Commando facts for kids
A commando is a special kind of soldier. They are part of a highly trained group called "special forces." Commandos are experts at things like landing from the sea, parachuting from planes, or climbing down ropes (abseiling).
The word "commando" first meant a whole group of soldiers, not just one person. In some other languages, "commando" can also mean a military order or a special unit.
Commandos are special because they attack important targets that are often hard to reach. They are different from other special forces because they usually fight in open battles, scout ahead on the front lines, and carry out quick attacks (raids). Other special forces might do more secret, long-distance scouting or different types of warfare.
Sometimes, to show if you mean one commando soldier or the whole Commando unit, the unit's name is written with a capital "C".
Where Did the Word "Commando" Come From?
The word "commando" comes from the Afrikaans language, spoken in South Africa. It comes from the word kommando, which means something like "mobile foot soldiers." This word was first used for groups of soldiers who rode horses and fought against the British Army in the Boer Wars. These wars happened in South Africa.
Images for kids
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An Indian Para (SF) soldier during a military exercise.
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Royal Marines from 40 Commando on patrol in Afghanistan.
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Turkish infantry commandos at a ceremony in Azerbaijan.
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The French Navy commando unit Jaubert trains to storm a naval vessel.
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The "commando" name became well-known with the British Commandos in 1942. These were elite special forces units of the British Army in World War II.
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Skorzeny with soldiers of the 500th SS Parachute Battalion (1945).
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British Commandos wearing their green berets during the Normandy landings in June 1944.
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The Commando Memorial in Scotland was built in 1952. It honors the British Commandos of the Second World War.
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See also
In Spanish: Comando (fuerzas especiales) para niños
