In Hollywood, there are a lot of attractive guys and ladies who play pretend as they go around the world and fight off big and small threats. Even though this job sounds interesting, it has far less of an impact than the ACTUAL special ops troops which Hollywood is really fond of glamorizing. Now, let’s look at some of the special force units from various parts of the world. We’ve compiled a list of the most TERRIFYING as well as the most ferocious, so keep reading and be prepared to get awed by the different super soldiers.
British SAS
World War II is one of the most iconic moments in history and during that period, the British Special Air Service or SAS was born. In 1941, the team started as a regiment but was ultimately elevated to the position of strength it has today. The team is vital to terrorism response. A person has to be quite tough to make the British SAS and he or she also has to have crazy health insurance coverage.
British SAS
Israeli Shayetet 13
The Shayetet 13 is an Israeli Navy unit and the team is the main special forces utilized by the Israel Defense Force and Israel itself. The Shayetet 13 is quite hidden behind classified documents and not much is known of them. However, it is well known that members of the unit have to master Krav Maga to serve their four-year contracts. The coverage of your health insurance must be quite high just to be trained for the team.
Israeli Shayetet 13
Pakistan Special Service Group
This elite fighting force is part of the Pakistan Army. Formed in the year 1956, the training in this group is mainly based on the work performed by US Special Forces, which is a special forces unit that you will be reading more about later. The Pakistan SSG is headquartered at Tarbela Cantonment and the unit consists of eight battalions. Currently, the Special Service Group is concentrating on fighting against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Pakistan Special Service Group
Austrian Jagdkommando
Jagdkommando means ‘Manhunt Command’ and we think that this team is perfectly described by those two words. This highly trained unit specializes in counter-terrorism but they also cover all other threats whenever it is required. Only 20% of the applicants manage to make it and get accepted to the unit and training is definitely rigorous. Only the best succeed in staying on the team for the amount of time needed to make a difference as well as see active duty.
Austrian Jagdkommando
Taiwan Republic of China Armed Forces
This unit is made up of the Air Force, Army, Navy and Military Police. It was established back in 1924 and one of its most famous task was to take back mainland China from the People’s Republic of China in the 1970’s. The sprawling and sustainable cities in China wouldn’t be safe without the men and women in this unit watching over things.
Taiwan Republic Of China Armed Forces
Peruvian Armed Forces
The Peruvian Armed Forces are well known for the fearsome face paint they wear but they have actually been in operation since the year 1821. The Peruvian Army is tasked mainly with domestic issues and reports directly to the Ministry of Defense and the Peruvian president. The Peruvian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Joint Command.
Peruvian Armed Forces
Canadian JTF2
Based near Ottawa, Ontario, this special operation force of the Canadian Armed Forces take the jobs no one else can handle. Joint Task Force 2 is made up of highly trained soldiers who specialize in responsive ability to various things like nuclear warfare defense and counter-terrorism. Because the government of Canada is especially hush concerning their special forces, we don’t really know much about them other than the fact that they must be in need of really extensive health insurance coverage.
Canadian JTF2
US Delta Force
The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta or more commonly known as the US Delta Force, is among the most vital arms of the US military. The missions this unit is tasked with are some of the world changing and most secretive that you will NEVER hear about. Established back in 1977, much of what the US Delta Force does is based on the work the British SAS does. The US Army unit is excellent at counter terrorism, focuses on hostage rescue missions, and can be deployed at different places around the world.
U.S. Delta Force
German KSK
You could fuel numerous sustainable cities just by the willpower needed to join the KSK of Germany. The KSK is among the special forces units that are the most elite in the world. In order for you to join the unit, you need to pass and needless to say, graduate from 17 different schools around the world to maximize the training you receive. We’re not saying that you get amazing health insurance coverage if you work here, but we think you definitely need it.
German KSK
Danish Hunter Corps
If you’re wondering who these scary looking individuals are, they are members of the Danish Hunter Corps. First established back in 1961, the Hunter Corps is a unit of the Royal Danish Army and was first deployed only in the year 1995, having been sent to Bosnia. This elite fighting team has only 150 members and if you see one of them up close, you might want to buy a lotto ticket after as well.
Danish Hunter Corps
Serbian Gendarmerie
The Serbian Gendarmerie is a unit which was established in the year 2001 and is part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia. This team is quite interesting in the way that they serve both as a military and civilian unit in cities all over the country, not just in peaceful little sustainable ones. The Serbian Gendarmerie are not only the first responders but they are also counter-terrorist fighters and rescue teams, so it’s a good idea not to provoke these guys. The Serbian Gendarmerie is composed of two different units: the Special Operations Unit and the Special Police Unit.
Serbian Gendarmerie
Iraqi Special Operations Forces
The Iraqi Special Operations Forces, or commonly known as the Golden Division, were created in the year 2004. The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service controls this unit, which is almost 18,000 soldiers strong. The special forces team have to go into streets which are among the most dangerous in the world. The unit has to deal with the nightmarish Mosul and also the dangers that the Islamic State poses.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces
US Army Special Forces Snipers
In the 2014 movie “American Sniper,” you can see a part of the story of Chris Kyle, one of the really famous US Army Special Forces Snipers. In any case, the Special Forces Snipers are some of the grittiest and toughest soldiers in the world. For someone to make rank, he or she has to pass all the Special Forces Qualification Courses first before he or she even gets the chance to take the much more difficult lessons. The guys in this unit go to some extremely dangerous places around the world where they sit by themselves and wait to create an impact.
U.S. Army Special Forces Snipers
French Commandos Marine
If you’re in a combat situation, the last thing you would want is to have these guys on the opposite side. The first entry from France in the top 10, France’s Commandos Marine are among the special force units that are the oldest as well as the most highly skilled in the whole world. The entire command is composed of roughly 600 soldiers and the group is also commonly known as the Green Berets.
French Commandos Marine
Russian Spetsnaz
Russia is regarded as a super power and for good reason. It isn’t really because the country has really sustainable cities or low-cost health insurance coverage but it is because of its armed forces. As a matter of fact, the Russian military has several special military units called the Russian Spetsnaz.
Russian Spetsnaz
Irish Army Ranger Wing
The Irish Army Ranger Wing was formed in the ’80s when Ireland had a serious problem with terrorism. This elite unit of butt-kickers still deal with terrorist threats, but a more global goal has been given to them. This elite unit recruits directly from the Irish Air Force, Army, and Naval Service and is deployed all over the globe to address different conflicts and carry out peacekeeping missions in many sustainable cities in vital locations.
Irish Army Ranger Wing
Indian MARCOS
Despite the fact that the Indian MARCOS are not well known, they are one of the special forces units that are the most respected in the world. Established in 1987, they are also called the Bearded Army because of the unique disguises that they wear. Very little is known about the extremely classified unit.
Indian MARCOS
German Kampfschwimmer
Germany sure knows how to create elite fighting units. Needless to say, the German Kampfschwimmer fall into that category and they are the only German Navy special force soldiers. All the members of this unit are older than 17 yet not older than 25. What’s more, this unit’s entrance test is rigorous and nearly impossible.
German Kampfschwimmer
French Special Forces
The French Special Forces were created back in 1992, after the Gulf War. In the year 2017, the unit has grown increasingly active as it seeks to turn the tide of terrorism which has come into Europe. They are among the earliest responders as bad news begins to spread over Europe. The French Special Forces are always ready, incredibly mobile, and highly trained.
French Special Forces
US Navy Seals
You don’t make it onto a list without deserving it. The special forces unit that is the most fearsome in the world is the US Navy Seals, thanks to their motto: “Sea, Air, and Land” and of course, their intense training. The Navy Seals go all around the world, wherever the US government sends them. Needless to say, they do an excellent job when they get there.
U.S. Navy Seals
Turkish Maroon Berets
They became famous when they got first place at the Special Forces Competition in 2004, ahead of the US Delta Force. Another moment that caught everyone’s attention was when the Turkish Maroon Berets succeeded in defusing a bomb within 8 seconds while it took the Delta Force 14 seconds. To become a member of the unit, it takes a person 3.5 years. There is a risk for each candidate to be deemed unfit for the MB at any point.
Maroon Berets
Australia’s SASR
The Special Air Service Regiment or SASR of Australia was modeled after the British SAS. Unfortunately, the SASR was subjected to intense scrutiny in mid-2016 regarding the actions of a number of operatives in Afghanistan. These members allegedly cut the hands off of several rebels. Currently, the unit is carrying out clandestine operations in the Asian country alongside other teams from commonwealth countries.
SASR Australia
Russia’s FSB
Russia’s Federal Security Service isn’t like most specialized units. The notorious KGB’s godchild, FSB is greatly feared by Russian citizens. Its operations include border control, foreign intelligence, anti-terrorism, and even phone-tapping. Back in 2006, if the president, Vladimir Putin, gave the order to kill targets abroad, the unit had the legal right to do so.
Russian FSB
Israel’s “Mistarvim” – Duvdevan
Notoriously known for conducting gutsy operations in enemy territory, Duvdevan’s “Mistarvim” unit primarily conducts operations while the members are dressed as Arabs, blending into the environment. They then draw their weapons and attack their unsuspecting targets at just the right moment. Apparently, the Mistarvim have back up – a uniformed and well-trained auxiliary force that systematically arrive at the scene following the reveal of the Mistarvim’s intentions.
Duvdevan
Poland’s GROM
The models for Poland’s counter-terrorism unit are other reputable units like the British SAS and US Navy SEALs. Poland’s GROM have played a vital part in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and most recently the war against ISIS. The Polish GROM carry out missions which include rescuing hostages from vehicles and fixed structures, perimeter protection, counter-terrorism, and supporting the operations of other units both military and non-military.
Polish GROM
South Africa’s Special Task Force
Even though they are a specialized police team, they are trained like an elite unit in the military. Their brazen operation method of “shoot first, ask questions later” has earned them a spot on this list. If a situation is considered too dangerous for the regular cops, these bad boys are responsible for taking over. Their specializations include VIP protection, thwarting armed robberies, and hostage situations, whether in the air, on water or on land.
South African Special Task Force
Estonina’s Special Forces (ESTSOF)
The Estonian Special Forces unit may be a late bloomer, but they have shown their capabilities and readiness in special military operations. The special unit of this Arctic nation has training that includes sleeping between 1 to 4 hours a night, being exposed to freezing temperatures, and needless to say, hours upon hours of training in marksmanship. The number of members, like several other units, is also classified.
ESTSOF Estonia
Brazil’s SOC
Special Operations Command is not your typical specialized anti-terror team. The unit is prepared for any type of attack, small or large. As a matter of fact, they are proud of being among the biggest special forces units in the world. SOC took on numerous missions during the 2016 FIFA Soccer World Cup in their country and these missions included preventing terror attacks.
Brazil Special Forces
Italy’s Leatherheads
Actually, the official name of the unit is Gruppo di Intervento Speciale or GIS. It started out as a policing unit that was specialized but it was upgraded back in 2004. Recently, the unit was responsible for watching over dignitaries who attended the G7 Italian Presidency, which happened in May. The head of the 150-man team is Commander Alfa, the sole member who is allowed to speak publicly.
Leatherheads
South Korea’s White Tigers
Following the Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics, South Korea made a decision to act. They created their very own anti-terrorism team for the games in 1988 which were held in their home country. “The White Tigers” is made up of roughly 200 members and they accept candidates who are male or female to cover a wide variety of roles.
White Tigers
Belgium’s Special Forces
Belgium’s top commanders can be discovered all over the world. Whether its Kosovo to Bosniam or former Zaire to Somalia, these are the experts. People who want to serve in the army require 3 years of military experience. If someone is amongist the para-commandos, then there chances are even higher. The training required is rigorous and tough. Soldiers are forced to navigate an 100km+ solo map reading exercise within a 48 hour time period.
Belgium’s Special Forces
New Zealand’s SAS
The formerly known Long Range Desert Group, is now referred to as New Zealand’s SAS. This new name was created during World War II. To get into the unit requires difficult tasks and conditions, and those who survive are the ones to get in. However, this process is extremely difficult and requires meticilous medical and demolition capabilities, as well as navigation and weapon handling skills.
New Zealand’s SAS
Indonesia’s Kopassus
Most countries have not been confronted with the horrific experiences like the Southeast Asian Island Of Indonesia. The soldiers belonging to the Kopassus follow the motto “Brave, Rightful, and Successful and are amongst the strongest most fierce soldiers, whom are willing to risk it all for their team members. They often have to change themselves and learn to adapt to new circusmtances.
Indonesia’s Kopassus
USA’s Green Berets
Nicknamed the “Snake Eaters,” The American Green Barets have been a strong army since their establishment during WWII. Their focus is battling counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and direct action.
USA’s Green Berets
Romania’s Special Forces
The special forces unit of Romania was established in 2009. They are a newer unit, but their abilities should not be overlooked. They have intense and cruel training, that guarantees soldies to function in Afghanistan with other units from around the world.
Romania’s Special Forces
Mexico’s GAFE
Mexico’s unit known as GAFE also trians with American units similiar to them. This within itself shows that they are not the unit that you want to mess with. They are made up of ovr 100 fighters and their focus is specialized to counter-terrorism. They follow orders from the Secretary of National Defense. In addition, they have an amphibious warfare unit that strives to keep their coastline protected.
Mexico’s GAFE
Norway’s Forsvarets Spesialkommando
Most people are unaware of the existence of such a unit, but Norways Forsvarets Spesialkommando was brought to attention in 1994. This occured after a airplane hijacking attempt by a Norweigan citizen. The unit works mostly in missions around the world, and specifically the destruction of chemical weapons used in Syria.
Norway’s Forsvarets Spesialkommando
South Africa’s Recces
After being Rennaissance commandos, South Africa’s unit was nicknamed Recces. Their motto is “We fear naught but God, making them the last unit you want to mess with. One of their operators is acknowledged for his well-known sniper kill that reached 2,125m. They work on their own land but also abroad and mostly hunt down terrorists or criminals.
South Africa’s Recces
France’s Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN)
France’s special unit forces called GIGN handles hostage recues from the most dangerous and terrifying situations. They are credited for the outcome of the the 1994 Air France highjacking , where they rushed on the plane and successfuly killed 4 hijackers.
France’s Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN)
Colombia’s AFEUR
Colombia’s intense special forces unit is known as AFEUR, which stands for Agrupación de Fuerzas Especiales Antiterroristas Urbanas . They protect VIPS, specifically American presidents and they also have a significant role in the war against guerrillas threatening Colombia. However, there is little information on this subject.
Colombia’s AFEUR
Nigeria’s Special Commandos
Another unit that we have a lack of information about is the Special Commando’s Unit of Nigeria. We are informed that these soldiers also trained with Pakistans’s SSG and many fear this group. Their methods are known as ” tigger ready tacics.”
Nigeria’s Special Commandos
Denmark’s Frogman Corps
The British SAS trained along with Denmark’s Frogman Corps. This corps unit has been around since 1957 and they are quite knowledge in their work. They typically handle legal work and search and rescue operations but can suprise you in other areas as well.
Denmark’s Frogman Corps
Portugal’s Special Forces
Portugal is located in the southwestern nook of Europe, alongside Spain. Their Special Forces handle the battle against piracy, and the heightened terror attacks in Europe. They also specialize in hostage assignments, unconventional warfare, and other special or action misisons.
Portugal’s Special Forces
Britain’s Special Boat Service
Apparently the SAS has a sea sister, known as Britain’s Special Boat Service and they are responsible for any sea-related missions. They have battled in wars for as long as we can remember, and have been involved in abroad recue and hostage operations. They live by the saying”By strength and guile,” so you should never expect anything less than perfection from these men. The British army is extremely privat and does not reveal anything on their operations.
Britain’s Special Boat Service
The Ghost Army Of World War 2
One of the smartest units ever made is known as the Ghost Army or the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. They have been out of service for quite some time but are known for their excellent work. They were not atcually made of a unit but instead inflatable tanks, fake uniforms, and loudspeakers blaring the sounds of tanks rolling into positions. Everyone feared them but interestingly they also were confuysed by them. They are known as one of the most successful units of its kind.
The Ghost Army Of World War 2
Korps Mariniers
The Netherland’s Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF) ar eknown as the country’s Marine Corps elite units. They are an impressive unit that deal with basically everything. Whether its parachutes or snowmobiles to submarines and mountain warfare they are always ready for whats tocome. An increidble talent of theirs goes like this: in just 48 hours, they can be deployed to any location around the world; This goes hand and hand with their motto which is “Qua Patet Orbis” or “As Far As The World Extends.”
Korps Mariniers
Marinejegerkommandoen
Established in 1953, Norway’s ‘Special Operation Command’s Maritime And Naval Special Warfare Unit” (MJK), is trained to deal with basically everything. Whether its counter-terrorism direct action, arctic warfare, special reconnaissance, swampland warfare or hostage recovery. They have rigorous training giving their duties and have , 8/200 applicants finishing victorious. Whats more, they have training where they are pursued by an enemy while carrying 130 lbs and also interrogated for 36 hours after being captured!
Marinejegerkommandoen
1st Scout Rangers
The Philippines special unit forces are known as the Scout Rangers. They focus on close quarters combat, ambushes and raids, to sabotage, urban warfare and anti-guerrilla jungle warfare. Their skills were brough to attention in 2000, when they captured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel camp.
1st Scout Ranger
Särskilda Operationsgruppen
The special unit forces of Swden, The Swedish Special Operations Task Group (SOG) carry out missions that need more advances weaponry than the standard weapon systems. They are most successful at combatting hostage situations and gathering time-critical intelligence. They also are supposed to train and help foreign militaries on missions aimed at maintaining peace. They train in a secret area with bullet proof walls.
Särskilda Operationsgruppen
Naval Special Warfare Command
In 1956 the Thai Navy Seals were created thanks to assistance from the US Navy Seals. Believe it or not, this unit has a small part that is trains for maritime counter-terrorism missions. When there is more tension at the Thailand border, the Navy’s “Underwater Demolition Assault Unit” gets information and responds based on what they find. Recently they went on a piracy mission in Somalia.
Naval Special Warfare Command