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As the US military shifts away from counter-terrorism (CT) to countering near-peer competitors such as China and Russia, the Pentagon is repurposing some underused dedicated CT units. Specifically, according to Business Insider, the Army Special Operations Command plans to get rid of the Crisis Response Force (CRF), a specialized Green Beret unit.

The CRF used to be called Commander’s-in-extremis (CIF) companies and were considered the Combatant Commander’s strategic reserve force. The CRF came into the public eye during the Benghazi debacle in 2012.

These Green Berets specialize in Direct Action (DA), Counterterrorism (CT), and Hostage Rescue (HR) missions.

As Business Insider explained, in addition to the Pentagon’s shifting strategic focus away from CT, with other dedicated Tier One Special Mission Units such as Delta Force and Seal Team 6 (DEVGRU) more exclusively dedicated to CT and hostage rescue, Green Beret CRFs have become somewhat redundant.

A senior CRF operator told SOFREP that “the CRF hasn’t been gainfully employed since the end of 2011, and other than that, the National Mission Force [Joint Special Operations Command] can get there just as fast. That’s why all of the other ones are on the chopping block.”

The special operators and equipment from the CRF will be redistributed to the force, not eliminated altogether.

As a prelude to this shift, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) decided to deploy a US Marine element to reinforce the US embassy in Baghdad in January, rather than the Commander’s Special Forces CRF unit responsible for the Middle East.

As this US strategic policy shift continues expect more changes throughout the Special Warfare community.

Paul Crespo is a defense and national security expert. He served as a Marine Corps officer and as a military attaché with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at US embassies worldwide. He holds degrees from Georgetown, London, and Cambridge Universities. Paul is also CEO of SPECTRE Global Risk, a security advisory firm, and a Contributor to American Defense News.



Comments

  1. Hmmm , makes me wonder where all these highly trained ” Operators ” will end up at , and which ” Civilian ” company they will work for. MACV-SOG was my group , and then came Blackwater , which changed it’s name to Zee. The training never leaves you, and operators can spot each other in a heartbeat. Maybe it’s time to reassemble the ” Minutemen ” ? Start by cleaning out all the scumbag politicians who have been giving our country away , and disrespect our flag. ( Please start in California ).

    1. More are thinking exactly that to the point, and more still have actually rehearsed while Barry was the tenant @1600Penn. The Socialists and Criminals which are sharing the same coatroom have been documented and survailled.

    2. Amen the sooner the better. But of course the corruption and treason of our politicians will continue the minute Trump leaves the White House. If only we would elect honest and good people who care about the country.
      The problem is that the rich buy them so they can run for election and they become corrupted and owe their ” benefactors”. The American people loose.

  2. Makes a lot of sense to re-purpose our trained resources. Flexibility can save lots of money and time. Good business tactics!

  3. I hope they leave at least some CTU’s. We don’t need to get caught with our pants down like we did after 9/11.

  4. One of the downfalls of the military is the leaders tend to fight the last great conflict. Sounds to me like they may be adjusting to today’s enemies and their technology. If that is so, it is good, and the decisions should be made by the commanders that will be leading the troops.

  5. Actually,

    The regular Army had been trying to eliminate SF for years. Lowering standards in the Q course, eliminating events and forcing females through the course who failed vital stages is all the evidence you need. The elimination of the CIF is just another element in the grand scheme…

  6. President. Do get rid of our green barets
    They are different then the navy seals many obama hold overs in the pentagon want to weaken our military!!! It is not redundant. John Kennedy a great president started this great specia l ops. People in the military understand this others do not. So shut your mouth save money by getting rid of some of the corrupt generals and liars like the lt col who testified in the phoney impeachment trial obama and his cronies want to ruin our military just like the wanted to put women in their units I am a woman vet and greatly against this don’t do it you cowardly civilians and dirty liberals would love to see our country go down

  7. Don’t do it trump. Leave the green berets alone we need them. Get rid of the corrupt fisa court instead wake up send these obama hold overs to Africa or the Middle East

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