In battling insurgents and evildoers, which do you think among these special force groups is the most proficient?
MARCOS
They are capable of engaging operations in all types of terrain. Because of this, the force has gradually acquired a reputation for professionalism and respect over the three decades of its existence. As a component of the Naval Force of India, its main focus is on amphibious warfare, close-quarter combat counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance. With a dropout rate of 90%, any MARCOS aspirant should really think twice of enlisting since making it through is extremely difficult.
It’s one of the main reasons why they are widely feared among terrorists, who call them the “Bearded Army.” The moniker is due to their bearded disguise which makes them look like terrorists themselves. In effect, this makes them harness the element of surprise more effectively.
GIGN
Formed as a response to the Munich Massacre, it was brought into prominence after its successful assault on a hijacked Air France flight in December 1994. Since its creation, GIGN has been involved in over 1,800 missions and rescued more than 600 hostages, making it one of the most experienced counter-terrorism units in the world.
Because of its added specializations on surveillance of national threats, protection of government officials, and targeting organized crime, it offers more than what typical police units in the world have been giving. Why they’re so good at what they do could be due to their motto that states: “To enlist for life, and to save lives without regard to one’s own.”
SSG
Recognized by some world leaders and other special force units as well for their bravery and tenacity, the members of the SSG are warriors who don’t rely on weapons and tactics alone but on a highly motivated mindset as well. To further enhance their level of proficiency and effectiveness, they are known to work in collaboration with other special units in the world, most notably the Turkish and the Chinese.
They are notable for their clever tactical methods such as planting special agents in many civic and government establishments that serve as informants. With physical and mental drills that are modeled after the Green Berets, they are often referred to as the “Maroon Berets.”
JTF2
Even though it is considered as one of the most elite forces of its kind in the world, much of the information regarding Joint Task Force 2 is classified and is not commented on by the Canadian government. Serving as the main hub of the country’s special operations, JTF2 is mainly commissioned for counter-terrorism operations but also specializes in foreign internal defense, direct action, and personnel recovery.
They are referred to in a variety of pop culture aspects that include novels and video games. Why they are recognized in such art forms is undoubtedly due to their tactical efficiency which is also respected a lot by some US special forces personnel who regarded JTF2 as a globally competitive unit– a top list necessity in world security issues.
Eko Cobra
With only more than a thousand operatives for almost 40 years, Eko is indeed a special team because of the very small number of soldiers that it has trained and successfully knighted. Unlike most special forces which only focuses on a certain specialization, this one trains its members in various categories like sniping, parachuting, weaponless combat, and multi-vehicle proficiency.
Like any other special force units in the world, Eko Cobra also deals with typical terrorism and homeland security issues. But it has accomplished one grand achievement that no other special force has ever achieved: ending a hijacking while the plane is still on the air on October 17, 1996.
Sayeret Matkal
Founded in 1953, this unit is said to be the Israeli version of USA’s Delta Force and the UK’s SAS. Within its hierarchy, other special force units are also working in conjunction which furthered the strength of the Jewish people’s army. Although known as a relatively young nation, Israel successfully concocted this highly proficient special force which was known to be the author of the most effective hostage-rescue techniques that many police units are using all over the world.
Israel is a very small nation, but they are one of the most unbeatable in terms of warfare due to the toughness of their warriors… and the Sayerets are the testament to attest to this.
SAS
Its popularity in pop culture is quite undeniable because it led to the creation of a reality TV show “SAS: Who Dares Wins” – about a quasi-military training program which hosts contestants against harsh environments within a duration of two-weeks. It is designed to replicate the Special Air Service selection of The 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, which is part of the regular army.
In reality, the special force behind such group gained worldwide notoriety after its televised rescue of the hostages during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege. Most of the information about the SAS organization is highly classified and is highly avoided to be mentioned much in either the British government nor the Ministry of Defence. Such a tactic is due to the sensitivity and efficacy of their operations.
Navy Seals
Sea, Air, Land – these are the words that comprise the acronym of their group’s last name. With its numerous depictions in movies, TV serials, novels, video games, and in almost any imaginable media you could think of, the Seals are indeed one of the most dangerous groups of humans any terrorist could come across. With its unparalleled drills of both mental and physical conditioning, no evildoer would pit himself against a certified SEAL member because such an encounter would really spell trouble for that villain.
In addition to their superb skills, they are also equipped with the very best weapons that modern warfare has to offer. They are among the very best of their kind, and they have been living up to their reputation ever since their inception.
Spetsnaz
Considered to be an umbrella term for a very wide network of special force groups, it is the most feared warrior group in Russia. It is typically associated with the special units of the land, but other post-Soviet states often identify their special force units by the term as well. It is because those countries also adapted their tactics and training modes from the efficiency of the Spetsnaz.
By reputation, this group has been a real threat to other special force units from other countries like the Navy Seals from the US. Though they have been mostly vilified by western movies as a group of really evil men, most of these depictions are purely fictitious, because Spetsnaz agents were actually one of the most heroic people you can ever come across.
SWCU
China will be the next global superpower, even the US is very much aware of that. Even though China’s most potent weapon is its powers in terms of economy and finances, it has also a very powerful set of warriors, and the Snow Wolf Commando Unit is a testament to its superiority in terms of warfare.
The name was bestowed on the group due to the tenacity of their members, the Arctic Wolves, and their ability to both survive and function effectively even in extremely harsh conditions, of any environment you could possibly put them. Some of the training includes very bizarre drills such as letting the trainees masquerade as women in certain operations. Clearly, they have the most diverse methods, which makes them one of the most effective at their craft.
Which do you think among these packs is the best special forces unit there is?
My overall favorite? Special Air Service. With their service from World War II , to their rescue mission at the Iranian Embassy of the 80s, the lads of the 22nd SAS Regiment are the most feared , and best operators in the world against terrorism. The group was featured mostly in pop-culture, from movies, TV series, even in the Call of Duty franchise.