Special Forces: The Early Years – Special Forces (SF) grew out of the establishment of the Special Operations Division of the Psychological Warfare Center, activated at Fort Bragg, N.C., in May 1952. The Army allocated 2,300 personnel slots to make up the first Special Forces (SF) unit when the Ranger companies fighting in the Korean War were disbanded.
The 10th SF Group was established with Colonel Aaron Bank as the first commander. Concurrent with this was the establishment of the Psychological Warfare School, which ultimately became today’s John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
Col. Bank assembled a cadre of officers and NCOs to serve as the foundation of the new unit, and act as a training staff for the fledgling organization. Bank did not want raw recruits. He wanted the best troops in the Army, and he got them as former OSS officers, airborne troops, ex-Rangers and combat veterans of World War II and Korea. After months of preparation, the 10th SF Group was activated on June 11, 1952, at Fort Bragg. On the day of its activation, the total strength of the group was 10 Soldiers – Col. Bank, 1 warrant officer and eight enlisted men. Within months, the first volunteers reported to the 10th SF Group by the hundreds as they completed the initial phase of their SF training.
SPECIAL FORCES: The Early Years
As soon as the 10th Group became large enough, Col. Bank began training his troops in the most advanced techniques of unconventional warfare. As defined by the Army, the main mission of the 10th SF Group was “to infiltrate by land, sea or air, deep into enemy-occupied territory and organize the resistance/guerrilla potential to conduct Special Forces operations, with emphasis on guerrilla warfare.” As Bank put it, “Our training included many more complex subjects, and was geared to entirely different, more difficult, comprehensive missions, and complex operations.”
After less than a year and a half as a full SF group, Bank’s men proved to the Army’s satisfaction that they had mastered the skills of their new trade.
On Nov. 11 1953, half of the 10th SF Group deployed to Bad Tolz, West Germany. The other half remained at Fort Bragg, where it was designated as the 77th SF Group. The split of the 10th and the 77th was the first sign that SF had established itself as an integral part of the Army’s basic structure.
For the rest of the 1950s, SF would grow slowly but consistently. By the end of 1952, the first SF troops to operate behind enemy lines in Korea on missions that remained classified for nearly 30 years.
Anti-communist guerrillas with homes in North Korea and historical ties to Seoul had joined the United Nations Partisan Forces-Korea. Known as “Donkeys” and “Wolfpacks,” the guerrilla units and their American cadre operated from tiny islands off the North Korean coast. The partisans conducted raids on the mainland, and rescued downed airman. Under the guidance of a select group from the 10th SF Group and other U.S. cadre, they eventually numbered 22,000 and claimed 69,000 enemy casualties.
On April 1, 1956, the 14th Special Forces Operational Detachment with select members from 77th SF Group, 12th, 13th and 16th operational detachments, under the cover unit of the 8251st Army Service Unit, transferred to Fort Shaffer, Hawaii from Fort Bragg, N.C., in June 1956. Shortly afterward, the 12th, 13th and 16th Special Forces Operational Detachment (SFOD) regiment were moved to Camp Drake, Japan under the cover unit identification of 8231st Army Unit. 1st Special Forces Group was officially activated on June 24, 1957 at Camp Drake, however, the activation ceremony was held on July 14, 1957 at Camp Buckner, Okinawa. On Oct. 30, 1960, all SF groups reorganized under the combat arms regimental system. 1st SF Group was regimented, 1st SF Group in recognition of its lineage with the First Special Service Force of World War II.
Why were the original teams consist of twelve (12) men? Next: The twelve-man teams.
Next Week: SPECIAL FORCES: Twelve Man Teams | Part III
THE PHOTO:
The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) at Fort Bragg, N.C., is one of the Army’s premier education institutions, managing and resourcing professional growth for Soldiers in the Army’s three distinct special operations branches: Special Forces, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations. The Soldiers educated through USAJFKSWCS programs are using cultural expertise and unconventional techniques to serve their country in far-flung areas across the globe. More than anything, these Soldiers bring integrity, adaptability and regional expertise to their assignments.
On any given day, approximately 3,100 students are enrolled in USAJFKSWCS training programs. Courses range from entry-level training to advanced warfighter skills for seasoned officers and NCOs. The 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) qualifies Soldiers to enter the special operations community, and teaches them advanced tactical skills as they progress through their careers.
The Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, operating under the auspices of the Special Warfare Medical Group, is the central training facility for Department of Defense special operations combat medics. Furthermore, USAJFKSWCS leads efforts to professionalize the Army’s entire special operations force through the Special Forces Warrant Officer Institute and the David K. Thuma Noncommissioned Officer Academy.
While most courses are conducted at Fort Bragg, USAJFKSWCS enhances its training by maintaining facilities, and relationships with outside institutions, across the country. In all, USAJFKSWCS offers 41 unique courses that give Soldiers the skills they need to survive and succeed on the battlefield.
Why did SF form the twelve (12) man teams?
SPECIAL FORCES: From Birth to Present Day | Part I
SPECIAL FORCES: The Early Years | Part II
Next Week: SPECIAL FORCES: Twelve Man Teams
Photo provided by SOC.MIL/SWCS – US Army
