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Green Berets
Clandestine commanders of the legendary Green Berets served east of the Elbe River and behind the Iron Curtain to confront communism between 1956 and 1984 when they were replaced with Green Berets trained in counterterrorism and referred to as PSSE (Physical Security Support Element).
Both Detachment “A” and PSSE were among the top six secret groups in the United States military until they were declassified – Detachment “A” in 2000 and PSSE in 2016.
This year, the group of about 30 individuals who made up the 90-man battalion, will come together on Sept. 8-11, at the Holiday Inn East Medical Center to share their life experiences and remember those who have passed on.
According to Specialforces78.com, in 1956, six modified Special Forces Operational “A” Detachments from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) stationed in Bad Tölz, Germany, were relocated to West Berlin as the 7781 Army Unit (also known as 39th SFOD) and embedded within HQ and HQ Co., 6th Infantry Regiment. Each team was composed of a master sergeant and five enlisted team members.
After several moves in 1958, the unit found its final home at Andrews Barracks, West Berlin, assigned to HHC, U.S. Army Garrison, Berlin, with its new name “Detachment “A,” a clandestine unit constantly on high alert status 24 hours a day. In 1962, Detachment “A” was separated from the garrison and became Detachment “A,” Berlin Brigade, U.S. Army Europe, which it remained until deactivation in 1984.
Becoming a member required meeting the highest of standards, which were rigorously set and enforced. The slightest infractions were not tolerated. The members were selectively trained, language qualified Special Forces soldiers, many former German and Eastern European immigrants who brought much-needed culture, geographical and language skills to this assignment. They dressed in mostly civilian clothing purchased in both West and East Germany, and carried, if required, non-American flash documentation and identification. Their missions were always classified.
The individuals all served in the same detachment but did not necessarily know each other while serving due to the secretive nature of their missions. The reunion gives them the opportunity to connect.
“We are excited to have Beaumont as our reunion destination this year,” said SETX Chapter Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) President John Lee. “With such a rich history and opportunities to explore the area, our group is happy to be welcomed with such amazing hospitality.”
The group meets in different locations for the purpose of expanding their knowledge and experiencing new cultures. While in Beaumont, they will visit the McFaddin-Ward House Museum, Spindeltop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and enjoy local cuisine.
They last met in May 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more on the unit, visit www.detachment-a.org.