10-10-2010, 06:06 PM
Quote:I think idea of a special forces is too modern for the Roman army, or any army before the invention of planes and helicopters.
Not what I had in mind as a first post, but I like to jump into things with both feet first anyway.
The idea and use of "Special Forces" definitely predates the tactical use of the helicopter (mid-1950s, Operation Musketeer) and certainly the use of airplanes. Now, if by "Special Forces" you are referring to fast roping, hostage rescuing ninjas then that idea really only came around during the 1970s, after the Munich Massacre. But "Special Forces", as defined by Websters, as "élite, highly trained military forces, specially selected to work on difficult missions" then you can arguably trace the lineage of the idea back to the Persian Immortals. Whether through specialized military training or inbred native skill, Generals throughout history have had access to special troops for special missions. Special Forces, at least in the United States, trace their lineage back to Roger's Rangers, a Colonial Unit that was highly successful during the 7 Years War (1750s)
Many of the tasks now performed by "Special Forces" such as deep raids behind enemy lines, scouting, and surprise attacks from unexpected areas were traditionally performed by Cavalry. Even the use of Special Forces to train local forces to fight an enemy is a fairly old concept. In more modern times the British and Russians (moreso the Brits) did this quite often during The Great Game and was handled by Officers on leave or specially trained diplomats cum adventurers.
As technology has progressed the Battlespace has shrunk thus requiring ever smaller, and more stealthy units in order to maximize the odds of mission completion and unit survival. Add to it modern force multipliers like high explosives, the machine gun, close air support, mines, etc. and you see that a small force can inflict a disproportionate amount of damage and then exfiltrate to strike again. While the size and tools may have changed, the idea behind it is very much the same.
Hunter Bottoms
