The focus on Special Forces is increasing today, notably after the Afghanistan intervention.The use of these units has changed character after the end of the Cold War according to the changing environment. This research study describes the evolution of the French Special Forces, from being split and de-centralised between several units/organisations within the armed forces to becoming a centralised, joint tool of strategic importance. The first part of the study is focused on experiences drawn from the first Gulf war and the creation of the Joint Special Operations Command: COS. The concept of employment, the organisation and also the thoughts behind the COS is also described. The second part of the study focuses on how COS-units have been used and adapted for new threats; threats often found in the grey-zone between the military and police activity, and also threats in foreign low intensity conflicts.