When a nation needs to purge lawlessness or protect itself from rogue nations, Special Forces' Foreign Internal Defense (FID) tactics are put to use. But FID campaigns are also employed during times of peace to help nations prepare for unwanted or unwarranted attacks by enemies.

Green Berets organize, assist and train the military and national defense forces of foreign nations. Those governments can use the tactics to protect their citizens from aggressors.

Special Forces have been used over time to assist nations, especially during the Cold War, to stop Communist advancement. Recently, however, Special Forces have trained foreign governments to deal with drug warlords and traffickers as well as the growing threat of terrorist groups within their borders.