What Are Special Forces?
Special forces or special operations forces (SOF) are military units trained to conduct special operations. NATO has defined special operations as “military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, selected, trained and equipped forces using unconventional techniques and modes of employment”.
The South African Special Forces Brigade, colloquially known as the Recces, is South Africa’s principal special operations unit, specializing in various types of operations, including counter-insurgency, long-range-reconnaissance, unconventional-warfare, special operations, hostage-rescue, and direct-action operations. The brigade operates with two active-duty groups, with 4 Special Forces Regiment focusing on maritime operations, and 5 Special Forces Regiment focusing on land and airborne operations. Only about 8% of recruits who undergo South African special forces training pass the course.
The South African Special Forces Brigade has its roots in the Hunter Group, which was formed in 1968 as an elite counter-insurgency unit of the South African Army. The success of this unit culminated in the subsequent formation of five reconnaissance units, known widely as “Recces”, during the 1970s. South African special forces carried out a number of combat operations during the Rhodesian Bush War, the South African Border War, and the Mozambican Civil War.
The Special Forces Brigade’s current structure is the result of extensive restructuring related to the integration of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) between 1992 and 1996. Elements of the brigade are expanded into two additional groups; though termed “regiments”, they consist only of small numbers of operators who are secretive, seldom photographed, and expertly trained. The current regiments include 4 Special Forces Regiments based at Langebaan in Western Cape Province and 5 Special Forces Regiments based at Phalaborwa in the northern part of the province of Limpopo.
Special forces are directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division of the SANDF, and unlike other similar forces worldwide, are not a part of the South African Army nor the South African Navy, but are rather operated as its own branch/service within the SANDF.
How Many Special Forces Are There In South Africa?
The first South African Special Forces unit, 1 Reconnaissance Commando, was established in the town of Oudtshoorn, Cape Province on 1 October 1972. On 1 January 1975, this unit was relocated to Durban, Natal, where it continued its activities as the airborne specialist unit of the special forces.
Later, two additional Reconnaissance Commandos were formed:
- 4 Reconnaissance Commando, specializing in seaborne operations, was established in the coastal town of Langebaan, Cape Province.
- 5 Reconnaissance Commando was established at the Duku-Duku camp in Natal but was later moved to Phalaborwa in the Transvaal province.
What Do Special Forces Actually Do?
Special Forces today
The various units’ areas of expertise include behind-the-lines operations, undercover raids, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, reconnaissance, and covert surveillance.
Why Do People Join Special Forces?
While the personal satisfaction of a job well done and the respect of your peers are rewarded in themselves, Special Forces soldiers receive many additional financial benefits for their enhanced capabilities, special skills, and advanced training, along with the associated hazards that they face.