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Special forces and special operations forces are military units trained to conduct special operations.

Special forces emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War, when "every major army involved in the fighting" created formations devoted to special operations behind enemy lines

The German special forces include the Special Operations Command of the German Army and the Naval Special Forces Command of the German Navy. During operations, special forces are led by the special operations division Joint Operations Command , which belongs to the Joint Support Service.