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Green Berets

Also known as Green Berets, because of their distinctive headwear, Special Forces soldiers operate in 12-man teams, known as the Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (SFODA). ODAs most often work with a partner force, which can either be a guerilla group or a government. Each ODA focuses on a different insertion method (Military Freefall, Combat Diver, Mobility, and Mountain). Green Berets are cultural experts in the assigned geographical region and speak local languages, which is key when working with a partner force.

There are five active-duty (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th) and two National Guard (19th and 20th) Special Forces Groups that specialize in different geographical areas.

U.S. Army Special Forces “Green Berets” | The Complete Guide
Featured Article

U.S. Army Special Forces “Green Berets” | The Complete Guide

From the history of the iconic Green Beret to weapons and campaign histories, this Special Forces guide was written by former SOCOM members.

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ARTICLES FROM SOFREP

DVIDS.

The Time Special Forces Combat Divers Recovered 26 Americans From the Floor of the Pacific Ocean

Military History May 03
File photo of a female Cultural Support Team (CST) member.

What Special Forces Means to the Real First Female Green Beret

SOF Mar 08
Swim or Die: The conclusion of the Special Forces swim from hell

Swim or Die: The conclusion of the Special Forces swim from hell

War Stories Jul 15
ODA-525, the Sharkmen just prior to deploying out to the Iraqi desert. (Photo courtesy of Robert "Blade" Gardner, third from the left in back row)

Strange days in the Green Berets: Of pipes and dogs

War Stories Jul 04
Special Operations hand-to-hand combat: Post-Vietnam

Special Operations hand-to-hand combat: Post-Vietnam

Military History Jun 30
Women & standards in Special Operations and Special Mission units

Women & standards in Special Operations and Special Mission units

SOF Jun 25
Operation Tailwind: Special Forces operators aid CIA op deep inside Laos

Operation Tailwind: Special Forces operators aid CIA op deep inside Laos

Military History May 21
The Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course: Failure can be fatal

The Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course: Failure can be fatal

SOF May 06
The Waterborne Infiltration Course, the Special Forces version of Ranger School

The Waterborne Infiltration Course, the Special Forces version of Ranger School

Expert Analysis May 04
(Department of Defense photo)

The difference between Rangers and Special Forces

Featured Oct 28