Special Forces Legacy Initiatives

Mission & Vision The Green Beret story deserves to be told in full — by the people who lived it — for every generation to come.

Seven Decades of Service

A History That Was Never Fully Told

U.S. Army Special Forces was established in 1952. Since then, Green Berets have served in every major conflict — often without public acknowledgment, frequently without official record.

From the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan, Special Forces soldiers operated where conventional forces could not, doing work that most Americans never knew about. Some of it remains classified to this day.

This is that history. Every era. Every theater. Every generation of quiet professionals who earned the Long Tab and answered the call.

More About SFLI

Man in military uniform talking to man in suit.

The mission of Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) is to honor and preserve the legacy of the United States Army Special Forces community through committed efforts to actively preserve and promote Special Forces history, safeguard its achievements, foster civic responsibility, and support the future well-being of those connected to Special Forces.

1942

1952

1957

1991–2001

2001

2021— Present

1942 — OSS Established

Pioneers of unconventional warfare lay the foundation for Special Forces doctrine.

1952 — SF Activated

The 10th Special Forces Group stands up at Fort Bragg, marking the birth of the Green Berets.

1952 — SF and the Cold War

For four decades, SF conducts critical missions worldwide.

1957 — SF in Vietnam

The first Special Forces Soldiers arrive as advisors. SF remained until 1973.

1991–2001 — Post–Cold War Era

From Desert Storm to counter-drug operations in the Americas, SF continues to evolve.

2001 — Global War on Terror

SF operators lead across multiple theaters, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

2021— Present; The Modern Era

Special Forces adapt to a changing world.

Why SFLI Exists

Why SFLI Was Founded

The Special Forces community had no dedicated institution to preserve its own history — on its own terms, without government restriction — and no single organization to plan and host the events and gatherings that fall outside the scope of the SFA and other SF benevolent organizations.

SFLI was incorporated in 2022 to fill that gap. As a privately funded 501(c)(3), SFLI serves the SF community through commerce and reunion events today, while working to establish the museum that will preserve this history permanently.

The store and the events fund the mission. The museum is where it culminates.

Our History

Soldiers using unmanned robot vehicle in field operation.

Dedicated to the educational and historical development of Special Forces, and to the promotion of the general welfare of persons within the Special Forces community."

Special Forces Legacy Initiatives

NC Secretary of State
Filed July 8, 2022

What We Do

The Three Pillars of Our Mission

SFLI Retail Sales Fort Bragg, NC

Retail sales operate through two primary channels: the JFK Gift Store, located on Fort Bragg, and SFLI’s online store. Both feature merchandise from Special Forces–owned small businesses.

Shop Online

SF Cruises & Reunion Events Gatherings

Large-scale reunion events that bring the SF community together to honor the past and discuss the future. The 2024 SFLI cruise brought together over 1,600 SF Community members, including donating 20+ cabins to hurricane displaced SOCOM Families.

Upcoming Events

Benjamin R. Risley, Jr., Architect, A.I.A. (former 18 ECHO) and Joe Fishbien, Graphic Artist

The Museum North Carolina

A privately funded world-class museum telling a complete story of the United States Army Special Forces — a story told by Green Berets. Every donation helps build this museum and preserve our history.

Learn More