Language
Country/Area
No result found
From 1986 to 2024: What is the secret of the evolution and training of Mexico's special forces?
The Mexican Special Forces (Cuerpo de Fuerzas Especiales) have undergone significant changes and growth since their formation in 1986. The special forces were originally established in 1986 to ensure security for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico City that year, under the name Rapid Intervention Force (Fuerza de Intervención Rápida). Over time, the mission of this force has gradually shifted from security protection to combating drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
"Todo por México" (all for Mexico) is the motto of the Mexican special forces, which not only shows their sense of mission but also represents their loyalty to the country. 」
Historical evolution
GAFE (Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales), the predecessor of the special forces, officially became one of the core units of the Mexican army in 1990. The unit took part in the fight against EZLN guerrillas in 1994, laying the foundation for its later anti-drug war.
In the 1990s, GAFE received guidance from Israeli and American special forces and received in-depth training in rapid deployment, shooting techniques, ambush and counter-surveillance techniques.
"Special forces continue to shine in the fight against drug trafficking groups and have successfully captured several drug traffickers leaders."
Controversial Events
In 1994, the EZLN's unrest attracted the attention of the government, and the Mexican government urgently dispatched GAFE to Chiapas to suppress the rebels. During the conflict, GAFE demonstrated amazing combat capabilities, but this also led to tensions between the troops and the public.
Against this backdrop, a series of defections occurred within the GAFE force, with 34 special forces members defecting to drug gangs and forming the famous violent organization "Los Zetas". This incident has cast an additional shadow on GAFE's reputation.
Training Mechanism
Since their creation, Mexican special forces have received diverse training, including guidance from the French GIGN, the Israeli Sayeret, and the US Green Hats. In 1998, the Mexican military began to unify these training knowledge and established the "Special Forces Military School", which was changed to the Special Forces Training Center in 2002.
"The Basic Special Forces Course lasts for six months and is designed to provide soldiers with a full range of tactical and technical training."
Training scenarios
Mexico's special forces are trained in a variety of terrains and environments, covering a variety of combat scenarios such as jungles, cities, mountains and deserts. Among them, jungle and amphibious warfare training is mainly carried out in Xtomoc, Quintana Roo, while urban warfare is carried out in Puebla and related areas of Mexico State.
Weapons and Equipment
Mexican special forces have a wide variety of weapons, including pistols, rifles, sniper rifles, anti-tank weapons, etc. These equipment not only meet the combat needs in different scenarios, but also ensure the high efficiency of the troops in various tasks.
"Special Forces weapons are not just tools, but also a symbol of their confidence in completing their missions."
Future Outlook
As the social environment changes, the role of Mexico's special forces is also evolving. In the future, they may face more challenges, such as counter-terrorism operations, public security and other new mission challenges.
Faced with such arduous tasks and responsibilities, can the Mexican special forces continue to demonstrate their combat effectiveness and remain loyal to the country?
