5th Special Operations Group
| 5th Special Operations Group | |
|---|---|
| File:5th Special Operations Regiment insignia.gif Official insignia since 1952, adopted immediately after Kirishinan War | |
| Active | 24 January 1941 – present |
| Country | Acronius |
| Branch | Elite Infantry Corps |
| Type | Joint unconventional warfare task force |
| Role | Strategic reconnaissance, covert action, psychological warfare |
| Size | Brigade + |
| Garrison/HQ | Bougainville (HQ)
Detachments:
|
| Nickname(s) | Bloody Mary, 5-SOG |
| Mascot(s) | "Bloody Mary" |
| Engagements | Great War II
|
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation |
The 5th Special Operations Group is a highly-classified, Acronian Elite Infantry Corps special operations unit which has conducted and specialized in unconventional warfare operations since Great War II. Founded on 24 January 1941 at the onset of Great War II, 5-SOG was one of many unconventional warfare units established by General Robin Van Den Haag in 1941 as a need for special forces units to conduct classified missions and black operations became increasingly apparent. 5-SOG, along with a string of newly-formed Elite Infantry Corps, would eventually replace and disband the Acronian Special Forces Division.
The unit's first activities were concentrated in Aufwachen and Coraspia from its conception in 1941, but the unit saw a period of inactivity from 1945 to 1947 due to Malcolm Kaplan's coup-d'état attempt, where nearly all Acronian military units experiences some form of disturbance. However, 5-SOG is best known for its endeavors in the Kirishinan War, where it took part in some of the most significant operations and missions throughout the conflict, establishing its elite reputation and becoming one of the most decorated units in Acronian military history. The 5th also participated in the Casaran Uprising, contributing in the Battle of Georgetown and carrying out Operation Double Helix.
5-SOG is currently based at Fort Bougainville in the Three Horns Islands, with Command & Control bases in Thurston Town, Kon To Det, and Georgetown. Originally based in the Tarentaise Valley due to its focus in Vaaldhaven, the 5th was relocated to the southwest for a proximity to Kirishima once GWII ended and Acronius' war effort shifted to the Silurian Ocean. As the Free Union secured its assets in the Far East Territories, a sizable portion of the 5th was stationed at Thurston Town, and more prominently at Kon To Det, while the remainder of the unit stayed positioned at Bougainville.
The 5th's official nickname is "Bloody Mary", after the famed urban legend of the same name. Many 5-SOG operatives throughout GWII, as well as the Kirishinan War to a lesser extent, reported supernatural encounters with the infamous ghostly spirit, although the phantom always seemed to be in favor of the Acronians during times of battle, thusly receiving a cult status amongst a large part of the unit. 5-SOG is currently commanded by Brigadier General Spencer Trenton, and maintains an estimated 2,500 operatives. It received eight Presidential Unit Citations, and estimates suggest that 60 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 5-SOG members.