Economy and risk

Special operations warfare is the ultimate realization of the military principle of “economy of force,” in that small numbers of special operators often can achieve far greater results than conventional military operations. For example, in 1977 paramilitary special operators of the West German Grenzschutzgruppe-9 (GSG-9; Border Force Group 9) were able to free 90 hostages from a hijacked airliner in Mogadishu, Somalia, at a cost of only one friendly casualty. A comparable attempt by conventional military or paramilitary forces might not have been possible for political reasons, and doubtless it would have led to considerably higher casualties among both the hostages and the rescuers. Given their disproportionately high return on investment, special operations have value to political and military decision makers, at both the strategic and the operational level, as a low-cost method of addressing vexing problems with a high probability of success.

Special operations may be economical, but they are not without risk. One risk involves the disproportionate return on investment mentioned above. Success is not guaranteed in any military operation, and one very important strategic risk associated with a high-payoff special operation is humiliation should the operation fail to achieve its intended results. Humiliation after such a failure can have severe consequences, both politically and militarily. One example is the failed attempt by U.S. forces to rescue American hostages from Iran in 1980, images of which seemed to confirm to the world that the United States could not perform effectively militarily in the wake of the Vietnam War. Another example is the slow response and lacklustre performance of paramilitary special operators from India’s National Security Guard during the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008. In both cases, outright failure or failure to perform as expected led to highly critical reports in the media, official inquiries, and a certain level of domestic and international political crisis.

In addition to political and strategic fallout, another form of risk is associated with the danger inherent in special operations themselves. Given the fact that most special operations take place in denied or hostile territory, using small numbers of personnel in comparison to the enemy, the risk associated with tactical failure can be death for those involved.

Special designation, equipment, and training

One difference between contemporary and historical special operations warfare is in the creation, evolution, and sustainment of special forces units. Contemporary special operations warfare had its genesis in World War II, but during that conflict, military forces that conducted unorthodox actions were often created as the need arose and then disbanded once the actions had been completed. Famous examples include the joint U.S.-Canadian First Special Service Force, specially trained for mountain warfare; the German Kleinkampfmittelverband (or K-Verband) combat swimmers; and the Italian Decima Flottiglia Mezzi d’Assalto (or X^a MAS) naval assault teams. Today maintaining special forces on a permanent basis gives them greater capabilities than their historical predecessors.

Standing special forces organizations are built upon three foundational elements that give them their “special” characteristics and also differentiate them from their conventional counterparts. Those three foundational elements are special designation, special equipment, and specialized selection and training.

Special designation reflects the unique qualities and demonstrated abilities of a special force. Most commonly, the special designation is seen in the name and also in some part of the uniform that distinguishes members of special forces from members of other units. Members of Britain’s Special Air Service (SAS) sport a sand-coloured beret and “winged dagger” badge, while Russia’s Spetsialnoye naznacheniye (Spetsnaz) can be distinguished by their berets and striped undershirts. Some countries take such distinctions farther; for many years, Indonesian Kopassus special operators wore not only a distinctive red beret but also a unique camouflage uniform. Differences in uniform and unit designation are more than ceremonial; they are worn as a badge of honour by those who have completed the rigorous selection and training processes associated with special forces.

Those selection and training regimes perform a screening function that separates those who have specific qualities from those who do not. More specifically, selection and training identify those with the physical and, above all else, psychological qualities necessary for special operations work (such as level-headedness in times of exceptional stress, intelligence, maturity, and an ability for unconventional problem solving and lateral thinking). The selection process often occurs over several phases and often is overseen by experienced retired former operators. The point of training is to develop special operators’ skills to an exceptional level, cross-train operators in several skills as a means of self-reliance and team building, and also continuously scrutinize candidates for their suitability. Examples of such training and selection processes include the Qualification (or “Q”) course for the U.S. Army’s Special Forces (the “Green Berets”), the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) course for the U.S. Navy’s SEALs, and the joint UKSF selection program for Britain’s SAS and Special Boat Service (SBS). The training for special operators is not only demanding but also dangerous. Special forces’ training regimes are designed to push against the boundaries of a candidate’s physical and psychological endurance, refine both individual and group approaches to problem solving, and hone tactical skills in order to make unconventional options possible, such as high-altitude low-opening (HALO) parachute jumps.

The third and final foundational element of special forces is their specialized equipment. Such equipment may include nonstandard issue such as clothing, eyewear, or weapons; inventory obtained outside traditional military lines of supply, such as light helicopters; equipment heavily modified from standard military issue—for example, by the addition of commercial sights and barrels; and equipment that is technically still in development, such as miniaturized and “burst transmission” radios and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. In the most specialized units, operators are often free to choose equipment that suits their personal preferences and needs. This freedom reflects confidence in the operators’ judgment and ability as well as the primary emphasis in special operations units on the mission’s success.