First Special
Service Force

U.S. Army Special Forces Lineage Unit

First Special Service Force patch
First Special Service Force patch

The First Special Service Force (FSSF), also known as the “Devil’s Brigade,” was a combined American-Canadian commando unit formed during World War II. Formed on 9 July 1942, the force was trained in specialized skills such as skiing, mountaineering, parachuting, and hand-to-hand combat, and served in the Aleutians, Italy, and France. The FSSF was renowned for their courage and tenacity in battle. The FSSF was officially disbanded in France on 6 January 1945, but lives on as the linage unit for U.S. Army Special Forces. The FSSF Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 14 September 1942. The arrowhead represents the heritage of both the United States and Canada, which both contributed personnel to the unit.