfield Defence and I'm now a choc (reservist) in an RFSU (Regional Force Surveillance Unit). Neither were or are "elite' units.

LRPV, as I've stated SEVERAL times, this is more of a list of specialized military, law enforcement, and paramilitary units. Airfield/Airbase defense units and long range patrol/surveillance/reconnaissance units would fall well within that category.

Here are examples of units I'd list:

Airborne/Parachute units
Air Assault/Airmobile/Heliborne units
Counter Terror units
SWAT/Tactical units
Special Forces
Commandos/Rangers
Mountain units
Recon/Recce
LRRP
Combat Diver/Combat Swimmer
Protective Service units
Counter SOF units
Special Operations aviation
Marines
Snipers
CSAR units

These are just a few, and as I've said, you don't have to agree with what I or someone else posts, as this list is mainly here as a quick reference guide for people looking for info. It's not here for people to nit pick .

[Chops]

There are a couple of Navy briefings, I'll dig around as I believe I've got copies of the press releases somewhere.

Dom

Assume you will be somewhat circumspect on one unreported element please. Imagine that you know to which I refer but any worries shoot me a PM.

Ta mate

[Dominique]

Dom

Assume you will be somewhat circumspect on one unreported element please. Imagine that you know to which I refer but any worries shoot me a PM.

Ta mate

Don't worry, anything I post will have been cleared for public release.

[Rob1bureau]

I just got a copy of an article entitled "Rooting ou the enemy" by Sean Naylor (author of Not a Good Day to Die), in Army Times, October 8, 2001. He gives some details about a secret Army aviation unit called Flight Concepts Division. Its pilots are suposed to can fly any model of helicopter. Naylor guessed they could move covertly operators in the A'Stan area (remember it was an October 2001 article) by using civilian or military of other countries. Last but not least, the unit is based Fort Eustis, Virginia. There is no quote of fixed-wing aircraft, only helicopters.

General Richard Cody biography said he has been "Director, Flight Concepts Division" (http://www.army.mil/leaders/leaders/vcsa/printbio.html). I think that in Not a Good Day to Die, he was refered to have been "Delta aviation squadron" (or platoon ?) commander. The book said also that the aviation squadron is also refered to be frequently used by Gray Fox for SIGINT ops...

Well, I sum up the hints I have about that unit. Steven Emerson said in his 1988 book that Seaspray was then still active under the codename Quasar Talent. Killer Elite reports that Quasar Talent was in fact Seaspray assigned to ISA but I have doubts (especially Seaspray was reported by Emerson as having civilian-painted armed Little Birds, they would be best used by Delta). ISA used an aircraft for a SIGINT operation in Honduras called Grazing Lawn. According to Bowden's Killing Pablo, two Beechcrafts were used in Colombia in 1989-1993. Since, nearly nothing until that Flight Concepts Division.


Regarding other JSOC units listed in the first post of the topic, I remember that in his book, Naylor reported that the US Army Office of Military Support was a cover for Gray Fox. US Army Tactical Support Team is supposed to be another. Never heard of 66th Air Operations Squadron, nor 66th Air Support Operations Group.

Also, many changes done and expected in AFSOC. 16th SOW renamed 1st SOW, another SOW, the 27th SOW, has been created at Cannon AFB, includes 73rd SOS (MC-130W Combat Spear), some 1st SOW units will also be asigned to the 27th (3rd SOS MQ-1 Predator, 16th SOS AC-130H Spectre, and probably 8th SOS CV-22 Osprey) - see http://www.cannon.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123065965. A 318th SOS with U-28A (Pilatus PC-12) is being created and will also be assigned to the 27th SOW.

[Kulma]

Finland

Army:
Special Jaeger Battalion (including conscript paratroops and professional Special Jaegers)

Navy:
Combat Divers & Clearance Divers

Border Guard:
Special Border Jaegers
Readiness Team(s)

Police:
Readiness Unit Karhu

Special Border Jaegers are conscripts. Navy unit also has pros and conscripts.

[Dunion]

Croatia has "Bojna za specijalna djelovanja" or "BSD" (Special operations battalion) , which are military SF. They were formed in 2000 when a few older special forces units and training centers were brought together to form this battalion.

[GETSOME]

[

SOUTH AFRICA:

South African Navy
- SAN Combat Divers (SEAL-type; although 4 SFR has similar role)
What,they are no where close to US SEALs -type at all ,they are more clearance divers then any thing else.
I have never ever heard of any major operations they have done .

[Rob1bureau]

The UK special forces aviation units also include 657 Squadron AAC (twelwe Lynx AH.7) and reportedly the 8 Flight AAC (four Agusta A.109 and allegedly two Gazelle), which is supposedly under direct command of the 22 SAS.

In 2001 the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing (JSFAW) was created at RAF Odiham, commanding the 657 Sqn AAC and the 7 Sqn RAF.

In 2006 the 651 Squadron (flying Britten Norman BN-2T-4S Defender 4S - called "Defender AL.1" in UK military) joined the JSFAW (see http://www.army.mod.uk/linkedfiles/soldierwelfare/supportagencies/aws/communityguides/swf_sa_aws_cg_w/raf_odiham_2008/raf_odiham_section_1.pdf and http://www.raf.mod.uk/RAFodiham/aboutus/jsfaw.cfm)

The "SF Flight" of the 47 Sqn RAF flies C-130K (Hercules C.1 and C.3), not the C-130J (Hercules C.4/C.5). It's because the C-130J has a crew of only two pilots, not enough for N/AW low-level flights.

[Tempest II]

I know this is a very, very old thread, but if anybody is still monitoring it there should be some changes to Zimbabwe. They do not have a Parachute Brigade, but rather a battalion. The unit is known as the 1st Parachute Battalion, and there is also a 1st Commando Battalion which I believe traces its lineage to the RLI. Also, the Presidential Guard Group can be considered to have an "elite" function, depending on how you define the term.

Both the Commando and Para have been increased to regiments strength in the past few years. You were correct though. Since the 80s into early 2000s they were battalions. This could have been due to the demands of the county's involvement in Congo. I know units with heavy equipment went from regiments to brigades.

Check here: http://www.zimbabwedefence.com/News_SF_Anniversary.html and here
http://www.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=11029&cat=1&livedate=11/6/2006

[Maktab]

[

SOUTH AFRICA:

South African Navy
- SAN Combat Divers (SEAL-type; although 4 SFR has similar role)
What,they are no where close to US SEALs -type at all ,they are more clearance divers then any thing else.
I have never ever heard of any major operations they have done .

True. It was my mistake originally, based on dodgy info I received from elsewhere, so I apologise for that.

I think the rest of that post remains accurate though.

[GETSOME]

True. It was my mistake originally, based on dodgy info I received from elsewhere, so I apologise for that.

I think the rest of that post remains accurate though.
I think it was a navy diver that gave that info,they always thought they were the beesknees.:)

[Boina verde]

PORTUGAL:
- Brigada de Reacção Rápida (BRR) (Rapid Reaction Brigade):

- Paratroopers are instructed at the Parachute Troops School, in Tancos, central Portugal.
• Aeroterrestrial Support Battalion, part of the Parachute Troops School (Escola de Tropas Páraquedistas)
• 1st Paratrooper Infantry Battalion, part of the 15th Infantry Regiment (Regimento de Infantaria Nº15)
• 2nd Paratrooper Infantry Battalion, part of the 10th Infantry Regiment (Regimento de Infantaria Nº10)

Paratroopers

The Paratroopers are the heaviest troops on the brigade acting as airborne light infantry, used for conventional conflicts, with emphasis on airborne assaults. Paratrooper battalions contain units with heavy weapons and even light vehicles for quick assaults and raids. Although generally oriented for conventional warfare, a third (reserve) battalion contains many special units that are used as support on the battlefield.

Paratroopers are instructed at the Parachute Troops School, in Tancos, central Portugal.

Aeroterrestrial Support Battalion, part of the Parachute Troops School (Escola de Tropas Páraquedistas). This unit have the famous Companhia de Precursores (Cprecs - Pathfinders)

• 1st Paratrooper Infantry Battalion, part of the 15th Infantry Regiment (Regimento de Infantaria Nº15)
• 2nd Paratrooper Infantry Battalion, part of the 10th Infantry Regiment (Regimento de Infantaria Nº10)

Special Operations Forces

The Special Operations Forces are generally the first to arrive and the last to leave the operational area. They are the most autonomous unit of the brigade, able to infiltrate deep behind enemy lines. Not as heavily armed as the Commandos nor the Paratroopers, its units rely on stealth to complete their objectives. Since it is airborne-qualified it can be deployed by air, sea or land.
Special Operators are instructed at the Special Operations Troops Centre,in Lamego, northern Portugal.

• Special Operations / CTOE - Special Operations Troops Center (Centro Tropas Operações Especiais)

Comandos

The Comandos are an elite light infantry unit capable of conducting several special operations missions, although they are mainly a Rapid Reaction force.
Commandos are instructed at the Commando Troops Center, in Serra da Carregueira, near the capital Lisbon.

• Comandos / CTC - Commando Troops Center (Centro Tropas Comando)

Unidade de Protecção de Força (Protection Force Unit - AF CSAR Teams)



Corpo de Fuzileiros (Marine Corp):

Destacamento do Acções Especiais (DAE)-(Marine Commandos/SBS type unit)
Pelotão de Reconhecimento (Recon Platoon)
Pelotão de Abordagem (Boarding Platon)

Destacamento de Mergulhadores-Sapadores (Portuguese navy diver/EOD det.)

Grupo de Operações Especiais (GOE - National Police CT unit)

Guarda Nacional Republicana Companhia de Operaçoes Especiais (Republican National Guard - Special Operations Company)

Grupo de Intervençao e Segurança Prisional (Prison Intervention and Security Group)


Some of these units aren't real Special Forces Units, but rather CT/Recon units.

[Rob1bureau]

The USAF has a eighth Special Tactics Squadron, the 125th STS of the Oregon Air National Guard, based at Portland International Airport.

[Dominique]

The USAF has a eighth Special Tactics Squadron, the 125th STS of the Oregon Air National Guard, based at Portland International Airport.

That's a relatively new unit so it hasn't been added to the list. In addition to that they also activated the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon AFB, and few other new units. The AF also activated the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing (An air Combat Command/ACC unit) that consolidates all the US based Air Support Operations Squadrons (ASOS -The TACP units), and the 820th Security Forces Group under one command.

[Rob1bureau]

Regarding the 27th SOW, the 3rd SOS (MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAVs) was supposed to move from Creech to Cannon in June, but I have not found news saying that it was ongoing or done.

The 16th SOS (AC-130H) is planned to join Cannon too (A.P. (http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_9350035)), and the 19th SOS has created a detachment at Cannon to train crew on the "Spectre".


I learnt recently that French Air Force SO units are managed by a bureau forces spéciales (it was a long time that I wondered what is the "BFS" on the COS official page).

Canada created a HUMINT company according to CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/05/26/military-intelligence.html).

[Mordoror]

concerning the French SF, two GCP (groupement de commandos parchutistes) will be closed and discarded (result of the Carcasonne drama ??) may be to be reformed latter in the year (according french sources)

a fifth GCM (commando marine) will be created (the info is old for one or two months by now) for a support function (EW, NRBC specialists, EOD and canine team)

[Rob1bureau]

Mordoror, GCM is not Navy commando but mountain.

We had already five navy commandos, the newly-created Commando Kieffer is the sixth if you consider it's a true commando (strength of only 30 people, support role and non-badged personnel...)

According to the lattest news, the two 3e RPIMa's GCPs will be disbanded and re-formed in Spetember as a result of the Carcassonne affair. Wait and see what happens really about that.


Re. US units, it seems that we have not reported the Naval Special Warfare Support Activity One and Two yet. Very low-profile indeed.

[saumua]

Bit of an update on this onefrom the NZDF web site

The Counter Terrorism Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG)

The Counter Terrorism Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG) is officially part of the NZSAS but these soldiers do not pass through the NZSAS selection course and are not permitted to wear the SAS’s ‘winged dagger’ badge and belt. The CTTAG has the role of responding to terrorist incidents in New Zealand as part of the SAS role in support of the New Zealand Police. This group undertakes an intensive but abridged entry and training course with a focus on urban counter terrorism responses.

They do have their own badge now (for about 6 months). I have seen a group photo showing them wearing the badge on the NZSAS sand beret and last week held a beret, took the badge off to inspect. The owned came from another unit in NZDF and used to wear his old corps badge on the sand beret but now wears the new CTTAG badge.


New Zealand:

AOS is a part-time police SWAT unit. Elite? Ok.
Diplomatic Protection is also part of the police force I believe, and act as bodyguards for politicians when they need them.

1NZSAS can be broken down into mountain, boat and air troop also (sabre squadrons), I'll look something up when I have time. Same org as the SAS and SASR basically (funny that).

Also, CTTAG needs to be added. (Army) Counter-Terrorist Tactical Assault Group, a full time counter-terrorist unit. I am pretty sure they are part of the SAS (only difference now is entering CTTAG directy as it has it's own selection course, and then doing a second selection three years later to do the rest), but some people disagree with me. At the Army Museum in Waiouru CTTAG were in the SAS display and the exihibit made no mention of them being a seperate unit or being badged differently. Also ads in Army News use the SAS badge and state that members get the Ecru beret (this is were I got the three year thingy).

[ProPatria]

CANADA:
Special Service Force:
* 3rd Btn. Charlie Company (Para), Royal Canadian Regiment
* 3rd Btn. Charlie Company (Para), Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
* 3rd Btn. Charlie Company (Para), Royal Vingt Deuxieme Regiment
* Airborne Service Commando
Joint Task Force Two (JTF-2/CT)

your info here is outdated for canada....there is no longer any Special Service Force nor an Airborne Service Commando. All 3 Bn are light with only 1 compamy being an Airborne company.

Another thing is that 3RCR doesn't have a Charlie Company. Our Para Coy is Mike Company. 1RCR has CHARLES Coy. Canada Also has CSOR (Canadian Special Operations Regiment), 427 SOAS (Special Operations Aviation Squadron) and CJIRU (Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit).

[GETSOME]

The Counter Terrorism Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG)

The Counter Terrorism Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG) is officially part of the NZSAS but these soldiers do not pass through the NZSAS selection course and are not permitted to wear the SAS’s ‘winged dagger’ badge and belt. The CTTAG has the role of responding to terrorist incidents in New Zealand as part of the SAS role in support of the New Zealand Police. This group undertakes an intensive but abridged entry and training course with a focus on urban counter terrorism responses.

They do have their own badge now (for about 6 months). I have seen a group photo showing them wearing the badge on the NZSAS sand beret and last week held a beret, took the badge off to inspect. The owned came from another unit in NZDF and used to wear his old corps badge on the sand beret but now wears the new CTTAG badge.[/quote]

Do you have a pic of that badge?

[Dominique]

Another thing is that 3RCR doesn't have a Charlie Company. Our Para Coy is Mike Company. 1RCR has CHARLES Coy. Canada Also has CSOR (Canadian Special Operations Regiment), 427 SOAS (Special Operations Aviation Squadron) and CJIRU (Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit).

Most of the info on the first few pages is OLD, and because it's so old, it can't be updated (which has been stated several times), that's why people just posted updated info. And I do believe, but I could be wrong, that someone updated the Canadian info many moons ago, but thanks for the input.

[Redwolf84]

I found this thread by google and wanted to clarify a few things


The Navy also disbanded the Red Wolves in 2007



After a quick search, I found that the HSC-4 is expected to be be re-established during FY09 as HSC-84 equipped with the MH-60S at Norfolk. (http://www.scramble.nl/mag/scramble332-images.pdf) The "HC" squadrons (CH-46) will become HSC sqns when receiving the MH-60S. Ii seems the Navy will not have longer specialized CSAR/NSW squdrons.

HCS-4 (not HSC-4) never went anywhere. Just changed names to HSC-84, around the same time HCS-5 closed its doors, and still doing the same job as before. They still fly Hotels, not Sierras, the only HSC squadron to do so and is still involved in CSAR/NSW. .

[Rob1bureau]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z227/Waffleman921/thanks-for-the-info.jpg

[Off126]

For Canada the jump coys arent really elite, there is no selection, you just get posted there and do a jump qualification, they are regular infantry with wings. If you insist on listing them, you may as well list the Queen's Own Rifles too, they are a reserve jump regiment.

edit: just as a note, the jump coys are deployed as regular infantry as part of regular battle groups

For advanced infantry with special capabilities we have CSOR (Canadian Special Operations Regiment).

[freethinker]

Edit. info was already in thread.

[zaher]

OK people here's a qucik and dirty list of international elite units. It will be added to slowly.


LEBANON:
Maokataha of the Lebanese Army

Marine Commando Regiment


Lebanese Navy SEALs (also known as Marine Commandos) Regiment
Commando Regiment
Airborne Regiment
Counter-Sabotage (Moufafaha) branch and the Striking Force (Kouwar el-Dareba) anti-terrorism branch of the Military Intelligence.

[Dominique]

OK, it looks like I'll finally be able to make some changes to the first page, just not sure how long it's going to take. You you've got comments, suggestions, corrections, etc. let me know, and I'll see what I can do about making the changes.

[Off126]

For Canada, the CJIRU is our top tier NBC unit, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment should be there as well, both are part of CANSOFCOM. The jump coys aren't 'elite' per say, all you need to go there is a posting message (luck of the draw). If anything from the 3 regular regiments, the recce/mountain types should be up there, as one needs to put in for some pretty rigorous training just to get there.

[Rob1bureau]

OK, it looks like I'll finally be able to make some changes to the first page, just not sure how long it's going to take. You you've got comments, suggestions, corrections, etc. let me know, and I'll see what I can do about making the changes.
Well, many were done in the previous pages of this topic, but some that weren't done IIRC :

FRANCE : now a Force d'Intervention de la Police Nationale (FIPN) is over RAID, GIPNs and the Brigade Anti Commando of Paris' Prefecture (BAC-PP)
Also the DAOS has been renamed 4e RHFS (4th Special Forces Helicopters Regiment)

RUSSIA :
Zenit and Kaskad were 1980s task forces of KGB Spetsnaz. "Beta" may be a confusion with Vympel (the letter "V" is written like a "B" in Russian)

United Kingdom :
8 Flight AAC (now Dauphin helicopters instead of Agustas) attached to 22 SAS

United States :

CIA SAD includes (according to a late 2001 report) :
- Special Operations Group
- Foreign Training Group
- Propaganda and Political Action Group
- Computer Operations Group
- Proprietary Management Staff

USSOCOM
Joint Interagency Coordination Group
Center for Special Operations (CSO)
* Intelligence Support Group (J2)
* Operations Support Group (J3)
* Campaign Support Group (J5)
Special Operations Joint Interagency Collaboration Center (SOJICC)
Special Operations Detachment-Global (SOD-G), Rhode Island ANG, Coventry ANGS

Special Operations Commmand Africa (SOCAFRICA)
Special Operations Commmand Korea (SOCKOR)
Special Operations Commmand, Joint Forces Command (SOCJFCOM)

USASFC :
Special Forces Det.-Korea -> renamed 39th Special Forces Det.

Special Operations Chemical Reconnaissance Detachments : now a CRD is attached to each SFG.
112th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment - 1st SFG
14th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment - 3rd SFG
56th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment - 5th SFG
26th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment - 7th SFG
82nd Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment - 10th SFG

190th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment - 19th SFG (NG)
200th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment - 20th SFG (NG)

Other CRDs, status & chain of command unknown :
801st CRD, Fort Bragg, NC
445th CRD (AR) Fort Meade, MD
900th CRD (AR) Ft. Carson, CO
302nd CRD (AR) Fort Bragg ?



JSOC :

Delta :
- seems to have a D Squadron too now
- Aviation Squadron : was recently known as "Flight Concepts Division". Fort Eustis VA (like SEASPRAY in the early 1980s)
- "Funny Platoon" : called "Operational Support Troop" in the early 2000s

ISA / Gray Fox / TF Orange / whatever : aka US Army Office of Military Support
Fourth Squadron : Computer Network Operations.

AFSOC :
720th STG has know a Special Tactics Training Squadron (STTS), and commands 17th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) since late 2008.

16th Special Operations Wing renamed 1st SOW
27th SOW created
58th SOW under command of Air Education and Training Command, not AFSOC
193rd SO Wing, not SO Group
(I believe I have already posted some of these points, sorry for the repost)

NAVSPECWARCOM reserve units renamed :
Naval Special Warfare Group Eleven (NSWG 11)
SEAL Team 17
SEAL Team 18

Marine Special Operations Advisory Group (MSOAG) disbanded, its personnel was taken in the 3rd MSOB. Marine Special Operations Regiment (MSOR) created.

Out of USSOCOM, the Marine Corps has two standing Civil Affairs Groups (3rd CAG and 4th CAG), and two provisional ones had been activated for a tour in Iraq each (5th and 6th CAGs).


Hope it helps


EDITED : added 4e RHFS, 3rd MSOB & MSOR.

[dracon49]

What about Shayetet 13??

[AZZenny]

....or Egoz?

[Rob1bureau]

Both are in the list in the first page.

[Dominique]

I'm good on the US updates, but thanks anyway. I was supposed to start making changes to the list this weekend, but got called in for a snowstorm, and haven't been home for three days, so it'll be couple of days before I can get to this.

[Rob1bureau]

Damn, I thought the information about the CRDs had not been well-spread yet :-|

For the Zenit/Kaskad, my source is this short but interesting article : Russia's Special Forces (http://studies.agentura.ru/centres/csrc/rsp.pdf)

[muck]

An update, in case you're still interested in that.

The German military makes tier distinctions between Spezialkräfte (special forces) and Spezialisierte Kräfte (special operations capable). Only KSK, KSKp and MKp are rated as SF but all the others easily qualify as a elite unit.

I excluded prachute infantry and whatnot not to piss them off as they're sure are a elite corps but no elite unit in a narrower sense.
GERMANY:

German Army:

KSK, Kommando Spezialkräfte der Bundeswehr, Special Forces Command of the German Armed Forces
FSLK200, Fernspählehrkompanie 200, 200th Long Range Reconnaissance Company
EGBZg, Züge mit erweiterter Grundbefähigung der Fallschirmjägerbataillone, Special Operations Capable Platoons of the Parachute Infantry Battalions
FschSpZg, Fallschirmspezialzüge der Fallschirmjägerbataillone, Special Tasks Platoons of the Parachute Infantry Battalions
HGebJgZg, Hochgebirgsjägerzüge der Gebirgsjägerbataillone, Special Tasks Platoons of the Mountain Infantry Battalions
LLAufklKp 260, Luftlandeaufklärungskompanie 260, 260th Reconnaissance Company (Airborne)
LLAufklKp 310, Luftlandeaufklärungskompanie 310, 310th Reconnaissance Company (Airborne)
LLABCAbwZg, Luftlande-ABC-Abwehrzug, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence Platoon (Airborne)
SpezABCAbwReakZg, Spezial-ABC-Abwehrreaktionszug, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence Rapid Reaction Platoon (special operations capable)
SOFARW, Special Operations Force Air Rotary/Wing, (no German designation, army aviation special unit under development)

German Navy:


KSKp, Kampfschwimmerkompanie, Combat Diver Company
MTKp, Minentaucherkompanie, Underwater Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company
BKp,Boardingkompanie, VBSS Company
EOD/IEDD-Zg SEKM, Explosive Ordnance Disposal/ Improvised Explosive Device Disposal-Zug, Naval Special Forces EOD platoon

German Luftwaffe:


CSAR KGrp LTG 62, CSAR-Kerngruppe beim Lufttransportgeschwader 62, CSAR nucleus unit with 62nd Air Transport Wing (under development)
SS-"S", Sicherungsstaffel "S", Nuclear Weapons Protection Squadron at Büchel Air Base

German Central Medical Support Service:


KdoBer IEF Kdo SES, Kommandobereich Initial Entry Forces Kommando Schnelle Einsatzkräfte Sanitätsdienst, Initial Entry Forces Unit of the Medical Troops Rapid Reaction Command

German Joint Support Service:


Feldjägerzugriffstrupps, Military Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team

German Federal Police:


GSG9 der Bundespolizei, (formerly referred to as Border Guard Group 9, not spelled in full anymore), Federal Police Counter-Terrorism Group
BFE, Beweissicherungs- und Festnahmeeinheit, Riot Police Special Tasks Unit

German Federal Criminal Investigation Office:


MEK BKA, Mobiles Einsatzkommando BKA, Mobile Operations Special Weapons and Tactics Team
SG BKA, Sicherungsgruppe BKA, Personal Protection Unit

German Federal Customs Authority:


ZUZ, Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll, Customs Authority Special Weapons and Tactics Team
OEZ, Observationseinheit Zoll, Customs Authority Surveillance Unit

German Federal Intelligence Service:


SI, Eigensicherungseinheit, Counter-Espionage Tactical Unit

German State Police:


SEK, Spezialeinsatzkommando, Special Weapons and Tactics Team
MEK, Mobiles Einsatzkommando, Mobile Operations Special Weapons and Tactics Team
TEG, Technische Einsatzgruppe, Technical Applications Group
BG, Beratergruppe, Exceptional Situations Consulting Group
VG, Verhandlungsgruppe, Negotiation Group
BFE, Beweissicherungs- und Festnahmeeinheit, Riot Police Special Tasks Unit

Other Civil Authorities:


ZUB3, Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe des Bundes 3, 3rd Central Federal Support Group (for multidisciplinary investigations in connection with criminal usage of nuclear, biological and chemical material)
7TG-OIT, 7. Taskgroup Outbreak Investigation Team (no German designation, counter epidemic special unit)

Non-public organizations with governmental authority:


Kerntechnischer Hilfsdienst, Nuclear Technology Emergency Service, special unit of the German Nuclear Industry

There's also an airborne signal intelligence platoon somwhere around but I simply can't recall the fricking name.

[Beirut525]

For Lebanon, it's MoukaFaha.

[specialweapons]

This was some good work. It's appreciated.

[specialweapons]

That's about what I think of the list to.

We seem to be caught up in the glamour of Hollywood or airsoft.
Any unit with specialized training is automatically classified as Elite.
The list catergory should be Specialized Military Units the word Elite is vastly over used. If a bn. is subordinated to the 11th Mtn. one tour of duty it's elite ? On the next tour of duty it's subordinated the 1st Cav and isn't elite ?

Did anyone notice Bagdad was taken by an armored brigade from one direction and a Marine regt. from the other ?
Where were all the Elites ? ( Posing for pictures?)

Look what the 1st Infantry division did during Desert Storm.

During the next 100 hours, the Division raced across southern Iraq into Kuwait, engaging and destroying all or part of 11 enemy divisions. The Division fought its way through 260 kilometers of enemy-held territory, and destroyed more than 500 enemy tanks and 480 armored personnel carriers. In addition, the Division captured more than 11,400 enemy prisoners of war – twice as many as any other unit.

http://www.1id.army.mil/bigredone/history.aspx

[Dominique]

Thanks for the updates gents, as I've been procrastinating about adding info to this thread. As far as US forces go, Their are some other changes coming down the pipe. The Navy's NECC will be forming a 4th Riverine Squadron (it'll either be at Little Creek NAB, Yorktown NWS, or Mississippi). NECC now has seven Helicopter VBSS teams (four at NNSY, Portsmouth, and three in California), that specialize in non-compliant boardings. NAVSPECWARCOM Their also trying to boost the number of SEALs they have on active duty, and are working on fielding a COIN/ISR aircraft for support of NECC and NSW units. (They're currently testing aircraft).

The Marines are planning on consolidating all of their FAST Companies at one locale (it's either going to be Yorktown NWS, or one other base with nukes). And once they get their number up, breaking the two active duty Force Recon Companies off from the Recon Battalions, so they'll once again be stand alone units answering directly to the MEF commander. MARSOC has reorganized again. It now consists of a Marine Special Operations Regiment (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalions). The 3rd MSOB was formed by redesignating the Marine Special Operations Adviser Group (MSOAG), as the 3rd MSOB. They've also formed a Marine Special Operations Intelligence Battalion (MSOIB).

Congress wants the AF to add additional personnel to its Special Tactics Squadrons (but they're having problems finding enough qualified people and getting them trained). They're also working on increasing the size of the 6th Special Operations Squadron (their Aviation Foreign Internal Defense unit), with the eventual goal of forming a separate "Irregular Warfare Wing" (they're looking for volunteers for those of you who might be interested in doing something a little different).

The Army's reforming the Long Range Surveillance Units it claimed it didn't need (as they done several times before, thinking technology was going to be the answer to their prayers). 10th Combat Aviation Brigade now has a Pathfinder unit (Just like LRRP/LRS units, they keep disbanding Pathfinders only to have to bring them back), and they're still trying to figure out if they can raise a forth Ranger Battalion (they've floated several plans, but none of them have received approval).

The Coasties have been busy staffing up the Maritime Security Response Team, and its aviation support unit. Coasties are also now eligible to apply to serve in with the SEALs, if they can pass the selection and training process.

Other stuff I'm aware of.

The Aussies have reformed the No. 4 Squadron RAAF, that includes a FAC unit, and a RAAF Special Tactics unit to support Australian SOF units. They've also redesignated 4 (Commando) RAR as the 2nd Commando Regiment.

NZ redesignated the Counter Terrorist Tactical Assault Group (CTTAG), and it's now called the Commando Squadron.

[Spolkessu]

In Finland there is many MP teams (Er-spol osastot). But most of them are for peacetime. to help Police etc.

[Fisker]

Ehh, couldn't bother going through the whole thread, but placing the Danish Patruljekompagni (Home Guard) with the special forces is stretching it a bit. Granted, they are the most serious part of the home guard, but they are still weekend warriors.

[Rob1bureau]

Congress wants the AF to add additional personnel to its Special Tactics Squadrons (but they're having problems finding enough qualified people and getting them trained).

The 720th Special Tactics Group got two new squadrons in 2008 : the Special Tactics Training Squadron (STTS) at Hurlburt Field (with STTS Detachment 1 at Yuma) and 17th Air Support Operations Squadron (a "conventionnal" TACP unit that went to AFSOC).

Special Tactics Training Squadron takes flight (http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123101813)
17th ASOS transitions from ACC to AFSOC (http://www.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123118496)

[Dominique]

The 720th Special Tactics Group got two new squadrons in 2008 : the Special Tactics Training Squadron (STTS) at Hurlburt Field (with STTS Detachment 1 at Yuma) and 17th Air Support Operations Squadron (a "conventionnal" TACP unit that went to AFSOC).

Special Tactics Training Squadron takes flight (http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123101813)
17th ASOS transitions from ACC to AFSOC (http://www.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123118496)

The info on the 17th ASOS was posted earlier, and IIRC, the STTS is now part of the Air Force Special Operations Training Center. Also, I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but the French National Police (Police Nationale consolidated all of their intervention units (RAID, GIPN, and BRI) into a single command called FIPN (la Force d’Intervention de la Police Nationale).

[Rob1bureau]

Yes, the STTS is listed as a unit "consolidated" under the Air Force Special Operations Training Center (Factsheet (http://www.afsoc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=14252)). I have some trouble finding what are exactly the assignements of some units, for example the 5th SOS is also "'consolidated under" the AFSOTC while under the 919th Special Operations Wing.

For the FIPN, that's right, but the intervention team of the Prefecture of Police is not the BRI-PP but the Brigade Anti-Commando (BAC-PP). The BRI is a criminal investigations department, whil the BAC-PP is only set up for SWAT type interventions. The BAC-PP is mainly formed around the BRI-PP but also various other services of the PP including the Brigade d'Intervention (BI), a technical support cell, a K9 unit, etc.

I use the name BRI-PP and BAC-PP because there are often mix-ups with other units of the same name. There are several Brigade de Recherche et d’Intervention in the Police, and BAC-PP is often mistaken with the Brigades Anti-Criminalité (security patrols, most often in plain clothes).

[Dominique]

Just a few updates.

MARSOC has reorganized. The Marine Special Operations Adviser Group has been redesignated as the 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, or the Marine Special Operations Regiment. MARSOC has also formed a Special Operations Intelligence Battalion (MIB).

Over at JSOC both DEVGRU and CAG have gotten new cover names, according to published sources, CAG is now know as the Army Compartmented Elemet (ACE). JSOC's also in the process of forming a military intelligence brigade.

[muck]

There's also an airborne signal intelligence platoon somewhere around but I simply can't recall the fricking name.It's the LEKE-Zug (Luftlande-Einsatzkomponente für den elektronischen Kampf; roughly: Electronic Warfare Applications Group (Airborne)) with the Electronic Warfare Battalion 922, a platoon sized airborne SOF support unit.

[Dominique]

Thanks for the update.

[custodes]

...........................

[Dave76]

Army Compartmented Elements. With an "s"

Now what is Mob 6? Oh....Ophiuchus Group.
You are confusing MOB Six and SEAL Team Six. Mobility Six was a dedicated maritime CT gig within SEAL Team Two before the establishment of Marcinko's Team Six.

On the current name issue:
KITD-FOHS

[Backpacker]

Here's my contribution:

Iran's "23rd SF Brigade" is more commonly refferred to as a "Takavar(Persian)/commando" unit. It's unclear exactly what this means, but it's the local parlance.

Also, while it used to be a brigade, it has since been expanded to a full division.

Here are a few more you can add to the "Iran" list:
- 65th Airborne Brigade
- 55th Airborne Brigade
- 58th "Zulfiqar" Commando Division
- Naval Commando (exact designation unknown)

There are others, but none that i'd feel compfortable saying are "elite", with any degree of accuracy.

[custodes]

.................................

[mhgges]

Politiets Indsats Styrke / Danish Police counter terrorism force. Dominique P.I.S is not a real group it is a fictional unit from a danish tv show

[gangster6]

where can i find current "updated List Please

[T.C.P da Devil]

Bangladesh-

Army -

Para Commandos division

Navy-

Special WarFare Diving and Salvaging units (SWADS).


Air Force-

No name available for this group, but they are an elite force, trained to protect our air bases and to sabotage enemy ones


Police-

Special Branch (SB)
DMP SWAT
Armed Police Battalion

[hator]

CZECH REREPUBLIC:
601. Skupina Specialnich sily (601.SSS - formally - Speciální Brigáda – “Generála Moravce” 6/6th Special Brigade - around 500 members - LRRP type unit) located in Prostejov
Speciální jednotka vojenské policie SOG (Military police SOG - small unit-around 60 members) (CT unit. Similiar to Delta)
102.Průzkumny Prapor (Reconnaissance battalion - around 450 members)
71 Vysadkovy Prapor - (Airborne unit)

Útvar Rychlého Nasazení (URNa - National Police CT unit - around 110 members)



Thanks. I'll make the changes. If anyone else spots outdated info or wants to make a suggestion, feel free to jump in.

SOG was disbanded in 2009
[/URL][url]http://www.sog.tode.cz/galerie/ (http://www.sog.tode.cz/)

http://i54.tinypic.com/2604j2x.jpg

I ll edit this post later and add more info on the topic of elite police units.

[Dominique]

I've got some changes to US units that I'll post in a bit.

[Dominique]

where can i find current "updated List Please

This list is so old, changes can't be made to the original post, so you just have read along, and pick up on the changes.

[muck]

Lots of military and police reforms are going on in Germany right now so here is an update for Germany to be seen as valid as of 01.01.2012.

For allowing a quick and rough comparison to international equivalents, I'll mark the respective units with colors suggesting their "tier grade". This is to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Red: Navy SEALs, SAS
Orange: USASFC, GCP; HRT, GIGN...
Blue: Other military type special operations units; SWAT

Military
Civil

GERMANY:

German Army:

KSK, Kommando Spezialkräfte des Heeres, Army Special Forces Command
EGBZg, Züge mit erweiterter Grundbefähigung der Fallschirmjägerregimenter, Special Operations Capable Platoons of the Parachute Infantry Regiments

FschSpZg, Fallschirmspezialzüge der Fallschirmjägerregimenter, Special Operations Capable Platoons of the Parachute Infantry Regiments

HGebJgZg, Hochgebirgsjägerzüge der Gebirgsjägerbataillone, Special Operations Capable Platoons of the Mountain Infantry Battalions

LLAufklKp 310, Luftlandeaufklärungskompanie 310, 310th Reconnaissance Company (Airborne)
SpezABCAbwReakZg,Spezial-ABC-Abwehrreaktionszug, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence Rapid Reaction Platoon (special operations capable)

German Navy:


KSM, Kommando Spezialkräfte der Marine, Navy Special Forces Command

German Luftwaffe:

No designated special forces units

German Central Medical Support Service:


No designated special forces units

German Joint Support Service:


Feldjägerzugriffseinheit, Military Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team

German Federal Police:


GSG9 der Bundespolizei, (formerly referred to as Border Guard Group 9 hence GSG9), Federal Police Counter-Terrorism Group
SIK, Abteilung Sicherheit in Krisengebieten, Diplomatic Foreign Service Special Security Unit
BFE, Beweissicherungs- und Festnahmeeinheit, Riot Police Special Tasks Unit

German Federal Criminal Investigation Office:


MEK BKA, Mobiles Einsatzkommando BKA, Mobile Special Weapons and Tactics Team
SG BKA, Sicherungsgruppe BKA, Personal Protection Unit

German Federal Customs Authority:


ZUZ, Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe Zoll, Customs Authority Special Weapons and Tactics Team
OEZ, Observationseinheit Zoll, Customs Authority Surveillance Unit

German Federal Intelligence Service:


SI, Eigensicherungseinheit, Counter-Espionage Tactical Unit

German State Police:


SEK, Spezialeinsatzkommando, Special Weapons and Tactics Team

MEK, Mobiles Einsatzkommando, Mobile Special Weapons and Tactics Team

TEG, Technische Einsatzgruppe, Technical Applications Group

BG, Beratergruppe, Exceptional Situations Consulting Group

VG, Verhandlungsgruppe, Negotiation Group

BFE, Beweissicherungs- und Festnahmeeinheit, Riot Police Special Tasks Unit

Other Civil Authorities:


3./ZUBN,3. Gruppe Zentrale Unterstützungsgruppe des Bundes für gravierende Fälle nuklearspezifischer Gefahrenabwehr, Nuclear Emergency Support Team

[Vejadu]

Do these two count?

Hercules Team - the NYPD response to terrorism

http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/features/n_8286/

And my fave - NEST teams

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_Emergency_Support_Team

But I'm not sure what CDC "officially" calls their emergency response team - those guys gotta have large cojones though

http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/eoc.htm

[z0rr0]

Hi Dominique thanks for including Brunei SF in the list, as a Bruneian I’m proud of that man its an honor.
Anyway just to update everyone, Brunei SFs is from the Army or Land Forces (Royal Brunei Armed Forces RBPF) and the Police (Royal Brunei Police Force RBPF)

As mentioned by Dominique Brunei SF – Special Combat Squadron or in Malay – Squadron Tempur Khas (STK) is from the RBPF now it is no longer a squadron, they have changed it to regiment, so now it is called Special Forces Regiment (SFR) in Malay – Regimen Pasukan Khas (RPK)
http://www.mindef.gov.bn/MOD2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1117:brunei-special-forces-regiment-joint-exercise-with-1st-commando-regiment-australia&catid=1:news&Itemid=92

As for the Brunei Police, their SF are called Special Operation Section (SOS) or in Malay – Pasukan Gerak Khas (PGK) the name is the same as Malaysian SF and I think the job, mission are the same as well, that is to defend and maintain peace and sovereignty of our country, right.
http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2011/11/20/hijacking-bruneian-plane-foiled