10th Group Special Forces: Elite Unit Overview

The world of special operations is shrouded in secrecy, with various elite units operating under the radar to conduct high-stakes missions. Among these units is the 10th Group Special Forces, an elite component of the United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. In this article, we will delve into the history, organization, and operations of the 10th Group Special Forces, providing an in-depth overview of this esteemed unit.

History of the 10th Group Special Forces

The 10th Group Special Forces has its roots in World War II, when the United States Army began to recognize the need for unconventional warfare units. In 1942, the Army activated the 1st Special Service Force, a unit designed to conduct guerrilla warfare and sabotage behind enemy lines. After the war, the Army disbanded the 1st Special Service Force, but the concept of special operations units persisted.

In the 1950s, the Army reactivated the 1st Special Forces Group, and the 10th Group Special Forces was established in 1952 as a component of the 1st Special Forces Group. The 10th Group was tasked with conducting unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action missions in support of national objectives.

Mission and Organization

The 10th Group Special Forces is headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado, and is organized into three battalions: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions. Each battalion is further divided into companies, which are the basic building blocks of the unit.

The 10th Group's mission is to conduct special operations in support of national objectives, including:

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

To accomplish its mission, the 10th Group is organized into various teams, including:

• Operational Detachments (ODAs): These are the basic building blocks of the 10th Group, consisting of 12-15 operators.
• Operational Detachment-Bravo (ODB): These teams are composed of 2-3 ODAs and are responsible for conducting operations in a specific area of operation.
• Operational Detachment-Charlie (ODC): These teams are composed of 2-3 ODBs and are responsible for conducting operations in a specific region.

Selection and Training

The selection process for the 10th Group Special Forces is notoriously grueling, with a high dropout rate. Candidates must undergo a rigorous assessment and selection process, known as the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC).

The SFQC is a 62-week course that includes:

• Basic Airborne Training
• Advanced Individual Training
• Language Training
• Special Forces Qualification Course
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training

Candidates who complete the SFQC are awarded the Special Forces Tab and are assigned to a Special Forces unit.

Operations and Deployments

The 10th Group Special Forces has conducted operations in various theaters, including:

• Vietnam War
• Grenada Revolution
• Panama Invasion
• Gulf War
• War in Afghanistan
• Iraq War

The unit has also conducted humanitarian missions and disaster relief operations in various parts of the world.

Notable Operations and Achievements

The 10th Group Special Forces has conducted numerous notable operations and achieved significant milestones, including:

• Operation Eagle Claw: In 1980, the 10th Group participated in a failed attempt to rescue American hostages from Iran.
• Operation Urgent Fury: In 1983, the 10th Group participated in the invasion of Grenada.
• Operation Just Cause: In 1989, the 10th Group participated in the invasion of Panama.
• Operation Enduring Freedom: In 2001, the 10th Group deployed to Afghanistan to conduct counterterrorism operations.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2003, the 10th Group deployed to Iraq to conduct counterinsurgency operations.

Awards and Decorations

The 10th Group Special Forces has received numerous awards and decorations, including:

• Presidential Unit Citation
• Valorous Unit Award
• Meritorious Unit Commendation
• Army Superior Unit Award

Individual operators have also received numerous awards and decorations, including:

• Medal of Honor
• Distinguished Service Cross
• Silver Star
• Bronze Star

10th Group Special Forces Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the 10th Group Special Forces, an elite unit with a rich history and a reputation for excellence. The 10th Group's operators are among the most highly trained and respected warriors in the world, and their contributions to national security and global stability are immeasurable. We invite you to share your thoughts and comments below, and to learn more about the 10th Group Special Forces and its operations.