Special Forces, Army

The U.S. Army’s Special Operations Forces comprise a multifaceted group of units tasked with missions such as unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, and counterterrorism. Their wide-ranging skills therefore make them capable of carrying out any mission outlined under the wider special operations umbrella. The army’s “Green Berets,” as they are commonly known, have developed over the course of the 20th century and have become an integral tool of the modern American military. After discussing the history of U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, this entry describes the seven Special Forces Groups (SFGs), 75th Ranger Regiment, and Delta Force, and their roles.

History

The Army Special Forces, while officially created in 1952, can trace their heritage back to the Second World War and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The OSS, ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles