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History of 1st Special Forces Groups (Airborne)

The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 1st SFG(A), was activated on June 24, 1957 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as one of the original Special Forces units. It was later stationed in Okinawa, Japan, establishing its focus on operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the Vietnam War, the 1st SFG(A) conducted critical unconventional warfare, training indigenous forces and conducting direct action missions. After a brief deactivation in 1972, the unit was reactivated in 1984 at Fort Lewis, Washington, where it continues to play a vital role in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command missions, counterterrorism, and humanitarian operations worldwide.

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ABOUT 1st Special Forces Groups (Airborne)

  • Origins and Activation: The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 1st SFG(A), was officially activated on 24 June 1957 at Fort Buckner, Okinawa, making it one of the earliest Special Forces units established during the Cold War era.
  • Green Beret Legacy: The 1st SFG(A) is part of the U.S. Army Special Forces, famously known as the "Green Berets" due to their distinctive headgear, authorized by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
  • Pacific Focus: The unit’s primary area of responsibility is the Asia-Pacific region, with missions ranging from counter-terrorism and foreign internal defense to humanitarian assistance and direct action.
  • Vietnam War Service: 1st SFG(A) played a significant role in Vietnam, training and fighting alongside indigenous forces, and pioneering many unconventional warfare tactics still used today.
  • Deactivation and Reactivation: The unit was deactivated in 1972 after the Vietnam War but was reactivated on 4 September 1984 at Fort Lewis, Washington, reflecting renewed U.S. interest in Pacific and Asian security.
  • Philippines Operations: In the early 2000s, 1st SFG(A) led Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines, working closely with Filipino forces against terrorist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah.
  • Language and Culture: Soldiers in 1st SFG(A) receive extensive language and cultural training, often becoming fluent in languages such as Tagalog, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Mandarin to better operate with partner forces.
  • Parachute Operations: As an airborne unit, 1st SFG(A) regularly conducts parachute jumps, including High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) insertions, to maintain their rapid deployment capabilities.
  • Valor and Recognition: Members of 1st SFG(A) have earned numerous awards for valor, including Silver Stars and Distinguished Service Crosses, for their actions in combat operations worldwide.
  • Motto and Identity: The group's motto, “First in Asia,” reflects its historical and ongoing mission focus. The unit insignia features a silver dagger and three lightning bolts, symbolizing their swift and precise actions.

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