In a new piece by Tomasz Drago Dzieran—a former commando and military expert—a critical question arises: Is brutality an essential tool in the arsenal of special forces? The film “Violence Always Works: A Polish Navy SEAL Commando on the Brutality of Special Forces,” published on July 12, 2026, reveals the lesser-known face of elite unit operations, comparing the methods of Polish commandos with those of the most seasoned U.S. Navy SEALs.
From Afghanistan to Africa, from the Baltic to the Middle East—elite military units have long operated in the shadows, where the line between force and brutality blurs faster than on a conventional battlefield. Tomasz Drago Dzieran, a former commando and prolific author on military affairs, presents in his latest work not just theory but the practical realities of special forces operations. In his view, in certain situations violence is not a choice—it is a necessity.
But what does this statement truly entail? What techniques are employed by Polish units such as GROM, Formoza, or AGAT, and how do they stack up against the legendary Navy SEALs? Let’s dive into a world where weakness can mean defeat and toughness can mean the difference between life and death.
Brutality as a tactical tool: why “weakness” can be fatal
In the world of special forces, there’s a saying: “War isn’t for the soft.” And it’s hard to disagree, especially when discussing operations where every second counts and the enemy stops at nothing. The film’s author highlights several key aspects in which brutality becomes an indispensable element of strategy:
- Urban combat: In urban environments—where civilians are both hostages and potential targets—soldiers must act swiftly and decisively. Techniques like door breaching and close-quarters battle (CQB) require not only precision but also a readiness for physical confrontation. Former Navy SEALs, sharing their experiences in interviews, emphasize that training in this area includes simulations of extreme stress, where soldiers are deliberately provoked into aggression.
- Terrorist negotiations: The threat of force can be an effective method for securing surrender. In Dzieran’s film, he points to cases where “shows of force”—such as demonstrating readiness to open fire—have defused tense situations without the need for actual weapons discharge.
- Psychological training: Modern special forces training programs in both Poland and the U.S. increasingly incorporate “mental resilience training.” This includes simulations of torture, sleep deprivation, and time pressure. The goal is to prepare soldiers for scenarios where instinctive reactions can determine life or death.
“Many people think a soldier is just someone who shoots. The truth is, special forces are trained to operate in ways that would be unacceptable to the average person. But war isn’t a cake walk—there’s no room for sentimentality.”
— Tomasz Drago Dzieran, “Violence Always Works”
Polish special units vs. Navy SEALs: who’s more brutal?
Comparing Polish special units with the U.S. Navy SEALs is a topic that has sparked debate for years. While both operate under similar principles, there are significant differences in approach and methods.
Polish special forces: discipline and patriotism
Polish units—such as GROM, Formoza, AGAT, and Nil—are renowned for their high level of discipline and loyalty to the state. Their training often draws on military traditions, and soldiers are prepared for operations both in Europe and abroad. According to 2025 Polish Ministry of National Defense reports, Polish special units are increasingly deployed in stabilization missions and training local forces, for example in Africa or the Middle East.
In the film, Dzieran emphasizes that Polish special forces stand out for their strong sense of community and strict obedience to orders. Their training is less individualistic than that of Navy SEALs, a reflection of differing military cultures.
Navy SEALs: individualism and global experience
The U.S. Navy SEALs are an icon of modern special forces. Their training, known as “Hell Week,” remains one of the most grueling in the world. In 2026, SEALs continue to conduct operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, specializing in asymmetric warfare and counterterrorism.
A key difference between SEALs and Polish units lies in their approach to individual initiative. In the American unit, soldiers are trained to make decisions independently, even against orders if the situation demands it. This approach is often criticized for being too permissive but is also recognized as effective in dynamic environments.
According to a NATO report from 2025, Navy SEALs are also more technologically advanced. By 2026, the unit utilizes artificial intelligence for mission planning, and operators are equipped with cutting-edge targeting and communications systems.
The ethics of violence: where necessity ends and crime begins
The topic of brutality in special forces is inseparable from questions of ethics. Is violence justified if it serves a “greater good”? Or is it merely an excuse for actions that exceed international law?
Allegations of abuse
Reports from NGOs such as Amnesty International point to instances of abuse by special forces units, both American and Polish. In 2025, documents were published regarding operations in Afghanistan in which soldiers allegedly used violence against civilians, including torture and unlawful detentions. While not all allegations have been confirmed, their impact on the reputation of special forces is significant.
Dzieran does not shy away from this topic in his film. He stresses that any use of force must be justified, and soldiers are trained to act in accordance with international law. However, he acknowledges that in combat conditions, the line between necessity and abuse can be razor-thin.
Psychological consequences
Equally critical are the psychological effects on soldiers. According to 2025 data from the National Security Foundation, up to 30% of special forces veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Struggles with civilian reintegration, depression, and suicide are real threats faced by former commandos.
In the film, Dzieran cites cases where soldiers returning from missions struggled to function normally. At the same time, he highlights that modern psychological support programs—such as those introduced in the U.S. and Poland in 2026—can help address trauma.
New technologies and brutality: will AI and drones reshape warfare?
Modern warfare is not just about frontline combat—it’s also an information and technological war. By 2026, special units are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies aimed at minimizing casualties while enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Combat drones: The use of unmanned aerial vehicles for precision strikes has become standard. In Dzieran’s film, he notes that while drones reduce soldier casualties, their deployment raises controversies due to the risk of civilian harm.
- AI in mission planning: AI systems analyze battlefield data and suggest optimal solutions. According to a 2025 report by the RAND Corporation, AI can help identify threats and reduce collateral damage.
- VR simulators: Poland and the U.S. are increasingly adopting virtual reality for soldier training. Simulators allow for practicing reactions in extreme scenarios without endangering lives.
“Technology is reshaping warfare, but it doesn’t eliminate the human factor. A soldier still has to make the call—and sometimes, that call is about using force. It’s that moment that defines what a true specialist really is.”
— Tomasz Drago Dzieran, “Violence Always Works”
What’s next? The future of special forces in 2026 and beyond
Looking ahead, it’s impossible not to ask: What will special units look like in a few years? Will brutality still be seen as a necessary tool, or will it be replaced by more “humane” methods?
According to 2026 analyses by Jane’s Defence Weekly, the coming years are expected to prioritize:
- Psychological training: Programs designed to prepare soldiers for trauma and stress management.
- Technology integration: The use of AI, drones, and other tools to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Ethics of operations: The introduction of stricter standards governing the use of force.
Tomasz Drago Dzieran’s film raises important questions but offers no definitive answers. It does, however, leave room for reflection: does violence truly work, or is it merely a manifestation of human weakness?
One thing is certain—in a world where the boundaries between war and peace are increasingly blurred, the question of special forces’ brutality will never lose its relevance.
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