Special Actions Detachment

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Special Actions Detachment
Active	1985 – present
Country	Portugal
Allegiance	Portuguese Navy
Type	Special Forces
Role	Counter Terrorism, Direct Action, Unconventional Warfare, Combat Search and Rescue
Part of	Portuguese Marine Corps
Garrison/HQ	Lisbon Naval Base, Base de Fuzileiros
Nickname	DAE
Motto	Braço Às Armas Feito (Arm Made to Weapons)

The DAE - Destacamento de Acções Especiais (Special Actions Detachment) is the naval commando elite special forces unit of the Portuguese Navy. Raised in 1985, the unit is one of the smallest special operations units within the Portuguese Armed Forces. It is responsible for conducting special operations, beach reconnaissance, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), maritime counter-terrorism, demolition operations, and other missions in support of Portuguese and NATO armed forces.

Selection and Training

DAE operatives are drawn from the ranks of Marines, all having high operational experience. Due to the nature of its actions, candidate acceptance is extremely restrictive and selective. Only 5-10% of the applicants manage to join the unit.

Upon completion of the basic selection phase prospective recruits then begin the first phase of their training. Phase 1 of their training is conducted at the Navy's combat diver school. Students receive instruction in: basic combat diving techniques, EOD and underwater demolitions. Candidates who successfully complete the first phase are assigned to the DAE on a probationary status, and begin their second phase of training. Phase 2 instruction includes courses on: escape and evasion techniques, advanced driving, mountaineering, offensive operations, parachuting training and basic English. Once a trainee is permanently assigned to the DAE he will continue to receive various courses of instruction throughout his career.

Structure

The unit is led by a Commander, and is subdivided into a command cell and four combat teams. The command cell contains the unit commander, his deputy (a Lieutenant Commander) and a small staff of 8. The combat teams are composed of ten men: petty officers and seamens and a commanding petty officer.

The DAE conducts regular training exercises with its NATO counterparts, including the United States Navy DEVGRU, British Special Boat Service, French commando frogmen as well as the respective naval counter-terrorist units. They were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006, as part of the EUFOR, and to Somalia in 2009.

External links

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