Katana VentraIP

Special mission unit

The term Special Missions Unit (SMU), at one time referred to as a "Tier 1" unit,[1] is used in the United States to categorize the nation's most highly secretive and elite military special operations forces.[2] The term "special missions unit" is also used in Australia to describe the Special Air Service Regiment. Special mission units have been involved in high-profile military operations, such as the killing of Osama bin Laden and the attempted hostage rescue of Kayla Mueller.

The 's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta (1st SFOD-D), widely known as Delta Force. JSOC color-coded as Task Force Green.[8]

Army

The 's Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), commonly known as SEAL Team Six. JSOC color-coded as Task Force Blue.[8]

Navy

The 's 24th Special Tactics Squadron (24 STS). JSOC color-coded as Task Force White.[14][8]

Air Force

The Army's , officially identified only by a series of code names that are replaced every two years.[17] Originally tasked by the Army and subordinate to INSCOM, they were placed under JSOC after the September 11 attacks. JSOC color-coded as Task Force Orange.[18][8]

Intelligence Support Activity

The 's Regimental Reconnaissance Company (RRC), part of U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), has also been referred to as an SMU. JSOC color-coded as Task Force Red (also used to refer to the broader 75th Ranger Regiment when under JSOC control.[19][8]

Army Ranger

Australia[edit]

The Australian Army's elite Special Air Service Regiment are described as being "special missions units with unique capabilities within the Australian Defence Force".[20] The Regiments are components of Australia's Special Operations Command (SOCOMD), and are tasked with conducting "sensitive strategic operations, special recovery operations, training assistance, special reconnaissance and precision strike and direct action".[20]


The SASR currently has four sabre squadrons, known as 1, 3 and 4 Squadron.[21] The first two squadrons rotate through the two roles performed by the Regiment; one squadron conducts the counter terrorism/special recovery (CT/SR) role, and the remaining squadrons conduct the warfighting/reconnaissance role, while 4 Squadron is responsible for collecting intelligence and also supports the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.[22]

On December 13, 2003, Members of conducted a military operation in Ad-Dawr, Iraq which led to the capture of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein who was found hiding in a spider hole.[23]

Task Force 121