The Most Ferocious Special Forces Around the World

Hollywood is filled with attractive men and women playing pretend as they romp around the world fighting off threats big and small. The job sounds fun but it is nowhere near as impacting as the ACTUAL special forces troops that Hollywood loves to glamorize. Today we are going to look at some different special force units from around the world and we will rank them from the most TERRIFYING and ferocious all the way to the, well, ALSO most terrifying and ferocious. Take a seat and prepare to be amazed by these super soldiers. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the world started to really get introduced to terrorism and its extensive reach. A main event that really woke the world up was when terrorists stormed the Olympic village in Munich back in 1972. The terrorists held Israeli athletes hostage before eventually killing them all in a spectacular, failed rescue mission staged by Germany’s police force. The Germans didn’t have a specialized anti-terror unit, and it was this catastrophe that brought the famous GSG-9 unit to come into existence. Following their creation, many different police forces created their own ant-terror units that still run to this day.

There are many special units that we know about, and there are some that still haven’t come to the surface. Israel is a shining example of what special forces units can achieve when pushed to the limit. On July 4th, 1976, Israeli special commandos flew south to Uganda to rescue more than 100 hostages being held by Palestinian and German terrorists. It was once thought impossible to pull off a rescue mission so far from one’s own country. In 1980, British SAS forces stormed the Iranian embassy in South Kensington, London. The entire affair was recorded on video, and has since been noted as one of the greatest hostage rescue missions caught on tape. This list will expose you to the best-trained special forces from all around the world. Their training is highly classified and their missions even more so. These are the units that keep us safe when we face the most disastrous attacks; they are the brave men and women who run towards the fire, and not away from it. Be prepared to get a closer look at the world’s most ferocious special forces.

British SAS

World War II is the most iconic moment in the history of our world and the British SAS, or Special Air Service, was born during that period. Starting out as a regiment in 1941 the team was eventually elevated to their position of strength today. The British SAS is vital in responding to terrorism.

You have to be pretty tough to make this team and you also have to have some insane health insurance coverage, as well.

Israeli Shayetet 13

The Shayetet 13 come out of the Israeli Navy and they are the primary special forces used by Israel and the Israel Defense Force. The Shayetet 13 are fairly hidden away behind classified documents and much is not known of them.

The Shayetet are also well known for having to master Krav Maga in order to serve during their four year contracts. We can’t even imagine how high the health insurance coverage must be just to get trained for them!

Pakistan Special Service Group

This is the elite fighting force within the Pakistan Army. This group was formed back in 1956 and their training is largely based off of the work done by the US Special Forces — a special force unit we’ll read more about later.

They are based out of Tarbela Cantonment and they are made up of eight different battalions. Right now the Pakistan SSG is focused on fighting against the Islamic State as well as Al Qaeda.

Austrian Jagkommando

Jagkommando translates to ‘Manhunt Command’ and we find that to be the perfect descriptor of this team. These highly trained units specialize in fighting terrorism but they cover all threats required of them. Only 20% of applicants make it far enough to be accepted to the team.

Training is rigorous and only the best of the best manage to stay on the team long enough to make a difference and see active duty.

Taiwan Republic of China Armed Forces

This unit is comprised of the Army, Police, Navy and Air Force. Established in 1924 they were most famously tasked to take back all of mainland China in the ’70s from the People’s Republic of China.

China’s sprawling, sustainable cities wouldn’t be nearly as safe without these men and women watching over things.

Peruvian Armed Forces

Well known for their painted faces the Peruvian Armed Forces have been in operation since 1821. Tasked largely with domestic issues, the Peruvian Army reports directly to the Peruvian President and the Ministry of Defense.

The Peruvian armed Forces are comprised of the Air Force, Army, Navy and Joint Command.

Canadian JTF2

Located just outside of Ottawa, Ontario this Canadian team of special forces take the jobs that nobody else can handle.

The JTF2 are highly trained and they specialize in their responsive ability to everything from nuclear warfare defense all the way to counter-terrorism. The Canadian government is notably hush regarding their special forces so we don’t know much more than they must need some serious health insurance coverage.

US Delta Force

Also known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, the US Delta Force is one of the most important arms of the United States military presence. These soldiers are tasked with some of the most secretive and world changing missions that you’ll ever NOT hear about.

The US Delta Force was established in 1977 and much of what they do is based off of the work done by the British SAS. They are excellent at coutner terrorism, focuesd on hostage and rescue missions, and able to be deployed anywhere in the world.

German KSK

You could fuel several sustainable cities with the sheer willpower that is needed in order to join the German KSK. The German KSK are one of the most elite special forces units in the world. In order to even make it into the unit you have to pass, and graduate, from 17 schools all around the world in order to maximize your training.

We’re not saying you get great health insurance coverage working here, we’re just saying that you might need it.

Danish Hunter Corps

These scary looking fellows belong to the Danish Hunter Corps. The Hunter Corps are an extension of the Royal Danish Army and they were first established in 1961 but they never were deployed until 1995 when the team was sent to Bosnia.

There are only 150 members in this elite fighting unit and if you ever see one up close you would probably want to grab a lotto ticket the same day.

Serbian Gendarmerie

Established in 2001, the Serbian Gendarmerie are an extension of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs. What makes this team so interesting is that they serve as a military unit as well as a civilian unit, and we’re not just talking about in peaceful little sustainable cities.

The Serbian Gendarmerie are as much first responders as they are rescue teams and counter-terrorist fighters. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of a fight with these guys. There are two different units of the Serbian Gendarmerie: the Special Police Unit and the Special Operations Unit.

Iraqi Special Operations Forces

Known also by their other name, the Golden Division, the Iraqi Special Operations Forces were created in 2004. The team is controlled by the Iraqi Counter Terrorist Service and they are comprised of nearly 18,000 soldiers strong.

This special forces unit has to go into some of the most dangerous streets in the world as they have to deal with the nightmare that is Mosul as well as the dangers of the Islamic State.

US Army Special Forces Snipers

Chris Kyle is one of the most well known US Army Special Forces Snipers and you can see some of his story in the 2014 film, “American Sniper”. In any event, the US Special Forces Snipers are among the toughest and grittiest soldiers on the planet. In order to make rank you have to pass all of the Special Forces Qualification Courses before even getting the opportunity to take the even more difficult lessons.

These guys go all around the world to some of the most dangerous places on the planet where they sit alone, waiting to make an impact.

French Commandos Marine

You don’t want to see these guys on the other side of a combat situation. The French Commandos Marine are the first of two entries from France in our Top 10. Additionally the French Commandos are one of the oldest and most highly skilled special force units in the entire world.

Their entire command consists of around 600 soldiers. This group is also known by their other name, the Green Berets.

Russian Spetsnaz

There is a reason that Russia is considered a super power and, heavy sarcasm coming, it isn’t because of their ultra sustainable cities or low health insurance coverage.

Instead it is all about their armed forces. The Russian Spetsnaz is a larger term that refers to all of the special military units that serve in the Russian military.

Irish Army Ranger Wing

Ireland had a notable problem with terrorism in the ’80s and that is what inspired the Irish Army Ranger Wing to be formed. While this elite unite of butt-kickers still handles terrorist threats, they have been given a more global goal.

Recruiting straight from the Irish Army, Naval Service and Air Force this elite unit is deployed all around the world to address various conflicts as well as peacekeeping missions in sustainable cities in key locations.

Indian MARCOS

The Indian MARCOS aren’t well known but they are among the most respected special forces units in the world.

Formed in 1987, the MARCOS are also known as the Bearded Army due to their unique disguises. Almost nothing is known about this extremely classified unit.

German Kampfschwimmer

Germany knows how to put together elite fighting units and the German Kampfschwimmer fit under that category.

These are the only special force soldiers in the German Navy. Every member of this unit is older than 17 but no older than 25. Moreover the entrance test for this unit is rigorous and almost impossible.

French Special Forces

The French Special Forces were established in 1992 following the Gulf War. In 2017 the French Special Forces have become increasingly active as they seek to stem the tide of terrorism that has flowed over and into Europe.

The French Special Forces are among the first responders when bad news starts to sweep over Europe. They are highly trained, incredibly mobile, and always ready.

US Navy Seals

You don’t get onto a list like without really deserving it. The US Navy Seals are the most fearsome special forces units in the world thanks to their intense training and their motto: “Sea, Air, and Land.”

The Navy Seals go anywhere in the world that their government sends them, and they do a bang up job once they get there.

Turkish Maroon Berets

Their claim to fame arose when they placed first, ahead of US Delta Force at the 2004 Special Forces Competition. Another eye-opening moment was when the Maroon Berets successfully defused a bomb in 8 seconds, 6 seconds faster than Delta Force.

It takes a total of 3.5 years to become an MB member. Each candidate runs the risk of being deemed unfit for the unit at any point.

Australia’s SASR

The Australian Special Air Service Regiment was formed under the same modus operandi as the British SAS. The unit came under heavy scrutiny in mid 2016 concerning the actions of some operatives in Afghanistan. Members were alleged to have cut a number of rebels’ hands off.

Currently the SASR are conducting clandestine operations in Afghanistan alongside other commonwealth countries’ teams.

Russia’s FSB

Russia’s Federal Security Service is not your typical specialized unit. The godchild of the notorious KGB, FSB is severely feared by the Russian population. Its operations include anti-terrorism, border control, foreign intelligence and even phone-tapping.

In 2006, the unit was given the legal right to kill targets abroad if the order should be given by the president, Vladimir Putin.

Israel’s “Mistarvim” – Duvdevan

Duvdevan’s “Mistarvim” unit is notoriously known for carrying out gutsy operations behind enemy lines. Primarily conducted while dressed as Arabs, the mistarvim blend into the cultural environment only to draw weapons and pounce on their unsuspecting targets just at the right moment.

They are backed up by a well-trained and uniformed auxiliary force which systematically enters the scene after the Mistarvim have revealed their intentions.

Poland’s GROM

Poland’s counter-terrorism unit is modeled after reputable units such as the US Navy SEALs and British SAS.

They have played a pivotal part in the war in Iraq, Afghanistan and most most recently against ISIL. GROM takes on missions which include counter-terrorism, rescuing hostages from fixed structures and vehicles, perimeter protection, and supporting operations of other military and non-military units.

South Africa’s Special Task Force

This specialized police team is trained like a military elite unit. Their brazen “shoot first, ask questions later” method of operation has brought them to our list. Responsible for taking on any situation deemed too dangerous for regular cops, these bad-boys fear nothing.

Specializations of theirs include thwarting armed robberies, hostage situations, be it in the air, water or on land and VIP protection.

Estonina’s Special Forces (ESTSOF)

Even though the Estonian Special Forces unit is a late bloomer, they’ve shown their readiness and capabilities in the world of special military operations.

The training for this Arctic nation’s special unit includes exposure to freezing temperatures, sleeping between 1 and 4 hours per night, and of course hours upon hours of marksmanship training. The number of operatives, like many other units, is classified.

Brazil’s SOC

Special Operations Command is not like every other specialized anti-terror team. This team is ready for any kind of attack, be it small or large. In fact, they confidently boast being one of the world’s largest special forces units.

SOC took on many missions in 2016 during the FIFA Soccer World Cup in their home country. These missions included thwarting terror attacks during the games.

Italy’s Leatherheads

Alright, their official name is actually Gruppo di Intervento Speciale or GIS. They started out at as a specialized policing unit but then upgraded in 2004.

Recently they took point to watch over dignitaries attending the G7 Italian Presidency in May. Their 150-man team is headed by Commander Alfa, the only member allowed to speak in public.

South Korea’s White Tigers

Following the massacre at the Munich Olympics in 1972, South Korea decided that they needed to act.

They set up their own anti-terror team for the 1988 games being held on their home turf. “The White Tigers” consists of approximately 200 members, both male and female candidates are accepted to cover a large variety of roles.

Netherland’s Korps Commandotroepen

“Now or Never!” Their motto already tells of a force that we dare not reckon with. With their ability to deploy anywhere around the world and under any circumstance, this state-of-the-art squad has little trouble scaring the pants off any terrorist wanna-be.

Even though they take part in humanitarian aid, it should not be forgotten that they’re experts at sabotage and working behind enemy lines.

Belgium’s Special Forces

Belgium has sent their top commandos across the globe, from former Zaire to Somalia, from Kosovo to Bosnia. Their field of operation is hardly limited. In order to enlist, a trainee should have at least three years of experience in the military, and preferably as a para-commando.

Their grueling training includes an individual map-reading exercise of more than 100km to be done within 48 hours.

New Zealand’s SAS

Originally known as the Long Range Desert Group during World War 2, the group evolved into the skilled and feared New Zealand SAS. Applicants undergo stressful and tasking conditions to ensure that they truly are the cream of the crop.

The celebrated sand-colored beret is not received until all the necessary navigation, weapon handling, medical and demolition skills have been mastered.

Indonesia’s Kopassus

The Southeast Asian island boasts accomplishments in dealing with terror that not many others can compete with. Its members are known to be fierce fighters and very often find themselves changing their identities to adapt to new conditions.

This brigade lives by their motto of “Brave, Rightful, and Successful”.

USA’s Green Berets

The Green Berets are tasked primarily with unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action and counter-terrorism. Their powerful reach extends far beyond these duties.

The “Snake Eaters” as they’re affectionately known, made their debut during World War 2 and have been active since. Perhaps the snakes should check if their health insurance covers human bites.

Romania’s Special Forces

This fully operational special forces unit was put into full service in 2009. But don’t be fooled into thinking that it is not up-to-scratch.

Aside from never-ending training, these special forces have been operating in Afghanistan alongside many other foreign special units.

Mexico’s GAFE

Known to train with their American counterparts, the group has no more than 100 members. They train vigorously in counter-terrorist tactics.

Their orders are given to them directly from the Secretary of National Defense. Additionally they have an amphibious warfare unit trained to assist the army across their vast coastline with any troubles that might arise.

Norway’s Forsvarets Spesialkommando

Norway kept this one under wraps for a long time. In November 1994 the unit’s name came to light after a foiled airplane hijacking attempt by a Norwegian local.

Since then, it has been noted that the special commandos have taken part in numerous missions abroad, including the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria.

South Africa’s Recces

“Recces” get their name from being reconnaissance commandos. Their sworn motto is “We fear naught but God”. Their duties include hunting down wanted criminals or terrorists both on their home soil and abroad.

It isn’t widely known that an operator of the South African Special Forces, as part of the Force Intervention Brigade, made an incredulous sniper kill with a confirmed distance of 2,125m.

France’s Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN)

The GIGN is primarily tasked with rescuing hostages from complicated and severely dangerous scenarios.

A memorable mark made by these professionals was the Air France hijacking in 1994. Terrorists planned to fly the plane into the Eiffel Tower. GIGN members stormed the plane and killed all four hijackers.

Colombia’s AFEUR

Agrupación de Fuerzas Especiales Antiterroristas Urbanas – Yeah, I need to brush up on my Spanish too. AFEUR deals with protection of VIPs, like American dignitaries and presidents. This is not their only focus of operation.

Very little is known about them, but what seems to be public knowledge is that the unit has played a significant role in the war against guerrillas threatening Colombia.

Nigeria’s Special Commandos

Just like many other elite units, not too much information has been posted for public knowledge. What we do know is that only recently the operatives of Nigeria’s elite trained with the elite of Pakistan’s SSG.

Many have commented that the reason this group is so frightening is because of its “trigger-ready” tactics. We believe it is rightfully considered a candidate for this list.

Denmark’s Frogman Corps

Following suit of many others listed here, Denmark’s Frogman Corps trained alongside the British SAS.

Their establishment in 1957 has given them ample time to them improve their counter-terrorism skills. Their duties also cover search-and-rescue operations and law enforcement, no matter the degree of danger.

Portugal’s Special Forces

Tucked alongside Spain in the southwestern nook of Europe, you might wonder what issues this country might face.

Well, aside from piracy in their seas, this unit has also buckled up during the recent spike in terror activities in certain European countries. They focus on direct action, unconventional warfare, hostage rescue and other special operations.

Britain’s Special Boat Service

I guess we can call this the SAS’s sea sister. As the name suggests, this unit deals with most things sea related.

“By strength and guile”, they shout – nothing is too challenging for these seamen. Having taken part in hostage rescues abroad, wars across many decades, the SBS is constantly on its top performance. The British army refuses to comment on their current activities.

The Ghost Army of World War 2

No longer in service, but one of the smartest military units ever created. Yes, it was a special brigade and it not only instilled fear in the enemy, it caused confusion.

The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the Ghost Army, created an entire military garrison that was no army at all. Rather it consisted of inflatable tanks, fake uniforms and loudspeakers blaring the sounds of tanks rolling into positions. It threw the Germans into attacking the wrong location, ultimately granting the allies a victory over their enemies.

Korps Mariniers

Meet the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces or NLMARSOF, which are their Marine Corps elite unites.

From mountain warfare to submarine, snowmobiles and parachute, this special unit trains for every situation and environment. They’re able to be deployed to any location on the planet within just 48 hours! Oh and their motto…Qua Patet Orbis. That means, “As Far As The World Extends.” Makes sense.

Marinejegerkommandoen

Next up, the Norwegian Special Operations Command’s maritime and naval special warfare unit known as the MJK. Back in 1953, they established this special unit to be employed for a wide range of operations. The MJK is trained for the following: special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism missions, direction action, arctic warfare, swampland warfare and hostage recovery. So basically any and everything.

As you can imagine, the training and selection process is relentless. Once about 8 men of the original 200 remain, they have to carry a 130 lb while being pursued by an enemy force. That’s not all! During this test once they get captured they must go through about 36 hours of tactical questioning.

1st Scout Rangers

This Philippine Army Special Operations Command unit is also known as just the Scout Rangers.

What do they specialize in? Well, just urban warfare, sabotage, ambushes, anti-guerrilla jungle warfare, close quarters combat and raids. Many became away of their special skills when they captured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF rebel camp in 2000. Their training school and also headquarters can be found in Tanay, Rizal.

Särskilda Operationsgruppen

The Swedish Special Operations Task Group, SOG, was founded in 2011. Their purpose is to accomplish missions that cannot be done with conventional forces or even standard weapons systems. Such operations include, hostage situations, eliminating high-targets valuable to any enemy and gathering time-critical intelligence.

For peace-keeping operations, they may be responsible for training and advising foreign militaries. The train at a secret compound with a multi-story building that has bullet-absorbing lining in its walls. Amazing!

Naval Special Warfare Command

This special unit of the Royal Thai Navy came to be known as Navy Seals, which was influenced by the US unit but rather than an acronym, refers to the animal. Anyway, the Thai Seals was established back in 1956 with help from the US Navy SEALs.

Within the Thai Navy’s Seal unit, there’s a small element who is specially trained for maritime counter-terrorism missions. Many believe the Underwater Demolition Assault Unit gathers intelligence when there is heightened tensions on the Thailand border. Recently, the Royal Thai Seals were sent to Somalia to engage in anti-piracy operations.

COMANF

Brazil’s Comandos Anfíbios or COMANF is part of their Marine Corps Special Operations Battalion and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. The defining phrase for the COMANF soldiers is the following, “Um Comanf é imbatível, dois são inseparáveis e três fazem guerra.”

When you translate from Portuguese to English it means, “One Comanf is unbeatable, two are unseparable and three wage war.” These Brazilian soldiers are trained for rappelling, mountaineering, advanced reconnaissance, counterintelligence and intelligence, among other special training.

Canadian Special Operations Regiment

Canada’s mobile special unit is known as CSOR, which stands for Canadian Special Operations Regiment.

They provide backup for Canada’s Joint Task Force 2, but also can be deployed anywhere in the world or within the country. Of course, they’re able to do counter-terrorism, direct action, defense diplomacy and special reconnaissance.

Finnish Border Guard

Obviously, the Finnish Border Guard or in Finnish Rajavartiolaitos, must enforce security at the country’s borders.

In addition, they have police and investigative authority concerning immigration matters. Also, they are responsible for search and rescue inland and maritime. Sometimes, their helicopters are used to assist local fire or rescue departments.

Kommando Spezialkräfte Marine

These German special marines are called the Kampfschwimmer (Combat Swimmers), or KSM, and are the single special-purpose unit within Germany’s Navy. Once Germany joined NATO in 1955, KSM was established. Men who did not have a Nazi past were recruited for the first unit.

In order to become part of this elite unit, one must pass a rigorous training period. Candidates must run 5,000 meters in less than 24 minutes, stay underwater without breathing for 60 seconds, swim 30 meters underwater without equipment, among many other grueling tests. However, many say the physical training is much easier to overcome than the psychological load such as, fear that causes many to drop out during training.

1st Raider/Paratrooper Brigade

Most refer to these Greek elite forces as simply, Raider Forces. Part of the uniform includes their unit insignia with a winged sword. This sword represents the “deadly, silent and swift” that this special forces unit embodies.

Along the winged sword is a scroll with their motto, “Who Dares Wins,” which is a tribute to the Free Greek Special Forces who served in the second World War. This fierce group carries out operations such as, reconnaissance, guerrilla warfare and airborne operations, among many more.

Para (Special Forces)

Part of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment, this special forces unit handles everything from hostage rescue, counter-insurgency, seek and destroy, counter-terrorism to unconventional warfare. Get this, initial training to join the force is three and a half years.

That’s the longest training anywhere! Though it’s a continuous process, members are provided with both advanced and basic training during that long period like, modes of infiltration and exfiltration by sea with combat diving or air with combat freefall.

Grup Gerak Khas

The 21 Gerup Gerak Khas, or GGK, is the special forces unit within the Malaysian Army. They must handle counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering, in addition to much more. Though they began back in 1965, the world began to learn about them between 1968 and 1989.

During that time, they successfully pacified the communist insurgency within the country’s jungles. Their motto is “Swift and Agile,” or without translation, “Cepat Dan Cergas.”

Japanese Special Forces Group

This unit, the SFGp, was established specifically to handle counter-terrorism and conduct military operations, as well as deter guerrilla attacks on the country’s soil. The Japanese gather their recruits from their 1st Airborne Brigade.

The SFGp trains at a special facility within the JGSDF Narashino, Chiba camp. In order to conceal their identities, the soldiers have their faces hidden under balaclavas. Unless their commander gives authorization, they must keep them hidden.

Special Actions Detachment

Since their name in Portuguese is Destacamento de Ações Especiais, this elite unit is known as DAE.

Part of the Portuguese Navy, they handle maritime counter-terrorism, beach reconnaissance and other related missions. Selection for the DAE is extremely selective and restrictive. A mere 5 to 10 percent of the applicant pool actually joins the force.

Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment

One of the two Sri Lanka Army special operation units, the SF began as a combat tracker team at its inception in 1986. From there, it expanded into what’s now known as the most secretive unit within the country’s army. No information has officially been released about the selection and induction into the Special Forces Brigade.

However, we do know about their Eagle insignia. Of course, it represents courage and warlike qualities and represents this elite unit’s ability to scoop towards its own prey. Frightening!

Underwater Offence

Within the Turkish Navy is the SAT or Underwater Offence special unit. They’re based right off of the city Izmir along the Aegean coast. The SAT must engage in direct action, search and seizure, counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance and military intelligence. Actually, the US Navy SEALs have close training relationships with SAT.

Thus, it’s no surprise Turkey trains and organizes this unit in a similar way to the American special unit.