commando
Special forces soldier
A commando is a soldier trained for quick, aggressive raids into enemy territory—operations requiring stealth, speed, and self-sufficiency.
The term extends to the units themselves: a commando of elite troops.
In casual use, going commando means wearing no underwear, the image being of unencumbered readiness for action.
Elite unconventional warfare troops
- Navy SEALsElite maritime combat specialists
- Green BeretsElite Army covert unit
- Delta ForceElite Army special missions unit
- SASThree-letter acronym, multiple meanings
One skilled in combat
- trooperMounted soldier or patroller
- combatantOne who fights
- fighterOne who engages in combat
- operativeCovert field agent
raider · mercenary · veteran · paratrooper · rifleman · sniper · guerrilla · irregular
Violent offensive act
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- incursionHostile territorial penetration
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
sabotage · operation · sortie · guerrilla · skirmish · offensive · hit-and-run · extraction
Concealment through visual blending
- ghillie suitLeafy camouflage garment
- tacticalStrategically planned
- rappellingRope-controlled descent technique
- parachuteDrag-creating descent device
knife · submachine gun · explosives · demolition · night vision · body armor · webbing · rucksack
Enter secretly to observe
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
silent · undetected · surreptitious · evasion · stalking · prowl · furtive · shadow
Boldness before danger
- courageFortitude facing danger
- valorCourage in danger
- heroismExceptional courage under duress
- audacityBrazen, reckless daring
fearlessness · gallantry · intrepidity · fortitude · risk-taking · guts · bold · undaunted
Mediterranean shrubland or partisans
- resistance fighterArmed opponent of occupation
- partisanBiased toward one side
special forces
Elite unconventional warfare troops
- Navy SEALsElite maritime combat specialists
- Green BeretsElite Army covert unit
- Delta ForceElite Army special missions unit
warrior
One skilled in combat
operative · raider · mercenary · veteran · paratrooper · rifleman · sniper · guerrilla · irregular · shock troops
assault
Violent offensive act
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- strikeForceful impact or stoppage
- incursionHostile territorial penetration
infiltration · sabotage · operation · sortie · guerrilla · skirmish · offensive · hit-and-run · extraction · hostage rescue
camouflage
Concealment through visual blending
- ghillie suitLeafy camouflage garment
- tacticalStrategically planned
- rappellingRope-controlled descent technique
parachute · knife · submachine gun · explosives · demolition · night vision · body armor · webbing · rucksack · combat boots
infiltrate
Enter secretly to observe
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
surveillance · silent · undetected · surreptitious · evasion · stalking · prowl · furtive · shadow · insertion
bravery
Boldness before danger
audacity · fearlessness · gallantry · intrepidity · fortitude · risk-taking · guts · bold · undaunted · death-defying
Maquis
Mediterranean shrubland or partisans
- resistance fighterArmed opponent of occupation
- partisanBiased toward one side
- military rolessoldier, warrior, Praetorian Guard, sailor, Imperial Guard
- South Africanismsag, just now, now now, bra, oom
- military termsarmy, navy, air force, marines, soldier
- action genresmartial arts, kung fu, spy, western, war films
- military jobssoldier, infantryman, marine, sailor, combat medic
- military personnelsoldiers, soldier, midshipmen, officers, troops
commandoline infantry
Soldiers in ranked formations
conventional forces · conscript · draftee · reservist · regular army
commandoconventional warfare
Armed conflict using standard military forces
frontal assault · siege warfare · trench warfare · artillery bombardment · attrition warfare
commandocivilian
Non-military person
noncombatant · pacifist · conscientious objector · bystander · hostage
- command structureOrder-giving hierarchy
- chain of commandFormal authority hierarchy
- lieutenant commanderNaval rank below commander
- going commandoForgoing underpants deliberately
- command centerCentral operations facility
- commander in chiefHighest military leader
command, commander, commanded, commands, commanders, commandment, commandeering, commandos, commandoes