That time U.S and Russian Special Forces fought together

On the border of Kosovo, a team of US Army Special Forces soldiers conducted joint missions with Russian Spetsnaz marking the only time in history that American operators worked with their Russian counterparts. This odd moment in history sees the two adversarial teams talking with each other about geopolitics over vodka and reacting to firefights in the streets.

This occurred during a period of heightened tensions between the West and the post-Soviet Russian Federation. NATO had just intervened in the Bosnia and Kosovo Wars which were areas that Russia viewed as within its sphere of influence. After a sniper killed a Russian soldier the two reacted to contact conducting a raid on a compound together.

Based on the book: "one green beret" by Mark Giaconia

Written by: Chris Cappy and Diego Aceituno
Edited by: Michael Michaelides

Join this channel to get access to perks:

00:00 - 02:20 Introduction
2:20 - 5:54 Green Berets and Spetsnaz Meet
5:54 - 08:04 Dangerous Trip into Serbia
08:04 - 10:47 Geopolitics of the conflict
10:47 - 13:33 Sniper Fire
13:33 - 16:10 Joint Raid Fire Fight
16:10 - 17:51 Ending

Task & Purpose is a military news and culture oriented channel. We want to foster discussion about the defense industry.

[Taskandpurpose]

I found this story interesting because it shows adversaries working towards the same goal and the massive difference in understanding between the two sides. I think it's kind of an uncomfortable moment in history to look at but I can't help but feeling like its important to remember cooperation is possible. With all the talk of total war we rarely stop to think of times where under the right circumstances war is avoided.

[chrisdupreez]

"How much they hated the politicians" a group of 3 x different militaries agreeing on one thing.

[TheHaydena]

"We can avert war between our nations. Just two of us, no money changing hands. Just soldiers speaking the truth."

[johnmoriarty]

I worked in Kosovo as a UNMIK police officer. The Russians protected the airport. We would have to pass their checkpoint sometimes. The Russians would stop an entire French convoy to allow us to pass. We would bring them fresh bread and they were very friendly to us Americans then. Always wanting to chat. Good times.

[BattleZone]

Im honestly surprised there hasnt been any videogames or mainstream movies based around these events. This is probably one of the most interesting events in recent history.

[kirillfeshch]

Я бывший военнослужащий армии России. Мне приятно читать комментарии людей, которые уважают простых солдат, и знают, что политика делает из нас врагов. Мы знаем, что вы сильны. Вы знаете, что сильны мы. Пусть этих знаний нам будет достаточно.

[justme_gb]

I worked at Camp Ugly, Bosnia in 1999. Spetnaz was on one side of the river, SF was on the other. Fun times!

[Wavy_Gravy]

US and Russians are the best frienemies ever. If you played online video games, you have a crazy Russian maybe had. RIP for all the fallen Rainbow six seige homies I didn't understand, but they always invited me.

[bendixon]

Let's not forget that the pristina airport incident happened because NATO renegged on their agreement with Russia, and the British paratroopers, showing up to the airport (which was allocated to Russia) refused an order from higher command to shoot the Russians. The para commander commented "I'm not going to start world war 3 for you" and hung up on NATO command.

[KentoLeoDragon]

I was US Army and trained as a Russian translator and interpreter (not the same!) during the cold war & shortly afterwards. Got to spend lots of time in Russia from the west all the way as far east as you can get. Met tons of Russians from all walks of life and being able to speak Russian I got to meet & get to know lots of people and go places foreigners usually never do. All I can say is it's a damn fucking shame the US & Russia aren't allies. We had a small window of opportunity but politicians wouldn't have it. Oh well.

[freddiemercury]

Politics might divide people, but alcohol brings people together.

[alexanderdantonio]

Came for a war story, stayed for the geopolitical lessons. I knew none of this... Great vid.

[darthveatay]

The saying "truth is stranger than fiction" applies here Americans working with Russians sounds like a movie

[d_opp]

Fun Fact: American Special Forces and Russian Spetznaz have actually worked together in a joint operation before. Task & Purpose has a really good video on it.

[joederp]

As a former US Army cav scout here still have my 2 KFOR badges from 2001. As a regular army soldier at Camp McGovern I got to meet regulars (non-special forces soldiers) from the Russian army. Some of the dudes were pretty cool. One of my buddies traded his cold weather cap for a Russian cold weather cap. Those were the best and scariest 8 months of my military career.

[clydemccurdy]

Now that's wild, I would never expect the Russians and green berets working together. Love your content bro

[ognjenkuzeljevic]

As a Serb, there always was a collision of two worlds in our country. We could never actually pick between west and east, because we were usually allied with both, untill the 90s... Even today, after the bombing by the NATO people are bit more tilted towards russia, but still very divided.

[pat]

I cannot imagine how terrifying it must have been to see prime spetsnaz just disappearing into a forest hungry for blood.

[Yomamakizmanuts]

We’re enemies because our politicians say we are.

[erdngtn]

Bro, I dig your shit. As an infantry vet, you’re my fav vet owned channel and my favorite news channel, period. You really don’t let any bias through on ANY subject. Thanks