OPERATIONS -SMALL TEAMS

Small Teams in the South African Special Forces context are highly specialised teams consisting of 2 members only. For very specific purposes a third team member may be attached, although this is strongly discouraged.

Small team operations are generally conducted deep behind enemy lines against targets with a national, strategic or economic value. Operations include reconnaissance missions of a specialised nature, forward air control missions on selected targets as well as limited offensive operations such as sabotage and harassment tasks.

While there are certain disadvantages to Small Teams versus larger Special Forces teams, the advantages include elements like the following:

• Small groups are generally more alert as there is no false sense of security.
• Small groups move silently and leave less tracks than larger groups.
• Control is easier in a Small Team.
• There is a sense of ownership among members of a Small Team, resulting in a dedication to get the job done successfully.