Are Army Rangers Considered Special Forces

The terms "Army Rangers" and "Special Forces" are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct groups within the United States Army. Understanding the differences between these two elite units can help clarify their roles and responsibilities.

The United States Army Rangers are a light infantry special operations force that is part of the 75th Ranger Regiment, which is headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgia. The Rangers are an elite unit that is trained to conduct a variety of missions, including airborne operations, direct action, and rapid deployment.

On the other hand, the United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are a special operations force that is trained to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and other specialized missions. The Special Forces are part of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) and are headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

While both the Army Rangers and Special Forces are elite units, they have different areas of expertise and operate in different environments. The Rangers are trained to conduct high-intensity, short-duration missions, whereas the Special Forces are trained to conduct low-intensity, long-duration missions.

Key Differences Between Army Rangers and Special Forces

Here are some key differences between the Army Rangers and Special Forces:

Mission: The primary mission of the Army Rangers is to conduct airborne operations and rapid deployment, whereas the primary mission of the Special Forces is to conduct unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense.
Training: The training for the Army Rangers is focused on airborne operations, direct action, and rapid deployment, whereas the training for the Special Forces is focused on unconventional warfare, foreign languages, and cultural awareness.
Operations: The Army Rangers are trained to conduct high-intensity, short-duration missions, whereas the Special Forces are trained to conduct low-intensity, long-duration missions.
Size: The Army Rangers are a larger unit than the Special Forces, with approximately 3,000 soldiers in the 75th Ranger Regiment, compared to approximately 1,500 soldiers in the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta.

Are Army Rangers Considered Special Forces?

While the Army Rangers are an elite unit, they are not considered Special Forces in the classical sense. The term "Special Forces" specifically refers to the United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. The Army Rangers are a separate unit with its own distinct mission and training.

However, the Army Rangers are part of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), which is the same command that oversees the Special Forces. This means that the Army Rangers work closely with the Special Forces and other special operations units to conduct joint operations.

In summary, while the Army Rangers are an elite unit, they are not considered Special Forces. The term "Special Forces" specifically refers to the United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. However, the Army Rangers are part of the same command as the Special Forces and work closely with them to conduct joint operations.

Benefits of Being an Army Ranger

Being an Army Ranger comes with a range of benefits, including:

Elite Training: Army Rangers receive some of the best training in the world, including airborne operations, direct action, and rapid deployment.
Career Advancement: Serving as an Army Ranger can be a career-enhancing experience, with opportunities for advancement and specialized training.
Camaraderie: The Army Rangers are a tight-knit community, with a strong sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps.
Prestige: Being an Army Ranger is a prestigious honor, with a long history of excellence and bravery.

How to Become an Army Ranger

To become an Army Ranger, you must meet the following requirements:

Age: You must be between the ages of 17 and 35.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Physical Fitness: You must meet the Army's physical fitness standards.
Background Check: You must pass a background check.

If you meet these requirements, you can enlist in the Army and volunteer for the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP). RASP is an 8-week course that evaluates your suitability for the Army Rangers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Army Rangers are an elite unit that is part of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). While they are not considered Special Forces, they are a separate unit with its own distinct mission and training. Being an Army Ranger comes with a range of benefits, including elite training, career advancement, camaraderie, and prestige. If you're interested in becoming an Army Ranger, you must meet the requirements and volunteer for the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP).

We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the differences between the Army Rangers and Special Forces. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.

Army Rangers Image Gallery

What is the difference between Army Rangers and Special Forces?

The Army Rangers are a light infantry special operations force that is part of the 75th Ranger Regiment, whereas the Special Forces are a special operations force that is trained to conduct unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense.

Are Army Rangers considered Special Forces?

No, the Army Rangers are not considered Special Forces. The term "Special Forces" specifically refers to the United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets.

What are the benefits of being an Army Ranger?

The benefits of being an Army Ranger include elite training, career advancement, camaraderie, and prestige.