When it comes to maritime commando operations, the Navy SEALs are certainly the best known and most well regarded force in the U.S. military. The SEALs are specially trained to conduct underwater demolitions and long range reconnaissance by launching from submarines on a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV). That said, U.S. Special Forces has long retained a sub-surface and maritime capability, one they are now seeking to expand.
Army military doctrine currently foresees the continued "littoralization" of populations around the world, that is the tendency for people to cluster near coastlines, which means the military needs to prepare to operate on, under, or near the ocean. Navy SEALs and Marine Raiders have robust maritime capabilities, but are also small in number.
"Army special operations forces (ARSOF) must improve its maritime operations (MAROPS) baseline capabilities and develop irregular approaches to address emerging challenges," writes Special Forces Underwater Operations commander Maj. Brandon Schwartz.
Schwartz foresees Army Special Forces dive teams (amongst other Army SOF elements) working in littoral areas to subvert China's current Anti-Access/Area Denial strategy in the Pacific. This would potentially see dive teams sabotaging early warning systems, destroying radar or sonar facilities, and conducting recon in enemy held areas.
To prepare for these contingencies Army Special Operations is currently creating a revamped Water Infiltration Course, and the Combat Diving Supervisor Course has been improved to teach underwater propulsion systems and precision navigation to bring Special Forces divers on par with the U.S. Navy’s Lead Combat Swimmer Course.
"A review of the SF Regiment’s rich history demonstrates that our third lightning bolt was well-earned; it is worthy of continued stewardship," writes Schwartz, referencing the three lighting bolts on the Special Forces insignia which represent three infiltration methods: land, air, and sea.