GROM: Most famous, counterpart mix of Delta Force & SEAL Team SIX/DEVGRU
The Polish GROM is one of five special forces units of the Polish Armed Forces. It was officially activated on July 8, 1990. It can be and is deployed in a variety of special operations and unconventional warfare roles, including anti-terrorist actions and projection of power behind enemy lines. The unit’s other name is Jednostka Wojskowa 2305 (Military Unit 2305). GROM was originally modelled on NATO’s tier one (special mission units) special operations units such as the US Army’s Delta Force, the US Navy’s SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU) and the British Army’s SAS.
Out of the possible recruits, only a small group passed the training. Many of these initial instructors were trained by the Special Forces of the United States and the United Kingdom. Currently, Jednostka Wojskowa GROM is co-operating with similar units of other NATO countries.
During its formative first few years, JW 2305 remained completely secret and hidden from the public. It was first reported to the press in 1992 and became known to the public in 1994, after their first major military operation in Haiti.
Before October 1, 1999, JW 2305 was subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, after which time command was transferred to the Minister of National Defence, until 2007. Since 2007 JW GROM is under the command of Dowódca Wojsk Specjalnych (Commander of Polish Special Forces).
Candidates applying to serve in JW GROM have to pass psychological and durability tests, along with the so-called truth test, a physically and psychologically exhausting field test designed to filter out the weaker applicants. GROM soldiers train with the best special operation units in the world.
The training of GROM soldiers includes a variety of disciplines. All of them undergo the same specialized training in anti-terrorism and special operations, as well as frogman, sniping, and parachuting. In four-man teams, each soldier must be prepared to assume the respective responsibilities of his colleagues, should it become necessary. JW GROM receives basic special operations training from the Swedish Navy’s Special Command for Tactical Operations based in Karlskrona, Sweden’s primary Naval Base. Approximately 75% of GROM personnel are trained as medics or paramedics. In addition, each group is supported by several professional physicians. GROM soldiers are trained in capture or kill methods.
GROM is Poland’s elite anti-terrorist force and has established itself as both a highly motivated, aggressive and toughen special forces unit consists of hardened, extremely skilled and well-trained soldiers.
