Green Berets, Clan Militia, and Blue Helmets

Green Berets, Clan Militia, and Blue Helmets: The Illustrated History of Army Special Forces in Somalia, 1992–1995

Author

Joseph D. Celeski

ISBN

978-1-959203-12-4

Print Version

$49.99

Description

The story of the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) who served in Somalia from 1992 – 1995 to support the United Nations Peacekeeping mission to Somalia (UNOSOM) is one of the least known chapters of Special Forces history. While the world’s attention was focused on the hunt for Aideed and the tragic battle fought in Mogadishu during the summer and fall of 1993, Army Special Forces conducted a variety of special warfare missions throughout the country, before, during and after the battle between Army Rangers and Aideed’s forces in the city. These missions ranged from protection to humanitarians, reconnaissance, liaison with coalition forces, and advisors to the various warlords. Although a peacekeeping mission, Army Special Forces operatives often found themselves in combat with clan irregulars. This story includes rare interviews and pictures which will add to the understanding of the irregular war which Special Forces operators faced.

About the Author

COL Joseph D. Celeski (1954–2023) retired from a thirty-year career with the U.S. Army in September, 2004 after successful completion of commanding the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He assumed command of the Group in May 2002 in Afghanistan where he also served as the commander of the Combined and Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) for two tours in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. His published works include articles on Special Forces in Somalia, the use of Special Forces in joint urban combat, and three monographs on Counterinsurgency in the 21st Century (JSOU Press). Colonel Celeski was also a graduate of the Marine Amphibious Warfare Course, the U.S. Air Force Command and General Staff College, and the Army Force Management Course. Colonel Celeski was designated as a Joint Specialty Officer during his career. Among other awards and recognitions, Colonel Celeski was one of the first recipients of the St. Philip Neri awards (Bronze) for his active service in Special Forces.

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