Why does the US have so many special forces

[magicpie]

i've often wondered this...

Rangers
Green Berets
Delta Force
Night Stalkers
Navy SEALs
Air Force Special Tactics
USMC Force Reconnaissance

(ive probs missed about another 100 units)

Prehaps i am old fashioned to think that it's better to have a well trained force, trained in all methods of insertion/attacking techniques because experience and knowledge in these fields can give teams indirect advantages in other fields

[California Joe]

They all do different jobs.

[digrar]

I've often thought that SF should be trained to fly helo's, the Night Stalkers wouldn't be required then. And training up another 3 thousand delta blokes so they could do the job that Rangers currently do would be cost effective too. Marine recon is a waste of time, because the USMC pretty much duplicates what the Army is doing, binning them all together would be a better way to go....

[Howie Kaluha]

The better to rape, pillage, and plunder, of course.

[c62]

I've often thought that SF should be trained to fly helo's, the Night Stalkers wouldn't be required then. And training up another 3 thousand delta blokes so they could do the job that Rangers currently do would be cost effective too. Marine recon is a waste of time, because the USMC pretty much duplicates what the Army is doing, binning them all together would be a better way to go.... That was a pretty ignorant post. There aren't 3000 Delta and they don't do the same job as the Rangers. Marines are maritime based(on ships so they have tendency to pack a little lighter) whereas the Army is land based and heavier. And flying sophisticated helocopters at the edge of there operational parameters takes a lot of training in and of itself. Reread CalJoe's post a few times.

[Aerosoul]

more movies, that's why.
---
as CJ said though, they do different things. there really isn't anything else that needs to be said.

[digrar]

Turn your sarcasim meter on knucklehead.

[joe mama]

Because Delta (omg d3lt@!!! 111111) keeps Oakley busy buying their sunglasses, but there are other sunglass companies that need l33t t@ct1c00l customers too.
(pirate)

[Sir Zach of R.]

Because Delta (omg d3lt@!!! 111111) keeps Oakley busy buying their sunglasses, but there are other sunglass companies that need l33t t@ct1c00l customers too.
(pirate)

That stopped being funny 2 years ago. :roll:

[GrimReaper]

i've often wondered this...

Rangers
Green Berets
Delta Force
Night Stalkers
Navy SEALs
Air Force Special Tactics
USMC Force Reconnaissance

(ive probs missed about another 100 units)

Prehaps i am old fashioned to think that it's better to have a well trained force, trained in all methods of insertion/attacking techniques because experience and knowledge in these fields can give teams indirect advantages in other fields
Jack of all trades=master of none.

[Baboonass]

i've often wondered this...

Rangers
Green Berets
Delta Force
Night Stalkers
Navy SEALs
Air Force Special Tactics
USMC Force Reconnaissance

(ive probs missed about another 100 units)

Prehaps i am old fashioned to think that it's better to have a well trained force, trained in all methods of insertion/attacking techniques because experience and knowledge in these fields can give teams indirect advantages in other fields

I only see one special forces.

I do see some special operations units and special operations support.

[Baboonass]

Turn your sarcasim meter on knucklehead.



LOL, that friggen rules!

[rambone]

there is a difference between special forces and special operations forces, there is only one special forces and that is the green berets.

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

I think the issue has been raised before in a Govt sponsored study I think the conclusion was that only 2 SF outfits were needed, the report raised the hackles of more than a few big wigs and no one was prepared to give ground.
I also remember that certain parties in the US govt wanted a US version of the UK's MI5 but that also met stiff opposition.

[sp2c]

because the US military is ****ing huge ... next question

[c62]

Turn your sarcasim meter on knucklehead. Ok, use sarcasim tags next time -> [sarcasim] & [/sarcassim] :)

[Hollis]

because the US military is ****ing huge ... next question

2x's.........................

[Laconian]

i've often wondered this...

Rangers
Green Berets
Delta Force
Night Stalkers
Navy SEALs
Air Force Special Tactics
USMC Force Reconnaissance

(ive probs missed about another 100 units)

Prehaps i am old fashioned to think that it's better to have a well trained force, trained in all methods of insertion/attacking techniques because experience and knowledge in these fields can give teams indirect advantages in other fields

That's like saying all medical doctors should be able to perform every type of medical service. No need for specialists in endocrynology, orthopedics, pediatrics, cardiology, opthomology, or whatever.

Sometimes, certain missions call for certain specialists, that's why there are different types of special operations units.

[magicpie]

Shooting people with guns with abit of rope climbing, snorkeling and swinging though windows aint surgery though

[OnTheRocks]

Shooting people with guns with abit of rope climbing, snorkeling and swinging though windows aint surgery though

LMFAO!!!

1234567890

[Trigger]

Shooting people with guns with abit of rope climbing, snorkeling and swinging though windows aint surgery though
...and dip**** generalizations like yours don't exactly make you a rocket scientist. :roll:

[JVeld]

Because of the size of our military and different special needs that require of special forces .

[KB]

UK structures its SOF similarly.

SAS-USSF/Delta equivalent
SBS-USN Seal equivalent
RM Recce Troop/Para Pathfinder Platoon- USMC recon/USA LRSU equivalent
148 Cdo Battery- USAF CCT/USMC Anglico equivalent

...and isn't the UK is building a battalion (1 Para?) or regiment that would perform missions similarly to USA Ranger battalions?

Does UK have an RAF SOF contingent to perform the helicopter/fixed wing missions?

[Violence Of Action]

most all have a specific purpose, which they excel at, with politics everyone seems to want a piece of the combat action, which the army sf groups could handle, seals seem to be pushing their inland capabilities on everyone, also the list is muuuch longer, yellow fruit, gray fox, cag is just the begginning, no telling how many OGA's there actually are

[Baboonass]

Shooting people with guns with abit of rope climbing, snorkeling and swinging though windows aint surgery though


Actually it's a lot like "The Iron Chef"

We have a secret ingredient and everything.

It's all OPSEC though, but if you read Haney's book you will see that it's Mango.

[Violence Of Action]

That's like saying all medical doctors should be able to perform every type of medical service. No need for specialists in endocrynology, orthopedics, pediatrics, cardiology, opthomology, or whatever.

Sometimes, certain missions call for certain specialists, that's why there are different types of special operations units.


good analogy

[Baboonass]

most all have a specific purpose, which they excel at, with politics everyone seems to want a piece of the combat action, which the army sf groups could handle, seals seem to be pushing their inland capabilities on everyone, also the list is muuuch longer, yellow fruit, gray fox, cag is just the begginning, no telling how many OGA's there actually are



Uhhhh, nope.


You're an idiot, choke yourself.

[Laconian]

Shooting people with guns with abit of rope climbing, snorkeling and swinging though windows aint surgery though

You're right, its not surgery, but different missions require a different skillset. Do you know any type of technician that carries only one type of tool? Those different special operations units are like different tools to solve different problems. No one unit could be so well trained that it could do all the different missions performed by the different units you mentioned.

Of course when you become the Chairman of the JCS or SecDef you can do whatever you want.

[Karmapolice]

Matchanu is right I only see one Special Forces listed because there is only one and they wear the Green Beret they aren't hats. Second if you ever read up on the specific details of what their purpose is you would realize why each exists and the function they fulfill. It’s a big world too with lots of AOR's and the idea of joint warfare or exercises is also good.

So next time you want to ask a question about something you seem to know nothing about except the names of the units read up on them and make sure you know what you are talking about first. Also your comment about shooting people is so ignorant its pathetic and just refortifies that you have no idea what these guys do and trust me they all do a lot and I have a huge amount of respect for all of them.

[AOCBravo2004]

Why doesn't the military combine SOF? Because the DoD has a budget of approximately $450 Billion, and merging units means one branch gains more money, while another branch loses money. The Army, Navy, AF, and Marines are all very protective of their money. Oh, and yes, they each do something different.

[Karmapolice]

Why doesn't the military combine SOF? Because the DoD has a budget of approximately $450 Billion, and merging units means one branch gains more money, while another branch loses money. The Army, Navy, AF, and Marines are all very protective of their money. Oh, and yes, they each do something different.

Jeeze people you guys need to research before you open your damn mouths at least ****ing think. All of these units fall under SOCOM not their mother units, SOCOM is a different entity while each group has ties to the mother unit they all have a joint command.

Edit I forgot he listed the Force Recon which does not fall under SOCOM but the I know there was something about the Marines actually forming a unit that will be controlled by SOCOM, I haven't really looked up on it.

[Violence Of Action]

Uhhhh, nope.


You're an idiot, choke yourself.

what the hell?

[RomanS]

You think US has a lot?

[JTAR7242]

what the hell?
I thought he was pretty clear.

[ibstolidude]

Actually it's a lot like "The Iron Chef"


http://web.singnet.com.sg/~nsy10380/chef3.jpeg

Today's secret ingrediant is
Maat-chan-UUUUUUU

"Fukui-san, Maatchanuu is similiar to a mushroom. Though it naturally resides in the desert, it does however pop up from time to time in fields of "buullsheet" or where the all too common "pozair" weed is found. When mixed, Maatchanuu will often leave "pozair" with a bitter taste."

[Trigger]

..........rofl ..........

[California Joe]

rofl Jesus, I knew I should have just locked the thread after I posted.

[East Scout]

So many caves and mud huts...so little time.

[Kaapeli]

So next time you want to ask a question about something you seem to know nothing about except the names of the units read up on them and make sure you know what you are talking about first.


Only ask questions about things you already know the answer to? Sure.

[Ea$y-8]

Because they all have different jobs and we have a lot of money in our pockets.

[Karmapolice]

Only ask questions about things you already know the answer to? Sure.

That’s not what I was implying but self research is the best way to go. I would not ask a question about something that I seemingly knew nothing about that was to challenge the existence of that thing or things. I would rather find out what they are there for.

[Aerosoul]

It's all OPSEC though, but if you read Haney's book you will see that it's Mango.

lol. i had read his book a couple years ago. and even a few months ago i spoke of how much i really liked Haney, etc. that was simply because he is former Delta and you know how american teenagers are who grow up on war movies like BHD, etc..... after recent events and articles i see now how foolish i was. shoulda known better.

[MEGR]

The better to rape, pillage, and plunder, of course.

You forgot lamentation of women. That's one of the most important functions of SOCOM.

;)

But seriously, US has alot of commitments around the World and in many different operating environments. I suppose you could just mass together all the Special Ops guys into one unit; but, what would be the fun in that?

[Flagg]

The original Asian to English dubbed Iron Chef rules!!!!

It was like a wacky Kung Fu movie from 1977, but with food.

Forget about SF/SOF, the US Military needs to set up Airsoft S1, S2, and S3 cells......to best utilize the vast experience and "outside the box" thinking of our many young experts here.

That and I think the Coast Guard should create it's own special operations unit and not feel so left out when black ops teams are being picked.....and it should have a cool name like "Ninja Stealth Force" to protect Antarctica from AQ polar bears.

[Belrick]

Jack of all trades=master of none.

Do you think that British commonwealth SAS (jack of all trades) would fair poorly vs delta/ranger/recon etc?

I don't.

[Aerosoul]

i don't see anything posted there that leads me to believe he said anything like that or thought of it.

[Belrick]

Well i guess my point was hidden.
Aussie, Britian and NZ all make do with one SF and don't seem to suffer for it. (jack of all trades master of none).

[Aerosoul]

ok, i see what you're saying.
i can understand how outsiders would view it, with the US having so many units.
It all really got started in the 60's (in the US), and i guess the different situations that developed in the world led to different units being formed. i dont know, just a guess. perhaps it also had to do with every branch being able to say they had such an elite unit. from the outside, i can see that perspective, too.

[tehllama]

Agreed -- post Soviet US Military doctrine went utterly haywire for a bit, and US Political leadership had no grasp of small-scale asymmetrical warfare, thus each specialized unit was intended to be a stopgap for this 'Army of tomorrow' that has never yet materialized, and likely never will with the Pentagon in place.

[14rdb]

Well i guess my point was hidden.
Aussie, Britian and NZ all make do with one SF and don't seem to suffer for it. (jack of all trades master of none).
Not really. As KB already pointed out:

UK has:

-- SAS to fill the Delta role.
-- SBS to fill the DEVGRU/Seal roles.
-- Royal Marine Commandos and Paras have teams that fill a role somewhat analogous to the USMC Force Recon and US Army Rangers.
-- The British Army is currently organizing a 'SAS-lite' unit (called 'Joint Special Forces Support Group' I think) to support the SAS the same way the Rangers do for the American CT teams.

I'm not sure who carries out the roles that are covered by USAF CCT, 160th SOAR, and US Army Special Forces for the Americans, but if they don't have anyone 100% dedicated to those tasks, there is a void.

SOAR has proven their worth time and again and the campaign in Afghanistan saw Army Special Forces and CCTs emerge as some of the most valuable operators even if their units are not considered as sexy as some of the others these days.

[AOCBravo2004]

That and I think the Coast Guard should create it's own special operations unit and not feel so left out when black ops teams are being picked.....and it should have a cool name like "Ninja Stealth Force" to protect Antarctica from AQ polar bears.

They already have, it's more ubber secret then Delta, and DEVGRU COMBINED, that's why even you don't know about it Col Flagg.

@Karmapolice - So what is wrong with what I wrote huh?

[14rdb]

They already have, it's more ubber secret then Delta, and DEVGRU COMBINED, that's why even you don't know about it Col Flagg.I don't know if you're joking or not, but the Coast Guard does have a new tactical team. They're currently fighting turf wars with the FBI HRT.

http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137835132489&path=!nationworld&s=

[California Joe]

Not really. As KB already pointed out:

UK has:

-- SAS to fill the Delta role.
-- SBS to fill the DEVGRU/Seal roles.
-- Royal Marine Commandos and Paras have teams that fill a role somewhat analogous to the USMC Force Recon and US Army Rangers.
-- The British Army is currently organizing a 'SAS-lite' unit (called 'Joint Special Forces Support Group' I think) to support the SAS the same way the Rangers do for the American CT teams.

I'm not sure who carries out the roles that are covered by USAF CCT, 160th SOAR, and US Army Special Forces for the Americans, but if they don't have anyone 100% dedicated to those tasks, there is a void.

SOAR has proven their worth time and again and the campaign in Afghanistan saw Army Special Forces and CCTs emerge as some of the most valuable operators even if their units are not considered as sexy as some of the others these days.

Oh look, a member with 9 posts that actually knows what he's talking about.

Send more.

[JKD]

If this is accurate it would seem the Australian's special operations command has more than just the SASR. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Operations_Command_%28Australia%29

Order of battle
Special Operations Headquarters or SOHQ (Canberra and Sydney)

Units under direct control of SOHQ:

Special Operations Combat Service Support Company (Sydney)
171 Squadron (S-70 Blackhawk)

Australian Special Air Service Regiment (Swanbourne, WA)
Incorporates the role of Tactical Assault Group (West).
1 Squadron
2 Squadron
3 Squadron
152 Signals Squadron
Base Squadron
Training Squadron

1st Commando Regiment a mixed Regular Army and (Army Reserve)Unit (Sydney)
1 Commando Company (Sydney)
2 Commando Company (Williamstown, Vic)
301 Signals Squadron (elements in both Sydney and Melbourne with the commando companies)

4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) (Sydney, NSW)
A Company
B Company
C Company
Tactical Assault Group (East)
126 Signals Squadron
Operations Support Company
Logistics Support Company

Incident Response Regiment (Sydney, NSW)
Chemical, Biological and Radiological Response Squadron
Emergency Response Squadron
Scientific and Technical Organisation

[Karmapolice]

@Karmapolice - So what is wrong with what I wrote huh?

Did you even read what I wrote? I think you need to look at it again. What you said is implying that they already aren’t under one command. They are all under one command called SOCOM and that’s where the money comes from not the navy, army, ect so they are already under one joint command. None of the units except the Marines fall under their mother units.

[Ruledbyjames]

Dont forget the new British reconnaissance unit. They have a cool patch, a spartan helmet with a sword through it. They are the guys who got locked up in an Iraqi prison and the cav came in and rammed straight threw the front gate. So as you can see, there are far more than one British special force.

P.S. Belrick, this is the 2nd thread I have read where you posted utter BS. Get informed and then post as to save us from reading your dribble!

*edit* found pick

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6277/00000srr2fl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[AOCBravo2004]

Did you even read what I wrote? I think you need to look at it again. What you said is implying that they already aren’t under one command. They are all under one command called SOCOM and that’s where the money comes from not the navy, army, ect so they are already under one joint command. None of the units except the Marines fall under their mother units.

Well I just checked the DoD budget, and well, the money is allocated for the Dept of the Navy, AF, and Army. USSOCOM is just like any other major combatant command, other then it doesn't apply to a specific region of the world. I think you are misreading what I wrote, look at it again. The branches still control the money, which has nothing to do with operational command in the field.

[ViktorNavorski]

I also remember that certain parties in the US govt wanted a US version of the UK's MI5 but that also met stiff opposition.
...Could it be we already have something similar...FBI



Anyway, I'm no BTDT omgDelta!!!!!111!!, but the medical analogy was good, I wouldn't trust a plastic surgeon performing heart surgery even though they're both surgeons.

[Karmapolice]

I thought though I may be wrong that they have their own budget. I know Special Forces has its own g7 shop to buy equipment so they can get what they need (this was in a book a few years old). I was also thinking SOCOM was like a separate entity like army navy then SOCOM but I guess I was wrong and for that I apologize as I do for any other misinformation I was just going on what I remembered.

[ripstop1]

listen...americas optempo is much higher than most, if not all of the other nations being compaired, combined.there are boots on the ground all over the globe right now in real time preforming critical missions while fighting and supporting two wars.america even has operational assets that other nations dont have ,air force special operations,they perform important missions assisting all of the spec op teams para rescue special tactics teams and its pilots not to mention the 160 soar, the teams down range cant get enough of them they are the best there is at what they do but there are not enough of them. socom is almost 50 thousand strong and they are still being streched to the max.having one spec op team is ideal for smaller nations with smaller comitments like peacekeeping witch is important but an 800 man spec op team is not enough for the new face of war which has evolved on a global scale. america has transformed and adapted as it has done in every war since it emerged as a world power last century. so wake we live in a post cold war era start thinking outside of the box of conventional force structure start thinking unconventional and all thoes different teams will start to make sence to you.now i said it before and ill say it again dont hate the playa hate the game.now bring it!

[Creeper]

Uhhhh, nope.


You're an idiot, choke yourself.

LMFAO , Between you and CJ and that dammed Aussie (Digrar),the 3 of ya'all have shreaded those poor lads up!

[ckabusk]

We have too many type of military cuz we want to be prepared for any type of terrains such as urban, snow, and jungle across the globe. In developing country, their tendency is to have military prepared on few type of terrains that can be found on their own soil, they arent ready to invade the other country, basically. Dont forget, we are already on way to marine space, I am pretty sure that they are up there at this very moment now, for classfield projects.

[meni0n]

Why does the US have so many special forces?

Because they can.

[thegman]

Why does the US have so many special forces?

Because they can.

And because we want to.

[Resurrection]

We have too many type of military cuz we want to be prepared for any type of terrains such as urban, snow, and jungle across the globe. In developing country, their tendency is to have military prepared on few type of terrains that can be found on their own soil, they arent ready to invade the other country, basically. Dont forget, we are already on way to marine space, I am pretty sure that they are up there at this very moment now, for classfield projects.

What the hell.

[Adz]

Do you think that British commonwealth SAS (jack of all trades) would fair poorly vs delta/ranger/recon etc?

I don't.

Every time some1 starts going on about which SF unit will kick another SF units arse, heads start rolling.

So please, lets not head down that road.

[NicNZ]

Because the US is full of special people?

[Flagg]

Because the US is full of special people?


Easy mate...drop that can of Speights and no one will get hurt

[Bulabash]

Too much symantics, too little constructive posts.

[moughoun]

We have too many type of military cuz we want to be prepared for any type of terrains such as urban, snow, and jungle across the globe. In developing country, their tendency is to have military prepared on few type of terrains that can be found on their own soil, they arent ready to invade the other country, basically. Dont forget, we are already on way to marine space, I am pretty sure that they are up there at this very moment now, for classfield projects.
lay off the crystal meth, your tweaking

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Well i guess my point was hidden.
Aussie, Britian and NZ all make do with one SF and don't seem to suffer for it. (jack of all trades master of none).


Ah, the ignorance.

Originally Posted by ckabusk


We have too many type of military cuz we want to be prepared for any type of terrains such as urban, snow, and jungle across the globe. In developing country, their tendency is to have military prepared on few type of terrains that can be found on their own soil, they arent ready to invade the other country, basically. Dont forget, we are already on way to marine space, I am pretty sure that they are up there at this very moment now, for classfield projects.

Which brings me to my next point.

Dont...do...drugs!

[gaz]

Ah, the ignorance.

Which brings me to my next point.

Dont...do...drugs!

How dare you come onto this board and use logic? Before you know it people who've read books will stop talking down to those with actual experience and then when will the madness end?

I hope you're truly happy with yourself.

[iflu]

That is because when navy admirals want their private cooks, they simply cant get them from the army; and when army generals want their private drivers, they simply cant get them from the navy...why?...because they simply cant...that is why there are so many...

well, I d like to raise a similar question, why there are so many military forces in the u.s....

[Resurrection]

well, I d like to raise a similar question, why there are so many military forces in the u.s....
You mean branches? Well... there's the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and the Coast Guard (I think).

Doesn't seem like an awful lot for a country like the US. They all complement each other.

[iflu]

You mean branches? Well... there's the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and the Coast Guard (I think).

Doesn't seem like an awful lot for a country like the US. They all complement each other.

Man, are you really serious?

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

I hope you're truly happy with yourself.

Actually Doctor Gaz i'm feeling a bit unhappy.

It all started the other day when my missus wouldn't let me go to the circus. On top of that I really think I should drop 30 pounds and put some blond streaks in.

Not to mention get a brazilian.

**** it, I think I'll do my nuts as well.


Wow, thanks Doctor Gaz I've found this whole process really, really carthartic.

You've made me a better person.

I love you bro(In a brotherly, fraternal, non-brokeback moutain kind of way).:hug:

[Chops]

Ok, use sarcasim tags next time -> [sarcasim] & [/sarcassim] :)

Or howsabout you spend a little time here working out who's who before you start with your little advice spiel eh pony boy?

[gaz]

Not to mention get a brazilian.

**** it, I think I'll do my nuts as well.

Just go the whole way and get a back, crack and sac, it'll make you feel like a new man and the wife will just love those shiny knackers.



I love you bro(In a brotherly, fraternal, non-brokeback moutain kind of way).:hug:

It's mutual. In fact, I'd like you to Godfather to my firstborn child. Actually, it'll probably be a while before I have kids and I'll get a dog before then, would you like to be Godfather to my greyhound?

[digrar]

Are you going to race it? I can't see any other reason why you'd get one of those types of dish lickers.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Just go the whole way and get a back, crack and sac, it'll make you feel like a new man and the wife will just love those shiny knackers.

No she won't, cause one will still be three times bigger than the other and hang twice as low.:(




It's mutual. In fact, I'd like you to Godfather to my firstborn child. Actually, it'll probably be a while before I have kids and I'll get a dog before then, would you like to be Godfather to my greyhound?

I'll love him like he was my own (In a brotherly, fraternal, non-brokeback moutain kind of way).

[gaz]

I'll love him like he was my own (In a brotherly, fraternal, non-brokeback moutain kind of way).

Outstanding, I'll make sure I've got plenty of white wine and soda water for the spritzers at the cermony.


Are you going to race it? I can't see any other reason why you'd get one of those types of dish lickers.

'Cause I want a dog but won't have the necessary time to exercise a big lively dog and I hate rugrats like chihuahuas (Sorry Joe). The great thing about greyhounds and lurchers is that you walk them for twenty minutes in the morning and they're absolutely knackered the rest of the day so they're not climbing the walls or anything.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Outstanding, I'll make sure I've got plenty of white wine and soda water for the spritzers at the cermony.

Not to be demanding, but I'd prefer Red Bull and Smirnoff.

[gaz]

Christ, if I'd known you'd be this much of a Prima Donna I'd never have asked. Next thing I know you'll be asking for a clean glass to drink out of.

[baboon6]

Not really. As KB already pointed out:

UK has:

-- SAS to fill the Delta role.
-- SBS to fill the DEVGRU/Seal roles.
-- Royal Marine Commandos and Paras have teams that fill a role somewhat analogous to the USMC Force Recon and US Army Rangers.
-- The British Army is currently organizing a 'SAS-lite' unit (called 'Joint Special Forces Support Group' I think) to support the SAS the same way the Rangers do for the American CT teams.

I'm not sure who carries out the roles that are covered by USAF CCT, 160th SOAR, and US Army Special Forces for the Americans, but if they don't have anyone 100% dedicated to those tasks, there is a void.

SOAR has proven their worth time and again and the campaign in Afghanistan saw Army Special Forces and CCTs emerge as some of the most valuable operators even if their units are not considered as sexy as some of the others these days.

The British equivalent to 160th SOAR is the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing, which consists of a squadron of Chinooks from the RAF and a squadron of Lynxes from the Army Air Corps. The SAS and SBS would carry out many of the roles that US Army SF performs. In addition there are various British Military Assistance Training Teams (BMATTS) around the world comprised of officers and NCOs from all regiments and corps.

[Baboonass]

Too much symantics, too little constructive posts.


Threads that start out bad don't usually bloom into beautiful flowers.


Why have so many different special operations type forces? because competition and variaty are highly constructive to the formation of tactics and statagy.

Build one force and it becomes incestuous and stagnent in short time. Members will start to fall into believing their own hype, the learning curve falls off because of lack of motivation. Op tempo will burn out members because of the sheer volume of mission, (too many fields to cover).


The way it is set up now is highly efficient to the overall statagy of SOCOM. We all have a lot to gain from each others experience and training. We all take what works best from each other and apply it to our own use. Breaking up mission into more specific fields to what applies to whatever service makes us far more efficent to the overall picture.


This is all aside form the obvious mission differences of SF, SEAL, FR, PJ, etc..etc...


I really cannot think of any nation with a capible special operations force that does not have this type branch specific unit structure.

The U.S. is really no different than any other country in this regards, so the topic question was retarded to begin with.

[gaz]

Threads that start out bad don't usually bloom into beautiful flowers.

That was almost poetic.


... so the topic question was retarded to begin with.

That was poetic.

[szr]

-- Royal Marine Commandos and Paras have teams that fill a role somewhat analogous to the USMC Force Recon and US Army Rangers.RM Recce and Para Pathfinders are now getting tasked with the kinds of things Force does? When did that start?