View source for Special Forces Brigades of the Republic of Korea Army

{{Short description|Units of the Republic of Korea Army}}
The '''Special Forces Brigades of the Republic of Korea (ROK)''' are six special forces brigades and one oversea deployment group under the command and control of the [[Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command]] (ROK-SWC; Korean: 대한민국 육군 특수전사령부, 특전사; Hanja: 大韓民國陸軍 特殊戰司令部).  These units were modelled after [[United States Army Special Forces]] (Green Berets).
Members of the brigades receive special training for various unconventional warfare missions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=72–73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref> These seven units are part of ROK Special Forces, founded in 1958 and fall under the jurisdiction of the [[Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command]], which was created in 1969.<ref>{{cite web|title=www.sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> ROK special forces brigades main tasks include guerrilla warfare, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, direct action, collecting information in enemy territory and conducting special missions.<ref>{{cite web|title=usnavyseals.com|url=http://information.usnavyseals.com/2010/03/who-are-the-republic-of-korea-special-forces.html}}</ref> They were reportedly deployed to the streets of [[Seoul]] in December 2024 amidst the declaration of martial law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-03 |title=Martial law meaning: South Korea president declare emergency martial law, opposition Lee Jae-myung and odas react |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/ced80lyxp5go |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=BBC News Pidgin}}</ref>
[[File:ROKA Special Warfare Command Insignia.svg|thumb|Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command]]
==Relationship with SOCKOR==
The members of the ROK Special Forces Brigades train and work in close partnership with members of the United States Special Operations Forces in defense of the Republic of Korea.  U.S. SOF in Korea are under the command and control of [[Special Operations Command Korea]] (SOCKOR)  which is a sub-unified command assigned under the Combatant Command (COCOM) of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and further delegated to the Operational Command of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) Commander.<ref>^ SOCOM 2013 Fact Book, {{cite web |url=http://www.socom.mil/News/Documents/USSOCOM_Fact_Book_2013.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2017-06-16 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214222055/http://www.socom.mil/News/Documents/USSOCOM_Fact_Book_2013.pdf |archivedate=2013-02-14 }}</ref>
==Special Forces Brigades==
[[Military volunteer|Volunteers]] for these brigades undergo training in high skilled [[weapon]] handling and [[parachuting]] as well as the regular [[Physical fitness|physical]] and [[psychological]] tests. All weapons and equipment used by the ROK special forces are [[South Korea]], [[U.K.|British]], [[United States|U.S.]], [[Germany|German]], and others products.<ref>It is not known precisely mostly</ref> Although ROK Special Forces Brigades consist purely of volunteer soldiers,<ref>{{cite web|title=usnavyseals.com|url=http://information.usnavyseals.com/2010/03/who-are-the-republic-of-korea-special-forces.html}}</ref> they have to reach certain requirements such as achieving a black belt in [[Taekwondo]] or any similar martial art.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref> Battalions of ROK Special Forces Brigades are frequently used for destruction of tactical targets.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref> Normal [[uniform]] is a [[camouflage]] [[combat suit]] and ROK Special Forces distinguish icon are their black [[berets]] with the SF badge in [[silver]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref> The usual distribution of the ROK Special Forces Brigades is one [[battalion]] per each [[Army]] [[corps]] and each unit is capable of using either continuous [[guerrilla]] operations or single operations, whether or not they find themselves on friendly or [[enemy]] [[territory (country subdivision)|territory]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
Each of the seven ROK Special Forces Brigades have their own mascot.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shadow Spear Special Operations|url=http://www.shadowspear.com/south-korea-special-operations/1087-rokaswc.html}}</ref> They are:
# [[1st Special Forces Brigade (South Korea)|1st Special Forces Brigade (Airborne)]] 'Eagle'
# 3rd Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) 'Flying Tiger'
# International Peace Supporting Standby Force (Formerly 5th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) and 5th Special Mission Group 'Black Dragon')
# 7th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) 'Pegasus'
# 9th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) 'Ghost'
# 11th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) 'Golden Bat'
# [[13th Special Mission Brigade (South Korea)|13th Special Mission Brigade]] (Black Panther) (Formerly 13th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne))
===1st Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) ===
[[File:제1공수특전여단.png|thumb|Insignia of the 1st Special Forces Brigade (Airborne)]]
[[1st Special Forces Brigade (South Korea)|1st Special Forces Brigade]] was founded on April 1, 1958, under the name of 1st Combat Group. This was the original unit of the ROK Special Forces.<ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> In October 1958, it adopted the name of 1st Special Forces Group. And in September 1972 it became 1st Special Forces Brigade. The former commander of the 1st Special Forces Brigade, [[Chun Doo Hwan]], served as President of Korea from 1980 to 1988.<ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> Its special pocket patch emblem is the [[Eagle]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
===3rd Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) ===
[[File:제3공수특전여단.png|thumb|Insignia of the 3rd Special Forces Brigade (Airborne)]]
Founded on January 18, 1969, under the name of 1st Ranger [[Brigade]]. On September 10, 1972, it adopted the name of 3rd Special Forces Brigade. It is well known among the other brigades for its excellence in [[Tae Kwon Do]].<ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> Its special pocket patch emblem is the Flying [[Tiger]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
===International Peace Supporting Standby Force ===
Founded on February 17, 1969, under the name of 2nd Ranger [[Brigade]]. On September 10, 1972, it was re-designated to 5th Special Forces Brigade. And in 2000 it adopted the name of Special Missions Group.<ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> Its special pocket patch emblem is the Black [[Dragon]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
In 2010, it became International Peace Supporting Standby Force (Korean: 국제평화지원단). The unit consists of around 1,000 members, and carries out overseas development missions.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20100701000625|title = Military launches unit for overseas deployment|date = 1 July 2010|accessdate = 23 February 2015|website = The Korea Herald|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref>
===7th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) ===
[[File:제7공수특전여단.png|thumb|Insignia of the 7th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne)]]
Founded on October 1, 1974. This unit is known for its [[HALO jump|HALO Jumping]] abilities. The 7th Special Forces Brigade maintains one of the only usable year-round [[Drop Zone]].<ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> Its special pocket patch emblem is the Flying [[Horse]] or [[Pegasus]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
===9th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) ===
[[File:제9공수특전여단.png|thumb|Insignia of the 9th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne)]]
Founded on October 1, 1974, along with the 7th Special Forces Brigade. One former 9th special Forces Brigade Commander, [[Roh Tae-woo]], served as President of the [[Republic of Korea]] from 1987 to 1992.<ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> Its special pocket patch emblem is the [[Ghost]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
===11th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne) ===
[[File:제11공수특전여단.png|thumb|Insignia of the 11th Special Forces Brigade (Airborne)]]
Founded on October 1, 1977.<ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> Its special pocket patch emblem is the Golden [[Bat]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
===13th Special Mission Brigade===
The [[13th Special Forces Brigade (South Korea)|13th Special Forces Brigade]] was founded in July 1977 along with the 11th Special Forces Brigade. Its special pocket patch emblem is the [[black panther|Black Panther]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds, Miller|first=Ray, David|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=73|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=republic+of+korea+special+forces+brigades&pg=PA70}}</ref>
On 1 December 2017, the [[13th Special Mission Brigade (South Korea)|13th Special Mission Brigade]] was reorganized into the 13th Special Mission Brigade. It was formerly known as "The Decapitation Unit" (참수부대), as unlike the other Korean Special Forces Brigades in addition to conducting unconventional warfare in enemy territory, it is tasked with neutralizing well-protected, high-priority targets such as political and military leaders and facilities. It is regarded as having the most intensive training regimen out of all the Korean Special Forces Brigades, holding regular joint training sessions with US Navy SEALs and Green Berets, and is the only Korean Special Forces unit to still use conscripted troops in combat roles and training.
[[File:US Army 51006 ROK, U.S. hold first ever Army-to-Army staff talks.jpg|thumb|US Army 51006 ROK, U.S. hold first ever Army-to-Army staff talks]]
==707th Special Mission Group==
{{see also|707th Special Mission Group}}
Founded late in 1981 under the Executive Order of the [[President of the Republic of Korea]] as world-class [[Counter-terrorism|Counter-terrorist]] force with the goal to support Domestic and International [[Counter-terrorism|Counter-terrorist]] agencies.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bonds|first=Ray|title=Illustrated Directory of Special Forces|year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|pages=72|isbn=9780760314197|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FMgpdulJsGgC&dq=special+forces+brigades+of+the+republic+of+korea&pg=PA70}}</ref> The [[hostage]]-taking situation of the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] was key for the development of such unit in which Palestinian [[guerrillas]] belonging to the [[Black September (group)|Black September]] organization took eleven Israeli athletes as hostages.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reeve|first=Simon|title=Olympics Massacre: The real story|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/olympics-massacre-munich--the-real-story-524011.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/olympics-massacre-munich--the-real-story-524011.html |archive-date=2022-05-24 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=The Independent|date=22 January 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=sfaxiii.org|url=http://www.sfaxiii.org/0%20ROKA%20SWC.htm}}</ref> The members from 707th Special Mission Group are distinguished from other soldiers by their unique black [[berets]]. All operators of the 707th receive a full year of special training; six months of basic [[infantry]] [[combat]] skills and another six months of [[special warfare]] training. Every member of the 707th is [[Scuba diving|SCUBA]] and [[parachute]] qualified.<ref>{{cite web|title=Discover Special Forces|url=http://discoverspecialforces.com/special-forces/707th-special-mission-battalion-south-korea/}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Commandos of the Republic of Korea Army]]
* [[Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command]]
* [[Republic of Korea Naval Special Warfare Flotilla]]
* [[List of military equipment of Republic of Korea]]
* [[Special Operations Command Korea]]
* [[United States Army Special Forces]]
== References ==
<!--- See [[Wikipedia:Footnotes]] on how to create references using <ref></ref> tags which will then appear here automatically -->
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.swc.mil.kr Official Website of ROK Special Warfare Command]
[[Category:Brigades of the South Korean Army]]
[[Category:Special forces of the Republic of Korea|Army]]