9781422285107

Special Forces Ancestors Prior to 1952, the U.S. military had groups that acted as Special Forces, though they were not called that yet. During World War II, branches of the military created hastily formed groups that carried out numerous vital mis- sions. Among these groups were the Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). During World War II, the UDTs had a mission to attack Kwajalein in the South Pacific. A UDT was sent on a rubber boat to scout the island pri- or to the operation. However, a coral reef prevented the team from landing. The UDTs stripped off their fatigues , boots, life jackets, and metal helmets and, wearing just their boxers, swam to shore undetected. They were able to return with the necessary sketches to launch a successful attack. Naval

UDTs were A-OK During the Korean War in 1950, the Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) carried out many of the same tactics, procedures, op- erations, and fundamentals that are utilized by Navy SEALs in their missions to this day. • Beach and ocean surveillance • Cable and net cutting • Explosive destruction of underwa- ter obstacles • Mine attacks and locating/marking mines for minesweepers • Combat swimming • Underwater demolitions • Mini-submarine operations • River surveys UDTs assisted in Vietnam during the 1960s and 1970s, and existed until 1983, when they were reclassified as SEAL Teams or as Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT).

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