2009-01-12
2009-01-01
Pic
In Kurdish northern Iraq, a U.S. special-forces soldier aims a .50-cal sniper rifle
at guerrillas of Ansar al-Islam. The Al-Qaeda-linked Ansar was driven from Iraqi villages into the mountains along the Iranian border by Kurdish and U.S. Forces."
Photograph by Kate Brooks-Corbis
U.S. Special Forces and Afghan Militia Force [AMF] mercenaries confront villagers during a raid upon Narizah in late August [Wally Santana, AP photo].
A US Army Special Forces soldier stands guard as Afghan civilians and Northern Alliance militia members look on in Khwaja Bahuaddin, Afghanistan. [Brennan Linsely, AP]
Delta Force 2
As a counter-terrorist group, Delta's main function is in hostage rescue. During Operation Just Cause Delta got their chance to do just that. Kurt Muse, an American businessman operating an underground radio station, had been jailed in the city of Modelo. A 160th SOAR MH-6 transported a team of troopers to the rooftop of the jail. The team fought its way down to the second floor and blew the door to Muse' cell, freeing him without injury. As the team and Muse made their way to the roof and the waiting MH-6, Kurt Muse counted at least five bodies. Not all had been killed; one terrified guard had been handcuffed to a staircase railing. Lifting off, the small helicopter was hit by small arms fire and fell to the street below. The pilot slid the aircraft along the ground to a parking lot and attempted to take off again. The aircraft was hit by ground fire again and hit the ground, this time permanently. A passing UH-60 spotted the infrared spotlight held up by a Delta trooper, and soldiers from the 6th Infantry Regiment came to their rescue. Four Delta operators were wounded, but Delta had "officially" validated their existance and saved Kurt Muse' life.
Delta also saw action in Desert Storm, although the full extent of what they did there has not been revealed. Delta Troopers provided security for General Norman Schwartzkopf and also took part in some missions into Iraq to locate Scud misile launchers for destruction. Delta recieved some unwanted publicity in the disasterous UN Campaign to stabilize the country of Somolia. During their mission in Mogadishu, Somolia, they assaulted different safe houses containing high-ranking members of warring clans and took them prisoner. Unfortunately, during their last mission two of the suport helicopters from the 160th SOAR were shot down. Two Delta operators were killed defending the survivors of the second crash, and at least one was killed in an on-foot extraction through a city populated with locals riled up against the Americans.
Operators from the 1st SFOD were cruicial to the invasion of Iraq in early 2003. It is reported that they were in place ahead of time in the capital of Bagdhad, building networks of informants while eavesdropping and sabotaging Iraqi communications lines.
Delta works closely with the 160th SOAR for air support, but they also have their own fleet of helicopters (the aviation platoon). Painted in civilian colors and with fake registration numbers, the helicopters can deploy with Delta operators and mount gun pods to provide air support as well as transportation. Delta/CAG also works with the CIA's Special Activities Staff.
Good Reads:
"DELTA, America's Elite Counterterrorist Force" Terry Griswold ISBN 0-87938-615-0
"Blackhawk Down" Mark Bowden ISBN 0-87113-738-0
Delta also saw action in Desert Storm, although the full extent of what they did there has not been revealed. Delta Troopers provided security for General Norman Schwartzkopf and also took part in some missions into Iraq to locate Scud misile launchers for destruction. Delta recieved some unwanted publicity in the disasterous UN Campaign to stabilize the country of Somolia. During their mission in Mogadishu, Somolia, they assaulted different safe houses containing high-ranking members of warring clans and took them prisoner. Unfortunately, during their last mission two of the suport helicopters from the 160th SOAR were shot down. Two Delta operators were killed defending the survivors of the second crash, and at least one was killed in an on-foot extraction through a city populated with locals riled up against the Americans.
Operators from the 1st SFOD were cruicial to the invasion of Iraq in early 2003. It is reported that they were in place ahead of time in the capital of Bagdhad, building networks of informants while eavesdropping and sabotaging Iraqi communications lines.
Delta works closely with the 160th SOAR for air support, but they also have their own fleet of helicopters (the aviation platoon). Painted in civilian colors and with fake registration numbers, the helicopters can deploy with Delta operators and mount gun pods to provide air support as well as transportation. Delta/CAG also works with the CIA's Special Activities Staff.
Good Reads:
"DELTA, America's Elite Counterterrorist Force" Terry Griswold ISBN 0-87938-615-0
"Blackhawk Down" Mark Bowden ISBN 0-87113-738-0
Delta Force
The 1st SFOD-Delta (Delta force) is one the Federal Government's CT (Counter Terrorist) groups. Also known as CAG (Combat Applications Group) the Pentagon manages to tightly control what is known about this Unit. Their soldiers are recruited from the U.S. Army, mainly from the Special Forces Green Berets and Rangers. Their main compound is in a remote area of Fort Bragg and it is rumored that up to 2,500 personnel are present at this facility.
The TO (Table of Order) for Delta consists of three operational squadrons, a support squadron, a signal squadron, an aviation platoon, and what is termed the "Funny Platoon". This funny platoon is reported to be the only JSOC unit including female operators. Selection for all of these units is rigourous with more focus on mental abilities and toughness than physical.
Training involves runs through CQB (Close Quarters Battle) killing houses designed to teach teams and individuals how to assault buildings that have been captured by terrorists. Selective firing (whether or not to shoot a target) as well as the double tap (shooting the target twice to make sure that the target does not get up again) are instilled in the Counter-terrorism specialists.
Their facility at Bragg is reported to be considered the best special operation training facility in the world. The CQB indoor training range has earned the ominous nick-name, "The House of Horrors". The Facility comes equipped with mock-up of trains and buses for practice in tubular assaults, and there is reported to be a section of a wide-body jet in the units "aircraft room".
The TO (Table of Order) for Delta consists of three operational squadrons, a support squadron, a signal squadron, an aviation platoon, and what is termed the "Funny Platoon". This funny platoon is reported to be the only JSOC unit including female operators. Selection for all of these units is rigourous with more focus on mental abilities and toughness than physical.
Training involves runs through CQB (Close Quarters Battle) killing houses designed to teach teams and individuals how to assault buildings that have been captured by terrorists. Selective firing (whether or not to shoot a target) as well as the double tap (shooting the target twice to make sure that the target does not get up again) are instilled in the Counter-terrorism specialists.
Their facility at Bragg is reported to be considered the best special operation training facility in the world. The CQB indoor training range has earned the ominous nick-name, "The House of Horrors". The Facility comes equipped with mock-up of trains and buses for practice in tubular assaults, and there is reported to be a section of a wide-body jet in the units "aircraft room".
What are the Special Forces MOS's?
The CMF 18 is subdivided into five accession Military Occupational Specialties (MOS's): 18A, Detachment Commander; 18B, SF Weapons Sergeant; 18C, SF Engineer Sergeant; 18D, SF Medical Sergeant; and 18E, SF Communications Sergeant. Each SF volunteer receives extensive training in a specialty, which prepares him for his future assignment in a SF unit. SF units are designed to operate either unilaterally or in support of and combined with native military and paramilitary forces. Levels of employment for Special Operations forces include advising and assisting host governments, involvement in continental United States-based training, and direct participation in combat operations. CMF 18 MOS's:
(1) 18A - SF Detachment Commander. Training includes: teaching the officer student the planning and leadership skills he will need to direct and employ other members of his detachment.
(2) 18B - SF Weapons Sergeant. Training includes: Tactics, anti-armor weapons utilization, functioning of all types of U.S. and foreign light weapons, indirect fire operations, man-portable air defense weapons, weapons emplacement, and integrated combined arms fire control planning.
(3) 18C - SF Engineer Sergeant. Training includes: Construction skills, field fortifications, and use of explosive demolitions.
(4) 18D - SF Medical Sergeant. Training includes: Advanced medical procedures to include trauma management and surgical procedures.
(5) 18E - SF Communications Sergeant. Training includes: Installation and operation of SF high frequency and burst communications equipment, antenna theory, radio wave propagation, and SF communication operations procedures and techniques. Training culminates with an around-the-world communications field performance exercise.
bragg.army.mil
(1) 18A - SF Detachment Commander. Training includes: teaching the officer student the planning and leadership skills he will need to direct and employ other members of his detachment.
(2) 18B - SF Weapons Sergeant. Training includes: Tactics, anti-armor weapons utilization, functioning of all types of U.S. and foreign light weapons, indirect fire operations, man-portable air defense weapons, weapons emplacement, and integrated combined arms fire control planning.
(3) 18C - SF Engineer Sergeant. Training includes: Construction skills, field fortifications, and use of explosive demolitions.
(4) 18D - SF Medical Sergeant. Training includes: Advanced medical procedures to include trauma management and surgical procedures.
(5) 18E - SF Communications Sergeant. Training includes: Installation and operation of SF high frequency and burst communications equipment, antenna theory, radio wave propagation, and SF communication operations procedures and techniques. Training culminates with an around-the-world communications field performance exercise.
bragg.army.mil
What is the SFQC?
The SFQC teaches and develops the skills necessary for effective utilization of the SF Soldier. Duties in CMF 18 primarily involve participation in Special Operations interrelated fields of unconventional warfare. These include foreign internal defense and direct action missions as part of a small operations team or detachment. Duties at other levels involve command, control, and support functions. Frequently, duties require regional orientation, to include foreign language training and in-country experience. The SF places emphasis not only on unconventional tactics, but also knowledge of nations in waterborne, desert, jungle, mountain, or arctic operations.
After successful completion of SFAS, officers who have not already attended their Advanced Course will attend either the Infantry or Armor Career Captain's Course. Enlisted Soldiers will return to their home station and await receipt of PCS orders to Fort Bragg, NC. Including SFAS, the SFQC is comprised of six phases. SFAS is considered Phase One. All of remaining phases are as described below:
SFQC (Phase II): Individual Skills - During this phase of SF training Soldiers in-process at Fort Bragg and begin their SF training. This phase is approximately 13 weeks in duration and includes training in Small Unit Tactics, SF Tactics, Survival Skills and Language and Cultural Training.
SFQC (Phase III): MOS Qualification Phase - During this phase of SF Training Soldiers will receive MOS training for their newly assigned Special Forces MOS. Training for this phase is approximately 15 weeks and includes additional language training, SF Common tasks, Advanced Special Operations Techniques (ASOT), and Interagency Operations.
SFQC (Phase IV): Language Training - Based on each Soldier's individual language skills, he will advance through language training to prepare him to serve in SF. Additionally, while receiving language training Soldiers will be trained in warrior skills, such as Combatives. This phase may be up to 14 weeks in duration or may be exempted if the Soldier already possesses an appropriate SF language. Select Soldiers may have the opportunity for advanced language training based on individual language proficiency and the needs of SF.
SFQC (Phase V): Collective Training Phase - During this phase Soldiers will hone their newly acquired SF skills in a realistic Unconventional Warfare (UW) culmination exercise. This phase is approximately 4 weeks in duration.
SFQC (Phase VI): Out-Processing and initial assignment.
bragg.army.mil
After successful completion of SFAS, officers who have not already attended their Advanced Course will attend either the Infantry or Armor Career Captain's Course. Enlisted Soldiers will return to their home station and await receipt of PCS orders to Fort Bragg, NC. Including SFAS, the SFQC is comprised of six phases. SFAS is considered Phase One. All of remaining phases are as described below:
SFQC (Phase II): Individual Skills - During this phase of SF training Soldiers in-process at Fort Bragg and begin their SF training. This phase is approximately 13 weeks in duration and includes training in Small Unit Tactics, SF Tactics, Survival Skills and Language and Cultural Training.
SFQC (Phase III): MOS Qualification Phase - During this phase of SF Training Soldiers will receive MOS training for their newly assigned Special Forces MOS. Training for this phase is approximately 15 weeks and includes additional language training, SF Common tasks, Advanced Special Operations Techniques (ASOT), and Interagency Operations.
SFQC (Phase IV): Language Training - Based on each Soldier's individual language skills, he will advance through language training to prepare him to serve in SF. Additionally, while receiving language training Soldiers will be trained in warrior skills, such as Combatives. This phase may be up to 14 weeks in duration or may be exempted if the Soldier already possesses an appropriate SF language. Select Soldiers may have the opportunity for advanced language training based on individual language proficiency and the needs of SF.
SFQC (Phase V): Collective Training Phase - During this phase Soldiers will hone their newly acquired SF skills in a realistic Unconventional Warfare (UW) culmination exercise. This phase is approximately 4 weeks in duration.
SFQC (Phase VI): Out-Processing and initial assignment.
bragg.army.mil
What is SFAS?
The career management field (CMF) 18 includes positions concerned with the employment of highly specialized elements to accomplish specifically directed missions in times of peace and war. Many of these missions are conducted at times when employment of conventional military forces is not feasible or is not considered in the best interest of the United States. Training for and participation in these missions are arduous, somewhat hazardous, and are often sensitive in nature. For these reasons it is a prerequisite that every prospective “Green Beret” successfully completes the 24-day SFAS course and be selected for Special Forces Training.
The SFAS Course assesses and selects soldiers for attendance at the SFQC. This course uses a “Whole Man” selection process that assesses each candidate for six attributes that are important for all Special Forces Soldiers. These attributes are intelligence, trainability, physical fitness, motivation, influence, and judgment.
All candidates participate in a variety of activities designed to place them under various forms of physical and mental stress. It assesses potential and qualities through behavioral observation, analysis via performance measure, and recording data. All tasks are performed in a neutral environment with limited information and no performance feedback.
bragg.army.mil
The SFAS Course assesses and selects soldiers for attendance at the SFQC. This course uses a “Whole Man” selection process that assesses each candidate for six attributes that are important for all Special Forces Soldiers. These attributes are intelligence, trainability, physical fitness, motivation, influence, and judgment.
All candidates participate in a variety of activities designed to place them under various forms of physical and mental stress. It assesses potential and qualities through behavioral observation, analysis via performance measure, and recording data. All tasks are performed in a neutral environment with limited information and no performance feedback.
bragg.army.mil
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