Role of special ops evolves over time.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Unconventional Warriors - Special operations forces - Related article: Special Operations Policy Shop Realigned

Special operation forces have been a part of the U.S. military since the colonial era.

The Army Rangers were first organized in 1756 by Maj. Robert Rogers, who recruited nine companies of American colonists to fight with the British during the French and Indian War. They were known as "Rogers' Rangers."

The Rangers became well known for their stealth techniques and methods of operation and Rogers is credited with having capitalized on them. He incorporated those tactics into the fighting doctrine of a permanently organized fighting force.

Throughout the French and Indian War, from 1754 to 1763, the Ranger doctrine was developed, expanded and codified. Rogers published a list of 28 common-sense rules, and a set of standing orders stressing operational readiness, security, and tactics.

On June 6, 1944, the Army Rangers were the first to land on the beaches of Normandy during one of the last major battles of World War II. It was from that conflict that the Army Rangers, a special force, earned their motto: "Rangers, lead the way."

The Air Force commandos, now known as the Special Tactics Teams, flew P-1 and P-47 fighters, as well as observation planes, cargo aircraft, and B-25 bombers during World War II. They performed supply, evacuation, escort, and liaison missions throughout the war, and also attacked bridges, railroad, barges, oil wells and troop positions by air.

After World War II, the role of the commandos continued to expand, and in 1968, the 1st Operations Wing of the U.S. Special Operation Forces was created. Its motto is "Any time ... Any place."

Intelligence Functions

U.S. special operations forces also became well known for working extensively with the Central Intelligence Agency during the Vietnam War.

By 1987, Congress decided to charter the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), with the mandate to prepare and maintain combat-ready special forces for operations in either peace or wartime. USSOCOM is based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., but each of the services has special operations forces units located at other military installations. (see page 23)

Special operations personnel are required to possess a wide range of skills that are shaped by the requirements of their missions. They include foreign language skills, regional orientation, e specialized equipment and tactics, and an understanding of the political and social context of their mission.

Generally, special operators are older than their cohorts in the...