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The official birthday of the Special Forces Branch is June 19, 1952, marking the establishment of the first Special Forces Group.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the 10th Special Forces Group was established on June 19, 1952, the official birthday of the Special Forces Branch as a basic branch of the U.S. Army is April 9, 1987.
The Special Forces have a longstanding and close relationship with the Central Intelligence Agency, tracing their lineage back to the OSS.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Special Forces trace their lineage to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor to the CIA, and have maintained a close operational relationship, with the CIA's Special Activities Center often recruiting from Special Forces.
The 10th Special Forces Group was initially intended to train and lead unconventional warfare forces behind enemy lines in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion of Western Europe.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 10th Special Forces Group, the first to be deployed, was established with the Cold War mission of organizing, training, and leading resistance forces in Eastern Europe if a Warsaw Pact invasion occurred.
Major General Robert A. McClure was instrumental in the formation of the Special Forces by choosing Colonel Aaron Bank to lead the effort in 1951-1952.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1951, Major General Robert A. McClure selected Colonel Aaron Bank, a former OSS member, to be the Operations Branch Chief, leading to the formation of the 10th Special Forces Group in June 1952.
The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was initially deployed to Vietnam in September 1953.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 10th Special Forces Group was initially deployed to Bad Tölz, Germany, in September 1953, with a mission focused on potential conflict with the Warsaw Pact in Europe.
The 8th Special Forces Group was primarily responsible for training armies of Latin American nations in counterinsurgency tactics during its active period.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its period of activation from 1963 to 1972, the 8th Special Forces Group's primary mission was training Latin American armies in counterinsurgency.
When is the official birthday of the Special Forces Branch?
Answer: April 9, 1987
Explanation: The Special Forces branch was officially established as a basic branch of the United States Army on April 9, 1987.
What was the initial intended role of the 10th Special Forces Group upon its deployment?
Answer: To train and lead unconventional warfare forces behind enemy lines in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion of Western Europe.
Explanation: The 10th Special Forces Group was deployed to Germany during the Cold War with the primary mission of leading unconventional warfare forces behind enemy lines if the Warsaw Pact invaded Western Europe.
Who was instrumental in the formation of the Special Forces in 1951-1952, choosing Colonel Aaron Bank as Operations Branch Chief?
Answer: Major General Robert A. McClure
Explanation: In 1951, Major General Robert A. McClure selected Colonel Aaron Bank to lead the new Special Operations Division, which led to the creation of the 10th Special Forces Group.
Where was the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) initially deployed in September 1953?
Answer: Bad Tölz, Germany
Explanation: The 10th Special Forces Group was deployed to Bad Tölz, Germany, in September 1953 to be positioned for its unconventional warfare mission against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
Which Special Forces Group was activated on September 21, 1961, following President John F. Kennedy's visit to Fort Bragg?
Answer: 5th SFG
Explanation: Following President Kennedy's visit and his strong support for the force, the 5th Special Forces Group was activated on September 21, 1961.
What was the primary responsibility of the 8th Special Forces Group during its active period from 1963 to 1972?
Answer: Training armies of Latin American nations in counterinsurgency tactics
Explanation: The 8th Special Forces Group was specifically tasked with training Latin American military forces in counterinsurgency during its nine years of activation.
In which conflict did the U.S. Army Special Forces participate in Operation Urgent Fury?
Answer: Grenada
Explanation: Operation Urgent Fury was the codename for the 1983 United States-led invasion of Grenada, in which U.S. Army Special Forces participated.
All active duty and National Guard Special Forces groups have a single, specific geographic specialization.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the five active duty groups each have a specific geographic specialization, the two National Guard groups share multiple geographic areas of responsibility.
The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) oversees all Special Forces Groups.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) is the command element responsible for the oversight and direction of all active duty and National Guard Special Forces Groups.
Since 2014, active component Special Forces groups have increased their strength by activating a fourth battalion.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following authorization from the Department of Defense, the 1st Special Forces Command increased its strength by activating a fourth battalion in each active component group, expanding from the previous structure of three battalions.
The 5th Special Forces Group is primarily oriented towards the Pacific region.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 5th Special Forces Group is oriented towards the Middle East, Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and the Horn of Africa. The 1st Special Forces Group is oriented towards the Pacific region.
The 7th Special Forces Group is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 7th Special Forces Group is headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and its area of responsibility is Latin America and the Caribbean. The 3rd Special Forces Group focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa.
The SFODC, or 'C-Team', is commanded by a Captain and typically consists of 11-13 soldiers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The SFODC ('C-Team') is the headquarters element of a Special Forces battalion, commanded by a lieutenant colonel with 20-30 personnel. The SFODB ('B-Team'), the company headquarters, consists of 11-13 soldiers.
A Special Forces Operational Detachment-A (ODA) is composed of 12 soldiers, with each member having a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) but also conducting cross-training.
Answer: True
Explanation: An ODA, or 'A-Team', is a 12-soldier unit where each member has a primary MOS. However, extensive cross-training is conducted to ensure skill redundancy and operational flexibility.
How many active duty Special Forces groups are there, each with a geographic specialization?
Answer: Five
Explanation: There are five active duty Special Forces groups, each with a specific regional focus, in addition to two Army National Guard groups.
Which command oversees the Special Forces Groups?
Answer: 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne)
Explanation: The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) is the direct command element that oversees all Special Forces Groups.
How many battalions does an active component Special Forces group have since the Department of Defense authorized an increase in strength in 2014?
Answer: Four
Explanation: Since 2014, each active component Special Forces group has been authorized a fourth battalion, increasing its size from the previous structure of three battalions.
Where is the 1st Special Forces Group headquartered?
Answer: Joint Base Lewis–McChord, Washington
Explanation: The 1st Special Forces Group is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis–McChord, Washington, with one battalion forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan.
Which Special Forces Group is oriented towards the Middle East, Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and the Horn of Africa (HOA)?
Answer: 5th Special Forces Group
Explanation: The 5th Special Forces Group, headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is responsible for operations within the USCENTCOM area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East and Central Asia.
What is the area of responsibility for the 7th Special Forces Group?
Answer: The western hemisphere, specifically Latin America south of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea
Explanation: The 7th Special Forces Group is oriented towards the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, which covers Latin America (south of Mexico) and the Caribbean.
Where is the 10th Special Forces Group headquartered?
Answer: Fort Carson, Colorado
Explanation: The 10th Special Forces Group is headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado, with one battalion forward deployed in Böblingen, Germany.
What is the role and composition of a Special Forces Operational Detachment-C (SFODC)?
Answer: The headquarters element of a Special Forces battalion, commanded by a lieutenant colonel with 20-30 SF personnel.
Explanation: The SFODC, or 'C-Team', is the command and control unit for a Special Forces battalion, responsible for operations, training, and support for its subordinate companies.
How many soldiers typically compose a Special Forces Operational Detachment-A (ODA or 'A-Team')?
Answer: 12
Explanation: A Special Forces Operational Detachment-A, the primary operational element, is composed of 12 soldiers.
In the post-2007 ODA numbering sequence (e.g., ODA 1234), what does the third digit represent?
Answer: The company within the battalion
Explanation: In the four-digit ODA numbering system, the third digit specifies the company (1 for A, 2 for B, 3 for C) within the battalion designated by the second digit.
Counter-narcotics and hostage rescue are considered core doctrinal missions of the U.S. Army Special Forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: Counter-narcotics and hostage rescue are listed as secondary missions. The five core doctrinal missions are unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance.
Special Forces personnel primarily emphasize advanced combat tactics and weaponry over language and cultural skills in their training.
Answer: False
Explanation: Special Forces personnel place a strong emphasis on language, cultural, and training skills, as these are critical for working effectively with foreign troops and understanding complex operational environments.
The primary mission of the Army Special Forces is to conduct large-scale conventional warfare operations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary mission of the Army Special Forces is unconventional warfare (UW), which involves training and leading clandestine guerrilla forces, not conducting large-scale conventional operations.
The mission of Foreign Internal Defense (FID) was acquired by Special Forces primarily to conduct direct action raids against hostile governments.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Foreign Internal Defense (FID) mission involves working with Host Nation forces in various counter-guerrilla activities, from indirect support to combat command, not primarily conducting direct action raids.
Current Special Forces units focused on direct action capabilities are known as Crisis Response Forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: While these units were once called Crisis Response Forces, they have been renamed multiple times and are now designated as Critical Threats Advisory Companies.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five core doctrinal missions of the U.S. Army Special Forces?
Answer: Humanitarian assistance
Explanation: Humanitarian assistance is a secondary mission. The five core missions are unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance.
What specialized skills do Special Forces personnel emphasize in their training and deployment, particularly in working with foreign troops?
Answer: Language, cultural, and training skills
Explanation: Special Forces personnel emphasize language, cultural, and training skills to effectively work with foreign troops and navigate complex political and cultural environments.
What is the current designation for Special Forces units focused on direct action capabilities, after several renamings?
Answer: Critical Threats Advisory Companies
Explanation: These specialized units have undergone several name changes, from Commander's In-extremis Force to Crisis Response Forces, and are now known as Critical Threats Advisory Companies.
Special Forces non-commissioned officers (NCOs) typically spend their entire careers rotating among various Special Forces assignments.
Answer: True
Explanation: Special Forces NCOs often spend their entire careers within the Special Forces community, moving between operational detachments, staff positions, and instructor roles at the Special Warfare Center and School.
An officer seeking to join the Special Forces must be of the rank of Major or higher.
Answer: False
Explanation: Officers seeking to join the Special Forces must be of the rank of first lieutenant or captain.
The Special Forces Qualification Course, or 'Q Course', typically lasts less than 50 weeks.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Special Forces Qualification Course is an extensive training program that typically lasts between 55 and 95 weeks, depending on the soldier's assigned job and language.
Captain Kathleen Wilder became the first woman to qualify for the Green Berets in 1981, though she was initially wrongly denied graduation.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1981, Captain Kathleen Wilder qualified for the Green Berets but was initially denied graduation. A subsequent sex discrimination complaint determined she had passed, and she was later authorized to wear the Special Forces Tab.
The 18A (Special Forces Officer) serves as the senior enlisted soldier on a Special Forces Operational Detachment-A (ODA).
Answer: False
Explanation: The 18A is a Captain who serves as the Detachment Commander. The senior enlisted soldier is the 18Z (Special Forces Operations Sergeant), also known as the 'Team Sergeant'.
What is the minimum ASVAB GT score required for existing service members to join the Special Forces?
Answer: 110
Explanation: One of the basic eligibility requirements for service members applying to Special Forces is an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) General Technical (GT) score of 110 or above.
What is the typical duration of the Special Forces Qualification Course, informally known as the 'Q Course'?
Answer: 55-95 weeks
Explanation: The 'Q Course' is a long and intensive training program, typically lasting between 55 and 95 weeks depending on the soldier's specific MOS and language assignment.
Who was the first woman to qualify for the Green Berets?
Answer: Captain Kathleen Wilder
Explanation: In 1981, Captain Kathleen Wilder became the first woman to successfully complete the qualification training for the Green Berets.
What is the role of the 18A (Special Forces Officer) within a Special Forces Operational Detachment-A (ODA)?
Answer: Detachment Commander
Explanation: The 18A is a Captain who serves as the Detachment Commander, leading the 12-soldier ODA.
What is the role of the 180A (Special Forces Warrant Officer) within an ODA?
Answer: Assistant Detachment Commander
Explanation: The 180A is a Warrant Officer who serves as the Assistant Detachment Commander and second-in-command of the ODA.
What is the common nickname for the 18Z (Special Forces Operations Sergeant) within an ODA?
Answer: The 'Team Sergeant'
Explanation: The 18Z, typically a Master Sergeant, is the senior enlisted soldier on the team and is known as the 'Team Sergeant'.
Which MOS is responsible for intelligence-related duties on a Special Forces Operational Detachment-A (ODA)?
Answer: 18F
Explanation: The 18F is the Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant, responsible for assisting with operations and intelligence duties for the ODA.
What is the informal name for the initial formal training program for entry into Special Forces, conducted at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School?
Answer: The 'Q Course'
Explanation: The initial formal training program for entry into Special Forces is the Special Forces Qualification Course, which is informally and widely known as the 'Q Course'.
Which of the following is an advanced skills course available to Special Forces soldiers after completing the 'Q Course'?
Answer: Combat Diver Qualification Course
Explanation: After graduating from the Q Course, Special Forces soldiers can attend numerous advanced skills courses, such as the Combat Diver Qualification Course, Military Free Fall Parachutist Course, and the Special Forces Sniper Course.
The U.S. Army Special Forces officially adopted the green beret in 1954.
Answer: False
Explanation: The green beret was unofficially adopted in 1954, but it was not officially authorized for exclusive use by Special Forces until September 25, 1961, by President John F. Kennedy.
The Special Forces distinctive unit insignia features a V-42 stiletto dagger, which was unique to the First Special Service Force.
Answer: True
Explanation: The distinctive unit insignia includes a V-42 stiletto, a fighting knife that was uniquely issued to the First Special Service Force of World War II, honoring the historical lineage of Special Forces.
The Special Forces Tab was introduced in June 1983 and is authorized to be worn for the remainder of a soldier's military career after completion of the Q Course.
Answer: True
Explanation: Introduced in June 1983, the Special Forces Tab is a service school qualification tab that, once awarded, is authorized for wear for the remainder of a soldier's career, regardless of their current assignment.
The Yarborough knife is awarded to all Special Forces soldiers upon their first deployment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Yarborough knife is awarded to all graduates of the Special Forces Qualification Course, not upon their first deployment.
The motto 'De Oppresso Liber' translates to 'Duty, Honor, Country'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Latin motto 'De Oppresso Liber' translates to 'From Oppression We Will Liberate Them'.
The official march of the U.S. Army Special Forces is 'The Ballad of the Green Berets'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official march of the U.S. Army Special Forces is indeed the famous song 'The Ballad of the Green Berets'.
When Special Forces soldiers first wore their green berets at a 1955 parade, onlookers immediately recognized them as a distinctive U.S. Army unit.
Answer: False
Explanation: When the green berets were first worn at a parade in 1955, onlookers mistakenly thought the Special Forces soldiers were a foreign delegation from a NATO country.
General Paul D. Adams, the post commander at Fort Bragg, initially banned the wearing of the distinctive green beret by Special Forces.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1956, General Paul D. Adams, the commander at Fort Bragg, banned the wearing of the green beret. The ban was later reversed in 1961.
The cloth Special Forces Tab is worn on the right sleeve of utility uniforms.
Answer: False
Explanation: The cloth Special Forces Tab is worn on the left sleeve of utility uniforms, positioned above the unit's Shoulder Sleeve Insignia.
The Special Forces Tab can be awarded retroactively for any combat service during wartime between 1942 and 1975.
Answer: False
Explanation: Retroactive awarding of the Special Forces Tab is possible, but only for service in specific, designated organizations during certain time periods, not for any combat service.
The nickname 'Quiet Professionals' reflects the Special Forces' emphasis on operating discreetly and effectively, often without public recognition.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nickname 'Quiet Professionals' signifies the ethos of the Special Forces, which prioritizes mission success and professionalism over public acclaim or recognition.
What is the common nickname for the U.S. Army Special Forces, derived from their distinctive service headgear?
Answer: The Green Berets
Explanation: The U.S. Army Special Forces are colloquially known as 'The Green Berets' because of their distinctive rifle green beret.
When did President John F. Kennedy authorize the exclusive use of the green beret by the U.S. Special Forces?
Answer: September 25, 1961
Explanation: President John F. Kennedy, a strong supporter of the Special Forces, officially authorized the green beret as their exclusive headgear on September 25, 1961.
What does the motto 'DE OPPRESSO LIBER' on the Special Forces distinctive unit insignia translate to?
Answer: From Oppression We Will Liberate Them
Explanation: The Latin motto 'De Oppresso Liber' translates to 'From Oppression We Will Liberate Them,' reflecting the core purpose of the Special Forces.
What does the arrowhead on the shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) of the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) allude to?
Answer: The American Indian's basic skills
Explanation: According to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, the arrowhead on the SSI alludes to the basic skills of American Indians, in which Special Forces personnel are highly trained.
When was the Special Forces Tab introduced?
Answer: 1983
Explanation: The Special Forces Tab, a service school qualification tab, was introduced in June 1983 to recognize soldiers who had completed the Special Forces Qualification Course.
The Yarborough knife is named after which figure, considered the father of the modern Special Forces?
Answer: Lieutenant General William Yarborough
Explanation: The Yarborough knife, awarded to Q Course graduates, is named after Lieutenant General William Yarborough, who is widely regarded as the father of the modern Special Forces.
What is the English translation of the U.S. Army Special Forces motto 'De Oppresso Liber'?
Answer: From Oppression We Will Liberate Them
Explanation: The official motto of the U.S. Army Special Forces, 'De Oppresso Liber', is Latin for 'From Oppression We Will Liberate Them'.
What is the color of the beret worn by the U.S. Army Special Forces?
Answer: Rifle Green
Explanation: The distinctive headgear of the U.S. Army Special Forces is a rifle green colored beret.
What is the official march of the U.S. Army Special Forces?
Answer: The Ballad of the Green Berets
Explanation: The official march of the U.S. Army Special Forces is the well-known song 'The Ballad of the Green Berets'.
Who initially banned the wearing of the green beret by Special Forces in 1956?
Answer: General Paul D. Adams
Explanation: In 1956, General Paul D. Adams, the post commander at Fort Bragg, banned the wearing of the green beret, a decision that was later reversed by President Kennedy's administration.
Which historical unit is referenced by the V-42 stiletto dagger in the Special Forces distinctive unit insignia?
Answer: First Special Service Force
Explanation: The V-42 stiletto was a unique weapon issued only to the First Special Service Force in World War II, and its inclusion in the insignia honors this lineage.
What color are the letters on the cloth Special Forces Tab?
Answer: Gold-yellow
Explanation: The cloth Special Forces Tab is a teal blue arc with the words 'SPECIAL FORCES' embroidered in gold-yellow letters.
Where is the cloth Special Forces Tab worn on the utility uniform?
Answer: On the left sleeve, above the unit SSI
Explanation: The cloth Special Forces Tab is worn on the left sleeve of utility uniforms, positioned immediately above the soldier's unit Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI).
What does the nickname 'Quiet Professionals' signify about the Special Forces?
Answer: Their emphasis on operating discreetly and effectively, often without public recognition.
Explanation: The nickname 'Quiet Professionals' reflects the Special Forces ethos of focusing on mission accomplishment with precision and professionalism, rather than seeking public acclaim.
The official designation 'Special Forces' (capitalized) in the U.S. military refers exclusively to the U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as 'The Green Berets'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Within the U.S. military, 'Special Forces' is a proper noun that refers specifically to the U.S. Army Special Forces. The term is often misapplied in popular culture to other special operations units.
During the Vietnam War, the 5th Special Forces Group primarily wore the Battle Dress Uniform.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 5th Special Forces Group wore Tigerstripe camouflage during the Vietnam War. The Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) was not introduced until 1981.
U.S. Army Special Forces exclusively use standard U.S. military aircraft for their missions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Special Forces have used non-standard aircraft, such as the extensive use of CIA-operated Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-17 helicopters during the initial stages of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
According to Charles H. Briscoe, the term 'Operator' in American special operations originated from the U.S. Army Special Forces in the mid-1950s.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historian Charles H. Briscoe states that the term 'Operator' originated with U.S. Army Special Forces, who had to subscribe to the 'Code of the Special Forces Operator' in the mid-1950s.
Within the United States Special Operations community, the term 'Operator' is a generic term used for any member of a special operations unit.
Answer: False
Explanation: Inside the U.S. Special Operations community, 'Operator' is a specific term referring to a Delta Force member who has completed the Operators Training Course. Other units use different specific terms for their members.
Special Forces units maintain their clandestine nature during patrols on rugged terrain by utilizing highly visible, heavily armored vehicles.
Answer: False
Explanation: To maintain their clandestine nature, Special Forces units utilize purpose-built technicals, which are designed to blend in with local environments and avoid drawing attention.
Which camouflage pattern did the 5th Special Forces Group wear during the Vietnam War?
Answer: Tigerstripe
Explanation: During the Vietnam War, the 5th Special Forces Group wore the distinctive Tigerstripe camouflage pattern, which they had produced by local Southeast Asian manufacturers.
What type of vehicle do U.S. Army Special Forces utilize for patrol on rugged terrain to maintain the clandestine nature of their operations?
Answer: Purpose-built technicals
Explanation: To maintain a low profile and blend in with the local environment during patrols, Special Forces often use purpose-built technicals, which are modified civilian vehicles.
During the initial stages of Operation Enduring Freedom, what type of non-standard military helicopters did Special Forces extensively use in Afghanistan?
Answer: CIA-operated Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-17 variants
Explanation: In the early phases of the war in Afghanistan, Special Forces made extensive use of CIA-operated Russian-made Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-17 helicopters for transportation and operations.
According to Charles H. Briscoe, from which unit did the term 'Operator' originate in American special operations in the mid-1950s?
Answer: U.S. Army Special Forces
Explanation: Historian Charles H. Briscoe asserts that the term 'Operator' originated with the U.S. Army Special Forces in the mid-1950s, predating its use by other special operations units.
Within the United States Special Operations community, to whom does the term 'Operator' specifically refer?
Answer: A Delta Force member who has completed selection and graduated from the Operators Training Course
Explanation: While the term originated with Special Forces, within the modern U.S. SOCOM community, 'Operator' is a title used specifically for members of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force).