Turkish Special Forces Command

Turkish Special Forces Command
Unit name	Turkish Special Forces Command
Native name	Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı
Dates	1992–present
Country	Turkey
Branch	Turkish Armed Forces
Type	Special forces
Role	Special reconnaissance, direct action, Unconventional warfare, Counter-terrorism
Size	Classified
Command structure	Turkish General Staff
Garrison	Ankara
Nickname	Bordo Bereliler (Maroon Berets)
Motto	"En Zoru Başarmak" (To Achieve the Most Difficult)
Battles	Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present), Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Deliberate Force, Operation Allied Force, ISAF, Operation Euphrates Shield, Operation Olive Branch, Operation Peace Spring, 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Turkish Special Forces Command. The Turkish Special Forces Command, known as the Maroon Berets, is the premier special operations force of the Turkish Armed Forces. Directly subordinate to the Turkish General Staff in Ankara, it is tasked with a wide spectrum of missions including special reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-terrorism. The unit's formation in 1992 consolidated various elite elements into a single command, evolving from earlier special warfare units established during the Cold War.

History

The origins trace back to the establishment of the Special Warfare Department in 1952 with assistance from the United States Army Special Forces during the Korean War era. Early units were influenced by the Jandarma Özel Harekat (JÖH) and saw initial operational experience in the Cyprus conflict. The modern command was formally activated in 1992, centralizing special operations capabilities. Its operational history expanded significantly through participation in NATO missions like Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq and Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Throughout the Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present), it has been extensively deployed in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq.

Organization and structure

The command is headquartered in Ankara under the direct control of the Turkish General Staff, separate from the Turkish Land Forces, Turkish Naval Forces, and Turkish Air Force. Its structure is classified but is known to consist of several special forces groups, each with specialized teams. The command maintains close operational ties with other Turkish elite units such as the Jandarma Özel Harekat and the Police Special Operations Department (PÖH). It also works alongside the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT) for intelligence-driven missions and frequently participates in joint exercises with allied special forces like the United States Special Operations Command.

Selection and training

Prospective candidates are drawn from volunteers within the Turkish Armed Forces who have completed basic military service. The selection process, held at the Special Forces Training and Education Center in Isparta, is notoriously arduous, featuring extreme physical endurance tests, psychological evaluations, and survival exercises. Training encompasses advanced skills in unconventional warfare, military free fall, combat diving, close-quarters combat, and sniper tactics. A significant portion of training is conducted in mountainous terrain, notably the Taurus Mountains, and includes joint programs with allied nations such as the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

Equipment

The command utilizes a diverse array of advanced weaponry and equipment, often tailored for specific missions. Standard small arms include the MKEK MPT assault rifle, HK G3 battle rifle, HK416 carbine, and MP5 submachine gun. Support weapons feature the M2 Browning heavy machine gun and MKEK Panter howitzer. For mobility and insertion, units employ UH-60 Black Hawk and T129 ATAK helicopters, along with various FNSS Pars armored vehicles. Personnel are equipped with modern gear including AN/PVS-14 night vision devices, Harris tactical radios, and Crye Precision combat uniforms.

Operations and deployments

The command has been deployed in numerous domestic and international operations. Domestically, it is a key component in operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) within the framework of the Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present). Internationally, it participated in NATO-led missions including the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan and Kosovo Force (KFOR). More recently, it played a pivotal role in cross-border operations such as Operation Euphrates Shield, Operation Olive Branch, and Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria. Elements were also reported in Libya and during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Insignia and uniforms

Personnel are distinguished by their maroon berets, earning them the nickname "Bordo Bereliler." The unit badge features a winged dagger superimposed on a star and crescent, symbolizing speed and precision. Operators typically wear MultiCam or Turkish-produced camouflage patterns like the Türk Kürdü pattern for field operations. A distinctive Special Forces Tab is worn on the uniform, and qualification badges such as the Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge are common. The command's motto, "En Zoru Başarmak," is often displayed on unit insignia and memorials.

Category:Special forces of Turkey Category:Military units and formations established in 1992