A question about this line from Black Hawk Down (book).

[Sierra]

It says, (on page 9, second paragraph on page, after describing the Rangers) "Many, if they could make it, aspired to join Special Forces, maybe even get picked to try out for Delta...
It says aspired to join Special Forces. Well, arnt the Rangers Special Forces which means they would already be Special Forces? What I get from this line is that he is saying Rangers are not Special Forces. Can someone please clear this up for me.
Thanks!

[Ratamacue]

Rangers are Special Operations Forces (SOF). Special Forces (SF) is a specific unit within the US Army; some call them Green Berets.

[Minjin]

Is it not also true that you can just enlist into the Rangers? But you aren't a "real" Ranger (forgive the ****ty terminology on that one) until you take the Ranger school and whatnot?

Then off to SF and Delta you can go.

But then again, maybe I am incorrect.

[ChuckThunder]

It says, (on page 9, second paragraph on page, after describing the Rangers) "Many, if they could make it, aspired to join Special Forces, maybe even get picked to try out for Delta...
It says aspired to join Special Forces. Well, arnt the Rangers Special Forces which means they would already be Special Forces? What I get from this line is that he is saying Rangers are not Special Forces. Can someone please clear this up for me.
Thanks!

There is a part in the book which talks about the "Army's SOF ladder" that should help you understand more.

[Tane Angle]

The US, just for kicks, uses the term SOF, while a good chunck of the rest of the world just says SF. However, in the US, SF is a specific unit already.

[NcDeuce]

Major League Baseball
-New York Yankees
-Atlanta Braves
-Florida Marlins
-Chicago Cubs
-etc.

Special Operations
-Special Forces
-75th Ranger Regiment
-160th SOAR
-Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations
-etc.

Easy way to look at it