Zentralinstitut für Forschung und Auskunft

The Special Operations Branch is the smallest branch of the Bexar Military Forces. It was created to carry out operations that fall outside the capabilities of the other branches. These typically cover unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism.

The original and most important mission of the SpecOps had been "unconventional warfare", while other capabilities, such as direct action, were gradually added.

The motto "Who Dares Wins" succinctly summarizes the SpecOps philosophy of operations.

The Special Operations Branch frequently work with and undertake missions for the Secret Service Bureau of the Department of Public Security.

Organisation
The Branch is divided into a Headquarters and Training Center (School of Special Operations) at Camp Verde, in the west of Bexar, and five Operational Groups located across the nation. one Group is permanently stationed in the capital, San Fernando.

Training
{main:Special Operations Qualification Course} The Special Operations Branch is the only branch of service which does not accept candidates direct from civilian life. To become a Special Operator, a candidate must have served at least 3 years in an active unit. In addition he/she must:

Candidates will attend the Special Operations Qualification Course at the School of Special Operations in Camp Verde, and other locations around the country.
 * be parachute qualified or successfully complete parachute training before entering SSO.
 * score above 281 (out of 300) on marksmanship qualifications with both pistol and rifles.
 * have scored an average of not less than 418 (out of 500) on their semiannual PT test for the last three years.
 * have a psych profile score of not less than IB-3.

The 13.5 - 21.5 month long "Q" Course is one of the longest and most physically and mentally challenging in the BMF or the world. It is broken down into 5 Phases and a candidate can be failed at any point. Currently the phases are:


 * Phase 1 - Selection and Assessment (3 Weeks)
 * Phase 2 - Foreign Language Training (18 weeks)
 * Phase 3 - Environmental, Small Unit Tactics & SERE (13 weeks)
 * Phase 4 - Specialist Individual Training (16 - 48 weeks)
 * Phase 5 - Final Exercise & Qualification (4 weeks)

Attrition is high. A class of 60 candidates will typically graduate 20. The largest class to graduate has been 37, the smallest 5. Graduation takes place on the Parade Ground at Camp Verde, during which the candidate will receive his Special Operations Beret Flash.

Continuation Training
After graduation the newly qualified Operator is assigned to his Group. There he/she is "on probation" for at least a year. Life in a Group is a seemingly never ending cycle of exercises, advanced training and live operations. Advanced Training can include Counter-terrorism CQB, Advanced Parachuting Techniques, Advanced Survival and SCUBA.

Links

 * Bexar
 * Bexar Military Forces