Special Operations.Com

Portugal

Special Operations and Counterterrorist Forces

Grupo de Operacoes Especiais (GOE) - Special Operations Group

The GOE of the Policia de Seguranca Publica (Public Security Police) has its origins in the Corpo de Intervencao (Intervention Corps) which was established in 1978.  The CI arose out of the desire of the Portuguese government to establish a force capable of responding to terrorist incidents throughout the country.  Within a year, however, the CI was disbanded and its resources reorganized into a well-funded new entity known as the GOE.  The considerable financing that was allotted to the unit was used primarily in the construction of new facilities, which included a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor firing ranges, barracks, offices, and a close-quarters battle (CQB) house for practicing hostage rescue scenarios.  Today, prospective members of GOE can apply for a selection that occurs only once very two years.  If accepted, they must undergo a two-week initial screening process which weeds out all but the most determined applicants.  From here, graduates then are sent off to an eight-month advanced training course.  This course teaches basic counterterrorist techniques, including hostage rescue in urban environments, rappelling, and long-range shooting. 

There are currently 150 members of GOE, who break down into operational assault elements of 25 men each.  Each of these is supported by a well-developed intelligence and planning section, along with the standard support elements.  The unit maintains a strong relationship with the British SAS, which provided the unit's early training cadre, with additional expertise provided by the US Delta Force and Germany's GSG-9.  GOE is sometimes deployed to provide VIP protection for visiting dignitaries, as well as it's regular duties as the national police SWAT detachment.  The unit was deployed in 1983 when the Turkish Embassy in Lisbon was taken over by Armenian terrorists.  Unfortunately, the occupiers blew up the structure before an assault could be effected.

Destacamento de Accoes Especias (DAE) - Special Actions Detachment

The Portuguese DAE is primarily an elite reconnaissance detachment for the Portuguese Marines.  Recently, these detachments have taken on additional duties, including maritime counterterrorism.  The detachment is very lightly manned, with only two officers, three NCOs and nine soldiers.  The anti-terrorist element, activated only in times of crisis, is even smaller, with only three individuals.  Plans are in the works to double the size of the unit, to 28, however growing taskings may soon require an ever greater commitment.  The three combat teams are manned by three men each, a Primerio-sargento (Petty Officer), Cabo (Leading Seaman), and a Marinheiro (Seaman).

Legislation currently prohibits combat divers from obtaining airborne qualification, however this is currently under review by the Portuguese government, and may be revised.  DAE maintains an anti-terrorist team, which is not maintained full-time.  Only in time of crisis is the unit assembled.  They are proficient in the use of closed-circuit rebreathers, such as the Drager LAR-V.  They also make use of two interesting pieces of equipment.  The first of these is a small assault boat known as Skua, which enables DAE commandos to approach a hostile shoreline undetected.  A unique feature of this craft is that it can be submerged to prevent recovery by enemy forces.  Upon completion of the mission, the commandos can return to the Skua, reinflate it, then climb aboard, fire up the motor, and head back to the parent vessel.  So impressive is the Skua, that is has reportedly begun testing with the US and French combat divers.  The second article of equipment is perhaps the most unique for a military special operations unit, hang gliders.  Some DAE commandos have undergone insertion techniques involving these aircraft at Linhares da Beira in the Estrela mountain range.

Quick Reference

Portuguese Commandos
(english, french and portuguese)

Portuguese Marines
(english and portuguese)

Special Operations Group (GOE) - Oficial website
(portuguese)

Special Operations Group (GOE)
(portuguese)

Portuguese Police - Oficial website
(portuguese)

Portuguese Army - Oficial website
(portuguese)

Portuguese Navy - Oficial website
(portuguese)

Portuguese Airforce - Oficial website
(english and portuguese)

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