Teh Chad

Today is veteran’s day.  Many people give gifts.  Some even give their time.  Few have given more.  My dad was a green beret.

A green beret is someone who is part of the United States Army Special Forces.  There are other Special Forces, the Navy SEALS, Marine RECON, etc.  The green beret refers specifically to someone in the Army’s SF group.  I believe that the berets originated at graduation from an English or Scottish military school (WWII era), but I could be wrong.  Who would become SF graduated and were given berets though they could not wear them as part of any official US event until later.

John F Kennedy authorized the green beret in the fall of 1961 as part of the Army SF (always capitalized, even if spelled out) uniform.  They are the only division in our military who can wear them.

Anyway, the bulk of their missions are geared toward building resistance in countries where the government can be overthrown.  Much of this is simply humanitarian missions and missions to train the guerrilla resistance in close quarters combat.  They call the training country “Pineland.”  I’m sure some training officer’s sense of humor was involved there.

Their motto is de oppresso liber.  to free the oppressed.

Special Forces are the cream of the Army’s crop.  They are the best.  The best of them usually go on to become part of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta.  Though there is no, and likely will never be, any official public documentation calling these guys delta, that is what they are called.  The SF support the bulk of our wars and do the undercover dirty work, getting contacts and informants, building intelligence.  Ever wonder why our war in Iraq in 1991 was such an easy victory?  Green barets had been on the ground.  I’m thinking that they were the first American soldier (any division or branch) there, but I could be wrong.

I know and have met many soldiers and veterans.  But I know none better than my dad.  So here’s a tribute to him.  Thanks dad.