Most of the world’s armies have specialised, elite special forces troops contained within them. These special forces are the best of the best made up of the top soldiers around and trained for maximum impact. In the public’s mind, these groups are fascinating with their closely guarded secrecy and almost superhuman like powers.
Understanding the roles and operations of these military special forces is crucial. These units typically handle missions too risky or complex for regular military personnel. These tasks often involve counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, and direct action against high-value targets. Their operations extend beyond the battlefield, with some providing humanitarian aid in disaster-stricken regions, showcasing their adaptability and versatility.
Whether coming out of the sea to ambush an enemy base or storming a building to rescue hostages. These are the guys you want to see when you’re in trouble. We round up the ten most secretive and elite special forces there are around today:
10 – GIGN – Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale
This unit’s intense training involves specialized combat techniques, parachuting, diving, and driving skills. The GIGN’s motto, “To Save Lives without Regard for One’s Own,” embodies their unyielding commitment to duty. Their unmatched valor and effectiveness make them a crucial part of global counter-terrorism efforts.
09 – Eko-Cobra – Einsatzkommando Cobra
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and trained in a wide array of combat situations, this special forces unit is the epitome of Austrian resilience. Notably, the Eko-Cobra unit is highly capable in urban combat and sniping. They often working in small teams to carry out precision operations.
08 – JTF2 – Joint Task Force 2
Created in 1993, the Canadian Joint Task Force 2 is one of the newest special forces troop out there. Expanded after the 9/11 Terror attacks in America, they now have several hundred serving members. Specialising in counter-terrorism and special operations, their duties have ranged from VIP protection to serving time in many of the world’s toughest regions. One of the more secretive units on our list, even the Canadian Prime Minister didn’t know they had been deployed to Afghanistan in the early days of the military operation there!
These operatives, often dubbed as “Canada’s invisible soldiers,” work in absolute secrecy, their deeds often going unrecognized but incredibly vital. Rigorous physical training, mental conditioning, and specialist courses ensure JTF2 members are among the world’s most formidable soldiers.
07 – UOE – Unidad de Operaciones Especiales
From counter-terrorism to covert infiltration, the UOE conducted a variety of high-stakes missions. Their unwavering dedication to their craft and outstanding performance in the field left a lasting mark in the annals of military history.
06 – SSG – Special Services Group
Pakistan’s Special Services Group was modelled on the British and US special forces units such as the SAS and Delta Force. Famous for the black headgear they wear which has given them the nickname of ‘The Storks’. They train extensively in hand to hand combat and for all terrains. Only 1 in 4 candidates make it through training and this high standard ensures only the best gain entry. It is alleged that members of the SSG fought alongside the Mujahedeen against Soviet forces in the 1980’s.
Known for their versatility and resilience, the SSG operatives can handle a wide range of environments, from the mountainous terrains of the Hindu Kush to the arid landscapes of the Sahara. Their sheer skill and adaptability position them as one of the world’s most formidable special forces units.
05 – Delta Force
Set up in 1977, the American Delta Force is famous with cover raids, hostage rescue, less direct covert missions and anti-terrorism situations. Composed of soldiers from the top divisions of the regular US Army such as the Rangers, you must be male and over 21 to join. Applicants undergo an intensive series of selection tests before joining to even start proper training for the force. Many are weeded out at this stage with only 1 in 10 going into training proper. Not many details of their past missions are known as they are kept well-guarded. But you can bet if the US Army is there, then they are!
They’re responsible for a myriad of tasks, from hostage rescue to hunting down high-value targets. Trained in the harshest environments, Delta operators embody resilience and adaptability, frequently operating behind enemy lines with limited support. Their accomplishments remain largely classified, adding to their mystique and their reputation as the tip of the American military spear.
04 – Alpha Group
Hailing from Russia, these guys are one of the toughest and meanest special forces out there. Many people have heard of the Spetsnaz which is the general term for Russian special forces. But the Alpha group is the cream of the crop within that. Formed in the mid-1970’s, they were prominent in the Russian invasion of Afghanistan when storming the Presidential palace in Kabul and killing everyone inside.
One of their most infamous moments was after four soviet diplomats had been taken hostage and killed in Beirut during 1985. In revenge, the Alpha group hunted down the hostage takers. Then sent them back to their families in very small pieces as a warning to any would be terrorists. What they lack in finesse they make up for in pure brutality!
03 – Sayeret Matkal
An elite unit in every sense of the word, the Sayeret Matkal is the Israeli armies special force. They are one of the most effective special forces units globally. Not to be confused with Mossad who are the Israeli secret service. These guys undergo 18 months of gruelling physical and mental training to join. Focused on surveillance, anti-terrorism and hostage rescue outside of Israel, they are one of the best in the world.
Since forming in the 1960’s, their most famous operation was the raid at Entebbe airport. Pro-Palestinian hijackers had taken over a plane full of Israeli citizens and landed at Entebbe airport in Uganda where they thought they’d be safe. Unbeknown to them, the Israeli army and troops from Sayeret Matkal flew over to Uganda and effected a successful hostage rescue, killing all the terrorist involved.
02 – Navy SEALs
You just couldn’t have a list of the world’s top special forces without these guys in it! Sort of like a naval version of the Delta Force, the demands to get into the SEALs are even higher. Initial training takes over a year and involves timed swims, timed runs and lots of push-ups! If you get through that, then you go into general training which allows you to move into SEAL qualification training subsequently. After this, the final part of training is the specialised section where you concentrate on or two things to become expert at.
Notorious for their involvement in high-profile missions, such as the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the Navy SEALs are crucial to US military operations. Their rigorous training regimen, the infamous BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL), is famous as one of the toughest military training programs.
01 – SAS
Created in 1941, the top of the tree when it comes to special forces is still the British SAS. They have all the best characteristics of the others. Like physical toughness and mental agility, rolled into one bad guy busting package. Indeed, many of the other special forces in the world were set up as a copy of the SAS in terms of training and organisation. Most famous for the Iranian Embassy hostage rescue in the 1980’s, the image of balaclava masked SAS troops abseiling into the building and taking out the baddies is one that a lot of people remember to this day.
Their methodology and training protocols have influenced many other special forces globally. The SAS’s daring missions, resilience, and dedication have earned them the reputation of being the best among the world’s special forces. The impact they have had on the world of military tactics and strategy is truly unparalleled.
In conclusion, the world’s most elite special forces troops are the embodiment of courage, ingenuity, and skill. From the icy landscapes of Norway to the deserts of Israel, these soldiers execute missions with razor-sharp precision, protecting their nations from threats both seen and unseen.
The importance of these military special forces cannot be overstated. They fill a crucial role in global security, conducting operations that regular military units cannot. Their training and selection processes create soldiers that are more than just combat-ready. They are here to overcome any obstacle, physical or mental.