Within every special forces unit there is a code of silence. Those trained to become the highest
tier of operator do not advertise the nature of their work, nor seek recognition for their
actions. This creed is a lifelong commitment and obligation, one that remains long after
their term of service. It is for this reason that the exploits and triumphs of the world’s
“quiet professionals” often obtain a kind of mythic status. But of all those units to have
been granted the honorific of “special forces”, none can match the legend of Task Force 141.
The One Four One has been described as the “best handpicked group of warriors on the planet”.
It is a multinational unit, drawing its members primarily from the US Navy SEALS, Army Special
Forces, Marine Special Operations Command, Air Force Special Tactics, the British Special Air
and Boat services, the Canadian Joint Task Force 2, and the Australian Special Operations Command.
Additionally, Task Force 141 maintains a relationship with its equivalent services
around the world, allowing it to integrate local operators or conduct joint-operations as required.
While its exact size remains classified, it is believed to have at least 85 permanent members.
While Task Force 141 would only become public knowledge following their high profile actions
within the Third World War, the unit has been active as early as 2011. Many of its early efforts
were focused on countering the rising threat of Russian ultranationalism and the rippling
effects that had across the world. This was at the direction of the unit’s first commander,
Lieutenant General Shepherd of the United States Army Rangers.
With his authorization, the 141 undertook multiple incursions into sovereign Russian territory
with the intention of crippling the nation’s ability to conduct a war
against the United States and its allies. Ultimately however, a supposed American
funded terrorist attack on a Moscow airport led to a surprise Russian invasion of the East Coast.
As the Third World War expanded in scope and severity across the globe,
Task Force 141 was directed to uncover evidence that implicated Vladimir Makarov,
a Russian ultranationalist, and not the American government as the real perpetrators of the Moscow
attack. While ultimately successful in this, the team was betrayed by its commanding officer,
Shepherd, who had masterminded the Third World War to shake America from its apathy.
Shepard was eventually killed by Task Force 141s most capable operators John “Soap” MacTavish and
John Price, but the act left the pair without any proof of Shepards actions.
In the wake of Shepard’s death, MacTavish and Price were declared to be war criminals
and Task Force 141 was disbanded and disavowed.
Despite this however, elements of the 141 continued their efforts against Makarov
acting with the clandestine support of friendly special forces units. When a plane carrying the
Russian president was captured by Makarov and his operatives, the 141 moved to rescue him,
knowing that with his return, World War 3 could be ended. After recovering the Russian president
from within a Siberian diamond mine, a ceasefire was declared and Task Force 141 reinstated. At
the same time, Makrarov was tracked down and killed somewhere in the Arabian Peninsula.
For their actions during the Third World War, Task Force 141
was recognized and decorated by both sides. As for its surviving members,
they retreated back into the shadows, as necessary, but quiet, professionals.