Warrior Diplomats: A look into U.S. special operations
Since 9/11 the U.S. military has made increasing use of elite special forces to fight terrorism all over the world.
When and why should a president deploy these special units, and what does it take to be successful?
"Most of us, we don't see the world in problems we see it in solutions," said 1st Sgt. Charles Ritter "And that's kind of what makes a good Green Beret."
While most conventional forces operate on clear orders, Green Berets are given the freedom they need to solve complex problems. Ritter said what he's most proud of a plan he devised to train Afghan forces.
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Today, Americans see special operations as quick, precise jobs that conventional forces can't do — but when they first began in World War II not everyone saw them as useful.
During wartime, the Office of Strategic Services' forces were able to operate behind enemy lines, but after WWII a turf war began on U.S. soil between the OSS and the FBI. Unconventional units were disbanded, only to be brought back again during the Korean War.
Operating continues to be difficult for special forces today — when missions go well, you'll probably never hear about it. But when special forces fail, it is often front page news.
Only one in every eight students makes it through special forces training. Many drop out, some are injured and others are simply cut.
And now, the rate at which special forces are being deployed is unsustainable. Operation officials warn that their forces are not the ultimate solution for all of America's foreign problems.
"They will literally operate up until the point of death without complaint," said Christopher Harmer, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. Because of this reputation special forces are often looked at as first responders, and that is not a sustainable model unless they are given more personnel and more time between tours, Harmer said.
As leaders in government debate when and how to use special forces, commanders continue to ensure the next generation of elite warriors are ready for deployment.
This program by America Abroad is titled "Warrior Diplomats: A Look into U.S. Special Operations."
The program was hosted by Madeleine Brand, and features Adm. William McRaven, who oversaw the raid in Pakistan that took out Osama bin Laden.
To listen to the program, click the audio player above.