Special forces

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Special forces or special operations forces are military units highly trained to perform unconventional, often high-risk missions. Special forces, as they would now be recognised, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

History

The concept of special forces dates back to the early 20th century. The term "special forces" in the United States refers to the U.S. Army's forces, while the term "special operations forces" (SOF) is used more broadly for these types of units in general around the world.

Roles

Special forces roles include, but are not limited to: unconventional warfare, direct action, counter-insurgency, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, information operations, counter-proliferation, hostage rescue, and foreign internal defense.

Training

Special forces units are typically composed of relatively small groups of highly trained personnel. They undergo rigorous selection processes and training in a variety of skills, including navigation, diplomacy, foreign languages, infiltration, reconnaissance, and combat.

Notable Special Forces

Some of the most well-known special forces units include the U.S. Army Green Berets, the British SAS, and the Russian Spetsnaz. Each of these units has a specific set of missions and capabilities, but all are renowned for their skill and effectiveness.

See also

Stub icon
   This article is a military-related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!




Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD