Their ranks swelling and their missions growing, U.S. special forces are the vanguard of modern warfare. They've scored some of America's most decisive victories against tyrrany and terrorism in the last decade, capturing Saddam Hussein and killing Osama bin Laden.
And their exploits are now the rage of Hollywood.
But most of America's "special operators" are silent warriors, whose capabilities and missions are almost never discussed publicly. And U.S. foreign and military policy relies more heavily than ever on their ranks.
Starting July 23, Retired Army Major General Tim Haake will take Washington Guardian readers on a weekly mission inside the ranks of America's fiercest and most secretive warriors.
His Special Ops-ervations column will explore the untold acts of heroism, the breath-taking capabilities and equipment and the expanding reach and mission of America's special forces.
