JFK Special Warfare Center, Fort Bragg

• Origin in World War II: The roots of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (JFKSWCS) date back to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and specialized training provided during WWII for unconventional warfare. • Establishment: The center was officially activated in 1952 as the Psychological Warfare Center at Fort Bragg. It was later renamed to honor President John F. Kennedy in 1962, recognizing his support for Special Forces. • “Green Beret” Connection: President Kennedy authorized the Green Beret as the official headgear for U.S. Army Special Forces in 1961, a symbol still closely associated with the JFKSWCS. • Training Headquarters: JFKSWCS is the U.S. Army's main institution for training and educating Special Forces, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations soldiers. • Language and Culture: The center runs one of the Department of Defense’s largest language and cultural training programs, reflecting the global missions of its graduates. • Robin Sage Exercise: The final test for Special Forces candidates is “Robin Sage,” a legendary and realistic unconventional warfare exercise run by the center in the forests of North Carolina. • Evolution of Roles: Originally focused on psychological warfare, JFKSWCS has expanded to include counterterrorism, foreign internal defense, and advanced special operations. • Global Influence: Graduates have played key roles in major U.S. military operations from Vietnam to Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond, often serving as trainers and advisors to allied nations. • Academic Partnerships: The center offers advanced education, including partnerships with civilian universities, to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees to its soldiers. • Commemoration and Memorials: The JFKSWCS complex at Fort Bragg includes memorials and museums honoring Special Operations soldiers, including the iconic “Iron Mike” statue.