SOF Unit of the Day: Meet Mexico’s Fuerzas Especiales

Origins

The Fuerzas Especiales, often abbreviated as FES and colloquially known as Cuachicqueh or Quachics, is a distinguished Special Missions Unit under the Mexican Navy, officially founded in 2001.

Emerging from the ashes of a previous elite faction known as Fuerzas Especiales del Alto Mando or FES-AM (formerly recognized as Grupo de Alto Impacto or GAI), the FES now operates under the banner of the Naval Special Warfare Command as a component of the UNOPES or Unidad de Operaciones Especiales.

Living by the mantra “Fuerza, Espíritu, Sabiduría” – translating to “Strength, Spirit, Wisdom” – FES stands as a testament to its naval prowess and dedication. Their insignia captures their naval heritage with an anchor, which is complemented by wings. At its center is a vibrant black and blue shield that bears a dynamic lightning bolt and the unit’s initials, underscoring their swift and impactful operations.

Mission

The FES stands as an internationally recognized maritime Special Missions Unit. Their stellar reputation comes from their extensive involvement in combating drug trafficking, their exceptional operational aptitude, and the rigorous training regimen they undergo both locally and internationally. They’ve received training from elite counterparts across the world, notably in countries like the United States, Spain, and Israel.

Details surrounding the operations spearheaded by the FES remain shrouded in secrecy, covering both mission specifics and any resultant casualties or unintended damages. Yet, their pivotal role in Mexico’s battle against drug cartels is undeniable. Their expertise spans a range of missions, from direct combat engagements, intelligence collation, and reconnaissance to high-value target apprehensions and elimination.

The versatility of the FES is showcased in their proficiency across diverse terrains – from land and sea to the sky. They are adept at employing a myriad of tactical approaches, be it underwater maneuvers, aerial drops, urban warfare, precision sniping, or handling explosive devices. The unit is designed to function seamlessly in various settings – whether on the ground, amid the waves, or airborne insertions.

Organization

The Mexican Navy boasts the UNOPES, or “Unidad de Operaciones Especiales” – translated as the Special Operations Unit. This esteemed command is structured with five distinct Special Operations Forces (SOF) Units, of which the FES Groups hold a significant role. The FES is further categorized into three specialized factions:

1. FESPA or “Fuerzas Especiales Pacifico” – The Special Forces dedicated to the Pacific region.
2. FESGO or “Fuerzas Especiales Golfo” – The unit primarily serves the Gulf (of Mexico) area.
3. FESCEN or “Fuerzas Especiales Centro” – This Central Special Forces team distinguishes itself with a focus on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.

Multiple different elite teams comprise the FES. Example are:

• Tigrillo Team
• Viper Team
• Huron Team
• Puma Team

Training

The rigorous FES training spans an intensive four-month period, structured into five progressive stages, commencing with an introductory phase. During the initial month, recruits engage in diverse activities, from marksmanship to hand-to-hand combat skills. Subsequent to this, they embark on foundational parachute training. Those with prior experience shift their focus to parachute upkeep and mastering airborne activities. The pinnacle of this training is the jungle command segment, which is notably the most challenging. Here, a grueling “stress week” tests the mettle of the candidates, pushing their endurance, both physically and mentally, to evaluate their true grit.

Usually, only 20% of fewer of the candidates who begin FES training manage to follow it to completion.

During their training period, candidates receive specialized instruction in these areas:

• Surface Warfare
• Airborne Operations
• Amphibious Warfare
• Close Quarter Battle drills
• Military Intelligence
• Special Reconnaissancee
• Search and Rescue
• Direct Action
• Counterterrorism
• Submarine and anti-submarine warfare

Equipment

Here are some of the weapons they use, sourced from the EU and USA

• FN Five-seveN
• M4 Carbine
• H&K UMP
• Sig Sauer SIG516
• FN P90
• Glock 17
• PSG-1
• M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)
• M1911A1

Notable Operations

As you might expect of a Tier 1 unit, many of their operations remain classified. Still, it is well known that they have played a major role in the Mexican War on Drugs. Roble Team, which has been dissolved, played a key role in Operation Black Swan, which led to the capture and detention of Sinaloa cartel leader  Joaquín Guzmán Loera (“El Chapo”).

Puma Team carried out Operation Barcina. Video of the team (recorded by a civilian) showed a Minigun fired from a UH-60 Black Hawk strafing Beltrán Leyva hitmen. The operation also resulted in the elimination of drug kingpin Juan Francisco Patrón Sánchez “El H2”.

In July 2022, the renowned “Operation Legend II” was executed, culminating in the apprehension of the infamous drug kingpin, “Rafael Caro Quintero.” Yet, the operation’s closing moments were marred by an unfortunate event. Under circumstances that remain ambiguous, a Black Hawk helicopter transporting FES operatives met a tragic end, resulting in the loss of 14 operators.