About this Unit
The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as "The Green Berets," was activated in 1960, inheriting the lineage of earlier special operations units. Originally focused on operations in Latin America, the unit has played a pivotal role in counterinsurgency, counter-narcotics, and foreign internal defense throughout Central and South America. Over the decades, the 7th SFG(A) has also deployed to hotspots worldwide, including significant involvement in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its expertise in unconventional warfare, the group remains a critical component of U.S. Army Special Forces, specializing in relationships and missions within the Western Hemisphere.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The lineage of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) traces back to the elite OSS Jedburgh teams and the First Special Service Force, both renowned for their unconventional warfare behind enemy lines during World War II.
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Activation: The official activation of the 7th Special Forces Group took place on 20 May 1960 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as part of the expansion of U.S. Army Special Forces.
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Latin America Focus: The 7th SFG(A) specializes in operations and relationships throughout Latin America, focusing on counterinsurgency, counter-narcotics, and training missions in Central and South America.
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Operation Just Cause: 7th SFG(A) played a critical role in the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, conducting special reconnaissance, direct action, and supporting the capture of Manuel Noriega.
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Counter-Drug Operations: Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Group was heavily involved in counter-narcotics missions across Latin America, working with partner nations to combat drug cartels.
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Global War on Terrorism: After 9/11, the 7th SFG(A) deployed extensively to Afghanistan and Iraq, conducting direct action, foreign internal defense, and other missions against terrorist networks.
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Relocation: In 2011, the Group moved from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
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Distinctive Red Beret: Soldiers of the 7th SFG(A) are known as the "Red Berets" due to the unit's official beret color, distinguishing them from other Special Forces groups.
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The Motto "Lo Que Sea, Cuando Sea, Donde Sea": The 7th SFG(A) motto translates from Spanish as "Anything, Anytime, Anywhere," reflecting their readiness and regional focus.
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Decorated History: 7th SFG(A) has received multiple unit citations and individual awards, including the Valorous Unit Award, for extraordinary heroism in action during numerous operations worldwide.
