![]() ![]() saying, “I expect commanders to draw upon this material in their training … for proficiency in Special Warfare is an indispensable requirement for the effective soldier and combat leader in today’s Army.” Not to be outdone, the US Marines released their own selection of readings on counterinsurgency and guerrilla warfare. Among other things the book reprinted the president’s letter and Walt Rostow’s speech at Fort Bragg, and had Secretary of the Army Elvis J. Army: An Army Specialty, released shortly thereafter. Officials hastened to assemble and print a slick pamphlet, Special Warfare, U.S. Kennedy reprised his compliment to the Green Berets in an April 1962 letter “To the United States Army.” The army got the message. President Kennedy’s emphasis on limited wars and counterinsurgency led to a host of changes. Here the Green Berets made a naming and fashion statement for the entire US military.īut the armed services did more than change hats. After 9/11 berets were adopted for all army forces, with certain combat arms identified by color like the Rangers and the Special Forces. Later the Army Rangers would be distinguished by red berets. Air Force Special Forces soon followed suit and adopted berets for their unconventional warfare units. ![]() Not only did Kennedy officially approve them, he used nearly identical language in his memorandum. We’ve wanted them a long time.” Upon returning from his trip President Kennedy sent a thank you message that said, “I am sure that the Green Beret will be a mark of distinction in the trying times ahead.”Įver since then Army Special Forces have been known as the Green Berets. How do you like the Green Beret?” Yarborough replied, “They’re fine, Sir. Jack Kennedy, a twinkle in his eye, saw the hat and asked, “Those are nice. Yarborough, took a chance and received his president and commander in chief wearing a green beret. The top Special Forces commander, Brigadier General William P. By the time Kennedy came to Fort Bragg most Special Forces had the berets, still officially illegal. The exotic headgear had mostly been used away from base and the eyes of senior officers. Theoretically a trooper could be disciplined for being caught wearing one. From the early days of Special Forces the A-Teams had adopted “unauthorized” forms of headgear including (but not limited to) berets, but these had always been unauthorized. Armies throughout the world distinguished themselves, and even their particular units, with berets of varied color and design, something the US military had resisted. The day is renowned in Forces’ lore as the moment when Special Forces was awarded the Green Beret. ![]() Kennedy went to Fort Bragg on October 12, 1961. Rostow spoke at the Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg and arranged for President Kennedy to visit there. Rostow, exhibited specific concern regarding Special Forces. Kennedy aides encouraged the creation of a “counterinsurgency seminar” that would impart knowledge of the problems of brush-fire contingencies to officials across government, and the White House paid attention to its attendance and performance statistics. Indeed, at the topmost level of government Kennedy created a subpanel of his National Security Council, the Special Group (Counterinsurgency), specifically dedicated to monitoring US efforts in this field and providing impetus to new policy and technological initiatives. Counterinsurgency became a watchword in the Kennedy administration. President Kennedy showed himself to be very concerned about the ability of the United States to meet challenges at the brush-fire level, short of conventional war. How did President Kennedy change Special Forces? Special Forces: What Everyone Needs to Know by John Prados explains how the Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, evolved during President John F. Kennedy’s term. With Memorial Day fast approaching, it is worth examining the history of our armed services, including the modernization of the military during the Cold War. ![]()
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