Intro
Unlock the secrets of the 20th Special Forces Group, an elite US Army unit. Discover the top 10 key facts about this clandestine force, including their history, training, and covert operations. Learn about the Green Berets role in counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and foreign internal defense, and explore their legacy as a premier special operations force.
The 20th Special Forces Group, also known as the 20th SFG, is a unique and elite unit within the United States Army. As a National Guard unit, it is composed of citizen-soldiers who are trained to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and other specialized missions. Here are the top 10 key facts about the 20th Special Forces Group:
What is the 20th Special Forces Group?
The 20th Special Forces Group is a National Guard unit that is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. It is one of the seven Special Forces Groups within the United States Army Special Forces Command (Airborne). The unit is composed of approximately 1,500 soldiers, including Special Forces Operational Detachments (ODAs), also known as A-Teams, and support personnel.
Mission and Responsibilities
The 20th Special Forces Group is trained to conduct a variety of missions, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance. The unit's soldiers are experts in language, culture, and regional politics, and are trained to work with foreign militaries and other government agencies.
History of the 20th Special Forces Group
The 20th Special Forces Group was first activated in 1961 as the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). The unit was formed from existing National Guard units and was designed to provide a unique capability to the United States military. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous operations, including Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and the Balkans.
Training and Selection
To become a member of the 20th Special Forces Group, soldiers must complete the Army's Special Forces Qualification Course, also known as the "Q Course." This grueling course lasts for approximately 24 weeks and includes training in subjects such as languages, survival skills, and unconventional warfare.
Structure and Organization
The 20th Special Forces Group is divided into several battalions, each with its own unique mission and responsibilities. The unit's soldiers are organized into Special Forces Operational Detachments (ODAs), also known as A-Teams, which are composed of 12 soldiers with different specialties.
Special Forces Operational Detachments (ODAs)
The 20th Special Forces Group's ODAs are designed to be self-sufficient and capable of conducting a variety of missions. Each ODA is composed of 12 soldiers, including:
- A detachment commander (Team Leader)
- A warrant officer (Assistant Team Leader)
- A communications sergeant
- A medical sergeant
- A weapons sergeant
- An intelligence sergeant
- An engineer sergeant
- Two language-qualified soldiers
- Two special skills soldiers
Equipment and Vehicles
The 20th Special Forces Group uses a variety of equipment and vehicles, including the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV), the Non-Standard Tactical Vehicle (NSTV), and the Polaris MRZR.
Specialized Skills
The 20th Special Forces Group's soldiers are trained in a variety of specialized skills, including languages, unconventional warfare, and special reconnaissance.
Deployment History
The 20th Special Forces Group has participated in numerous deployments, including:
- Vietnam (1965-1973)
- Grenada (1983)
- Panama (1989-1990)
- Balkans (1990s)
- Iraq (2003-2011)
- Afghanistan (2001-present)
Awards and Decorations
The 20th Special Forces Group has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Valorous Unit Award, the Superior Unit Award, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Conclusion
The 20th Special Forces Group is a unique and elite unit within the United States Army. With its specialized skills and training, the unit is capable of conducting a variety of missions, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and special reconnaissance.
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20th Special Forces Group Image Gallery
What is the 20th Special Forces Group?
+The 20th Special Forces Group is a National Guard unit that is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. It is one of the seven Special Forces Groups within the United States Army Special Forces Command (Airborne).
What is the mission of the 20th Special Forces Group?
+The 20th Special Forces Group is trained to conduct a variety of missions, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance.
How do I join the 20th Special Forces Group?
+To join the 20th Special Forces Group, you must meet the Army's basic qualifications and complete the Special Forces Qualification Course, also known as the "Q Course."