THEY were considered a secret unit that would in their own words "take the war to the IRA" - in the end the Military Research Force is accused of gunning down unarmed civilians and engaging in actions that eventually led to their disbandment.
Investigations by victims' groups, researchers and journalists along with the determination of families of MRF victims has resulted in the PSNI being asked to reinvestigate the actions of the unit and those higher up the chain who directed them.
But now the family of one of the undercover operatives, a 20-year-old Strabane soldier Ted Stuart, who volunteered to work with the MRF, are demanding answers.
Due to his local accent he was utilised to infiltrated republican west Belfast as part of the Four Square Laundry spy operation.
The elaborate plot gathered information on republicans by removing clothes for examination and also through hidden covert surveillance.
For the early 1970s, the plot was sophisticated and more to the point for a time successful until compromised by an IRA informer.
Seamus Wright was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1972 along with Kevin McKee, the two members of the so called 'Disappeared' their remains were only discovered last year in a single grave in Co Meath.
The family of Mr Stuart now want answers as to what was known prior to the IRA attack and if his death could have been prevented, or if those responsible could have but were not brought to justice.
His family are as entitled to answers as any other victim of the Troubles, but the fact that they feel the need through Belfast based solicitor Kevin Winters to challenge the state and his former employers the MoD in the High Court does not bode well for others seeking truth.
If the state can't give answers to the families of the men and women who joined the British army and gave their own lives what real chance do the other victims of the MRF have over 40 years on from that deadly unit was disbanded?
