The National Guard Special Forces, also known as the Guard Special Forces (GSF) or the 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups (Airborne), are elite units within the United States Army National Guard. These forces are trained to conduct a wide range of special operations, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance. The primary mission of the National Guard Special Forces is to provide a rapidly deployable, highly trained force capable of executing special operations in support of national objectives.
History and Organization
The National Guard Special Forces have their roots in the World War II-era OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and the early Cold War-era Special Forces. The 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was activated in 1961, followed by the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 1963. These groups are organized into battalions, companies, and detachments, with each detachment consisting of a team of 12-14 soldiers, known as an Operational Detachment-Alpha (ODA). The National Guard Special Forces are aligned under the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and work closely with the active-duty Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets.
Selection and Training
To become a member of the National Guard Special Forces, one must undergo a rigorous selection and training process. This includes completing Basic Airborne Training, the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), and language training. The SFQC, also known as the “Q Course,” is a 24-month training program that teaches advanced skills in areas such as languages, demolitions, and tactical planning. The selection process for the National Guard Special Forces is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants being selected for training.| Training Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Airborne Training | 3 weeks | Teaches basic parachuting skills |
| Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) | 24 months | Teaches advanced skills in areas such as languages, demolitions, and tactical planning |
| Language Training | varies | Teaches language skills in a specific language, such as Spanish, Arabic, or French |
Missions and Operations
The National Guard Special Forces conduct a wide range of missions, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance. They often work in conjunction with other special operations forces, such as the Navy SEALs and the Air Force Special Operations Command. The National Guard Special Forces have been deployed to numerous countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa, in support of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
Unconventional Warfare
Unconventional warfare is a key mission of the National Guard Special Forces. This type of warfare involves working with local forces to build their capacity and conduct operations against a common enemy. The National Guard Special Forces have extensive experience in unconventional warfare, having conducted operations in numerous countries around the world.Key Points
- The National Guard Special Forces are an elite unit within the United States Army National Guard
- They conduct a wide range of special operations, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance
- Their training and selection process is highly competitive, with only the most qualified and dedicated soldiers being selected for this elite force
- They often work in conjunction with other special operations forces, such as the Navy SEALs and the Air Force Special Operations Command
- The National Guard Special Forces have been deployed to numerous countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa, in support of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations
Challenges and Future Directions
The National Guard Special Forces face a number of challenges, including the need to balance their part-time status with the demands of special operations. They must also contend with the challenges of operating in a rapidly changing global environment, where the nature of threats and the requirements for special operations are constantly evolving. Despite these challenges, the National Guard Special Forces remain a critical component of the United States military, offering a unique capability that can be rapidly deployed in support of national objectives.Building Partnerships
Building partnerships with local forces is a key aspect of the National Guard Special Forces’ mission. This involves working with local forces to build their capacity and conduct operations against a common enemy. The National Guard Special Forces have extensive experience in building partnerships, having conducted operations in numerous countries around the world.| Country | Mission | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations | Successful completion of mission objectives |
| Iraq | Counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations | Successful completion of mission objectives |
| Africa | Counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations | Successful completion of mission objectives |
What is the primary mission of the National Guard Special Forces?
+The primary mission of the National Guard Special Forces is to provide a rapidly deployable, highly trained force capable of executing special operations in support of national objectives.
How do the National Guard Special Forces conduct their operations?
+The National Guard Special Forces conduct operations in a variety of ways, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance. They often work in conjunction with other special operations forces, such as the Navy SEALs and the Air Force Special Operations Command.
What is the selection and training process for the National Guard Special Forces?
+The selection and training process for the National Guard Special Forces is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants being selected for training. The training process includes completing Basic Airborne Training, the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), and language training.
The National Guard Special Forces are a unique and critical component of the United States military, offering a rapidly deployable, highly trained force capable of executing special operations in support of national objectives. Their training and selection process is highly competitive, and only the most qualified and dedicated soldiers are selected for this elite force. As the global environment continues to evolve, the National Guard Special Forces will remain a vital part of the United States military, providing a unique capability that can be rapidly deployed in support of national objectives.
