American special forces....

[Easy]

I was talking with a mate about which special forces group is the best in the world, (we both thought it was the SAS) then we got all confused with all the different American special forces groups out there.

But anyway does someone know what's the difference between

The Green Berets
Rangers
SEALs
Recon Marines
and Delta Force?

and which one is considered the best?

[srjorion]

SEALs, hands down.

[The Road Dog]

It is my understanding that Delta consists of former members of all of the other mentioned units. But of course Delta doesn't really exist. It's just a construct of Hollywood. I have an autographed copy of Walking Point by Chief James "Patches" Watson, a founding member of the first Seal team. Nice guy, I hosted him and his wife at a big function I was part of in 2006. Lookup Col. Charlie Beckwith.

[Shripe]

SEALs can take them all down, easily.

[Bigtank]

The Green Berets: Army – The Special Forces of the United States Army, specializing in “force multipliers” creating resistance armies out of indigenous peoples.
Rangers: Army – These are elite infantry units of the Army, but not considered Special Forces.
SEALs: Navy/Marine – This is the special operation units of the Navy. They are the catch all small operation team operators for the US. They specialize in all categories of Special Operations. SEAL Team 6 (DEVGRU) is the elite Counter Terrorist unit.
Marine Force Recon: Elite Marine units similar to the Rangers primarily focused on intelligence gathering – The Marine Corps use the Marine Special Operations Teams or Seals for the special ops
Delta Force: Army – Delta is made of individuals from several services. These are the most elite soldiers from the Rangers and Green Berets. They specialize in Counter Terrorism and Counter insurgency. This is the US’s version of the SAS teams of the UK.

Several you missed
Air Combat Controllers: Air Force – These individuals travel with the special ops missions and direct and control air services in the Op area.
Para-Rescue: Air force – Considered on of the most rigorous selection processes in all of the military, these are the special fighting field medics of the Special Ops world.
Night Stalkers: Army – These are the most elite helicopter pilots in the military, that train and deploy with the special ops community.

Widely considered the best of the best, taken from the elite operators of all the branch services including Delta and DEVGRU, is the CIA’s Special Activities Division (SAD) branch called the Special Operations Group (SOG). These are the best the US has, they operate in the most hostile areas and are deployed on the most important sensitive ops for the White House and NSA.

Hope that helps.

[pavespawn]

I spent the better part of my Air Force career in Special Operations and I would say that the answer is, "It depends."
Each unit has unique capabilities and fans of each unit are going to say they are best. I have worked with all the teams that you listed except Marines and I have to say that once you learn them you can spot each type of team member easily. My Masters Degree (while still in work) is in Asymmetrical Warfare so basically Special Operations as well. I have studied successes and failures and each team can be put in both categories. If you wanted me to pick one however I would have to pick the team that has unlimited resources and very limited rules of engagement. While I can't say who that is trust me they are out there and they are your worst nightmare.

I have seen SEALS sink paint cans floating in the ocean from a moving helicopter at night with a bolt action rifle.
I have seen Special Forces take down entire enemy compounds in combat at night on NVGs and never have to fire a shot. And the place was loaded with baddies and weapons.
I have seen Rangers decimate an airfields defenses in seconds and take control without losing a man.
I have seen XXXXX do XXXXXX while deployed to XXXXX if you know what I mean.

They are all capable in their own ways so I could only answer your question if you ask about a specific skill set.

[Slammin' Sam]

It is my understanding that Delta consists of former members of all of the other mentioned units. But of course Delta doesn't really exist. It's just a construct of Hollywood. I have an autographed copy of Walking Point by Chief James "Patches" Watson, a founding member of the first Seal team. Nice guy, I hosted him and his wife at a big function I was part of in 2006. Lookup Col. Charlie Beckwith.

Actually, Delta Force is under the control of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and is comprised mostly of Army Special Forces although troops from conventional Army units have been recruited as well.

And they're the best of the best.

[Bigtank]

Pavespawn

Were you stationed @ Pope or McDill? Or where you STS?

Delta is indeed Army - 1st Special Force Operations Detachment, but they do use operators from several branches.

[pavespawn]

Actually, Delta Force is under the control of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and is comprised mostly of Army Special Forces although troops from conventional Army units have been recruited as well.

I will say this. If for instance I have ever met these type people (and I cannot confirm that I have) I would say that these are the most professional, dedicated, capable, and lethal force I have ever encountered. Ever. They would not always be my favorite for reasons I can't get into, but I have to give them the credit they deserve. It is truly amazing to see them in action. Think of it like watching your average golfer and then watching a tour pro. Yeah it is that much difference. To get on a team like that if you were a SEAL or SF, it would be like going from the Nationwide to the PGA tour. Heck maybe even a mini-tour to the PGA.

[pavespawn]

Pavespawn

I was a Pave Low Flight Engineer (remember Blackout from Transformers?). I carried these guys into combat. Make no mistake I am no door kicker. I had a lot of STS friends though. Great guys. I really loved my part of Special Ops cause I got to work with them all.

Oh and I was at Hurlburt Field. SOCOM is at McDill but no tactical teams. Also to give proper credit, a DEVGRU member would be up there a bit closer. Call that Nationwide to PGA.

[Bigtank]

I have known a few of the team 6 guys, they are cool customers. I am certainly glad they are on my side.

I am familiar with the Pave Low, my pops was the pilot on the orginal Jolly Greens a long time ago.

I didnt know they ran choppers out of McDill, I just thought it was those Flashy f15's and a-10's

[pavespawn]

I have known a few of the team 6 guys, they are cool customers. I am certainly glad they are on my side.

No way. My heritage! We all miss the Pave and its mission. They are all in museums or the boneyard now. Was he a 21st SOS guy or Air Rescue? Very cool either way. Those guys had balls like you wouldn't believe.

[Bigtank]

He plucked down pilots.

Finished his career in the Army in an OH-6 Loach running LRP teams into Cambodia

[pavespawn]

He plucked down pilots.

Good stuff. I might recognize his name if I saw it. I worked with some retired guys from that era. One had quit a few Silver Stars from rescues.

[The Road Dog]

MacDill has no Fighters anymore only the 6th Air Mobility Wing, USSOCOM, JCSE and of course CENTCOM. I like watching the flights come in at shift change, east of my house. Its interesting, my taxes at work. Oh and you can rent the golf course if you want to host a special event.

[Bigtank]

Yea, several Silver Stars, quite a few bronze and flying cross...crazy thing to know your pops was a BA

[pavespawn]

Sweet. OK hijack over. Sorry OP.

[Easy]

The Green Berets: Army – The Special Forces of the United States Army, specializing in “force multipliers” creating resistance armies out of indigenous peoples.

Cheers for that. That's insane on the amount of elite forces you've got.

I thought Delta was the equivalent of the SAS. In Australia I think we just have the SAS, SBS and the commandos. I know the SAS's specialty is counter terrorism but they're also well trained para troopers and mountaineers. I know George Bush loved our guys as they were our first boys to leave for Afghanistan and Iraq. So I'm guessing SOG is some Jason Bourne type stuff? Would love to meet some of these guys.