Army Special Operations Forces
TIMELINE
Modern U.S. Army Special Operations Forces began with the American Expeditionary Forces’ Propaganda and Military Government agencies during World War I. Since then, ARSOF has grown and adapted to meet evolving national security concerns. This timeline depicts the significant events that shaped ARSOF over the last century.
Click here to view the timeline at arsof-history.org
Under World War I, there is no mention of TE Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia. is that because he was British and not US? Also, the first tactical parachute drop was done by an Italian lieutenant.
The purpose of this timeline as stated “depicts the significant events that shaped ARSOF over the last century.” If you have questions about the information you have found on this page or about information not included my suggestion would be to contact the ARSOF history office at arsof_history@socom.mil.
The first mass tactical drop, done by a platoon-sized element, was done by the Russians in (I think) 1936.