Why elite military units rely on unconventional tactics to achieve outsized strategic impact

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Special operations forces operate beyond the scope of traditional combat, utilizing stealth, sabotage, and specialized training to disrupt enemy capabilities. From ancient crossbowmen to modern commandos, these elite units have evolved from historical irregulars into highly organized, essential components of global military strategy, proving that small teams can change wars.

The concept of specialized, elite military units is far from modern. Ancient Chinese strategist Jiang Ziya documented the use of elite corps, such as Han dynasty crossbowmen who could penetrate armor with weapons requiring immense physical strength. Similarly, Roman fleets employed camouflaged vessels for commando-style raids, and Japanese ninjas performed espionage and reconnaissance. In the American colonies, figures like Benjamin Church established Ranger companies in 1676, formalizing frontier combat tactics that would eventually influence the development of modern special operations.

The modern era of special forces was catalyzed by the Second World War. In 1940, British leadership sought to create hunter-class troops capable of conducting raids along enemy-held coastlines. This led to the formation of the Commandos, who underwent rigorous, innovative training in the Scottish Highlands. These units were designed to be physically superior and highly adaptable, operating in small groups to execute sabotage and intelligence missions. This period also saw the creation of the Special Air Service (SAS) by David Stirling, who argued that small, parachute-trained teams could inflict more damage on enemy infrastructure than entire conventional platoons.

By the mid-20th century, the model had proliferated globally. The United States established the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the Marine Raiders, while nations like Greece, Poland, and Australia formed their own specialized units, often in exile or under the guidance of British instructors. These forces were tasked with diverse missions, ranging from long-range reconnaissance and flank protection to direct-action sabotage. Today, the term special operations forces encompasses a broad spectrum of capabilities, including counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and foreign internal defense, reflecting a long history of prioritizing disruption over traditional, large-scale battle lines.

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