Commando

A commando (etymologically derives from Latin commendare, to recommend) is a combatant, or operative of an elite light infantry or special operations force using dedicated operation techniques.

Originally "a commando" was a type of combat unit, as opposed to an individual in that unit. In other languages, commando and kommando denote a "command", including the sense of a military or an elite special operations unit.

In the militaries and governments of most countries, commandos are distinctive in that they specialize in unconventional assault on high-value targets. However, the term commando is sometimes used in relation to other units carrying out such tasks, including some civilian police units. Commandos differ from other types of special forces in that they primarily operate in overt combat, front-line reconnaissance and raiding, rather than long range reconnaissance and unconventional warfare.

In English, to distinguish between an individual commando and a commando unit, the unit is occasionally capitalized.