Green Berets

Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, were established in 1952 as the Army's premier proponent of unconventional warfare, drawing inspiration from special operations units like the Alamo Scouts and the First Special Service Force.

In 1953, Special Forces Major Herbert Brucker designated the Green Beret, which was later adopted by 1st Lt. Roger Pezelle as the unofficial headgear for his A-team, Operational Detachment FA32. Despite its popularity among Special Forces, the Army did not approve its official use.

In 1955, the U.S. Army Special Forces introduced the green beret as their distinctive headdress. Initially worn at a retirement parade at Fort Bragg, it caused confusion among onlookers who mistook the operators for a foreign delegation.

In 1961, the Department of the Army officially designated the green beret as the exclusive headdress for the Army Special Forces through Message 578636, reversing the previous ban by General Paul D. Adams.

General Yarborough wore his green beret to greet President Kennedy during his visit to Fort Bragg on October 12, 1961.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy referred to the green beret as a symbol of excellence, courage, and distinction in the fight for freedom. This recognition further solidified the significance of the green beret for the Special Forces.

President Kennedy's authorization of the green beret created a special bond with the U.S. Special Forces. This bond was evident in specific traditions carried out during and after Kennedy's funeral, symbolizing the respect and admiration for his support.

Green Beret Barry Sadler popularized the special unit with his song 'The Ballad of the Green Berets' in 1966. The song became an iconic representation of the Green Berets.

In July 1969, Colonel Robert Rheault and several military intelligence officers from the 5th Special Forces Group were arrested for the murder of a suspected North Vietnamese double agent, damaging the reputation of U.S. Special Forces.

In 1981, Capt. Kathleen Wilder became the first woman to qualify for the Green Berets. Despite initial setbacks, she filed a sex discrimination complaint and was later allowed to wear the Special Forces Tab, continuing her career until retirement.

The Special Forces Tab was created in 1983, allowing qualified individuals like Capt. Kathleen Wilder to wear this prestigious insignia.

In December 1989, Operation Just Cause was launched to depose Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, involving a large contingent of Special Operations Forces including Special Forces detachments, Delta Force, and others.

In October 1990, the 5th Special Forces Group was the first to deploy in the Persian Gulf War, patrolling the Saudi-Kuwait border, providing intelligence, and playing a crucial role in the coalition's efforts.

ODA 525 team picture was taken shortly before infiltration in Iraq in February 1991, showcasing the Special Forces' operational capabilities during that time.

After the September 11 attacks, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan was initiated with Task Force Dagger, built around the 5th Special Forces Group, conducting special operations to defeat the Taliban.

On October 18, 2001, Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 595, a 12-man Green Beret team, along with two Air Force Combat Controllers, were airlifted from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan to assist the Northern Alliance in their fight against the Taliban.

On November 9, 2001, ODA 595 and CIA's Special Activities Division assisted about 2000 members of the Northern Alliance in attacking and liberating Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan.

On November 12, 2001, ODA 555 played a role in assisting the Northern Alliance forces in capturing the city of Kabul from the Taliban.

On December 5, 2001, a 2,000lb GPS-guided bomb landed among the Green Berets from ODA 574, resulting in casualties and the dispatch of other teams to assist with the wounded.

On December 20, 2001, ODA 561 was inserted into the White Mountains to support ODA 572 in conducting sensitive site exploitation of caves and recovering DNA samples from terrorist bodies.

On January 4, 2002, Green Beret SFC Scott Neil carried out a daring mission near Kabul, overcoming al-Qaeda fighters and uncovering valuable intelligence from a suspected compound.

On May 19, 2002, a Green Beret from Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 19th SFG, was killed while on patrol in Paktita, Afghanistan.

Prior to the November 7 D-DAY, the 5th SFG, JSOC elements, SEALs, and Marine Force Recon were heavily involved in shaping operations, including feints, reconnaissance, and direct-action missions. Green Berets and Delta Force operators embedded with Marine and Army units to provide advanced communications and mentoring during house-to-house combat in Fallujah.

In November 2006, George W. Bush sanctioned a directive allowing US forces in Iraq to target and capture Iranian nationals engaged in hostile activities against coalition forces. This directive led to the formation of Task Force 17, focused on countering Iranian influence with the involvement of Green Berets.

In 2007, Green Berets and Polish GROM conducted Operation Jackal against insurgents in Diwaniyah. This operation aimed to combat insurgency and stabilize the region through targeted military actions.

In September 2008, a Green Beret ODA conducted a joint operation with SASR in Uruzgan Province, resulting in the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan where significant combat took place.

In October 2011, President Barack Obama deployed forces to combat the Lord's Resistance Army insurgency in Central Africa.

In October 2012, an Invisible Children, Inc. program resulted in notable defections from the Lord's Resistance Army, including the 'chief intelligence officer,' with the assistance of U.S. special forces.

In 2013, Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara was rebranded as Operation Juniper Shield. This operation aimed to enhance Niger's military capabilities to counter terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, with advisory support from Green Berets.

In January 2015, Green Berets were present when Dominic Ongwen surrendered to authorities, a notable success in combating the Lord's Resistance Army insurgency.

In October 2015, Green Berets participated in the Battle of Kunduz, aiding Afghan forces in retaking the city from Taliban insurgents.

On January 5, 2016, Staff Sergeant Matthew McClintock was killed during a battle in the Marjah district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while assisting Afghan forces in reclaiming territory from the Taliban.

On May 26, 2016, Green Berets supported Afghan forces in clearing insurgents from Elbak, Kandahar province. They called in airstrikes on Taliban insurgents, resulting in casualties. The mission had mixed results but disrupted Taliban activities.

On August 23, 2016, a US soldier from A Company, 3rd battalion, 1st SFG, was killed by an IED in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province during a foot patrol. Another soldier and six Afghans were wounded.

On October 4, 2016, a US soldier from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG was killed by a roadside bomb blast in Achin, Nangarhar province during an operation against ISIL-KP militants.

On October 17, 2016, DEA agents, supported by Green Berets and Afghan units, found a 'superlab' belonging to a drug trafficking network in Farah province. The seizure was significant, marking a major heroin bust in Afghanistan.

In November 2016, a joint raid in Kunduz Province targeted top Taliban commanders. The operation led to casualties on both sides, including civilian fatalities. Two Green Berets were killed in the operation.

On November 4, 2016, a Jordanian guard opened fire on a convoy of Green Berets returning to base in Jordan, resulting in casualties. The incident underscored the risks faced by US troops during training missions in the region.

On October 4, 2017, Green Berets of the 3rd SFG were ambushed near the Niger-Mali border by ISGS terrorists. The ambush resulted in casualties on both sides, highlighting the challenges faced by special forces in combating extremist threats in the region.

In July 2020, the first woman completed the Army Special Forces Qualification Course and joined a Green Beret team, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Green Berets.