ABSTRACT
The special nature of units refers to strategic potential and ambition, which is not limited only to tactical successes. Special Operations Forces also allow a country to 'punch above its weight'. The Belgian Special Forces Group (SF Gp) traces its roots back to the Belgian 5th Special Air Service squadron during World War II. The Belgian SF Gp was created in 2003, following many reorganizations in the Belgian military. When visiting the information section for potential new recruits on the SF Gp website, the first sentence "not a job but a way of life" sets the tone. Three main types of missions are conducted by the SF Gp: direct action, special reconnaissance and military assistance. When referring to the demanding nature of the military, Segal compared them with family and other 'greedy' institutions. Such institutions make great demands on people in terms of loyalty, time and commitment, which can create a potential military/family conflict.
