United States special operations forces (SOF) are the active and reserve component forces of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force within the US military, as designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations. All active and reserve special operations forces are assigned to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
1-10th Special Forces Group secure their weapons after a day of training at the Panzer Range Complex, Boeblingen, Germany, 8 Nov. 2016.
Army Rangers during a training operation.
Marine Raiders fine-tune Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) skills.
Navy SEALs during night operation in Afghanistan.
The 23rd Special Tactics Squadron is an active ground unit, within the 24th Special Operations Wing United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It is garrisoned at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The 23rd STS was previously designated the 1723rd Special Tactics Squadron prior to 1992.
Airmen of 23rd STS during the Haiti earthquake relief at Toussaint L'Ouverture Airport
Image: 23rd STS
U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Commandos from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron training in Jordan