Naval Special Operations Group

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Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG)
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SWAG Patch
Active November 5, 1956 - Present
Country Philippines
Branch Philippine Navy
Type Special Forces
Role Counter-Terrorism, Special Reconnaissance, Unconventional warfare
Size Classified
Part of the Philippine Navy, serving as its Special Operations arm
Garrison/HQ Cavite Naval Base, Cavite City
Nickname(s) NAVSOG, NSWG, SWAG
Mascot Shark
Anniversaries November 5
Engagements Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines
Anti-guerrilla operations against the NPA and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Decorations Presidential Streamer Award
Insignia
Military Scuba Diver Badge
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Naval Parachutist Badge
United States Navy Parachutist Badge.png
AFP Master Parachutist Badge
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The Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) (also referred as the Philippine Navy SEALs) is the smallest elite unit of the Philippine Navy trained in special operations, sabotage, psychological and unconventional warfare which is heavily influenced by the United States Navy SEALs. It specializes in SEa, Air, Land (SEAL) operations ranging from reconnaissance, close combat, demolition, intelligence and underwater operations in support of overall naval operations. The unit gained prominence in a number of counter-terrorism operations, most notably against the Abu Sayyaf Group, and is known for its highly-demanding physical training program which is based on the United States Navy SEAL program. The NAVSOG training program is known as Basic Naval Special Operations Course (BNSOC). The program is physically and mentally demanding and is regarded as one of the toughest military selection programs in the entire Philippine military. Candidates have to swim two miles and run 10 kilometers every day. Furthermore, they must swim 27 kilometers from Roxas Boulevard in Manila to Naval Station Sangley Point without any rest. They also undergo "Hell Week," which is the most demanding weeks of NAVSOG training. Candidates have to carry out demanding physical team events with their boat crews with as little as a couple of hours sleep for the entire week. In one BNSOC class, only 21 students remained from 79 applicants who originally started the NAVSOG training program.

History and organization

Philippine Navy SEAL member confront U.S. Sailors portraying crewmembers aboard military sealift command rescue and salvage ship USNS Safeguard.

The predecessor unit to the NSWG/SWAG (the Underwater Operations Team or UOT) was activated on 5 November 1956 as a special forces of the Philippine Navy. Patterned after the US Navy Underwater Demolition Teams and the Italian Decima Flottiglia MAS with modifications for Philippine conditions, from its founding the UOT was charged with conducting underwater operations in waterways, beach areas and harbors in support of Philippine naval operations. These operations included underwater explosive disposal, mine countermeasures, salvage and search and rescue. In 1959 the UOT was expanded and redesignated the Underwater Operations Unit, then as the Underwater Operations Group (UOG).

The UOG was then renamed the Naval Special Warfare Group, and later on as the Naval Special Operations Group. The unit's tasks were also expanded to cover all facets of unconventional warfare in a maritime and riverine environment. This includes but is not limited to demolition, hostage rescue, harassment, force protection and maritime tactical operations.

File:NAVSOG.jpg
Philippine NAVSOG Insignia

Today, the Naval Special Operations Group is headquartered at Sangley Point, Cavite City. It has eight units located across the Philippines, from Naval Station San Vicente[disambiguation needed] in the north to Naval Station Zamboanga in the south. Each unit is attached either to a task force or a naval force and has a complement that varies from 3 to 6 SEAL Teams, with each team consisting of an officer and seven enlisted men. All team members "…are trained tactical divers, parachutists and demolitionists and in the execution of Special Warfare Operations from the Sea, Air and Land.” To become a qualified Philippine Navy SEAL, officers and enlisted men must successfully complete the six-month Basic Naval Special Warfare/SEAL Course.[1]

United States influence

There are similarities between the Philippine Naval Special Warfare Group and the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command. Filipino NSWG/SWAG operators are trained and operate in a manner similar to the U.S. Navy SEALs. The Filipino SEALs (actually called SWGs or SWAGs) also wear a trident similar to their U.S. Navy counterparts.

The Filipino counterpart of the U.S. counterterrorist United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) is the Special Reaction Group (SRG), which operates under the direction of Naval Intelligence.[2]

A Filipino Navy SEAL team demonstrates their capabilities to the 74th Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in Manila, Nov. 8, 2007

The best NSWG/SWAG frequently train and operates with their American counterparts and their naval brethren, the Philippine Marines.[3][4]

Units

Base Units[5]

  • Headquarters, NAVSOG
  • SEAL Unit
  • Dive Unit
  • Explosive & Ordnance Disposal Unit
  • Special Boat Unit
  • Combat Service Support Unit
  • Naval Special Operations Squadron

Naval Special Operations Units[5]

  • Naval Special Operations Unit 1
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 2
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 3
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 4
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 5
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 6
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 7
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 8
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 9
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 10
  • Naval Special Operations Unit 11

(NOTE: Each NAVSOU composed of several SEAL Platoons & SEAL Support Teams)

See also

References

Citations

  1. ↑ "Too Tough for the Job (The Navy Seals and Admin Diving)" - Philippine Navy Digest
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ "CARAT 2004: Philippine and U.S. Forces Train to Fight Terrorism" - Asia-Pacific Defense Forum, Winter 2005
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

Bibliography

External links

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