The Special Forces Group is a special forces unit in the Belgian Army and part of the Special Operations Regiment.

Members of the Special Forces Group are selected from all the branches of the Belgian Armed Forces. Candidates must have at least 3 years of military experience to join the Special Forces Group.

History

In January 1942, the first Belgian parachutists were trained at RAF Ringway, Manchester, England. The same year, the Belgian Independent Parachute Company was established and commanded by Captain E. Blondeel. Later, the unit was incorporated into the Special Air Service Brigade and became the 5th Special Air Service (known as the Belgian SAS squadron). The SAS squadron was active during World War II until enemy operations ceased. They carried out several operations using the parachute regiment and armored jeeps. Thereafter, the unit also took part in counter-intelligence operations. On 21 September 1945, 5th SAS was transferred from the British Army to the newly reformed Belgian Army. Renamed the Regiment Parachutistes SAS, they served independently as a highly mobile airborne unit until 1952, when the regiment joined with the Commando Regiment to form a battalion of the Para-commando Regiment.

From 1952 on, the traditions of the 5th SAS were continued by 1st Paratroopers Battalion (1 PARA) of the Para-commando Regiment. In 1955, the ESR-SOE (Eléments Spéciaux de Recherche-Speciale Opsporings Elementen), translated as the Special Detection Unit, was created and included operators from all divisions of the Army. The unit was part of the 1st Belgian Corps, commanded by Captain J. BYL, and succeeded by Major R. Tagnon.

In 1961, the ESR-SOE was officially established with R. Tagnon as the first Corps commander. In 1964, under the command of P. Crèvecoeur, the unit changed its name. It became the first Company ESR-GVP (-), translated as the Specialized Reconnaissance Teams. The company was made up of team members from the Army and a Para-Commando detachment. They worked in conjunction with all the divisions as well as the I Corps (Belgium). The unit consisted of 16 teams of 4 operators and support members, for a total of about 120 men, and served in a stay-behind role. p.13 The unit was stationed in Weiden, then in Euskirchen, and finally in Spich until it was disbanded in 1994.

In 1994, the detachment LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) was established following the tradition of the 1st Company ESR-GVP. The LRRP was dependent on the Para-Commando brigade and was stationed in Heverlee until it was disbanded in 2000.

In April 2000, the Special Forces Group was established from the 3rd Regiment Lanciers Parachutistes and was moved to Flawinne. In February 2003, the Special Forces Group became an independent unit when the 3rd Regiment of Lanciers was disbanded. In 2011, amid defense cuts and the reorganization of the Belgian Armed Forces, 1 PARA was disbanded after 59 years of continuous service. In December 2011, the unit's banner, flag, insignia, and traditions were officially handed over to the Special Forces Group (SFG) to carry on the lineage of the 5th SAS and 1 Para. In 2012, the SFG moved to new barracks in Heverlee and became part of the Light Brigade.

On 3 July 2018, the Light Brigade disbanded, and the Special Operations Regiment (SOR) was inaugurated. The SOR consists of the following units: Special Forces Group (SFG), 2nd Commando Battalion (2 Codo), 3rd Paratroopers Battalion (3 PARA), Commando Training Centre (CE Cdo), Parachutist Training Centre (CE Para), and the 6th Group Communication and Information Systems (6 Gp CIS).

Organisation

The Special Forces Group Comprises;

HQ staff Support staff and service's detachment with: intelligence cell communications cell medical cell logistics cell Operational detachment with: training / instructional cell 4 Air operations teams (HALO airborne / heliborne) 2 Amphibious operations teams (Rebreather diver, watercraft, and advanced Amphibious capabilities) 4 Land operations teams (Mobility, advanced mountain capabilities)

Note: A Team consists of a Team Officer, a Senior NCO (2IC), and 8 Operators.

Training

Qualification as a Special Forces Group operator consists of four parts: The selection phase (Pre-stage); the Qualification course (Stage); a complementary education course; a functional course.

Selection phase

The selection phase includes a selection week during which candidates are tested on their physical condition, map-reading ability, general military knowledge, and shooting techniques. A psychological evaluation is also performed. This is followed by a one-week specialized training program that focuses on reaching the basic level necessary to begin the actual stage. While many topics are covered, map reading and shooting techniques are emphasized. Finally, there is a one-week 'Identification of Military material' (IM) course.

Basic training

The extensive training program is physically and mentally challenging, lasting approximately 6 months. Aside from technical skills and military knowledge, candidates must meet high standards regarding initiative and motivation. During this phase, candidates are taught the basic skills necessary to survive hostile environments. The basic training consists of 3 phases: Orientation, Technical, and Tactical, each lasting about 2 months. After completing basic training, candidates may be called operators, although certification is not awarded until the end of the evaluation phase. The Orientation phase is physically intense and mainly an individual period. The emphasis during this phase is on map reading and independent work. The orientation phase is concluded with the 'Tenderfeet', an individual map reading exercise of more than 100 km within 48 hours.

Some of the areas covered during this phase are:

Navigation and orientation Recognition and identification of military materials Specific Special Forces Tactics Shooting skills, supported by Blackbook (Peeters Cédric), in Brussels Survival skills Transmission/IT Physical training with the emphasis on endurance and resistance Medical techniques Close combat

The Technical phase is when the basic skills of an SF operator are taught. Some of the skills covered are: Radio equipment and procedures Amphibious insertion techniques Advanced shooting techniques Advanced combat medical techniques and procedures Military theory and tactics

The tactical phase consists of realistic exercises in which all aspects of possible missions are confronted. During this phase, candidates are exposed to severe mental and physical stress. This period is considered the actual stage or Q-course. The future operator learns to work behind enemy lines while being pursued by an opposing force (OPFOR). This phase emphasizes team dynamics; all candidates are evaluated in each function within the team.

The criteria:

All candidates must achieve 80% proficiency on all tests to complete each phase. Failure to meet these standards will result in sanctions or elimination. Honesty and loyalty are important requirements. Therefore, any candidate who is caught cheating will be returned to the unit and is barred from ever enrolling for candidacy. A candidate who must stop for medical reasons may enroll the following year, but a committee within the SFG determines the stage at which he may re-enter.

Complementary education

This phase lasts 12 months. During this phase, operators are given advanced training courses in areas such as High Altitude free fall (HA), Aidman, SOFAFR (Special Operations Forces Advanced First Responder), (DAS), Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC), TSE/TEO (Tactical site Exploitation), TACP (Tactical Air Controller Party), Landing Point Commander, etc. Candidates who have not completed the Commando A and Para A qualification must do so to function as a Special Forces operator.

The Commando A Qualification Takes place in the commando-training center (CE Cdo) in Marche Les Dames in the province of Namur. During the 4-week program, candidates are trained in rock, amphibious, and commando techniques to cope with difficult terrain and circumstances, day and night.

The Para A Qualification It is given at the Para training center (CE Para) in Schaffen, near Diest. The four-week program consists of one week of ground training and three weeks of static line jumping from both balloons and airplanes (automatic opening).

Free-fall High Altitude (HA) This 5-week program takes place in Schaffen at the Para training center (CE Para). Basic free-fall skills are learned during the first two weeks. Over the last three weeks, candidates have learned to jump at night using the equipment used during tactical deployments. These jumps are executed from a maximal height of 12,000 feet. After successful completion of this training program, the candidates receive their Special Forces Operator certification. From that moment on, they were absorbed into an existing operational team and may be deployed on missions. This is the beginning of the functional training. Depending on the insertion specialty, operators are given advanced training and courses. New operators are assigned specialized roles within the teams (sniper, communications specialist, medic, or breacher).

Functional training

Free fall Very High Altitude (VHA): This is a 3-week course and requires completion of the HA course. This program takes place at the Para training center (CE Para) in Schaffen. This course specializes in parachute infiltration. These jumps are executed from a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet while wearing oxygen masks.

Combat Diver: This 5- to 8-month training program takes place in Zeebrugge at the diving school of the Belgian Navy. Here, candidates learn to dive using compressed air, non-autonomous diving, rebreathers with pure oxygen, and nitrogen-oxygen mix.

Instructor or Assistant Instructor Commando (O/HuO Cdo): This is an 8-week training program given at the Commando training center (CECdo). It consists of a 4-week course and a 4-week training program in which candidates learn to make installations using ropes and cables to cross vertical, horizontal, and wet obstacles. Candidates are also taught how to quickly and safely install many types of installations, such as climbing ropes, rope ladders, ferries, and death rides. They are also trained in evacuating injured individuals in rocky, difficult terrain.

Lead Climber: This 5-week training program teaches candidates to independently negotiate mountainous terrain on rocks, snow, and ice. They are trained to make trails to support combat units and to assist with crossings. They are technical advisors on missions in mountainous environments. Three weeks of training take place at the Commando training center (CE Cdo), and two weeks at Chamonix, France.

Training as an Operator of the Special Forces is an ongoing process. Operators are always involved in maintaining their skills and developing new ones. This is a fundamental part of an operator's life.

In real situations, the Special Forces have to perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions in small groups deep into enemy territory, conduct small-scale offensive actions to arrest or free people, or sabotage or impound materials. They are also trained to gain intelligence disguised as civilians.

Capabilities

Ground mobility capabilities Basic capabilities for all operators regardless of insertion specialty: Capable of navigating and operating on foot as well as on vehicles in all kinds of terrain (desert, jungle, arctic, mountains). Vehicles: SFG operators have the skills, knowledge, and training necessary for operating diverse vehicles. Tactical procedures for mobilization and combat situations are routinely practiced.