Commando

Commando jauber1

Cape Mounted Burghers - CaledonSquare - 1846-05 CBell

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Afrikaner Commandos2

No. 3 Commando men after Dieppe raid

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-R81453, SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Skorzeny an der Oder

Commando refers to a soldier or operative of an elite light infantry or special operations force often specializing in amphibious landings, parachuting, or abseiling. Originally "commando" was a type of combat unit, as opposed to an individual in that unit. In other languages, commando and kommando denote a "command", including the sense of a military or an elite special operations unit. In the militaries and governments of most countries, commandos are distinctive in that they specialize in assault on unconventional high-value targets. However, the term commando is sometimes used in relation to units carrying out the latter tasks (including some civilian police units).

History

The concept of a commando operation was developed during the Boer War, where small groups of Boer commandos made significant impacts against the British forces with their mobile warfare, utilizing small units to strike targets behind enemy lines. This strategy was later adopted and expanded by various military organizations, most notably during World War II by the British Army in the formation of the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Commandos, who carried out raids against German-occupied Europe. The United States also formed similar units such as the Army Rangers, Marine Raiders, and Navy SEALs, which carry out commando-style missions.

Training

Commando training is rigorous and is designed to prepare soldiers for the physical and mental challenges of their missions. Training often includes weapons handling, survival skills, parachuting, scuba diving, mountain warfare, and counter-terrorism operations. The goal is to make the soldiers highly adaptable to any environment and capable of performing a wide range of tasks under pressure.

Roles and Missions

Commandos are deployed in a variety of roles including direct action, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and foreign internal defense. Direct action involves short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions to seize, destroy, capture, or recover in environments ranging from desert to jungle to urban areas. Reconnaissance missions gather intelligence behind enemy lines. Counter-terrorism operations involve neutralizing terrorist threats, and foreign internal defense missions support the defense and stability of foreign nations.

Notable Commando Units

- British Commandos: The British Army's commando units, formed during World War II, were among the first modern commando units in the world. - Special Air Service (SAS): A special forces unit of the British Army that has served as a model for similar units around the world. - Navy SEALs: The United States Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. - Delta Force: A U.S. Army component of Joint Special Operations Command, known for counter-terrorism and hostage rescue. - Spetsnaz: The special operations forces of the Russian military, known for their expertise in deep reconnaissance, sabotage, and direct action.

Equipment

The equipment of a commando is tailored to the mission, with a focus on versatility, durability, and technological advantage. This includes specialized weapons, communication devices, body armor, and surveillance equipment. Commandos often carry a variety of weapons, including rifles, pistols, and explosives, and are trained to use enemy or non-standard weapons in case of necessity.

Impact

The impact of commando units in modern warfare cannot be overstated. Their ability to conduct operations behind enemy lines, gather intelligence, and carry out targeted strikes makes them a valuable asset in any military strategy. Their operations can often change the course of battles or conflicts with minimal resources compared to traditional military units.