Battleground Archives

The history of the United States Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, is a fascinating journey that reflects the evolution of modern warfare and special operations. Their origins, development, and operational achievements highlight their significant role in U.S. military history and global conflict resolution.

Origins and Formation

The concept of specialized forces for unconventional warfare traces back to various precedents in U.S. and world history; however, the Green Berets as we know them were formally established on June 19, 1952. The formation of the Special Forces was largely driven by the need for a force capable of conducting guerrilla warfare, direct action, counter-insurgency, and other specialized missions during the Cold War.

Early Years and the Cold War

Initially based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the Special Forces groups were created to train and lead unconventional warfare forces or guerrillas in occupied countries. During the Cold War, their focus was on preparing for the possibility of fighting communist forces behind enemy lines. They were instrumental in developing the doctrine of Unconventional Warfare (UW) and trained extensively in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) techniques, languages, and other skills necessary for their unique missions.

Fort Bragg is a major United States Army installation located in North Carolina, near the city of Fayetteville. It is one of the largest military installations in the world and serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC), and U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War marked a significant period for the Green Berets, where they were deployed extensively and gained public recognition. They advised and led Montagnard tribes and other indigenous forces against Viet Cong guerrillas and North Vietnamese forces, conducted direct action missions, and engaged in counter-insurgency, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. Their efforts to win the “hearts and minds” of the local population by providing medical assistance, education, and development projects were central to their counter-insurgency strategy.

Post-Vietnam and Late 20th Century

After Vietnam, the focus of the Green Berets shifted to other global hotspots, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where they engaged in advisory roles, counter-narcotics, and counter-terrorism operations. During the 1980s, they were involved in actions in Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury in 1983) and Panama (Operation Just Cause in 1989).

Post-9/11 Era

Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Green Berets have been at the forefront of the global war on terror. They have been deployed in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom), Iraq, and various other global theaters to conduct counter-terrorism operations, train host nation forces, and perform direct action and counter-insurgency operations. Their role in the early stages of the Afghanistan invasion in 2001, where they worked with the Northern Alliance to overthrow the Taliban, is particularly noteworthy.

Present Day

Today, the Green Berets continue to be a critical component of the United States Special Operations community. They are continuously adapting to the changing nature of global threats, including cyber warfare, information operations, and the evolving landscape of unconventional warfare. Their training, capabilities, and global deployment reflect the United States’ commitment to responding swiftly and effectively to emerging security challenges worldwide.

The history of the Green Berets is a testament to their resilience, versatility, and commitment to their motto: “De Oppresso Liber” (To Free the Oppressed). This history not only highlights their past achievements but also sets the stage for their future contributions to global peace and security.

Find out More

For more information about the Green Berets, please check out any of the books, movies or sites listed below.

1. Green Berets: Special Forces by C. F. Earl
2. Green Berets in the Vanguard: Inside Special Forces, 1953-1963 by Archer Chalmers Jr.
3. Tales of the Green Berets by Alex Dean and Henry P Hansard
4. The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Forged a New Afghanistan by Eric Blehm
5. Hammerhead Six: How Green Berets Waged an Unconventional War Against the Taliban to Win in Afghanistan’s Deadly Pech Valley by Ronald Fry, Tad Tuleja
6. War Stories of the Green Berets by Hans-Halberstadt
7. Green Berets, Blackhawks, Purple Hearts: Elite Units of the US Military by HowStuffWorks
8. The Green Berets in the Land of a Million Elephants by Joseph Celeski
9. Green Berets at War: U.S. Army Special Forces in Southeast Asia 1956-1975 by Shelby L. Stanton
10. The Guerrilla Factory: The Making of Special Forces Officers, the Green Berets by Tony Schwalm
11. Inside the Green Berets: The First Thirty Years – A History of the U.S. Army Special Forces by Charles M. Simpson III.This book offers a comprehensive history of the U.S. Army Special Forces from their origins to the 1980s. It covers their training, operations, and evolution into a premier special operations force. Available through Internet Archive.
12. Hunting the Jackal: A Special Forces and CIA Soldier’s Fifty Years on the Frontlines of the War Against Terrorism by Billy Waugh and Tim Keown. Written by a former Green Beret and CIA operative, this book provides a firsthand account of special operations missions, including those carried out by the Green Berets.
13. Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces by Linda Robinson. This book explores the role of Special Forces, including the Green Berets, in modern conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan. It provides insights into their training, tactics, and contributions to these wars.
14. Inside the Green Berets, National Geographic. This documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the intense training and selection process of the U.S. Army Special Forces, focusing on the rigorous challenges faced by aspiring Green Berets.
15. The Green Berets, History Channel. This documentary series delves into the history, missions, and training of the Green Berets. It includes interviews with former Special Forces soldiers and experts in the field.
16. The Green Berets. Starring John Wayne, this classic film depicts a fictionalized account of a Green Beret unit in Vietnam. While it has elements of Hollywood drama, it provides a glimpse into the role of Special Forces during the Vietnam War.
17. 12 Strong. Based on the true story of the Horse Soldiers, this film follows a U.S. Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. It showcases the bravery and tenacity of the Green Berets in unconventional warfare.
18. The Team House Podcast. Hosted by former Special Forces soldiers Jack Murphy and Dave Parke, this podcast covers a wide range of military and Special Forces topics, often featuring guests with experience in the Green Berets.
19. Zero Limits Podcast. Hosted by Australian veterans this show from time to time interview active and former Green Berets.