Jerry Smelts

The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as 10th SFG(A), was activated in 1952 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, making it one of the first Special Forces units in the U.S. Army. Originally focused on operations in Europe during the Cold War, the unit was stationed in Germany before relocating its headquarters to Fort Carson, Colorado, with a forward presence maintained in Germany. The 10th SFG has participated in numerous operations, including counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and foreign internal defense missions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The unit played prominent roles in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, exemplifying its motto: "De Oppresso Liber"—To Free the Oppressed.

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.

Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) was a highly classified, multi-service United States special operations unit that operated during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1972. Composed of personnel from the Army, Navy SEALs, Air Force, and Marine Corps, MACV-SOG conducted covert missions including strategic reconnaissance, direct action, psychological operations, and sabotage deep behind enemy lines in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The unit played a critical role in disrupting North Vietnamese supply routes, such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and gathering intelligence that influenced U.S. military strategy. Due to the secretive nature of its missions, much of MACV-SOG's history remained classified for decades, and its members are recognized today for their extraordinary bravery and ingenuity.

The IMA 1st Special Forces Training Group was established to provide advanced instruction and preparation for personnel assigned to specialized operations roles. Since its inception, the unit has focused on developing expertise in unconventional warfare, direct action missions, and counter-terrorism tactics. The group has played a pivotal role in shaping the proficiency and readiness of special operations forces through rigorous training programs and joint exercises. Over the years, members trained by the IMA 1st Special Forces Training Group have deployed in support of various national and international missions, earning a reputation for excellence and adaptability.

The 8th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 8th SFG(A), was a United States Army Special Forces unit activated in 1963 at Fort Gulick, Panama Canal Zone. Its primary mission was to conduct unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations, especially throughout Latin America, as part of U.S. efforts to support allied nations during the Cold War. The group played a key role in training and advising Latin American military forces, notably through the U.S. Army School of the Americas. In 1972, the 8th SFG(A) was inactivated, with many of its personnel and responsibilities transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group.

101st Airborne

U.S. Army

The 101st Airborne Division is a specialized unit of the United States Army that is trained for air assault operations. It was created during World War II and gained fame for its role in the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944. The division has since participated in numerous conflicts around the world, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known as the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st Airborne is considered one of the most elite and versatile divisions in the US military.

The 5th Special Forces Group, also known as the 5th SFG, is one of the elite special operations forces of the United States Army. They are known for their expertise in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, and direct action missions. The 5th SFG primarily focuses on operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. They are highly trained individuals who work in small teams to accomplish high-risk missions in hostile environments.