[4] In 1955 the ESR-SOE (Eléments Spéciaux de Recherche-Speciale Opsporings Elementen), translated as the Special Detection Unit, was created and included operators from all divisions of the Army.

In 1964, under the command of P. Crèvecoeur the unit changed its name and became the first Company ESR-GVP (Equipes Spéciales de Reconnaissance-Gespecialiseerde VerkenningsPloegen), translated as the Specialized Reconnaissance Teams.

The unit consisted of 16 teams of 4 operators as well as support members, for a total of about 120 men and served in a stay-behind role.

In April 2000, the Special Forces Group was established from the 3rd Regiment Lanciers Parachutisten and was moved to Flawinne.

In 2011 Amid Defence cuts and reorganization of the Belgian Armed Forces, 1 PARA was disbanded after 59 years of continuous service.

In December 2011 the unit's banner, flag, insignia and traditions were officially handed over to Special Forces Group (SFG) to carry on from the 5th SAS and 1 Para linage.

Consists of a selection week, where candidates are tested on their physical condition, map reading ability, general military knowledge, and shooting techniques.

This is followed by a one-week specialized training program, which focuses on reaching the basic level necessary for beginning the actual stage.

After successful completion of the basic training, candidates may be called an operator, although certification is not given until the end of the evaluation phase.

A candidate that must stop for medical reasons may enroll the following year, but the stage at which he may re-enter is determined by a committee within the SFG.

During this phase operators are given advanced training courses in areas such as High Altitude free fall (HA), Aidman, SOFAFR (Special Operation Forces Advanced First Responder), Détachement d'Agents de Sécurité (DAS), Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC), TSE/TEO (Tactical site Exploitation), TACP (Tactical Air Controller Party), Landing Point Commander etc.

Candidates that have not completed the Commando A and Para A qualification must do so in order to function as a Special Forces operator.

The Commando A Qualification Takes place in the commando-training center (CE Cdo) in Marche Les Dames in the province of Namur.

During the 4-week program, candidates are trained in rock, amphibious and commando techniques in order to cope with difficult terrains and circumstances, by day and night.

Combat Diver: This 5- to 8-month training program takes place in Zeebrugge at the diving school of the Marine Component.

It consists of a 4-week course and a 4-week training program where candidates learn to make installations with ropes and cables to cross vertical, horizontal, and wet obstacles.

Lead Climber: This 5-week training program teaches candidates to independently negotiate mountainous terrain on rocks, snow, and ice.

The exercises are designed, using tactical scenarios, to develop the SF candidates’ skills in using specialized equipment, procedures, and techniques.

Politico-military considerations may require discreet or covert techniques and the acceptance of a degree of political, military, or physical risk not associated with conventional operations.

(MC437/2) SR is an activity conducted by SOF to support the collection of a commander's Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR) by employing unique capabilities.

DA differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of risk, techniques employed and the degree of precision utilized to achieve a specific effect.

MA is a broad range of activities that support and influence critical friendly assets through training, advising, mentoring, or the conduct of combined operations.