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US DEVGRU: An In-Depth Look into the Navy's Elite Special Forces Unit
DEVGRU: The Name That Strikes Fear
DEVGRU, the acronym for Naval Special Warfare Development Group, is the Navy's most elite special forces unit. The unit has been responsible for some of the most high-profile missions in recent history, including the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Origins and History:
DEVGRU traces its origins back to the Vietnam War, where it was created as a "SEAL Team Six." The team was tasked with conducting covert operations in hostile territory. After the war, the team was disbanded but was later resurrected in the early 1980s as a counterterrorism unit. The name "DEVGRU" was officially adopted in 1987.
Mission and Responsibilities:
Counterterrorism operations
Hostage rescue
Direct action
Special reconnaissance
Unconventional warfare
Training and Selection:
The DEVGRU selection process is notoriously difficult, even for experienced Navy SEALs.
Candidates must pass a battery of physical, mental, and psychological tests.
Those who pass the selection process undergo a grueling six-month training program.
Weapons and Equipment:
DEVGRU operators are equipped with the latest and most advanced weapons and equipment.
This includes a variety of firearms, explosives, and surveillance technology.
The unit also utilizes a variety of vehicles, including helicopters, boats, and armored vehicles.
Notable Missions:
Operation Neptune Spear: The 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
Operation Red Wings:
A 2005 mission in Afghanistan that resulted in the death of 19 US soldiers, including 11 DEVGRU operators.
Operation Gothic Serpent:
The 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, where DEVGRU operators played a key role in rescuing downed US soldiers.
Legacy and Impact:
DEVGRU has a long and distinguished history, and its operators are considered to be among the best in the world. The unit has played a vital role in the war on terror, and its missions have often been instrumental in achieving US foreign policy goals.