The Green Berets Complete Cyber Operations Training: A New Frontier in Warfare

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the U.S. Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, have consistently demonstrated their adaptability and ingenuity. With the rise of cyberwarfare as a critical component of military strategy, these elite operatives have embraced new technologies and tactics to maintain their edge on the battlefield. A recent showcase of this evolution was highlighted during Exercise Swift Response 2024, held in Sweden, where Green Beret operatives employed advanced cyber tactics to achieve operational superiority.

Cyber Warfare: The New Battlefield

The integration of cyber operations into military training is not merely an enhancement; it is a necessity. As warfare increasingly shifts from traditional combat to digital confrontations, the ability to conduct cyber operations has become paramount. The Green Berets, known for their versatility and specialized skills, have recognized that the digital realm is just as crucial as physical terrain in achieving mission objectives. An identity-protected Operational Detachment Alpha soldier emphasized this point, stating, “Access to any WiFi networks originating at the target, and then monitoring activity from that location for a period of time, gives us another set of eyes and helps to paint a clearer picture of our objective.”

The Five Special Operations Forces Truths

The foundation of the Green Berets’ operational philosophy is encapsulated in the Five Special Operations Forces Truths, articulated by U.S. Army Col. (ret) John Collins in 1991. These truths emphasize the importance of human capital over hardware, the superiority of quality over quantity, and the unique nature of Special Operations Forces (SOF). They also highlight that competent SOF cannot be created in the heat of an emergency and that most special operations require non-SOF assistance.

While these truths remain relevant, they have evolved to reflect the changing nature of warfare. As Sgt. 1st Class Tim Beery noted, “Cyberspace has become a key part of the battlefield,” underscoring the necessity of integrating cyber capabilities into the operational framework of the Green Berets.

Hacking Enemy Infrastructure: A Tactical Advantage

During Exercise Swift Response 2024, the Green Berets showcased their cyber capabilities in a practical scenario. A Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha team identified a target building and successfully hacked the Wi-Fi password for the building’s network. This breach allowed them to exploit various devices within the structure, manipulating security cameras, door locks, and other critical systems. Beery explained, “This enabled the team to manipulate security cameras, door locks, and other security systems in the building.”

The implications of such capabilities are profound. By gaining control over the target environment, the Green Berets can gather vital intelligence and execute operations with a significant tactical advantage. In this exercise, one team focused on cyber manipulation while another executed a physical infiltration. The latter team, after conducting a military free-fall parachute jump and marching seven miles to the target, benefited from the cyber team’s efforts. With security cameras disabled and doors unlocked, they could enter undetected, placing signal jamming equipment to erase any trace of their operation.

Real-Time Coordination: A Game-Changer

The synergy between cyber operations and physical infiltration represents a paradigm shift in military tactics. The ability of the cyber team to monitor the operation in real-time while controlling the target environment is a game-changer. This level of coordination not only enhances operational effectiveness but also minimizes risks to personnel. The Green Berets have demonstrated that they are not just warriors on the ground; they are also formidable players in the digital arena.

Conclusion: The Future of Warfare

As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, the Green Berets stand at the forefront of this transformation. Their successful integration of cyber operations into their training and operational strategies exemplifies their commitment to maintaining superiority on all fronts. The lessons learned from exercises like Swift Response 2024 will undoubtedly shape the future of military operations, ensuring that the Green Berets remain a force to be reckoned with in both physical and cyber domains. Underestimating their capabilities, especially in the realm of cyber warfare, would be a grave mistake for any adversary. The Green Berets are not just adapting to the future of warfare; they are actively defining it.