Military and war
This is a list of military special forces units, also known as special operations forces (SOF), currently active with countries around the world, that are specially organized, trained and equipped to conduct special operations.
These are distinct from special-purpose infantry units, such as the Royal Marine Commandos, found on the list of commando units, and also paratrooper units found on the list of paratrooper forces.
NATO currently defines "special operations" as:
Military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, trained, and equipped forces, manned with selected personnel, using unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment.[1][2]
In 2001, as part of efforts to create a framework for consultation and cooperation between NATO and Russia, the NATO-RUSSIA Glossary of Contemporary Political and Military Terms further defined special operations and special operations forces:[3]
special operations military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, trained and equipped forces using operational techniques and modes of employment not standard to conventional forces. These activities are conducted across the full range of military operations independently or in coordination with operations of conventional forces to achieve political, military, psychological and economic objectives. Politico-military considerations may require clandestine, covert or discreet techniques and the acceptance of a degree of physical and political risk not associated with conventional operations.[4]
special-operations forces strategic formations and units of the armed forces, whose role is to conduct sabotage, reconnaissance, subversive and other special operations on the territory of foreign countries. In wartime they may also be assigned tasks such as intelligence-gathering, the seizure or destruction of key installations, the conduct of psychological operations or the organization of insurgencies in the enemy's rear area. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have separate special-operations forces brigades, battalions and companies which are integrated with the intelligence assets of military districts, fronts, fleets, armies or corps.[4]
The United States definition of special operations is:
Operations requiring unique modes of employment, tactical techniques, equipment and training often conducted in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and characterized by one or more of the following: time sensitive, clandestine, low visibility, conducted with and/or through indigenous forces, requiring regional expertise, and/or a high degree of risk.[5]
The Canadian definition of special operations forces is:
Organizations containing specially trained personnel that are organized, equipped and trained to conduct high-risk, high value, special operations to achieve military, political, economic, or international objectives by using special and unique operational methodologies in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive area to achieve desired tactical operational, and/or strategic effects in times of peace, conflict, or war.[6][7]
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Main article: Special forces of Algeria |
Algerian Land Forces (CFT)
Algerian Navy (AN)
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Main article: Special forces of Australia |
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Main article: Bangladesh special operations forces |
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Main article: Special Forces of Belarus |
Special Operations Forces Command[36][37]
The Czech Republic Special Operations Forces [71]
Special Operations Command (SOKOM)
The Royal Danish Navy also maintains a unique ski patrol unit that conducts dog patrols of Greenland throughout the year. This unit, the Sirius Patrol, maintains a combat capability.
Special Operations Command (CFE)[75]
Sa'ka Forces (Thunderbolt Forces)
Special Operations Command French Army
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Main article: Special Forces of India |
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Main article: Special forces of Iran |
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Main article: Israeli Special Forces Units |
Military Intelligence Directorate
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Main article: Italian special forces |
Joint Special Operations Command
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Main article: Elite Forces of Malaysia § Special Forces |
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Main article: Mexican Special Forces |
Shree Mahabir Battalion (Rangers Battalion, equivalent to and trained by the US Army Rangers (part of the Nepali Army Special Operation Force))
Netherlands Special Operations Command (NLD SOCOM)[139]
Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF)[143]
Army of the Republic of Macedonia
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See also: Spetsnaz |
Special Operations Forces Command[183][184][185][186]
Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU)
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Main article: Special forces of Serbia |
Special Forces Command[229]
Republic of China Military Police
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See also: Spetsnaz § Ukrainian Spetsnaz |
Special Operations Forces – headquarters in Kyiv
Ukrainian Navy units
United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF)
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See also: United States special operations forces and United States Marine Corps Special Operations Capable Forces |
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army
