SSG's missions required its operators to covertly infiltrate and move inside hostile territory and remain undetected for very long periods.

There were several reasons why the SSG was formed: one was the threat of foreign special forces, which intended to kill the senior military and civilian officials (for example politicians).

In 2002, Afghanistan, the SSG contributed to security and personal protection of the Afghan king, Mohammed Zahir Shah, returning from exile in Italy.

In November 2003, SSG along with FJS/IK (Parachute Ranger Rapid Reaction Company, later SIG) were sent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with members of French special forces CPA10 and 1st Marine Infantry Paratroopers Regiment for Operation Artemis.

Shortly after Operation Artemis, a new unit, Särskilda Inhämtningsgruppen (Special Reconnaissance Group, SIG) was founded out of the FJS/IK whose object was information gathering.

[citation needed] Before selection took place, the applicants were invited to attend a pre-selection weekend, where they would have been tested and given notice of the likelihood of failure or success and how to improve themselves.