Global InformationDeployable Specialized Forces information
| 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 Coast Guard, DHS, DoD, and other interagency operational commanders Expeditionary Forces drawn from the U.S. Coast Guard's deployable specialized force units. |
| Size | ≈2,000 |
| Part of | Department of Homeland Security |
| Nickname(s) | "DOG Teams" "DSF Teams" |
| Engagements | Global War on Terrorism
|
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.[1] 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.[2] 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.
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 Hospital corpsman 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).[3] 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.[4] While the program is currently suspended, there are still several Coast Guardsmen serving on SEAL teams.[5]
- ^ "Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) Safety Program | U.S. Coast Guard".
- ^ USCG Deployable Operations Group
- ^ iFORCECOM: DOG – Deployable Operations Group[dead link]
- ^ "ALCOAST 367/08". Retrieved 2014-08-11.
- ^ "Coast Guard Suspends SEAL Program". 28 November 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2019.