Special Operations Battalion (Croatia)

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Special Operations Battalion


caption=
dates= 2003
country= Croatia
allegiance=
branch=
type= special forces
role= Special operations
size= about 300 personnel
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garrison= Dragmalj Delnice
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nickname= "Cobras"
patron=
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battles=
anniversaries= 8 September
decorations=
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current_commander=
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colonel_of_the_regiment=
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The Special Operations Battalion ( _hr. Bojna za specijalna djelovanja) was founded on 8 September, 2000 with merging of the Special Combat Skills Center and some personnel from the 1st Croatian Guard Corps(1. H. G. Zdrug). Today, it is one of the most elite units of the Croatian military, as well as being one of the best trained and equipped special forces units in the region.

The Battalion is focused on infiltration and exfiltration as well as operations behind enemy lines with insertion from land, air or sea. However, unlike most special forces in the world, the Battalion is also trained in non-combat search and rescue of civilians and providing aid as well as dealing with natural disasters. The unit is equipped with the most sophisticated weapons and equipment available, and trained to undertake even the dangerous mid-air and sea operations.

The Croatian General Staff exercises direct command over the battalion which thus elevated the unit to strategic level for quicker reaction and overall better and faster tactical and strategic situations. Also, this means that members of all three branches of the Croatian armed forces can apply for selection. Notably, it is one of the very few special forces units in the world that accept female candidates for selection. Several months ago, two female candidates became the first women to earn silver wings and green beret in Croatian military. They are among the very few female commandos in the world.

Composition

The BSD is comprised of one command section and four companies, each with a specialized for a different variety of missions

*Command Section - responsible for command, control and communications, supplies, medical personnel and transport
*1st Special Operations Company - specialized for airborne and pathfinder operations
*2nd Special Operations Company - specialized for mountain and winter operations
*3rd Special Operations Company - specialized for seaborne and amphibious operations
*4th Special Operations Company - specialized for urban and antiterrorist operations
*Fire Support Company - specialized for sniper and mortar training, also provides fire support with snipers to other three BSD companies

Gallery

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