Pakistan's Special Services Group tops elite forces list from around the world

An elite force (as the name suggests) stands out from the rest of the armed forces. These special groups are trained to withstand the harshest of climates, soften the toughest of opponents and brave relentless circumstances. Their aim is deadly, their timing is precise and their killer instinct is forever active.

Elite forces are called in to perform herculean tasks and accomplish arduous missions. They venture into hostile territories and trouble waters where no man dares to go. Their training, skills and combat skills are what separates them from the rest of the pack.

1. Special Services Group (Pakistan)

As is the case with most countries, Pakistan has its very own Special Services Group, an elite group with ferocious combat skills and fighting capabilities. Their arduous training includes a 36 mile march in a duration of 12 hours and a 5 mile run in 20 minutes with full gear! Currently, the SSG commandos have been embroiled in quelling the armed rebellion of militant outfits within Pakistan.

2. Naval Special Warfare Force (Spain)

Spain’s elite armed force group, which was previously known as Unidad de Operaciones Especiales, is also one of the most prominent armed forces in Europe.

3. Alpha Group (Russia) 

Russia’s Alpha Group is also a worldwide respected and feared elite force. It was formed by the Russian intelligence agency KGB in 1974 and has since then proved to be an effective outfit.

4.  National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (France)

This French special force is also a force to be reckoned with. A 200 strong force who specialize in hostage situations, the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIN) has claimed release of over 600 hostages since their inception. Their faces are not disclosed to the public. The GIGN’s most landmark achievement was when they secured the Grand Mosque in Makkah from terrorist, along with Saudi armed forces.

5. Sayeret Matkal (Israel)

The Israeli elite force is an impressive armed unit that is primarily involved in intelligence sharing and conducting operations. Intense physical exercises are conducted to determine eligibility for recruits.

6. Special Air Service (Britain) 

Britain’s special air service squad is one of the most deadliest and dangerous elite forces in the world. They were instrumental in taking out key Iraqi targets and were also acknowledged to be a great asset for the United States in neutralizing Saddam Hussain’s aremd forces.

7. Special Boat Service (Britain) 

Jungle training, endurance exercises and a grueling physical regimen. These are what the Special Boat Service personnel have to go through in order to become part of the squad. Recruits have only two chances to pass the test and become part of the Special Boat Service.

8.US Navy Seals (United States) 

The U.S Navy Seals are perhaps best known for tracking down global terrorist and 9/11 perpetrator Osama Bin Laden. Their recruitment procedure demands a challenging physical exercise which includes 42 push-ups in 2 minutes and 50 sit-ups in two minutes.

9. US Marines (United States)

The US marines are also one of the most physically challenged and fit elite forces in the world. They are competent in advanced survival skills and disciplinary tactics.