5 Key Differences: Army Rangers Vs Special Forces

The United States Army is home to two of the most elite units in the world: the Army Rangers and the Special Forces. Both units are highly trained and respected, but they have distinct differences in their mission, training, and role in the military. In this article, we will explore the 5 key differences between Army Rangers and Special Forces.

1. Mission and Purpose

The Army Rangers and Special Forces have different primary missions. The Army Rangers are an elite light infantry unit that specializes in rapid deployment and conducting a wide range of missions, including airborne and air assault operations, direct action, and rapid deployment. Their primary focus is on conducting large-scale combat operations.

On the other hand, the Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are a specialized unit that focuses on unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action. Their primary mission is to conduct operations behind enemy lines, gather intelligence, and train and advise foreign military forces.

Key Takeaway:

• Army Rangers: Rapid deployment and conducting large-scale combat operations.
• Special Forces: Unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action.

2. Training and Selection

The training and selection process for Army Rangers and Special Forces are also different. Army Rangers attend the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), which is an 8-week course that focuses on teaching advanced infantry skills, leadership, and teamwork. The course includes training in airborne operations, combat tactics, and first aid.

Special Forces, on the other hand, attend the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), also known as the "Q Course." The SFQC is a 62-week course that includes training in unconventional warfare, foreign languages, and advanced first aid. The course also includes a survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training.

Key Takeaway:

• Army Rangers: RASP (8 weeks)
• Special Forces: SFQC (62 weeks)

3. Unit Structure

The unit structure of Army Rangers and Special Forces is also different. Army Rangers are organized into 75th Ranger Regiment, which consists of three Ranger Battalions and a Regimental Headquarters. Each battalion is made up of four rifle companies, a headquarters company, and a support company.

Special Forces, on the other hand, are organized into five active-duty Special Forces Groups (SFGs) and two National Guard SFGs. Each SFG is made up of three to four battalions, which are further divided into companies.

Key Takeaway:

• Army Rangers: 75th Ranger Regiment (three battalions and a Regimental Headquarters)
• Special Forces: Five active-duty SFGs and two National Guard SFGs (three to four battalions per SFG)

4. Deployment and Operations

The deployment and operations of Army Rangers and Special Forces are also different. Army Rangers are typically deployed as a unit, conducting large-scale combat operations. They are often the first units to deploy in a crisis situation, and they are trained to conduct rapid deployments by air, land, or sea.

Special Forces, on the other hand, are often deployed in small teams, known as Operational Detachments (ODAs). These teams are trained to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action. They often work behind enemy lines, gathering intelligence and training foreign military forces.

Key Takeaway:

• Army Rangers: Deployed as a unit, conducting large-scale combat operations.
• Special Forces: Deployed in small teams (ODAs), conducting unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense.

5. Requirements and Qualifications

The requirements and qualifications for Army Rangers and Special Forces are also different. To become an Army Ranger, a soldier must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 35, and score a minimum of 260 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). They must also complete Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

To become a Special Forces soldier, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 20 and 35, and score a minimum of 280 on the APFT. They must also complete BCT, AIT, and the SFQC.

Key Takeaway:

• Army Rangers: U.S. citizen, 17-35 years old, APFT score of 260.
• Special Forces: U.S. citizen, 20-35 years old, APFT score of 280.

In conclusion, while both Army Rangers and Special Forces are elite units, they have distinct differences in their mission, training, and role in the military. Understanding these differences can help you decide which unit is right for you.

Gallery of Army Rangers and Special Forces

Army Rangers and Special Forces Image Gallery

FAQs

What is the difference between Army Rangers and Special Forces?

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The main difference between Army Rangers and Special Forces is their mission and role in the military. Army Rangers are an elite light infantry unit that specializes in rapid deployment and conducting large-scale combat operations. Special Forces, on the other hand, are a specialized unit that focuses on unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action.

What is the training process for Army Rangers and Special Forces?

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Army Rangers attend the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), which is an 8-week course that focuses on teaching advanced infantry skills, leadership, and teamwork. Special Forces, on the other hand, attend the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), which is a 62-week course that includes training in unconventional warfare, foreign languages, and advanced first aid.

What are the requirements for becoming an Army Ranger or Special Forces soldier?

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To become an Army Ranger, a soldier must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 35, and score a minimum of 260 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). To become a Special Forces soldier, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 20 and 35, and score a minimum of 280 on the APFT.

Let us know what you think about the differences between Army Rangers and Special Forces in the comments below!