Special forces of countries. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon series. Navy Seals, USA

  • 08.11.2018

Units special purpose have become an integral attribute of any modern army and the police. The most difficult and non-standard tasks for the release of hostages, the protection of VIPs, the destruction of special dangerous terrorists and special operations abroad. The first prototypes of special forces appeared during the Second World War, it was the German Brandenburg division. Now there is a correspondence competition between countries, who has the best special forces, where main role What matters here is not the equipment, but the training of people ready to complete any task in the most extreme conditions. Meet ten best squads special purpose of the world.

The Spetsnaz also has non-Russian Spetsnaz forces, including the 5th Special Forces Brigade of Belarus or the Alpha Group of the Ukrainian Security Service. It also describes special forces or task forces of other ministries, such as the special rescue unit of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.







The Special Services Group is the primary special task force of the Pakistan Army. It is a regiment-sized group and has its headquarters in Tarbela Canton. It is divided into eight battalions and is led by a major general. Each battalion consists of 700 men in four companies, each of which is divided into platoons and then into teams of 10 men.

10. Alpha (Russia)

The Russian special unit Alpha was created in 1973 under the KGB of the USSR. It became known about it after the storming of the presidential palace in Kabul, destroying almost all the people in the building. In 1985, 4 Soviet diplomats were kidnapped in Beirut, one of whom was immediately killed. The release of the hostages was undertaken by Alpha, who found the relatives of the organizers of the kidnapping and eliminated them, sending such a unique message to the terrorists. Lately mainly used for anti-terrorism (the school in Beslan and the terrorist attack on Dubrovka better known as Nord-Ost) and special operations within the country, which are almost always accompanied by numerous casualties. By the way, this is one of the few special forces operating on the principle of “destroy everyone” and not “save them alive at any cost.”




This force has gradually gained experience and a reputation for professionalism over its three decades of existence.


His motto: “The simplest day was yesterday,” “It pays to be a winner.” Behind last years they also participated in several wars and special operations.

This is a special forces unit of the British Army. The group performs several roles including covert reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, direct action and hostage rescue. The corps currently consists of 22 Special Air Regiment with a regular component under the command of the United Kingdom Special Forces and 21 Special Artists Air Regiment and 23 Special Air Regiment, which are reserve units under the operational command of 1st Reconnaissance, Reconnaissance and Reconnaissance Brigade .

9. GIGN (France)


The French special forces unit GIGN (Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) was created after a resonant terrorist attack 1972 in Munich, during the Olympic Games, when several dozen hostages died in the Olympic village. Plus, the year before, there was a prison riot in France with numerous casualties. GIGN specializes in anti-terrorist operations and hostage rescue. The most famous operations of French special forces were the rescue of 30 child hostages in Djibouti in 1976, the arrest of war criminals in Bosnia, special operations against Somali pirates and, of course, the rescue of passengers on Air France flight AF8969 in Marseille in 1994. The number of GIGN is about 400 people.

Everyone is familiar with the idea of ​​a country's military government. The military is made up of mentally and physically tough individuals who work together to protect and serve their country. How much do you know about special forces? Special force - specially trained military unit, which performs unique or special operations that cannot be performed by standard military forces. Basically, a special power consists of unusual people, who go out and do top secret missions. Pretty much every country with a military has at least one form of special power.

8. SSG (Pakistan)


In 1956, the leadership of the Pakistani army created its own special operations unit SSG (Special Services Group), taking as a basis the structure of the British SAS and the American Green Berets. Only one in four candidates become SSG fighters, who undergo a nine-month training course that includes hand-to-hand combat and survival in extreme conditions. SSG is ready to complete any assigned tasks in the mountains, jungle, desert and underwater. During cold war SSG fighters were trained under the guidance of American instructors and acted together with US special forces. In the 80s, Pakistani special forces fighters acted together with the Mujahideen in Afghanistan against Soviet army. Then, according to unconfirmed reports, they actively operated in territories disputed with India. Recently, the SSG has been mainly involved in anti-terrorism operations in Pakistan; in 2009, they carried out an operation to free hostages at the police academy and army headquarters.

Without further ado, let's get into this list of the 10 best special forces in the world. We start our list with the Special Boat Service, which is a special forces unit belonging to the United Kingdom Naval Service. As a special forces unit associated with the Royal Navy, the Special Boat Service is capable of carrying out missions on both land and sea. Missions carried out by special forces typically relate to surveillance, offensive, support and counter-terrorism.

7. Sayeret Matkal (Israel)


The Israeli special forces Sayeret Matkal was created under General Staff in 1957, where only people with good physical fitness And high level intelligence. Candidates undergo an eighteen-month training course that includes infantry training, paratrooper training, counter-terrorism operations and intelligence training. Since the 60s, Israeli special forces have taken part in several dozen special operations in different parts of the world. The most known operation carried out by Sayeret Matkal fighters, this is “Yonatan”, also known as “Entebbe”. In 1976, Palestinian militants hijack a passenger plane and land it near the Ugandan capital of Kampala, taking 83 people with Israeli passports hostage. 100 people took part in the assault on the airport, but a strike force of 29 people, entirely consisting of Sayeret Matkal commandos, destroyed most terrorists.

While many of the missions carried out by this unit are still classified, the missions we know about are quite impressive. They arrest war criminals, serve as bodyguards, and acquire key intelligence for their country during war.

This is perhaps one of the most elite special forces units owned by the Israeli military. Within twenty months educational process they learn military fundamentals, advanced diving techniques, weapons training, and hand-to-hand combat. If you voluntarily become part of this elite unit, you will be forced to serve for a minimum of four and a half years, far beyond the normal mandatory obligations in the Israeli military. We reach our first unit of the United States intelligence services: the Green Berets.

6. Delta Force (USA)


The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta unit (translated into Russian as the 1st Special Purpose Operational Detachment "Delta"), the better known Delta Force, was created in 1977 to conduct anti-terrorism and secret operations, reconnaissance and hostage rescue. The British SAS were taken as a role model, moreover, the man who stood at the origins of the creation of Delta Force, for a long time worked closely with representatives of the British special forces. It typically recruits former Green Berets and Rangers, of whom only 1 in 10 pass the tests.

Due to the amount of work that the Green Beret member will perform in foreign countries, you are required to speak a foreign language to join this unit. The training usually lasts from 55 to 95 weeks, depending on what you choose foreign language. Once your basic training is completed, you will be able to train for advanced skills such as parachuting, diving, and sniper.

The 1st Special Operations Detachment-Delta, also known as Delta Force, is one of the most powerful special mission units under the United States Army. Their actions are very classified, but we know that they participated in the war in Persian Gulf, in the Somali Civil War, in the Yugoslav War, in the Afghan War and in the Iraq War since the founding of the force. If you want to be part of this elite counter terrorist team, you need to work hard. This is before preparations have officially begun!

5. GSG 9 (Germany)


The German unit GSG 9, specializing in anti-terrorism and special operations under the Ministry of the Interior, was created in 1973, exactly one year after the Munich tragedy, when 11 Israeli athletes were terrorists during the Olympic Games. I use GSG 9 to free hostages, destroy terrorists, neutralize extortionists, protect important people and conduct sniper operations. Over the entire period of its existence, more than 1,500 successful operations were carried out.

Next - group special services, which is probably largest division special operations in the Pakistani army. This base is located in Tarbela Canton in Pakistan. In the early years of the unit's operation, training was largely based on that of Special Forces units in the United States. Today they are also known for their skillful use of Chinese training and tactics.

The word "Spetsnaz" is an abbreviation of a Russian term that roughly translates to English language to special forces or special purpose military units. Spetsnaz is often used to refer to special forces units, belonging to Russia, but can often be used to refer to special forces units belonging to former Soviet states. There are several Spetsnaz units built from Russia, with one of them belonging to the joint weapons, seven belonging to Ground forces Russia, one of which belongs to the Russian Airborne Forces, and four belong to naval special operations.

4. JTF2 (Canada)


The Canadian special forces JTF2 (Joint Task Force 2) under the Ministry of Defense was created in 1993, the number of which was increased after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The main task of this unit is to conduct anti-terrorist and special operations, as well as to involve especially important persons in the protection. JTF2 was deployed to protect heads of state during the 2010 Winter Olympics, rescue hostages in Iraq, and hunt down Serbian snipers in Bosnia. Also, the Canadians, together with the American Navy SEAL, carried out special operations in Afghanistan, and which were so secret that the Prime Minister of Canada did not know for several years that JTF2 was actively fighting in Afghanistan.

It was also alleged that Special Forces are carrying out various operations in Syria civil war. Although it has undergone a name change, it is still known as the most elite special forces unit in the Indian Navy. The training usually takes two to three years and students learn all about skydiving, explosive disposal, insertion techniques, demolition, parachuting and submarines. This highly professional special forces unit is highly feared by terrorists who are well aware of how lethal and effective they are in this field.

3. EKO Cobra (Austria)


The Austrian anti-terrorist unit EKO Cobra was created in 1978 under the Ministry of the Interior. In Austria, the idea of ​​​​creating a special police force arose in 1972 after the terrorist attack in Munich in 1972 during the Olympics, when 11 Israeli athletes were killed. EKO Cobra is primarily involved in anti-terrorism operations. All unit soldiers undergo mandatory shooting courses, hand-to-hand combat, combat tactics, explosives and scuba diving. EKO Cobra is the only special forces unit in the world that neutralized terrorists in a flying plane before it landed at the airfield. This happened in 1996 when criminals demanded a change of course civil aircraft, which carried four EKO Cobra employees and were neutralized within a few minutes.

Their operations typically involve cutter terrorism, hostage rescue, raids, and reconnaissance. Perhaps the unit's most recent and most famous success was the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden. This is obviously an incredible success. They are a very talented and efficient unit and they have been saving lives before some of these other units were even an idea.

Security and special forces are very important to protect the country. These top special forces get very good preparation, as they need to go through secret and important missions that may be related to the army, military or political. The history of these special forces began during the Second World War when these forces showed great zeal and won the war against the enemy.

2. Navy SEAL (USA)


The US Navy SEAL team, also known as the Navy SEALs, created in 1962, has become a true legend after its daring operations in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past few years. Particularly resonant was Operation Neptune Spear in 2011, during which the number one terrorist, Osama bin Laden, was killed in a villa in Pakistan. All recruits of the unit undergo a training course during the year, where the majority are eliminated already at the first stage during general physical training, where the emphasis is on push-ups, squats, running and swimming. After which, undergoing highly specialized training such as explosives, reconnaissance, etc.

It is a special force created to resolve special operations so that every soldier is always ready to protect his country from any problem or danger. It is a very effective force whose main task is to carry out dangerous tasks such as terrorism which can attack any part of the country.

It is a special and effective force created primarily to protect the country from all dangers. Organized by the Department fast forces Germany, the soldiers of this force are being selected German army. They are selected based on their experience. This is reason enough for him to be included in the list of the top ten best forces in the world.

1. SAS (UK)


The best special forces unit in the world is considered to be the British SAS (Special Air Service, SAS), created back in 1941, which became a role model for the creation of similar units in other countries. Initially, the units were created to act in the rear of Italian and German troops in North Africa, eventually transforming into an anti-terrorist squad to conduct operations both inside and outside the country. All SAS candidates, who are mostly paratroopers, must complete a 40-mile forced march at full gear in 20 hours, followed by a 2-mile swim in 1.5 hours and a 4-mile run in 30 minutes, and that's just the first part of the test. Further into the jungle, where they must demonstrate survival skills and finally withstand a 36-hour interrogation, where they try to break the will of the recruits. In addition to general military training, SAS soldiers undergo various courses under the guidance of MI5 (security service) and MI6 (security service) instructors. foreign intelligence). The SAS loudly declared themselves in 1980, carrying out a successful storming of the Iranian embassy in London, freeing the hostages.

This is the best and one of the most secretive forces of the United States. They are trained to respond to a variety of threats and non-traditional military roles. The unit is trained to conduct counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations in France. This special force unit is considered a role model for the world. Its main task is the fight against counter-terrorism in peacetime and special fighting during the war.

Special Forces or Special Operations Units are highly trained military units well equipped to carry out unconventional unorthodox covert missions that usually involve political and economic goals countries.

Do you remember the old Soviet joke? At a meeting at NATO, generals decide in which army in the world, which elite units are best trained. English Green Berets? Or American Navy SEALs? Or someone else? Finally one old general says that the most terrible troops are in the Soviet Union. They are called a strange word, construction battalion, and due to their special savagery, they are not even trusted with weapons. The Soviet Union conveniently collapsed. IN Russian army the construction battalion was abolished (replacing it with more favorable phrases “railway troops” and “ engineering troops"), but still, it is interesting to know which country owns the strongest elite troops special purpose.

The Romans used small, fast, camouflaged ships with specially trained soldiers for reconnaissance and combat. Then, during the War Crusades, the Muslims deployed many camouflaged ships to gather intelligence and raid enemy ships. In Japan, ninjas were recognized as special force, having the right to spy and assassins. They are not ordinary military men like our list. We've enlisted 15 of the best of the best special forces in the entire world.

In addition, interaction with others foreign intelligence services at the training ground makes them quite capable of strength. It originally had 6 companies, and each company had specialized divisions, mainly in desert, mountain, ranger and submarine warfare.

Of course, it is difficult to compare these troops with each other, since it is impossible to hold a tournament between them according to the Olympic system in the manner of gladiator fights practiced in Ancient Rome, but you can try to evaluate the entry requirements, training, as well as the track record of these military formations. So….


8. Black Stork Squad, Pakistan

It is created exclusively to regulate various special operations such as submarine warfare, counter-terrorism, Special Intelligence, Unconventional Warfare and it is one of the best in the business. They have also acquired a very distinctive name from terrorists who call them "Dadiwala Fuji", meaning "Bearded Army" due to their bearded camouflage in civilian areas.

Over the years, the unit has been involved in numerous counter-terrorism operations and highly professional security measures. This Italian special operations unit is known for its marksmanship. A special equipment cell equips the device with highly modified and modern state-of-the-art equipment.



A special forces group that got its name from its unique headgear. During training, the fighters of this formation must complete a forced march of 58 km in 12 hours and, with full equipment, run 8 km in 50 minutes. It fights mainly against Afghans, including the Taliban.

7. Special Operations Unit of the Spanish Navy



Created in 1952, initially only volunteers were recruited there. It was called a “company of mountaineering divers” (the original name, isn’t it?) Later it was transformed into an elite unit. The selection for this unit is very strict. Based on the results of the qualifying course, 70-80% of applicants are usually eliminated.

6. Russian special forces "Alpha"



Created in 1974, of course, under the KGB, subsequently, after the collapse Soviet Union, came under the control of the FSB. After the collapse of the Union, this special unit clearly had more work. All kinds of operations in the North Caucasus and beyond. Alpha fighters fight both terrorists and representatives organized crime. Both of them, as you understand, are an order of magnitude greater in Russia than in former USSR. What can you do, the world is changing.

For Beslan and Nord-Ost, Alpha is still criticized to this day, making unjustified accusations against the security forces a large number of victims. But, it must be said that in the same notorious Moscow theater, the Alfovites corrected the mistakes of other people who showed phenomenal carelessness and indifference. The result was 129 dead hostages, mainly from the effects of paralytic gas. However, the professionalism and highest fighting qualities of the Alpha fighters are beyond doubt. Suffice it to recall the storming of Amin’s palace in Kabul in 1979, numerous operations in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and other hot spots.

For example, the liquidation of the leader of Ichkeria Aslan Maskhadov and the representative of Al-Qaeda in Chechnya and the adjacent regions of Abu Havsa, the release of hostages in Mineralnye Vody in 2001. As for criticism, it seems that the peculiarities of the Russian mentality have an effect. Criticize, look for the guilty, and sometimes even curse, accusing of all known mortal sins, but when it gets hot, tearfully beg for help.

5. Special forces of the French gendarmerie, the so-called intervention group. GIGN



Basic combat missions- operations to free hostages, this is the specificity of the group. When seizing the Al-Harak Mosque in 1979 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, special forces were faced with the fact that only Muslims could be allowed into the territory of the holy city. Then three fighters of the group converted to Islam, and after that they immediately joined the troops Saudi Arabia who liberated the mosque from terrorists.

In total, the group’s combat account includes more than 600 freed hostages.

4. Special unit Sayeret Matkal, Israel



The main tasks are reconnaissance and information collection. Therefore, the fighters of this unit spend a lot of time behind enemy lines. Not everyone can withstand the extreme stress of the qualifying course (gibusha). Training is carried out under the supervision of doctors and a psychologist. Based on the results of the death, only the best are accepted into the unit.

One of the group's most memorable operations was the release of an Israeli taxi driver named Ilyahu Gurel, who had been kidnapped by three Palestinians whom he had taken to Jerusalem. His captors held him in a 10-meter shaft in an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Ramallah. However, special forces soldiers found him there too. As for the terrorists, they were given what they deserved.

3. UK Special Air Service, or SAS (Special Air Service)



This is, in a way, a double of a special unit Marine Corps SBS. The motto of this unit is “He who takes risks wins.” The SAS saw action in Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. As American General Stanley McChrystal noted, “Their participation was critical. We couldn't have done it without them." This statement best characterizes the role of the SAS in those events, as well as the level of combat training.

2. Special unit British Marine Corps - SBS (Special Boat Service)



There is also a very tough selection and high intensity of training. The training course includes all kinds of endurance tests, training in survival skills in combat conditions, training in the jungles of Belize, plus intensive interrogation of candidates for admission. You can take the test course no more than twice.

1. SEALs are an elite unit of the US Armed Forces



The main tactical unit of the US Navy's special operations forces. They are mainly engaged in reconnaissance, sabotage activities and the release of hostages, and also solve other tasks of a tactical nature (clearing mines, combating illegal border crossings).

The formation of the detachment began in 1962. First of all, fighters who could swim well, shoot and wield bladed weapons were selected for the detachment.

From 1962 to 1973, SEALs fought in Vietnam, both as part of reconnaissance teams and as instructors for Vietnamese soldiers. Invaded Grenada (Operation Flash of Fury, 1983). Participated in the Gulf War (Operation Main Chance). They fought in Panama and Afghanistan. On May 2, 2011, a Navy special forces detachment conducted successful operation to eliminate Bin Laden.
The specificity of training fur seals is that they perceive water not as an obstacle, but as natural environment. Service in the SEAL places increased demands on the health of fighters, both physical and psychological, and therefore the training there is appropriate. What is the “hell week” worth, when for 5 days fighters sleep only 4 hours a day, and the rest of the time is occupied with survival tests.

The motto of the Navy SEALs - “the only easy day was yesterday” clearly indicates the progressive nature of the loads, which are already to an ordinary person will seem overwhelming.