Special Operations.Com

U.S. ARMY SPECIAL FORCES COMMAND (AIRBORNE)

UNIT PROFILE

On November 27, 1990, the US Army lst Special Operations Command was redesignated the US Army Special Forces Command (Airborne). Its mission is to train, validate, and prepare Special Forces units to deploy and execute operational requirements for the warfighting commanders in chief.

Mission

Special Forces soldiers are carefully selected, specially trained, and capable of extended operations in extremely remote and hostile territory. They train to perform five doctrinal missions: Foreign Internal Defense (FID), Unconventional Warfare (UW), Special Reconnaissance (SR), Direct Action (DA) and Combating Terrorism (CBT). While Special Forces soldiers are capable of performing all of these missions, an increasing emphasis is being placed on FID and coalition warfare/support. FID operations are designed to help friendly developing nations by working with host country military and paramilitary forces to improve their technical skills, understanding of human rights issues, and to help with humanitarian and civic action projects.

A new collateral task that has emerged as a result of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm is Coalition Support. Coalition warfare/support draws upon the Special Forces soldier's maturity, military skills, language skills, and cultural awareness. It ensures the ability of a wide variety of foreign troops to work together effectively in a wide variety of military exercises or operations such as Operation Desert Storm.

Personnel

In addition to the individual skills of operations and intelligence, communications, medical aid, engineering, and weapons, each Special Forces soldier is taught to train, advise, and assist host nation military or paramilitary forces. Special Forces soldiers are highly skilled operators, trainers, and teachers. Area-oriented, these soldiers are specially trained in their area's native language and culture.

Organization

Special Forces Command exercises command and control over five active component groups. Additionally, it exercises training oversight of two Army National Guard groups. Each Special Forces Group is regionally oriented to support one of the warfighting commanders in chief.

SPECIAL FORCES GROUP (AIRBORNE)

Organization

The Special Forces Group (Airborne) is comprised of one Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), one Support Company (SPT CO), and three Special Forces Battalions (SF BN). See Figure 3-3 for typical group organization.

The HHC consists of 28 officers, 3 warrant officers, and 58 enlisted soldiers. The SPT CO consists of 13 officers, 12 warrant officers, and 151 enlisted soldiers. Each SF BN consists of 39 officers, 24 warrant officers, and 320 enlisted soldiers.

Mission

To plan and support special operations in any operational environment in peace, conflict, and war as directed by the National Command Authorities.

Capabilities

C2 and Support Elements:

· Function as the Army component of a JSOTF or ARSOTF when augmented by resources from other services.

· Establish, operate, and support an SFOB and three FOBs.

· Provide up to three C2 elements (SFODs B) to supported conventional headquarters.

· Train and prepare operational elements for deployment.

Operational Elements:

· Infiltrate and exfiltrate specified operational areas by air, land, and sea.

 

Air Infiltration (Parachute)

Special Forces Groups Airborne, Special Forces Battalions, Operational Detachment Charlie (ODC) Special Forces Companies, Operational Detachment Bravo (ODB), and Operational Detachment Alpha’s (ODA) are static line parachute qualified. During training, cloud ceilings of less than 800ft above ground level (AGL) or winds in excess of 13 knots prevent static infiltrations without a waiver. Static line operations can not be conducted at altitudes greater than 10,000 feet AGL. (HALO/HAHO) Three ODAs per SFG can infiltrate by Military freefall High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) or High Altitude High Opening (HAHO). HALO/HAHO operations cannot be conducted in ceilings lower than 500 feet AGL. HALO/HAHO operations cannot be conducted at altitudes greater than 36,000 feet AGL in combat operations without a waiver. Training safety requirements dictate ground visibility and winds less than 18 knots for HALO/HAHO operations.

Air Infiltration (Fixed and Rotary Wing Aircraft) Non Parachute

ODC, ODB, and ODA personnel and equipment can infiltrate via fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Specific infiltration techniques include air, land, rappel, and fast rope. Capabilities are only limited by aircraft requirements and landing site availability.

Water Infiltration/Exfiltration

All water infiltration techniques may be initiated from surface or sub-surface mother craft, dropped by parachute from fixed wing aircraft, or delivered by rotary wing aircraft. Three ODAs per SFG can infiltrate or exfiltrate using closed circuit breathing equipment. Three ODAs per SFG are capable of utilizing open circuit breathing equipment for non-tactical applications (i.e., ship bottom searches and recovery operations). Nine ODAs per SFG are trained to infiltrate/exfiltrate by combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC). Twelve ODAs per SFG can infiltrate/exfiltrate by surface swim techniques. All surface swim operations are limited to sea states not to exceed 3 foot chop and 4 foot swell. Surface swim operations will not be conducted against currents in excess of 1 knot.

Land Infiltration/Exfiltration

54 ODAs and 9 Support Operations Team Alpha (SOTA) per SFG can infiltrate/exfiltrate an operational area by foot. Foot movement limiting factors include terrain, water availability, enemy presence and soldier load. Tactical foot movement distance is limited to 0.5-6 kilometers per hour based on terrain, vegetation and weather. 9 ODAs assigned to the 10 th and 1 st SFG, 7 ODAs assigned to the 3 rd and 7 th SFG and 6 ODAs from the 5 th SFG can infiltrate using High Altitude/Technical Mountain techniques. 36 ODAs from the 10 th SFG & 36 ODAs from the 1 st SFG can infiltrate using ski techniques and Mobile Over Snow Transports (MOST). 54 ODAs assigned to the 5 th SFG and 18 ODAs assigned to the 3 rd SFG are trained and equipped to infiltrate/exfiltrate by Ground Mobility Vehicles (GMVs). Land mobility by GMV is limited to approximately a 150 mile radius with full combat load without resupply.

· Conduct operations in remote and denied areas for extended periods of time with little external direction and support.

· Develop, organize, equip, train, and advise or direct indigenous military and paramilitary forces.

· Plan and conduct unilateral SF operations.

· Train, advise, and assist US and allied forces or agencies.

· Perform other special operations as directed by the NCA or a unified commander.

 

The group headquarters commands and controls assigned and attached forces:

· Plans, coordinates, and directs SF operations separately or as part of a larger force.

· Trains and prepares SF teams for deployment.

· Provides command and staff personnel to establish and operate an SFOB.

· Provides advice, coordination, and staff assistance on the employment of SF elements to joint SOC, JSOTF, security assistance organization (SAO), or other major headquarters.

· Provides cryptomaterial support to the SFOB and its deployed SF teams.

 

SUPPORT COMPANY, SPECIAL FORCES GROUP (AIRBORNE)

Organization

The Support Company, Special Forces Group (Airborne) (SPT CO) is comprised of a Company HQ, Service Detachment, Military Intelligence Detachment, Medical Section, Signal Detachment, and Personnel Section.

Personnel

The SPT CO consists of 13 officers, 12 warrant officers, and 151 enlisted soldiers.

Mission

To provide intelligence support, combat service support, and signal support to an SFOB and its deployed operational elements.

Capabilities

· Provides integrated all-source intelligence collection management, analysis, production, and dissemination in support of the Special Forces Group (SFG) and its attached elements.

· Provides counterintelligence and interrogation support for the SFG and its attached elements.

· Provides intelligence advice, assistance, and training to operational elements of the SFG.

· Provides secure special intelligence (SI).

· Performs special security office (SSO) functions for the SFOB.

· Provides limited transportation support to the SFOB.

· Provides unit-level supply, to include class V, to the SFOB and its deployed operational

elements.

· Provides food service support to the SFOB.

· Procures nonstandard supplies and equipment for the SFG and its attached elements.

· Provides health service support to the SFOB, to include unit-level medical support, medical supply, temporary medical resuscitative treatment for all classes of patients, emergency dental treatment, and preventive medicine support.

 

SF Medical Assistance in Bosnia

· Performs unit-level maintenance on organic equipment and the equipment of the group headquarters and headquarters company; performs direct support and limited general support maintenance for those items of signal equipment peculiar to the SFG; performs unit-level maintenance on organic communications-electronic (C-E) equipment assigned to the SFOB.

· Provides personnel and cargo parachute packing, unit maintenance of air delivery items, rigger support, and limited aerial delivery support to the SFOB.

· Installs, operates, and maintains continuous internal communications for the SFOB, to include message center and crypto services, telephone, teletypewriter.

· Terminates radio and landline telephone and teletype circuits from higher headquarters and the area communications system at the SFOB.

· Provides secure communications between the SFOB and the three deployed FOBs.

· Provides limited still photographic support for the SFG and its attached elements.

 

SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION (AIRBORNE)

Organization

The Special Forces Battalion (Airborne) is comprised of one Battalion Headquarters Detachment (BN HQ DET/C DET), one Support Company (SPT CO), and three Special Forces Companies (SF CO). There is one SFOD Combat Diving A Detachment (CBT DIV A DET) and one SFOD Military Free Fall A Detachment (MFF A DET) per battalion.

Personnel

The BN HQ DET consists of 11 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 25 enlisted soldiers. The SPT CO consists of 4 officers, 1 warrant officer, and 94 enlisted soldiers. Each SF CO consists of 8 officers, 7 warrant officers, and 67 enlisted soldiers.

Mission

To plan, conduct, and support special operations in any operational environment in peace, conflict, and war.

Capabilities

The battalion’s C2 and support elements can function as the headquarters for an ARSOTF or for a JSOTF when augmented by resources from other services. The C2 and support elements can:

· Establish, operate, and support an FOB.

· Provide one SOCCE to a corps or higher headquarters.

· Train and prepare SF teams for deployment.

· Direct, support, and sustain deployed SF teams.

 

BATTALION HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT (C DETACHMENT)

Organization

The BN HQ DET is comprised of the Battalion Headquarters, one Signal Section (SIG SEC), the S-1 Section (S-1), the S-2 Section (S-2), the S-3 Section (S-3), the S-4 Section (S-4), the S-5 Section (S-5), and the Medical Section (MED SEC).

Personnel

The BN HQ DET consists of 11 officers, 2 warrant officers, and 25 enlisted soldiers.

Mission

To provide command and control, staff planning, and staff supervision of administration and operations for the Special Forces battalion and its attached elements.

Capabilities

The SFOD C, also known as C detachment, provides C2, staff planning, and staff supervision of battalion operations and administration. The SFOD C detachment:

· Plans, coordinate, and direct SF operations separately or as part of a larger force.

· Provides command and staff personnel to establish and operate an FOB.

· Provides advice, coordination, and staff assistance on the employment of SF elements to a joint SOC, JSOTF, SAO, or other major headquarters.

 

 

SUPPORT COMPANY, SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION (AIRBORNE)

Organization

The Support Company of the Special Forces Battalion is comprised of one Military Intelligence Detachment (MI DET), a Company Headquarters (CO HQ), a Service Detachment (SVC DET), and a Signal Detachment (SIG DET).

Personnel

The Support Company consists of 4 officers, 1 warrant officer, and 94 enlisted soldiers.

Mission

To provide intelligence and electronic warfare (EW) support, CSS, and signal support to an FOB and its deployed operational elements.

Capabilities

· Provides integrated all-source intelligence collection management, analysis, production, and dissemination in support of the battalion and its attached elements.

· Provide counterintelligence support for the SF battalion and its attached elements.

· Provide intelligence technical advice, assistance, and training to operational elements of the SF battalion.

· Provide secure special intelligence (SI) between the SFOB and FOB.

· Perform special security office (SSO) functions for the FOB.

· Provide EW support to the operational detachments of the battalion.

· Provide administrative and logistical support to the SF battalion.

· Provide food service support to the battalion.

· Provide unit-level supply, to include class V, for the FOB.

· Provide personnel and cargo parachute packing, unit level maintenance of air delivery items rigger support, and limited air delivery support to the FOB.

· Install, operate, and maintain continuous internal communications for an FOB, to include message center and crypto services, telephone, typewriter, and radio communications.

· Terminate secure communication with the SFOB and FOB.

· Perform unit-level maintenance on organic wheeled vehicles, power generation equipment, and communication-electronics (CE) equipment (less crypto) assigned to the battalion.

· Performs limited general support maintenance for those items of signal equipment peculiar to the SF battalion.

· Terminate radio and landline telephone and teletype circuits from higher headquarters and the area communications system at the FOB.

 

SPECIAL FORCES COMPANY, SPECIAL FORCES BATTALION

Organization

The Special Forces Company is comprised of a Company Headquarters (CO HQ) and six SFOD Operational "A" Detachments (A DET).

Personnel

The Special Forces Company consists of 8 officers, 7 warrant officers, and 67 enlisted soldiers.

Mission

To plan and conduct special operations in any operational environment in peace, conflict, and war.

Capabilities

· Plan and conduct Special Forces operations separately or as part of a larger force.

· Train and prepare Special Forces teams for deployment.

· Infiltrate and exfiltrate specified operational areas by air, land, or sea.

· Conduct operations in remote areas and hostile environments for extended periods with minimal external direction and support.

· Develop, organize, equip, train, and advise or direct indigenous forces of up to regimental size in special operations.

· Train, advise, and assist other US and allied forces and agencies.

· When augmented, establish and operate an advanced operational base (AOB) to expand C2 capabilities of an SFOB or FOB.

· Serve as SOCCE at a corps or higher headquarters.

· Serve as a C2 element (area Command) in a specified operational area.

· Serve as a pilot team to assess the resistance potential in a specified operational area.

· Establish and operate an isolation facility (ISOFAC) for an SFOB or FOB.

· Perform other special operations as directed by higher authority.

 

SPECIAL FORCES OPERATIONAL DETACHMENT "A"

Personnel

The A Detachment consists of one Captain (Commander), one Warrant Officer (Detachment Technician), one Master Sergeant (Operations Sergeant), one Sergeant First Class (Assistant Operations Sergeant), two Weapons Sergeants, two Engineer Sergeants, two Medical Sergeants, and two Communications Sergeants.

Capabilities

· Plan and conduct SF operations separately or as part of a larger force.

· Infiltrate and exfiltrate specified operational areas by air, land, or sea.

· Conduct operations in remote areas and hostile environments for extended periods of time with a minimum of external direction and support.

· Develop, organize, equip, train, and advise or direct indigenous forces up to battalion size in special operations.

· Train, advise, and assist other US and allied forces and agencies.

· Plan and conduct unilateral SF operations.

· Perform other special operations as directed by higher authority.