Taking its cue from the same page as the British SAS, The Australian Special Air Service Regiment received some unwanted attention in 2016 due to the actions of some of it’s members in Afghanistan after allegations of torture surfaced which claimed some operatives cut some rebels hands off. The SASR are still in Afghansitan, working with other Special Forces, performing intelligence activites.
Considered to have the most demanding entry test in the Austarlian Army and often left to their own devices in extremely harsh environments, these guys are certainly no cuddly Kangaroos.
US Navy Seals
With their rallying cry of ‘Sea, Air and Land’, their hardcore training and fearsome international reputation, the US Navy Seal are certainly deserving to be on our list. Sent by their government on all types of missions all over the world, wherever the US Navy Seals go they are certain to get the job done.
The roots of today’s Navy Seals can be traced back to 1942 during World War II, when the US Navy realised it needed a special force to survey and maintain positions on beaches before the assault on the designated.
Turkish Maroon Berets
During the 2004 Special Forces Competition, the Turkish Maroon Berets surprised everyone and beat the US Delta Force to come first. Additionally, they managed to defuse a bomb in 8 seconds, which the Delta Force could only do in 14 seconds. Although it takes 3.5 years of rigorous training to become a part of the MB, any member can be deemed unsuitable and at any moment removed from the unit.
All Maroon Berets members are recruited from high-rank Army officers who volunteer to join. With at least served 3 years as an Army soldier these are some awesome fighters indeed.
Russia’s FSB
The natural heir to the infamous KGB and causing ripples of fear among Russian civilians, Russia’s Federal Security Force is no run of the mill special fighting unit. Ranging in activities from border control and foreign intelligence to anti terrorism and phone tapping. Since 2006 their remit has come to include the assassination of targets overseas should the all powerful President Putin give the go ahead.
Having been accused of intimidating foreign diplomats and journalists with the use of all kinds of psychological techniques, if you are a budding diplomat you might want to ask to be stationed elsewhere!
Israel’s “Mistarvim” – Duvdevan
Infamous for carrying out dangerous covert operations deep in enemy territory while disguised as local Arabs, Duvdevan’s mistarvim unit go about their business unnoticed until the final moment when they swoop in and catch their target off guard. With strong support waiting in the wings, once the mistarvim reveal themselves they are swiftly joined by their back up force.
Members go through intense training and are schooled not only in urban warfare but also must become fluent in Arabic and masters of disguise so as to blend naturally into the environment.