Recognizing the historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Special Forces and honoring the Father of the Special Forces Colonel Aaron Bank (United States Army retired) of Mission Viejo California for his role in establishing the Army Special Forces.

Recognizing the historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Special Forces and honoring the Father of the Special Forces Whereas, on June 19, 2022, the Special Forces Association will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the first permanent special forces unit in the United States Army; Whereas such unit was created in response to the advocacy of Colonel Aaron Bank (United States Army, retired), known as the Father of the Special Forces Whereas Colonel Aaron Bank’s service in the Office of Strategic Services and his experience leading resistance fighters against Nazi Germany convinced him of the need for permanent, elite units in the Armed Forces that would specialize in small unit and counterinsurgency tactics, intelligence operations, and the training of indigenous soldiers; Whereas, in 1952, the Army created its first special forces unit, the 10th Special Forces Group, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which would later be known for the distinctive green berets worn by its soldiers; Whereas Colonel Aaron Bank was assigned as the first commanding officer of the 10th Special Forces Group; Whereas the success of the United States Army Special Forces encouraged the incorporation of principles of force multiplication into the military doctrine of the United States and paved the way for the revitalization of special operations forces in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps; Whereas these special operations forces have helped revolutionize the conduct of modern warfare; Whereas special operations soldiers have served with bravery and distinction in every major military conflict in which the United States has been involved in the last 70 years and in innumerable covert operations; Whereas special operations soldiers are sometimes called upon to conduct missions so secret that their bravery cannot be fully recognized; Whereas special operations soldiers are playing a critical role in the war against terrorism; and Whereas thanks to Colonel Aaron Bank and the thousands of United States Army Special Forces soldiers who have followed him, the Armed Forces are better prepared to conduct unconventional warfare and to protect the United States from developing threats: Now, therefore, be it That Congress— (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Special Forces; (2) honors the Father of the Special Forces (3) recognizes the sacrifices and accomplishments of United States Army Special Forces soldiers and of all other special operations soldiers in the Armed Forces; (4) expresses deep gratitude for the continuing sacrifices of United States Army Special Forces soldiers and of all other special operations soldiers in the Armed Forces now fighting throughout the world; and (5) honors the sacrifices made by United States Army Special Forces soldiers who have trained hard and acquitted themselves with honor by serving valiantly in battle, with many making the ultimate sacrifice to their country, many times in missions so secret that their valor may never be fully acknowledged.

Summary: This concurrent resolution recognizes the historic significance of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army Special Forces and honors Colonel Aaron Bank for his role in establishing the U.S. Army Special Forces. The concurrent resolution also recognizes the sacrifices and accomplishments of U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and other special operations soldiers in the Armed Forces.