About this Unit
The 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 19th SFG(A), is a unit of the United States Army National Guard and one of two National Guard groups that make up part of Army Special Forces. Constituted in 1961, the 19th SFG(A) has its headquarters in Draper, Utah, with subordinate battalions stationed across several western states. The group has participated in numerous operations, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other locations as part of the Global War on Terrorism. Renowned for its expertise in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action missions, the 19th SFG(A) works closely with allied forces and supports both federal and state missions.
Historical Facts
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Dual Role Unit: The 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 19th SFG(A), is part of the Army National Guard and serves both state and federal missions, making it unique among elite military units.
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Origins in the Cold War: The 19th SFG(A) traces its roots to the 1st Special Service Force of World War II and was officially established in 1961 during the Cold War to counter global communist threats.
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Geographic Spread: While headquartered in Draper, Utah, the 19th SFG(A) has subordinate units spread across multiple states including Washington, California, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia.
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First National Guard Group in Afghanistan: In 2002, the 19th SFG(A) became the first National Guard Special Forces unit to deploy to Afghanistan after 9/11, playing a critical role in Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Mountain Warfare Expertise: The 19th SFG(A) is well known for its mountain warfare skills, often training in the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, making it a go-to unit for high-altitude operations.
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Partner Nation Training: Members of the 19th SFG(A) have trained and advised military forces in over 30 countries, including Colombia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Jordan, fostering strong international partnerships.
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Valor and Decorations: Soldiers from the 19th SFG(A) have received numerous awards for valor, including Silver Stars and Bronze Stars, for their heroism in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Integration with Active Duty: The 19th SFG(A) routinely integrates with the active-duty 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) for joint training and real-world missions, showcasing seamless cooperation between Guard and active forces.
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Special Forces Qualification: All Green Berets in the 19th SFG(A) attend the same rigorous Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) and qualification courses as their active-duty counterparts.
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Community and Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, 19th SFG(A) soldiers have responded to domestic emergencies including Hurricane Katrina, flooding in Colorado, and supporting COVID-19 response efforts.
