History of The Starfleet Intelligence Special Operations Branch, also known as
Spec Ops, is the elite branch of Starfleet Intelligence, roughly analogous to
Special Forces divisions such as a Marine Corp, that is frequently tasked with
assignments deemed unsuitable or to difficult for the regular forces of
Starfleet.
Creation
Spec Ops was formed as an elite sub-division of Starfleet Intelligence during
the formation of the Federation Starfleet following the founding of the United
Federation of Planets in 2161 with the express purpose of carrying out special
assignments that were deemed unsuitable for assignment to normal Starfleet
personnel. As a sub-division of a division of Starfleet Spec Ops uses the same
rank structure as the rest of Starfleet.
Initially Spec Ops was comprised of elements of United Earth's Military Assault
Command Operations (M.A.C.O.) and analogous Vulcan, Andorian, and Tellarite
organizations. Like its Earth predecessor Spec Ops officers have similar
weapons, training, and tactics to the special forces of a number of member
nations of United Earth (the US Navy SEALS, Delta Force, Army Rangers, Marine
Force Recon, CSOR, etc).
Although it has not been generally promoted Spec Ops has played significant
roles in nearly every conflict the Federation has been involved in including
conflicts with the Klingons in the 23rd century and in 2375, The
Federation-Cardassian War, The Federation-Tzenkethi War, and The Dominion War.
In many of these conflicts the outcome would have been a lot worse, if not a
defeat for the Federation, if Spec Ops personnel hadn't been involved in
regular and special assignments.
Training
When not performing missions Spec Ops squads undergo near constant intensive
training in a variety of subjects at various facilities, such as West Point
Military Academy, throughout Federation space. After serving in Spec Ops
officers were generally transfered back to normal duties in Starfleet with the
express purpose of enhancing the combat capabilities of the general fleet and
to illustrate the capabilities of Spec Ops officers. Every Spec Ops officer is
an able pilot as it has been deemed necessary that all officers have piloting
abilities so the loss of a designated pilot does not endanger the completion of
a mission.
Uniform
Spec Ops officers wear a uniform variant known as the Surface Operations
Blacks, S.O.B.'s, and the Ground Combat Uniform. The S.O.B.'S are comprised of
an all black tunic with the division color stripe running across the chest and
back, rank insignia are not worn on the S.O.B.'s so enemy troops can not see
who is the senior officer merely by looking for rank insignia. While not on
training or deployed the standard uniform and the standard rank insignia are
worn in the typical manner. For communications, when deployed and on training
exercises, Spec Ops officers use a specialized communicator built into the
inside of right wrist of the tunic.
Following first contact with the Borg in 2365 Spec Ops underwent a dramatic
reorganization and enlargement which included the creation of a dedicated
sub-branch/task force, the Anti-Borg Task Force, and greater co-operation with
Starfleet R&D in an effort to develop even more advanced technologies. Spec Ops
is not affiliated, officially or unofficially, with the rogue Starfleet
Intelligence division known as Section 31. Spec Ops does not condone the
autonomous nature of Section 31 or the questionable actions of said
organization.
Technology
The members of Spec Ops generally are the first Starfleet officers to test new
equipment to determine its suitability for deployment to the rest of the fleet.
The technology tested by Spec Ops includes, but is not limited to:
Anti-Borg Armor;
Type III-A, III-B, and III-C Phaser rifles;
Isomagnetic disintegrators;
Tetryon pulse launchers;
TR-116a Tactical Sniper Rifle; and
Mark XI Tricorder.
