Top 10 Most Elite Special Forces in the World
Special operations units are by far the most well trained soldiers on the planet, and for good reason. They are preparing to be sent into some of the toughest situations on the planet; literal life or death missions.This list is for the special operations forces that are the most prepared, most well trained, most capable, and most likely to complete their objectives.
The British Special Air Service, or SAS, is a special forces unit of the British Army. They are known for their expertise in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and covert reconnaissance missions. The SAS was founded in 1941 and has been involved in numerous conflicts around the world, including the Gulf War, the Falklands War, and the War in Afghanistan. Nearly all the world's Special Forces base their military model on the British SAS. In fact, the USA's Delta Force was set up after the founder spent time attached to the SAS. Delta Force even uses an SAS organizational structure, utilizing troops and squadrons. It's often remarked that the sand beret is also worn by US Rangers, but this was a recent development and, in any case, the Rangers are not the same kind of unit. It can be said with confidence that the world's most professional special forces belong to Britain.
The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEALs) Teams are the special operations force of the United States Navy. They are trained to conduct maritime operations, direct action warfare, and special reconnaissance missions. SEALs are also known for their expertise in combat diving, parachuting, and close quarters combat. The SEALs are the best in the world today. Arguing about physical, mental, and emotional training is moot because all special ops units are elite in those categories. However, the SEALs have advantages over others due to the unparalleled US military budget, which provides them with training in every geographical and climate scenario.
The US has been active in wars around the globe since the Cold War, providing the SEALs with actual battlefield experience and proven results. Whereas most other units belong to nations that have not been at war for many years. At the end of the day, the SEALs blow past the competition because of their incredibly advanced technology and endless firepower.
Upon completion of duty, former SEALs are the most hired consultants by other nations to oversee training for their respective units than any other special ops organization.
The Indian Marine Commandos, or MARCOS, are the special forces unit of the Indian Navy. They specialize in amphibious warfare, which includes conducting operations in and around the coastal areas of India. The MARCOS are highly trained in close combat, urban warfare, underwater operations, and anti-piracy missions. Indian MARCOS are one of the best forces present in the world. They are HALO and HAHO trained and are equipped with the best assault rifles, sniper rifles, and real-time warfare equipment required. These individuals are emotionally well-trained and highly motivated when it comes to defending their own country.
The rejection rate during the selection process is as high as 98%, which is why India has only 2000 marine commandos. Sooner or later, this special group will rise to the top, and it won't be long before MARCOS deliver a decisive blow to Pakistan, a country known for promoting terrorism.
Shayetet 13 is the naval special forces unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. They specialize in maritime and underwater operations, including counter-terrorism, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. Shayetet 13 has been involved in various conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War and the War on Terror. The Israeli Naval Commandos have always had a strong reputation for what they are capable of. A highly well-trained group of soldiers capable of assaults by sea, air, or land and specializing in maritime operations. Arguments will most likely be made as to why this unit is not a top 5 unit. Most funding to Israeli special ops units like Shayetet 13, Matkal, and Shaldag comes from the United States. Therefore, since they are relying on an uncertain external force to keep them afloat, I consider their foundation too fragile to rank higher.
The Pakistan Special Service Group, or SSG, is a special operations force of the Pakistan Army. They are trained to carry out unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, and intelligence gathering. The SSG has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan. Very brave and courageous. A Russian president once said that if he had Pakistan's army and Russian weapons, he could conquer the entire world because they are very brave.
The SSG had only 100 men in the Battle of the Hill in Afghanistan, in which they posed as Mujahideen and attacked the Russian regiments of Spetsnaz there. They won the battle although the enemy had the elevation of their posts and superior numbers on their side.
In another case, only 100 SSGs cleared 3 towns in the Swat District from 2,000 Taliban in a matter of 2 days.
The Russian Spetsnaz, or special forces, is a term used to describe various special forces units of the Russian Armed Forces. They are trained in a range of skills, including direct action, sabotage, and reconnaissance. Spetsnaz units have been involved in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War and the ongoing War in Donbass. I think the Russian military is much better for anyone who wants to serve. They have the hardest training I have ever seen, maybe except for Taiwan's leopard crawl. While the training could kill you, it is worth it in the end.
The hand-to-hand training seems more skilled than in any other country. The flexibility of the trainees is absolutely amazing. People say Russia is a terrible place for anyone, including the military personnel, but if we're being honest, they take better care of their soldiers than the U.S. does. We have slacked on our military training in every branch, while Russia always seems to make everyone else's look like they are just playing games.
The United States Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, or Delta Force, is a special operations force of the United States Army. They are trained to conduct hostage rescue missions, direct action warfare, and reconnaissance. Delta Force has been involved in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan I believe it's kind of hard to determine which special forces unit is "better," as they all tend to have their own specialties and therefore are better or worse depending on the situation. However, given Delta's secrecy, 100 percent accuracy marksmanship training, and incredibly high-risk training methods (for example, using live ammunition in hostage simulations while their comrades play the roles of the hostages), and also seeing how Delta recruits from other special forces groups while many others have open tryouts, I'd say that Delta Force is at least the most "badass."
The United States Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, is a special operations force of the United States Army. They are trained in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counter-terrorism. Green Berets have been involved in various conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the War in Afghanistan. Rangers and SEALs will never be as good as the Green Berets. True, Rangers are ready to go on a dime, but so are airborne units and pretty much every other special ops unit in the military. It's not hard to kick in doors. Direct-action units like Rangers and SEALs are elite, but Green Berets can not only do everything they can but also have one of the biggest advantages: the fact that they can go into another country and topple it from the inside without the help of conventional forces. Overall, say what you will, but Green Berets are the best there are.
JW GROM is a special forces unit of the Polish Armed Forces. They specialize in anti-terrorist operations, direct action, and special reconnaissance. JW GROM was established in 1990 and has been involved in various peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions, including the War in Afghanistan. They are the guys whom the USA calls when they have a mission behind enemy lines (Afghanistan, Iraq are confirmed examples) that they want to keep very secret and quiet. Most of the time, for years, nobody even knows that any operations were conducted. They were operating in Iraq for at least a year before the official invasion (confirmed 10 years later).
They also specialize in search and rescue operations behind enemy lines - yes, they rescued SEALs from the hands of Saddam's soldiers, more than once. Currently, there are rumors that SEALs visit Poland to get training from GROM.
The Ranger Regiment is working at a consistently higher level than nearly any other operational unit on the planet. There are only a handful of Tier 1 assets across the globe that can boast an equal operational tempo, higher rate of success, or more difficult training cycle than the Regiment.
No other unit is harder to stay in than the Regiment. Others may be harder to get to, but none are as difficult to remain within due to the nature of the training and constant deployment schedule.
The Regiment of "Black Hawk Down" is unrecognizable in terms of the type of mission sets the Regiment is performing today. If people knew just what the Regiment really did today, I think you'd find them well within the top 5 on this and any other list around.
The Newcomers
This should be elevated to where the SEALs are. I've seen these guys before and, heck, they are no joke. They have trained with the top special forces in the world and have proven themselves as crucial to those specific missions as the other teams.
They also train to benefit from and survive in the environment. As part of their training, they learn to kill snakes, lizards, and scorpions and to eat them alive.
Simply elite. The Thunderbolt forces should be among the best in the world, or at least in the top ten. Like others here say, they are kick-ass.
They are not known for limited tactical skirmishes. But if it's a full one-on-one combat scenario with artillery guns, air support, tanks, and other machine guns, then watch these mid-height, Mongolian-featured men stand their ground. Or, when unsheathing their khukuri (their combat knife) and charging like mad, possessed demons, that is a different league altogether.
At the end of the day, it's not about the fancy rifle, the stealth bomber, or GPS-guided munitions. It's all about raw gut power and the valor that comes from within. For Gurkhas, soldiering or being mercenaries has been a tradition passed down for generations, so they are in a class of their own. Comparing them to SAS or Delta Force is like comparing a wolf to a Doberman, Alsatian, or bulldog.
JTF-2 remains the only foreign special operation unit to be inducted into the American Tier 1 ranking (along with Delta and Seal Team 6). Furthermore, JTF-2 is a military unit specifically requested to perform operations that were seen as incapable for other special forces such as Seals, Green Berets, and Delta during operations in Afghanistan.
They are experts trained to operate in the world's deadliest terrains, where they specifically train in frozen and mountainous environments. Information about JTF-2 members is deemed classified, and members of the unit cannot inform family members of their involvement within the unit.
It is one of the most guarded and secret special forces units in the world - products of a nation that values training and the advancement of weapon technology above all else.
The British Special Boat Service, or SBS, is the special forces unit of the British Royal Navy. They specialize in maritime operations, including maritime counter-terrorism, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. SBS has been involved in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. The most highly trained amphibious special forces in the world are picked from the same stock as the SAS. They don't get as much publicity but are just as effective and successful. The SEALs are great, but the SBS are the best in this category.
They have been completing missions like Operation Anaconda since 1940, and we've never heard a word of it. The SAS and the SEALs might be the show ponies these days, but the SBS have always been the prize workhorses of the British and NATO special forces.
Easily one of the most difficult trainings to pass, they have great leaders, both currently and historically. They use some very well-made weaponry and equipment. Most of all, they bring all that together to result in success in every arena of combat they are placed in.
Their job is to enter quickly and leave quickly. The road to becoming a KSK Soldier is harsh. To become a KSK soldier, you have to march with full gear through treacherous terrain, swim in water that is around 1 degree Celsius, and walk up a mountain with wet gear and a log on your back, which in total weighs around 50 kg.
After walking up the mountain, they have to make it back to their base, again, jogging with full gear. After all the physical work is done, they have to take a written test which assesses if they can still solve problems while they are exhausted. This week is called "Höllen Woche" in German, or "Hell Week."
Aus SAS operations from Vietnam to Afghanistan speak for themselves. This force is highly regarded by British and US special forces commanders and regularly trains side by side. The Aus SAS selection is considered by many to be the toughest on the planet, as it is basically the same as the British selection but in more rugged, hostile, and very hot conditions.
In the absence of a Marine Corps, the Aus SAS also train like the British SBS or US Navy Seals. It staggers belief that they are not listed here in the top 3 to 5, as they have been by military experts in other more thoroughly investigated or official almanacs. Perhaps this is because most of the opinions come from countries with much larger populations and patriotic bias.
The Indonesian Special Forces Command, or Kopassus, is the special forces unit of the Indonesian Army. They are trained to carry out unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, and counter-terrorism operations. Kopassus has been involved in various conflicts, including the East Timor conflict and the War on Terror. With its headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta, KOPASSUS is considered to be an elite force that has traditionally emphasized its small size and quick-strike potential. It has been involved in numerous military actions in response to internal Indonesian unrest.
KOPASSUS units were involved in 1981 in freeing the hostages from the "Woyla," the Garuda Airline plane hijacked by followers of Imran, leader of an Islamic splinter movement in West Java. Imran forced the plane to land at Don Muang Airport in Thailand. KOPASSUS troops were dispatched to Thailand and brilliantly overwhelmed the hijackers.
Around 90 troops from KOPASSUS were dispatched to Irian Jaya when a rebel group took hostages. They left the province without rescuing the remaining captives in 1996. KOPASSUS members climbed Mount Everest in 1997.
According to historians (UK historians, actually), France has the best ratio in terms of winning major conflicts. People should remember that we're talking about a major nuclear, diplomatic power, consistently for 300 years. That counts for something.
I went to French Commando School #7 (Trier, Germany). Trained with a platoon of Americans, a platoon of Germans, a platoon of British, and French. Awesome training. Lots of high climbing, rappelling, hand-to-hand, and extreme endurance.
France has actually won more wars than any other nation in history. This is what makes the British and their cousins so angry and disdainful about it.
They are the most highly trained force in the world. They have a longer boot camp than any of the other three branches in the United States military. They are skilled in many different kinds of martial arts.
I would pit a United States Marine Sergeant against a Navy SEAL any day of the week. They were the first to respond to the call in the Pacific after Pearl Harbor. Marines are who you send in when the Army just won't cut it.
Born in 1775, they are the smallest but the most well-trained warriors on Earth.
The most elite fire support team in the world. They have the unique U.S. Department of Defense distinction of calling in strikes from air, land, and sea.
The Alpha Group is a special forces unit of the Russian Federal Security Service. They are trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action missions. The Alpha Group has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the Chechen Wars. I have no idea how Alpha Group, the group that is an elite part of the already elite Spetsnaz, is ranked so far below the Spetsnaz. The French GIGN also deserves a better rank as well.
Honestly, all I have heard about Alpha Group is that they shut down the power in a part of Ukraine for training.
The British Royal Marine Commandos are the amphibious infantry force of the Royal Navy. They are trained to conduct amphibious operations, including raiding and reconnaissance missions. The Royal Marine Commandos also specialize in mountain warfare, Arctic warfare, and urban warfare. 111 Troop, tough boys with brotherhood and teamwork that fits all situations. Green berets are not easy to get. However, the SAS are in another league, but no one recognizes the SBS as they are undercover and even most Brits have not heard of them.
After the siege in London where the SAS was exposed, the SBS now uses the SAS title as they do not want publicity but just to complete missions. The fact is that Royal Marines are in the top 10, SAS in the top 5, but SBS in the top 2. Seeing this table, it is just wrong.
However, you guys should check out Unit 777 and the Turks. Jesus, they are tough. Out of the two, I would say Unit 777 would wipe them out. They could even potentially join the SBS in the battle for the top 2. Dangerous bunch.
The United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as SEAL Team Six, is a special operations force of the United States Navy. They are trained in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and reconnaissance missions. SEAL Team Six has been involved in various conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan and the War on Terror. Unmatched expertise and training. These are the absolute best soldiers in existence, above all others. Their access to the latest information, most advanced and rigorous training, most advanced technology, and America's worldwide military infrastructure put their capabilities above all other special forces units in the world.
If these guys are not number one, there is something wrong. They killed Bin Laden. Toughest of the toughest soldiers. My uncle, who was in the SAS, worked with these guys and said they are the highest trained warriors in existence.
Good bunch of fighters. They are well-trained and well-disciplined.
Top-tier "Superman" training that even other special forces operators respect. Air, sea, jungle, sand - they're in it, killing bad guys, usually behind enemy lines, and with a primary mission to save your ass at the same time, no matter who you are, how well you were trained, or what the attrition from your program is. If you've needed them, you know this, and how happy you were to see them coming.
The fact that they are trained as equals, treat other operators as equals, and do their job selflessly for the Army, Navy, Marines, fellow Air Force, or foreign friends alike, makes them number one in my book.
The United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance, or FORECON, is the special operations force of the United States Marine Corps. They are trained in reconnaissance, direct action warfare, and amphibious warfare. FORECON has been involved in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. I'm a former 0321, and this is some "fake news" or fake polling. I was in 2nd Force from 1959 to 1967, and I'd stack Marine Recon up against any others. We should certainly be in the top 5. Do some research and read about the training required.
Recently, there was a show on AHC about Force Recon. In my day, Marine Recon did not talk about their missions to the outside world. It just was not done. The story was pretty factual, and I was shocked, so I called a longtime Recon friend to ask if he had seen the program or ever heard of this? He spent 27 years in the Corps and 14 years in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Recon, and his answer was "Hell no."
Just curious, who did this polling? Semper Fidelis.
They are one of the best special naval forces in the world. They are much better than MARCOS.
The Special Forces Command is a highly trained unit that is part of the Turkish Armed Forces, commonly referred to as the Maroon Berets. They undergo at least 3.5 years of training, but it could extend to 4-5 years as well. These units are highly secretive and are selected by teams.
Echelon-1 members are chosen from ranks between OF-1 and OF-5. There are rare photos of them from the 1990s, though you might find some rare images of them today. Echelons 2 and 3 are selected from ranks between OR-5 and OR-9. Their training is extremely rigorous, and they are elite soldiers.
The Maroon Berets dedicate their entire lives to being part of the Turkish Special Forces, often prioritizing their duties above their families. They have participated in significant operations in Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and other countries around the globe, including NATO missions. For instance, the Maroon Berets saved 27 Delta Force soldiers and Rangers in Somalia during the Black Hawk Down incident.
Their training includes torture resistance, and their final month is called hell month. Maroon Berets are masters of weaponry and marksmanship, hitting every target even from 12 feet away. They are considered a terrorist's worst nightmare. In one notable firefight, 12 Maroon Berets killed 230 PKK terrorists, leaving all the terrorists KIA. Their equipment is highly advanced, matching the standards of other NATO countries. These are some of the most highly trained men in the world.