Counter-Strike™ for Xbox lets gamers join some of the toughest and most effective anti-terrorism units in the entire world … literally. From the U.S. SEALs to the Russian SPETSNAZ, these elite commando units each have long and distinguished histories when it comes to fighting terrorism. Though Valve and Microsoft Game Studios made sure to balance the international teams for the most exciting gameplay, the real-life units have very different training regimens, specialties, and weapons set. Here’s a brief look at some of the best of the best.
SAS takes aim.
Special Air Service (SAS) Brigade Britain’s SAS began as a search-and-destroy unit and evolved into one of the original anti-terrorism units. It was formed during World War II by a Scottish Second Lieutenant named David Stirling, who dreamed of a small highly trained and highly motivated strike force that could scout far behind enemy lines and pursue key objectives. Their motto: “Who dares, wins.” The unit quickly proved its value by parachuting or even walking straight into enemy territory in North Africa, where it disabled or destroyed scores of Axis aircraft. Later, it used Jeeps with twin-mounted machine guns to stage rapid hit-and-run assaults on its targets. The SAS was so effective that Hitler himself issued special orders to make killing SAS commandos on sight a top priority.
The modern SAS began working in earnest as an anti-terrorist unit after the bloody incident at the Munich Olympics in 1972. Shortly thereafter, the SAS pioneered the use of special magnesium-based grenades that became known as Flashbangs (featured inCounter-Strike).
SEAL Team 6 desert gear.
SEAL Team Six This U.S. elite commando unit grew out of the Navy’s Seabees, who were tasked with clearing beaches for Allied landings in World War II. The first official SEAL units (One and Two) were formed in 1965 to focus specifically on unconventional warfare, counter-insurgency, and covert operations. (Historical note: SEAL Team 6 was so named so that enemies would think there were more SEAL units than there actually were). Though originally designed for sea and river operations, the SEALs quickly proved they could fight (and win) anywhere.
After the Vietnam War, where SEAL teams distinguished themselves time and again, the unit took part in U.S. military efforts in Grenada, Panama, and Colombia, where they participated in the hunt for drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.
SPETSNAZ Russia’s top-flight counter-terrorism squad is knows as SPETSNAZ or “Special Designation,” a mundane name that underplays the unit’s terrifying reputation. SPETSNAZ commandos are considered to be among the toughest and most ruthless of all armed forces. They place a special importance on sheer physical strength and endurance, and their history is filled with examples of small units wiping out much larger and better-equipped enemy forces. During the Cold War, SPETSNAZ operatives focused on protecting the USSR’s borders and staged raids into hostile neighboring territory. Though they were plagued by inferior and unreliable equipment, they were still taken very seriously by their American opponents. (Luckily for gamers, the SPETSNAZ operatives in Counter-Strike have access to the same high-end weaponry that every other counter-terrorism squad has).
Since the fall of the USSR, the SPETSNAZ has concerned itself with counter-terrorism and has been active in Afghanistan and the breakaway republic of Chechnya. It was SPETSNAZ operatives who ended the recent siege in a Moscow theater, from which they drew criticism that they were more interested in killing terrorists than in saving hostages.
There are more upper-echelon commando units inCounter-Strike, like Germany’s GSG-9, France’s GIGN, and Japan’s Kidotai. While the question of which unit is the best is sometimes a matter of national pride, on the Xbox, it’s up to the gamer to determine which counter-terrorism squad is number one.
