5th Special Forces Group | |
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5th Special Forces Group beret flash 1964–1985 and 2016–present
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Active | 21 September 1961 – present |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Army |
Type | Special Operations Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Fort Campbell |
Nickname(s) | The Quiet Professionals |
Motto(s) | Strength and Honor |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
Col. Kevin Leahy |
U.S. Special Forces Groups | |
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Previous | Next |
3rd Special Forces Group | 6th Special Forces Group |
Vietnam War
Gulf War
Somalia
War on Terror
The 5th Special Forces Group (5th SFG(A)) is one of the most decorated active duty United States Army Special Forces group in the U.S. armed forces. The 5th SFG(A) saw extensive action in the Vietnam War and played a pivotal role in the early months of Operation Enduring Freedom.
As of 2016[update], the 5th SFG is primarily responsible for operations within the CENTCOM area of responsibility as part of the Special Operations Command, Central (SOCCENT). The 5th SFG specializes in operations in the Middle East, Persian Gulf, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa (HOA). The 5th SFGA and two of its battalions spend roughly six months out of every twelve deployed to Iraq as Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula.
The 5th SFG(A) traces its lineage to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 1st Special Service Force, a combined Canadian-American organization which was constituted on 5 July 1942. It was activated four days later on 9 July at Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana. During World War II, the 1st Special Service Force was disbanded on 5 December 1944 in Villeneuve-Loubet, France.
5th Group was constituted on 15 April 1960, concurrently consolidated with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion (activated 1 September 1943). The consolidated unit was redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. Organic elements were constituted on 8 September 1961. 5th Group was reactivated 21 September 1961 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.