Task Force 131
 | This article is incomplete because it is pending further input from participants, or it is a work-in-progress by one author. Please comment on this article's talk page to share your input, comments and questions. Note: To contribute to this article, you may need to seek help from the author(s) of this page. |
| Task Force 131 | |
|---|---|
 TF 131 Shoulder Patch | |
| Active | 13 April 1957 – 15 February 1995 |
| Country | |
| Type | Specialized Infantry |
| Role | Technical surveillance counter-measures Counter espionage Special operations Reconnaissance Competitive intelligence Counter surveillance |
| Engagements | War of Lorican Aggression Post-War of Lorican Aggression Crisis |
Task Force 131 was a multinational special operations unit composing of members from different Lucis Commonwealth nations as well as operatives from Quenmin, Bethausia, Joyonghea, Taoyuan, Esthar and Balamb, and other nationalities. The officer unit was composed of Second Europan War veterans while trained special operatives composed majority of the lower ranking members. Its overall commander was Field Marshal Daidoji Kitagawa until his retirement in 1975, in which he was succeeded by his son Arata Kitagawa, who in turn was succeeded by his son, Kiriya Kitagawa in 1986.
The Task Force was first created during the late 1957, when the War of Lorican Aggression escalated into a worldwide conflict, prompting several Allied planners to create counter special task force units that can carry out unconventional warfare behind enemy lines. The task of the creation fell to Field Marshal Kitagawa. The group performed well and was highly praised for its actions in helping Allied units achieve their objectives. The unit continued to carry out its functions well through the crisis until the end in 1994. The unit was disbanded in 1995 by then-Colonel Kiriya Kitagawa after several member states created their own special operations task force units. TF 131's role was continued by Colonel Kitagawa through the creation of the Special Operations and Airbourne Force that existed until 2012. In 2015, Kiriya would create Task Force 141, the spiritual successor to both TF 131 and the SOAF.
Task Force 131's legacy as the most active allied special forces unit made a mark that defined modern special operations tactics. Its legacy was passed on to its modern counterparts, Task Force 141, Task Force 219, and Task Force 853.