Campaigns and Commanders - 39: Special Operations in World War II

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British and American commanders first utilized modern special forces during World War II to support conventional military operations. Despite their prominence in popular culture, the academic study of irregular warfare has remained limited. This comprehensive study examines the development, application, and value of Anglo-American commando and special forces units during the war. Special forces are elite military units trained for unconventional, high-risk missions. Andrew L. Hargreaves details tactics and operations while distinguishing between commandos and special forces, tracing their evolution, and explaining the Anglo-American alliance's role in their creation and use. He evaluates command and control arrangements, their impact, and cost-effectiveness. The impetus for British specialist formations emerged in the summer of 1940, as Britain sought irregular forces to regain strategic initiative after defeats in Europe. Similarly, the U.S. developed special forces after Pearl Harbor, finding themselves in a position akin to Britain’s earlier struggles. By the war's end, these units had navigated numerous challenges and contributed significantly across various theaters. This study illustrates how Britain and the United States independently and collaboratively innovated new warfare strategies, showcasing their adaptability during World War II.