Intro
Discover key facts about the 19th Special Forces, including elite training, covert operations, and tactical missions, highlighting their unique role in US military special operations forces and national security.
The 19th Special Forces Group, also known as the 19th SFG, is a unit of the United States Army National Guard that specializes in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action. The group is headquartered in Draper, Utah, and has units located in several states across the country. Here are five facts about the 19th Special Forces Group:
The 19th Special Forces Group was first activated in 1961 as the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) of the United States Army Reserve. At the time, the group was composed of soldiers from the 11th Special Forces Group and the 77th Special Forces Group. The unit was officially designated as the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 1962. In 2006, the unit was transferred to the Army National Guard and became part of the Utah Army National Guard.
Structure and Organization
The 19th Special Forces Group is structured into several battalions, each with its own area of responsibility. The group is led by a colonel and is composed of several staff sections, including operations, intelligence, logistics, and communications. The group also has a number of operational detachments, known as Operational Detachment-Alpha (ODA) teams, which are composed of 12-14 soldiers and are trained to conduct a wide range of special operations missions.
Mission and Training
The primary mission of the 19th Special Forces Group is to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action missions in support of national objectives. To prepare for these missions, soldiers in the 19th SFG undergo extensive training in areas such as language, culture, and regional studies, as well as advanced skills training in areas such as marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics. The group also conducts regular training exercises and deployments to maintain its readiness and proficiency.
Operations and Deployments
The 19th Special Forces Group has deployed soldiers to a number of countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines. The group has also conducted training exercises and missions in several other countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition to its overseas deployments, the 19th SFG has also been involved in several domestic operations, including disaster relief and counterterrorism missions.
Awards and Decorations
The 19th Special Forces Group has been awarded several decorations and awards for its service, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Superior Unit Award, and the Utah National Guard Distinguished Service Medal. Individual soldiers in the group have also been awarded a number of decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal.
Community Involvement
The 19th Special Forces Group is committed to community involvement and outreach. The group regularly participates in local events and ceremonies, and its soldiers are involved in a number of volunteer programs and charitable organizations. The group also has a strong relationship with local law enforcement and emergency services agencies, and its soldiers often provide training and support to these agencies.
In terms of specific skills and training, the 19th Special Forces Group is known for its expertise in areas such as:
- Unconventional warfare: The group is trained to conduct guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and other forms of unconventional warfare.
- Foreign internal defense: The group is trained to advise and assist foreign governments in their efforts to counter internal threats, such as insurgencies and terrorist organizations.
- Direct action: The group is trained to conduct direct action missions, such as raids and ambushes, against enemy forces.
- Special reconnaissance: The group is trained to conduct special reconnaissance missions, such as surveillance and intelligence gathering, behind enemy lines.
- Language and cultural skills: The group's soldiers are trained in a number of languages, including Arabic, Spanish, and French, and are also trained in cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Special Forces Qualifications
To join the 19th Special Forces Group, soldiers must meet certain qualifications and complete a rigorous training program. The qualifications include: * Being a U.S. citizen * Being between the ages of 20 and 35 * Having a high school diploma or equivalent * Scoring a minimum of 110 on the Army General Technical (GT) test * Passing a physical fitness test * Completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) * Completing the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)The SFQC is a 24-week course that teaches soldiers the skills they need to become a Special Forces soldier. The course includes training in areas such as:
- Language and cultural skills
- Unconventional warfare
- Foreign internal defense
- Direct action
- Special reconnaissance
- First aid and medical skills
- Combat tactics and techniques
Special Forces Training Pipeline
The Special Forces training pipeline is a series of courses and training programs that soldiers must complete to become a Special Forces soldier. The pipeline includes: * Basic Combat Training (BCT) * Advanced Individual Training (AIT) * Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) * Language training * Cultural training * Advanced skills trainingThe pipeline can take up to two years to complete, and soldiers must pass each phase of training to progress to the next phase.
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What is the primary mission of the 19th Special Forces Group?
+The primary mission of the 19th Special Forces Group is to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action missions in support of national objectives.
What kind of training do soldiers in the 19th Special Forces Group receive?
+Soldiers in the 19th Special Forces Group receive extensive training in areas such as language, culture, and regional studies, as well as advanced skills training in areas such as marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics.
Where has the 19th Special Forces Group deployed?
+The 19th Special Forces Group has deployed soldiers to a number of countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines.
In conclusion, the 19th Special Forces Group is a highly trained and versatile unit that plays a critical role in the United States military. With its expertise in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action, the group is well-equipped to handle a wide range of missions and operations. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with the 19th Special Forces Group, and to learn more about the important work that these soldiers do. Whether you are a military enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who is interested in learning more about the world of special operations, we encourage you to join the conversation and to share your perspectives with us.