Special Operations Battalion (Croatia)

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Special Operations Battalion

Active	2003
Country	Croatia
Type	special forces
Role	Special operations
Size	about 300 personnel
Garrison/HQ	Dragmalj Delnice
Nickname	"Cobras"
Anniversaries	8 September

The Special Operations Battalion (Croatian: Bojna za specijalna djelovanja) was founded on 8 September, 2000 with merging of the Special Combat Skills Center and some personnel from the 1st Croatian Guard Corps(1. H. G. Zdrug). Today, it is one of the most elite units of the Croatian military, as well as being one of the best trained and equipped special forces units in the region.

The Battalion is focused on infiltration and exfiltration as well as operations behind enemy lines with insertion from land, air or sea. However, unlike most special forces in the world, the Battalion is also trained in non-combat search and rescue of civilians and providing aid as well as dealing with natural disasters. The unit is equipped with the most sophisticated weapons and equipment available, and trained to undertake even the dangerous mid-air and sea operations.

The Croatian General Staff exercises direct command over the battalion which thus elevated the unit to strategic level for quicker reaction and overall better and faster tactical and strategic situations. Also, this means that members of all three branches of the Croatian armed forces can apply for selection.