Derek Parent

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) is an operational unit of the United States Army Special Forces activated on 20 May 1960. Stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, the unit's purpose is to conduct guerrilla operations and train friendly governments'​ armed forces in South, Central, and North America as well as the Caribbean. The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) became one of the U.S. military's most committed forces, spearheading coalition efforts to topple the Taliban in Afghanistan. Since that successful start to the War on Terror, Special Forces Soldiers have been key players in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, firmly establishing their role as a combat multiplier by accomplishing high-risk missions that are beyond the scope and capabilities of conventional forces. Special Forces units perform seven doctrinal missions: Unconventional Warfare, Foreign Internal Defense, Special Reconnaissance, Direct Action, Combating Terrorism, Counter-proliferation, and Information Operations. These missions make Special Forces unique in the U.S. military, because they are employed throughout the three stages of the operational continuum: peacetime, conflict and war. Special Forces Soldiers are renowned for their ability to deploy in small teams, operate independently, and conduct their mission in austere environments. Whatever situation may arise, be assured the men of the Special Forces stand ready to answer the Nation's call to duty - De Oppresso Liber.