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| Special Forces (Greece) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Hellenic Special Forces |
| Native name | Ειδικές Δυνάμεις |
| Caption | Emblem associated with Hellenic special operations |
| Dates | 1946–present |
| Country | Greece |
| Branch | Hellenic Army; Hellenic Navy; Hellenic Air Force; Hellenic Police |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Special operations |
| Size | Classified |
| Garrison | Athens |
| Nickname | Greece Special Forces |
| Motto | Κάτω από το σκοτάδι (Under the darkness) |
| Colors | Black and olive |
| Commander1 | Chiefs of Staff of respective services |
Special Forces (Greece) are the elite special operations formations maintained by the Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force and selected units of the Hellenic Police. These units trace doctrinal and historical roots to World War II-era Greek formations and postwar irregular warfare, and they serve alongside NATO partners such as United States Special Operations Command, United Kingdom Special Forces, and NATO Special Operations Headquarters. Equipment, training exchanges, and operations reflect cooperation with forces including French Naval Commandos, Israeli Sayeret Matkal, and Italian COMSUBIN.
Origins of Greek special operations reach to the Greek Resistance during World War II, with members fighting alongside Special Operations Executive, Long Range Desert Group, and Fighting 2nd Greek Squadron elements. Postwar counterinsurgency during the Greek Civil War influenced formation of modern units like the Mountain Raiding Companies and later the Z' Special Unit-style formations. During the Cold War, reforms paralleled NATO doctrine shared with United States Army Special Forces, British SAS, and West German KSK exchanges. The 1974 Cyprus conflict and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus prompted further specialization, leading to new amphibious and airborne capabilities comparable to US Navy SEALs and Russian Spetsnaz deployments. In the 1990s and 2000s, Greek units participated in multinational frameworks including KFOR, ISAF, and Operation Enduring Freedom alongside NATO Response Force elements.
Hellenic special operations are organized across services: the Hellenic Army Special Forces Command oversees units such as the 1st Raider–Paratrooper Brigade, Z' Special Forces, and Mountain Raiding Companies. The Hellenic Navy maintains Underwater Demolition Command (DYK), Underwater Operations Command, and naval commando squadrons akin to COMSUBIN and Special Boat Service. The Hellenic Air Force fields special tactics teams and 41st Airborne Brigade liaison elements for airborne insertion comparable to USAF Pararescue and RAF Regiment tasks. Law enforcement special operations are handled by the EKAM counter-terrorism unit of the Hellenic Police and the DIAS rapid response motorcycle unit for urban operations. Inter-service coordination occurs through joint bodies modeled on NATO Special Operations Component Command and bilateral coordination channels with Joint Special Operations Command counterparts.
Primary missions include direct action, reconnaissance, hostage rescue, counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and maritime interdiction similar to missions undertaken by Delta Force, Sayeret Matkal, and GSG 9. Specific roles encompass amphibious raids mirroring USMC Force Recon, airborne seizure operations influenced by 3 Commando Brigade doctrine, mountain warfare reflecting lessons from the Balkan Wars, and VIP protection in conjunction with units like British SAS Regiment protective detachments. Sea control, counter-piracy, and special reconnaissance are conducted in littoral zones near the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and approaches to Dodecanese and Crete.
Selection draws candidates from the Hellenic Army NCO School, Hellenic Navy NCO School, and Hellenic Air Force Academy, with common phases influenced by the Special Forces Qualification Course and UK Special Forces selection methodologies. Training centers include mountain warfare schools modeled on Norwegian Fjellkongevakt practices, amphibious schools akin to US Amphibious Reconnaissance School, parachute schools comparable to Airborne School (Fort Benning), and counterterrorism ranges influenced by GSG 9 and GIGN. International exchanges occur with United States Marine Corps, French Commandos Marine, Israeli Defense Forces, Egyptian Unit 777, and Jordanian SAS to sharpen urban combat, desert operations, and maritime insertion skills.
Armaments and materiel reflect interoperability with NATO allies: small arms include variants of the HK G36, FN SCAR, M4 carbine, AK-47 derivatives for irregular warfare training, and SIG Sauer P226 pistols. Machine guns and support weapons include the FN MAG, M2 Browning, and Mk 48. Anti-armor and anti-structure systems encompass the Javelin (missile), NLAW, and portable FGM-148-class platforms. Maritime gear comprises SEAL Delivery Vehicle-style craft, RHIBs comparable to Special Boat Service craft, and diving apparatus from Scubapro and Dolphin group suppliers. Aviation support includes helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk, Bell UH-1, and transport like the C-130 Hercules; UAV platforms follow systems used by NATO ISR elements.
Greek special units have deployed to multinational missions including Balkans deployments, Bosnia and Herzegovina during IFOR, Kosovo Force (KFOR), and operations in Afghanistan under ISAF. Maritime security patrols occurred in coordination with Operation Atalanta and EU NAVFOR missions. Domestic counterterrorism sorties have supported major events and responded to crises similar to interdictions conducted by GSG 9 and GIGN. Bilateral exercises included the Operation Noble Dina, joint drills with United States European Command, Hellenic–French exercises, and annual interoperability events with Cyprus National Guard and Israeli Navy.
Unit insignia draw from Hellenic symbolism and historical emblems used in the Greek War of Independence, featuring motifs like the phoenix (mythology), laurel crowns, and Spartan iconography from Leonidas I. Traditions incorporate commemoration of battles such as the Battle of Thermopylae in ceremonial observances and medals like the Order of Honour and service-specific awards analogous to Distinguished Service Cross recognitions. Decorations earned during NATO operations align with common honors issued by NATO and allied states, and units maintain museums and memorials in locations such as Athens and Chania honoring fallen operatives.
Category:Special Forces of Greece