With their slogan of ‘Now or Never!” indicating that there’s no messing with these guys and their skill for operating globally whatever the conditions, you would have to be a very brave wanna be terrorist to take on the Netherland’s Korps Commandotoepen. Pros at working covertly behind enemy line and masters at sabotage, they also provide humanitarian aid when required.
The unit’s roots go back to World War II. From the offset its mission has been to deal with tasks considered too complex and dangerous for the regular army.
Italy’s Leatherheads
Tasked with keeping G7 attendees safe during the Italian Presidency in May, Italy’s Leatherheads (actual full name is Gruppo di Intervento Speciale or a little simpler, GIS) consist of only 150 members, of which only it’s leader, Commander Alfa is permitted to address the public. They begun life as a police unit but were promoted in 2004.
The unit’s main protagonist is it’s head figure, Commander Alfa, who has written books about the unit detailing it’s operations and what it means to be part of an elite force.
South Korea’s White Tigers
Due to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, South Korea made certain such an event would be avoided at the 1988 Seoul Olympics by forming their own anti terror group. Covering a wide array of duties, the White Tigers have a personnel of around 200 members and accept into their ranks both men and women.
Tasked with conducting urban counter terrorist missions, they are also first on the scene when responding to emergency situations.
Belgium’s Special Forces
Deployed all over the world, from Kosovo to Somalia, to Bosnia to Zaire, Belgium’s Special Forces spread their net far and wide. Only after serving three years in the military can you apply to be a part of this special unit. Training is extremely rigorous including a 100km map reading task to be completed in no more than 48 hours.
Training as an Operator of the Special Forces is an ongoing process. It’s members are always involved with the honing of their skills and the development of new ones.
USA’s Green Berets
With Mission including counter terrorism, direct action, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance and unconventional warfare, the Green Berets tentacles strech far and wide. Nicknamed the ‘Snake Eaters’, they were formed during World War II and have been kicking butt ever since. Slithering their way across the globe, these snakes might need some anti human bite medicine!
Members form tight bonds with one another and their camaraderie is unique, as many of the force’s missions demand that the members rely heavily on each other for support.