Established in 1956, the Pakistan Special Service Group is the Pakistan army’s elite fighting unit, their training methods derived mainly from those of the US Special Forces ( a unit we’ll cover more of later). Formed of eight separate battalions and based in Tarbela Cantonment, the main focus right now for the Pakistan SSG is to fight back against regional Al Qaeda and Islamic State forces.
In December 2014, a special team of SSG and light commandos tracked down and killed the Global Operations Chief of al-Qaeda Adnan Gulshair el Shukrijumahalong in Pakistan’s South Waziristan.
Israeli Shayetet 13
A commando unit made of elite soldiers from the Israeli Navy, the Shayetet 13 is the Israeli Defence Force’s main special commando unit. Highly secretive, there is little information about these guys. Masters of the Israeli martial art, Krav Maga, to be a part of the Shaytet 13 you must sign up for four action packed years.
All year round, no matter the weather, they are up at 4am to start the day’s training with a swim in the sea. You have to be made of seriously tough stuff to become a member of this commando.
Austrian Jagdkommando
It’s doubtful you could find more of an apt name for this special unit than Jagdkommando, as it literally translates as ‘Hunting Force’. Thwarting terrorism might be this well-drilled force’s specialty but that only tells half the story, as they are adaptable to whatever the task calls for. No more than 20% of those who begin the training make it through to the end as it takes a special type to withstand the intensity required to join this elite unit.
To become a member, candidates must go through the notorious sere training course which takes place partly in the Austrian Alps. Surely not a fun skiing trip!
Taiwan Republic of China Armed Forces
Founded in 1924 and combining the Army, Police, Navy and Air Force this unit was notably assigned to reclaim all mainland China back from the People’s Republic of China back in the 1970s. Maintaining the safety of China’s vast and tenable cities would be a much harder task without these soldiers watching over them.
It’s current most important task is the protection of the islands of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu from a possible invasion by the People’s Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China (PRC), due to the ongoing dispute over Taiwan’s political status.
Peruvian Armed Forces
Active since 1821 and famous for their camouflaged faces, the Peruvian Armed Forces are linked to the Ministry of Defense and report straight to the Peruvian President. Acting as the military services of Peru, the Fuerzas Armadas del Perú combines the Air Force, Army, Navy and Joint Command.
Headquartered in Lima, as well as being assigned with safeguarding the country from any threat they also take part in the country’s social and economic development.