7 Key Facts About Army 3rd Special Forces Group

The United States Army's Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are an elite group of soldiers trained to conduct unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense. Among the five active-duty Special Forces groups, the 3rd Special Forces Group (3rd SFG) holds a unique position. Here are seven key facts about the Army's 3rd Special Forces Group:

History and Lineage

The 3rd Special Forces Group was first activated on December 1, 1960, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The unit was originally part of the U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as the Special Forces Command (Airborne). The group's lineage can be traced back to the 1st Special Service Force, a joint American-Canadian unit that fought in Italy during World War II.

Structure and Organization

The 3rd Special Forces Group is composed of three battalions: the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (1/3 SFG); the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (2/3 SFG); and the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (3/3 SFG). Each battalion is further divided into companies, which are designated by letters (e.g., Company A, Company B, etc.). The group also has a support company and a forward support company.

Mission and Operations

The 3rd Special Forces Group is trained to conduct a variety of missions, including:

• Unconventional warfare
• Foreign internal defense
• Direct action
• Special reconnaissance
• Counterterrorism
• Counterinsurgency

The group's area of operations includes the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. They often work with other U.S. government agencies, as well as with foreign military and law enforcement organizations.

Training and Selection

To join the 3rd Special Forces Group, a soldier must first complete the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) at Fort Bragg. The SFQC is a 52-week course that teaches students the skills they need to become a Special Forces soldier, including language training, survival skills, and advanced first aid. Once a soldier has completed the SFQC, they are assigned to a Special Forces group, such as the 3rd SFG.

Awards and Decorations

Soldiers in the 3rd Special Forces Group have received numerous awards and decorations for their service, including the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star. The group itself has been awarded several unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award.

Home Base and Deployments

The 3rd Special Forces Group is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The group has deployed to various locations around the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa. In recent years, the group has been involved in operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Conclusion

The 3rd Special Forces Group is an elite unit that plays a critical role in the U.S. military's unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense efforts. With their rich history, advanced training, and deployments around the world, the soldiers of the 3rd SFG are true heroes and a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Gallery of 3rd Special Forces Group

What is the 3rd Special Forces Group?

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The 3rd Special Forces Group is an elite unit of the U.S. Army Special Forces, trained to conduct unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense.

Where is the 3rd Special Forces Group based?

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The 3rd Special Forces Group is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

What kind of missions does the 3rd Special Forces Group conduct?

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The 3rd Special Forces Group conducts a variety of missions, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism, and counterinsurgency.