Special forces

Special Forces

Special Forces (pronunciation: /ˈspɛʃəl ˈfɔːrsɪz/) is a term used to describe highly-trained military units that conduct specialized operations.

Etymology

The term "Special Forces" is derived from the concept of military operations that are "special" or different from conventional warfare. The term "forces" refers to military units or groups.

Definition

Special Forces are elite military units with special training and equipment who carry out missions requiring special skills. These missions often involve unconventional warfare, counter-insurgency, reconnaissance, direct action, and hostage rescue.

Related Terms

Unconventional Warfare: This is a type of warfare that is not conventional in nature. It often involves guerrilla warfare, subversion, sabotage, and other covert operations.

Counter-Insurgency: This is a military strategy that aims to defeat insurgency or rebellion. It often involves a combination of military operations and civil-military operations.

Reconnaissance: This is a military term that refers to the act of gathering information about an enemy or an area of operation.

Direct Action: This is a military term that refers to short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments.