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1:10 Special Forces Group

U.S. Air Force•130 members

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About this Unit

1:10 Special Forces Group

U.S. Air Force

The 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), commonly referred to as 1/10 SFG(A), was activated in 1952, making it one of the original Special Forces units in the U.S. Army. Initially stationed in Bad Tölz, Germany, the battalion played a key role in unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations during the Cold War, focusing on missions behind the Iron Curtain. Over the decades, 1/10 SFG(A) has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions in Africa and combat operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Now headquartered at Panzer Kaserne near Stuttgart, Germany, 1/10 SFG(A) continues to support U.S. and NATO objectives across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

About 1:10 Special Forces Group

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in the Cold War: The 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 1/10 SFG(A), was activated in 1952 as one of the first Special Forces units, formed to conduct unconventional warfare behind enemy lines in Europe in case of a Soviet invasion.
World War II Heritage: Many of the original members were veterans of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and Jedburgh teams from World War II, bringing unique experience in guerrilla warfare and resistance operations.
First European Stationing: In 1953, 1/10 SFG(A) was the first U.S. Special Forces unit to deploy to Europe, establishing its headquarters at Bad Tölz, West Germany—a strategic location during the Cold War.
Green Beret Symbolism: The 10th SFG played a significant role in the adoption of the Green Beret as the symbol of U.S. Army Special Forces, with President Kennedy later endorsing the distinctive headgear.
Support to Resistance Movements: 1/10 SFG(A) trained and established stay-behind networks among NATO allies, particularly in Scandinavia and Western Europe, to prepare for possible occupation scenarios.
Operation Desert Storm: The 1/10 SFG(A) was among the first Special Forces units deployed to the Middle East during the Gulf War, conducting reconnaissance, sabotage, and coalition support operations.
Balkans Peacekeeping: During the 1990s, 1/10 SFG(A) played a key role in peacekeeping and stability operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and other parts of the Balkans, often training local forces and conducting special missions.
Post-9/11 Deployments: After 2001, 1/10 SFG(A) was heavily involved in Afghanistan and Iraq, specializing in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counterinsurgency.
Modern Garrison: The unit is now primarily based at Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen, Germany, maintaining a forward presence for U.S. and NATO interests in Europe and Africa.
Legacy of Valor: 1/10 SFG(A) has produced numerous decorated soldiers, including recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and other high honors, reflecting its continued commitment to excellence and sacrifice.

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1:10 Special Forces Group

U.S. Air Force•130 members

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About this Unit

1:10 Special Forces Group

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Kelvin Smith (SMITTY)

U.S. Army Veteran · 1994 - 1996

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Joannicola Marie LaucLutz De-Distefano Phillips

U.S. Army · 1941 - 2021

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Yvette Douglas

U.S. Army · 2002 - 2005

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Anthony Faraco

U.S. Army · 1979 - 1984

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Air Force photos

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About 1:10 Special Forces Group

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in the Cold War: The 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 1/10 SFG(A), was activated in 1952 as one of the first Special Forces units, formed to conduct unconventional warfare behind enemy lines in Europe in case of a Soviet invasion.
World War II Heritage: Many of the original members were veterans of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and Jedburgh teams from World War II, bringing unique experience in guerrilla warfare and resistance operations.
First European Stationing: In 1953, 1/10 SFG(A) was the first U.S. Special Forces unit to deploy to Europe, establishing its headquarters at Bad Tölz, West Germany—a strategic location during the Cold War.
Green Beret Symbolism: The 10th SFG played a significant role in the adoption of the Green Beret as the symbol of U.S. Army Special Forces, with President Kennedy later endorsing the distinctive headgear.
Support to Resistance Movements: 1/10 SFG(A) trained and established stay-behind networks among NATO allies, particularly in Scandinavia and Western Europe, to prepare for possible occupation scenarios.
Operation Desert Storm: The 1/10 SFG(A) was among the first Special Forces units deployed to the Middle East during the Gulf War, conducting reconnaissance, sabotage, and coalition support operations.
Balkans Peacekeeping: During the 1990s, 1/10 SFG(A) played a key role in peacekeeping and stability operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and other parts of the Balkans, often training local forces and conducting special missions.
Post-9/11 Deployments: After 2001, 1/10 SFG(A) was heavily involved in Afghanistan and Iraq, specializing in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counterinsurgency.
Modern Garrison: The unit is now primarily based at Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen, Germany, maintaining a forward presence for U.S. and NATO interests in Europe and Africa.
Legacy of Valor: 1/10 SFG(A) has produced numerous decorated soldiers, including recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and other high honors, reflecting its continued commitment to excellence and sacrifice.