Deployable Specialized Forces

Deployable Specialized Forces
Seal of the former command name Deployable Operations Group
Active	July 20, 2007 – October 1, 2013 Deployable Operations Group (DOG) formerly 2013  – active Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) reorganized
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Coast Guard
Type	Deployable specialized forces
Role	Provide the USCG, DHS, DoD, rapidly deployable specialized forces. Counterterrorism Counter narcotics operations Counterproliferation Expeditionary warfare [1]
Size	≈2,000
Part of	Department of Homeland Security
Nickname(s)	"DOG Teams" "DSF Teams"
Engagements	Global War on Terrorism Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Ocean Shield Operation Martillo Operation Inherent Resolve

The Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) —formerly Deployable Operations Group— are part of the United States Coast Guard that provide highly equipped, trained and organized deployable specialized forces, to the Coast Guard, United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Department of Defense (DoD) and inter-agency operational and tactical commanders.^[2] The command was formerly headquartered in Arlington, Virginia where it was established on 20 July 2007, and was commanded by a captain. It was decommissioned by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Robert Papp on 1 October 2013, with units previously assigned to the DOG being split between Coast Guard Pacific and Atlantic Area commands. The units were subsequently reorganized under Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF).

The Deployable Specialized Forces purpose is to develop systems and processes for standardized training, equipment, organization, planning, and scheduling of rapidly deployable specialized forces to execute mission objectives in support of tactical and operational commanders.^[3] Since 2007, the unit has deployed throughout the world in support of national interests and requirements as tailored and integrated force packages. This included response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, in support of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and more recently deploying specialized counter piracy boarding teams to the Middle East, such as Operation Ocean Shield, where TACLET and MSST teams part of Combined Task Force 151 were an integral role in Somali counterpiracy. In addition, since 2007, DSF units have taken part in nine of the 11 largest maritime cocaine seizures.

Deployable Specialized Forces is the Coast Guard's special operations-capable element, but it is not a part of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), as the Coast Guard does not operate under the Department of Defense. Missions of deployable specialized forces units include high-risk, high-profile tasks such as counter-terrorism, diving operations, intelligence-cued boarding operations, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure, threat assessments involving nuclear, and biological, or chemical weapons, as well as detecting and, if necessary, stopping or arresting submerged divers.

Deployable Specialized Forces also had health services technicians who were attached to medical teams operating within differing commands. These technicians supported roles in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other areas with Navy and Department of Defense groups.

Deployable Specialized Forces manages Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).^[4] The unit also had a high level of involvement in the Coast Guard SEAL Program; candidates could attend United States Naval Special Warfare Training and serve with Navy SEAL teams.^[5] While the program is currently suspended, there are still several Coast Guardsmen serving on SEAL teams.^[6]