A Look at the Unconventional Tactics Used by Western Militaries Throughout History
Adapting to the ever-changing tactics of warfare, some conflict in Europe has been approached through various unconventional tactics
unconventional warfare
So, You Want to Overthrow a Foreign Government? Here’s Where to Start
The underground, conduct operations in areas that the guerrillas wouldn’t normally operate such as in areas under the control of the occupying power.
Malayan Emergency: The Birth of the Modern Special Air Service
The Malayan Emergency proved that a counterinsurgency operation (COIN) could succeed if approached cleverly and co-owned by the locals.
SAS in Malaya: Jungle Operations
What the British would call, “a trot through the leaves.”
The Malayan Scouts: The Forefathers of the Modern SAS
Who’s up for a 100 day jungle patrol?
Special Forces Detachment A: Counterterrorism & hostage rescue operations
You can read part I here and part II here. The men of Det A were highly trained professionals, ready to carry out what would most likely be a suicide mission in the opening hours of World War Three. With targeting packets completed, covers established, and extraction plans committed to memory, they were prepared to […]
Special Forces Detachment A: Training & missions
You can read part I here. Assigned to 10th Special Forces Group in 1958, radio repairman Private James Wild was selected to go to Berlin despite his objections, as he wanted to stay with an A-Team. Trucked over to Munich, and then taking the train to Berlin, he was picked up by several Det A […]
Special Forces Detachment A: an elite Cold War unit
It was the early 1970s at Andrews Barracks in Berlin. A stern-looking Special Forces Sergeant Major paced down the hallway for roll call. Daily Army accountability formations are normally held outside, but due to the extremely classified nature of the mission carried out by the Special Forces soldiers standing in the hall that day, roll […]
The plot thickens as two ex-Special Forces operators are caught in Venezuela coup
“They were playing Rambo,” Maduro said. “They were playing hero.” Venezuelan security forces arrested at least eight people, including two Americans, after a failed coup aimed at capturing socialist President Nicolas Maduro. This failed coup was allegedly approved by the U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido, an allegation that he has denied. Jordan Goudreau, an ex-Green […]
Ex-Special Forces operator tried but failed to overthrow Venezuelan dictator with 300 men
The details are still coming to the forefront, but it seems that a former U.S. Green Beret was heavily involved in the secret military operation to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Associated Press (AP) was first to break the story about a daring but overly ambitious plan to sneak 300 former soldiers from the […]
April 9, 1987: The Special Forces Officer (18A) branch is born
On April 9, 1987, the Army Chief of Staff established a separate branch for SF officers (18A). Previously, in June 1983, the military had authorized a Special Forces tab for SF troops to be worn on the left shoulder. Then, on October 1, 1984, the Army established a separate career management field (CMF 18) for […]
When Special Forces Recon Team Python ruled the Valley of Death
Situated in the northwestern portion of South Vietnam, along the border with Laos, lies the A Shau Valley. At 25 miles long and one mile wide, A Shau the valley consists of tall and thick elephant grass flanked on either side by steep mountain ranges, dense with jungle, that rise between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. […]
