The Green Berets, also known as the United States Army Special Forces, are an elite special operations force of the United States Army. They have a long and storied history, dating back to their origins in the 1950s. The Green Berets are known for their distinctive headwear, their intensive training, and their expertise in unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense. As elite soldiers, they live by a special motto that reflects their values and guides their actions.
The Origins of the Green Berets
The Green Berets trace their lineage back to World War II, when the First Special Service Force carried out unconventional warfare operations against the Axis powers. However, the Green Berets as we know them today were officially established on June 19, 1952, when the United States Army authorized the creation of the Special Forces.
The distinctive headwear that gave the Green Berets their nickname was initially unauthorized. In 1953, Special Forces soldiers assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany began wearing green berets as part of their daily uniform to set themselves apart. Their commander initially pushed back against this, considering it a violation of uniform protocol. However, President John F. Kennedy took an interest in the Special Forces and eventually authorized the green beret as their official headgear in 1961.
Rigorous Selection and Training
Green Berets are carefully selected from among experienced soldiers who have already served in the Army for several years. Those who aim to become Green Berets must pass a demanding selection process, known as Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), which tests their physical fitness and psychological fortitude under extreme conditions.
Once selected, Green Berets go through an intensive training pipeline to develop their skills. The initial qualification course to become a Green Beret is called the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) or “Q Course.” This lasts about a year, during which recruits master disciplines such as:
- Unconventional warfare
- Direct action
- Special reconnaissance
- Foreign language
- Survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE)
- Weapons and demolition
Even after completing this arduous training, Special Forces soldiers continue honing their skills throughout their career with advanced training courses.
Unconventional Roles and Missions
Green Berets are highly trained to take on unconventional warfare operations that fall outside the scope of traditional frontline combat. Some examples of their roles include:
- Foreign internal defense – Training and advising foreign militaries to build relationships.
- Direct action – Short-duration strikes and small-scale offensive operations.
- Special reconnaissance – Acquiring intelligence deep in enemy territory.
- Unconventional warfare – Training and leading guerrilla forces against enemy governments.
These missions require Green Berets to be experts in working with foreign cultures and irregular forces. They must be able to build trust and work effectively with local populations to accomplish strategic goals.
The Three Principles and the Motto
Green Berets live by three main principles that guide their training and operations:
- Humility – Staying modest, patient and respectful even in high-stress situations.
- Controlling fear – Overcoming fear through mental and physical preparation to function effectively on missions.
- Calculated risk-taking – Weighing risks and rewards to accomplish the mission.
These principles inform the Green Berets’ official motto, which is:
“De Oppresso Liber”
This Latin phrase translates into English as “To Liberate the Oppressed.” It means that Green Berets strive to aid populations suffering under oppression around the world. This motto reflects the Green Berets’ focus on training indigenous forces and championing freedom.
The motto “De Oppresso Liber” serves as a source of inspiration and pride for Green Berets. It reminds them of their higher purpose – to empower local populations to liberate themselves. The phrase also honors the Green Berets’ many sacrifices throughout their history in fighting oppressive forces worldwide.
Notable Operations and Missions
Throughout the decades, Green Berets have served with distinction in conflicts around the world. Some of their most notable operations include:
Vietnam War
- Training and advising South Vietnamese forces and local tribes against the Viet Cong.
- Deploying Mobile Strike Force Command teams to defend remote outposts.
- Conducting cross-border operations in Laos and Cambodia during the Vietnam War to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Invasion of Afghanistan (2001)
- Linking up with the Northern Alliance and other anti-Taliban forces to direct air strikes.
- Advising Afghan forces that overthrew the Taliban regime.
Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Tracking High Value Targets, including Saddam Hussein.
- Training and organizing Kurdish pershmerga forces against Al-Qaeda.
- Dismantling insurgent networks.
In addition to major combat operations, Green Berets continuously deploy on lower-profile missions around the world to deter aggression and stabilize conflict-prone regions.
Why the Motto Matters
The motto “De Oppresso Liber” captures the Green Berets’ role as unconventional warriors who operate in the shadows but remain dedicated to a higher purpose. When serving in foreign countries with different languages, cultures and politics, it offers continuity and inspiration.
The principles behind the motto define what makes Green Berets exceptional soldiers. It takes humility, courage and discipline to train indigenous forces and win trust to accomplish strategic objectives. “De Oppresso Liber” means putting the mission first, even at great personal risk.
This motto guides Green Berets to see beyond themselves and strive to empower local populations. The humanitarian spirit behind it is what earns Green Berets lasting respect from the people they help liberate from oppression.
Nearly seven decades since the creation of Special Forces, “De Oppresso Liber” remains central to the identity and purpose of Green Berets. It is a timeless motto that will continue motivating future generations of Green Berets as they are called upon to aid the oppressed around the world in the name of liberty.
The Enduring Legacy
For over 60 years, the Green Berets have upheld their motto of “De Oppresso Liber” through generations of quiet professionals. They have established a legacy of service defending freedom through unconventional warfare, direct action, special reconnaissance, and training foreign forces.
The Green Berets’ motto continues to guide their excellence today. It reflects the empathy, courage, and dedication that makes them exceptional soldiers. True to their motto, Green Berets stand ever ready to assist peoples around the world seeking liberation from oppression. By strengthening allies in the shadows, they represent the moral high ground and humanitarian spirit of the United States.