On top of regular military forces, most nations have an elite group of personnel who are held to higher standards of requirement. These are known as special forces.

Special forces emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during World War II, when "every major army involved in the fighting" created formations specializing in commando operations behind enemy lines.

Whether they are storming a facility to rescue hostages and eliminate hostage-takers, emerging from the water to take out enemy guards, or sabotaging enemy infrastructure in the utmost secrecy, special forces are tasked with some of the hardest missions and operate in utmost secrecy.

Keynote speakers on this topic may themselves be former special forces soldiers who share their experiences, or they may be experts on the history and functions of special forces around the world.