‘THE RED EMPIRE’

Commissioned 2025

After the successes of the 1st Special Service Force and “The Devil’s Brigade” in World War 2, the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was initially constituted as the 77th Special Forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in September 1953. In 1960, the 77th Special Forces was reorganized and designated as the 7th Special Forces Group.
In 1961, 7th SFG(A) Soldiers deployed to Vietnam, advising elements of the South Vietnamese army.
The first Medal of Honor earned in the republic of South Vietnam was awarded to Captain Roger H.C. Donlon from SFOD-A 726 for his actions as the Detachment Commander during the Battle of Nam Dong.
Throughout the 1960s, 7th SFG(A) was also actively involved in Operation White Star in Laos and Thailand, and Operation Power Pack to re-establish democratic governance in the Dominican Republic. On 21 November 1971 members of 7th SFG(A) participated in Operation Ivory Coast, the U.S. Special Operations mission to raid the Son Tay Prisoner of War Camp in North Vietnam and rescue U.S. prisoners.
Throughout the 1980s, 7th SFG(A) played a key role supporting democratic governments across Central America in their fight against Communist insurgencies.
In 1981, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group deployed from Panama to El Salvador, beginning 7th SFG(A)’s involvement in the El Salvadoran Civil War. From 1981 through 1992, our Soldiers spearheaded counterinsurgency operations against Soviet Union supported communist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN forces.
In December 1989, Soldiers of 7th SFG(A) participated in Operation Just Cause and the follow-on peacekeeping operation Promote Liberty in Panama. Elements of 1st and 3rd Battalions conducted raids to seize key terrain and neutralize propaganda broadcasts, and assisted in negotiating the surrender of Panamanian Military units.
In the 1990’s 7th SFG(A) focused heavily on counter narcotics and peacekeeping operations throughout Latin America. In 1994, we participated in Operations Safe Haven and Safe Passage in Panama. In 1995 7th SFG(A) took part in Operation Safe-Border, executing the military-observer mission in Ecuador and Peru, providing a stabilizing influence to resolve this centuries-old border dispute. The Colombian Counter narcotics Initiative (C2I) and Carabineros Colombian National Police training were executed from 1998 through 2004 and were critical to success of Plan Colombia.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 7th SFG(A) Soldiers deployed around the world in support of the Global War on Terror. During the GWOT, 7th SFG(A) conducted thousands of joint and multi-national raids, patrols, and civil missions, oftentimes partnered with allies from South America. From 2002 to 2019 7th SFG(A) provided a near permanent presence in Afghanistan, with formations ranging from SFODAs through CJSOTFs.
From 2003 – 2008, 7th SFG(A) played critical roles during Operation Willing Spirit, the United States Government’s mission to recover three U.S. Department of Defense contractors who were shot down in a reconnaissance aircraft over Colombia. They were captured by the FARC and held as prisoners until rescued five years later in a daring rescue operation.
Today, the Group continues to deploy in support of its regionally aligned USSOUTHCOM and USNORTHCOM area of operations and supports other Geographical Combatant Commands often as required. Soldiers, civilians, and families stand ready to execute assigned missions and contingency operations.