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.

Fact - Nearly ALL the worlds 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. The Delta Forces even uses an SAS organisational structure using 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 is that belonging to Britain.
The Special Air Service is the number one fighting force in the world it is trained to perform equally well in all the fields listed for the SEALs, but is also trained by MI-5 and MI-6 for in-depth counter-espionage, more so than the SEALs. Physical competency must be of equal stature to the SEALs, to the degree that both special forces work closely together when necessary (Iraq and Afghanistan) and have good camaraderie.
The fact you are left out in the wilderness to eat worm omelettes and find dead sheep poisoning your water source for five days with 100 commandos with German shepherds that have your scent following you. Oh and you can't be spotted by the locals they have been told to report you if they spot you. After 5 grueling days you are captured by the Commandos for 36 hours without sleep or food and water. Oh wait the way to get water is for a face cloth to be put over your head while being restrained and having your lungs filled up with water. You'll be beat up, have your finger nails pulled off your fingers and if you have a fear of spiders or snakes they use that as well. After 36 hours that is only the end of selection. So the sorry Americans saying the SEALs are still better take time to consider this.
Not even close. Normal people abnormal skill set and constant training. Like the aviation industry after a crash they debrief, learn, adapt and implement new skills. Every field of expertise but sometimes let down with support and equipment yet they can improvise and nearly always get the job done to spec. Just wish they had the US budget. No hiding place there unlike most other SF who have some right oddballs who wouldn't be let anywhere ear the SAS. Best by far except the physically imposing SBS who generally come from the best force in the world the Royal Marines. What maybe let's them down in some covert operations is they're all six foot three very handsome and stick out as military through and through. The SAS are all shapes sizes and looks. Well done boys and any SBS please don't come and knock on my door!

The SEALS are the best in the world today. Arguing physical, mental, and emotional training is moot because all special ops units are elite in those categories. However, the SEALS have advantages over others with the unparalleled US military budget, which provides them with training in every geographical & 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 have belong to nations who 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.
We have the history and experience to back it up. Plus, the best training in every weather and geography and access to advanced technology man has to offer. Also, we are constantly in hostile situations and are combat ready and are active to this day. Can't say the same for some of these other spec-ops forces. Most other nations are limited to small defense budgets and lack of diverse terrain in training situations and conditioning. Also, where are the experience of actual combat or credentials gained? Actions speak louder than words...
Seriously guys... Why do most of the other Special Operations get compared to SEALS? We really don't care about all this nonsense. Find another group to compare yourselves to. Most of us have trained together and even gone through each others training. FYI The biggest difference between us and everyone else is not stamina, shooting skills, etc... Its Team Work, which is why we are considered the "TEAM" Unlike other forces we only technically send 1 guy because no matter how many guys physically are on the mission they move, fight, and even think as 1 guy "Borg" Even. This is what truly sets us apart. We are the best at TEAM work in unlimited situations. Keep the fight strong and stay easy...
Before they even get on the battlefield, the Navy SEALs experience hell. Their training is the most ridiculous in the world; on hell week, they get almost no sleep (4hrs in 7 days) and do things like carry 50lbs logs up sand dunes and stand in freezing cold water for hours at a team. There's a reason half of them drop out. The ones who make it are the strongest people on earth. Once on the battlefield, they do the hardest missions, like killing osama. This is why the Navy Seals are the best on earth.

Indian MARCOS are one of the best forces present in the world, HALO and HAHO trained, equipped with best assault rifles, sniper rifles and real-time war equipment required. These guys are emotionally very trained and highly motivated when it comes to defending their own country. The rejection rate during the selection is as high as 98%, that's why India has only 2000 marine commandos. Sooner or later, this special group will be on TOP and very soon the death of Pakistan (A terrorist promoting country) will be delivered by the hands of MARCOS.
See, Indian special forces/MARCOS- they are the one who are prepared keeping in view the worst ever situation. So they are the best.
Secondly, unfortunately we as India have no. Of bad experieneces as terrorism, warfronts, hill terrain warfare, sea front war etc... But the good is that we are more familiar with the things, so we know better than any one how to face the situations, thus they are trained keeping in view all the things.
Thirdly India is a land of different terrain ( almost all sorts are available here), so they are trained in different terrains.
Last but not least, you can come out with a strategy for a mind driven person, some powerful enemy but for an emotionally driven with the fire of enthusiasm & love for the country. You can't stop them.
The Indian MARCOS is one of the most powerful special forces on the planet. They defeat the Navy Seals in terms of physical and mental traing. In fact the only edge the Seals have over MARCOS is technology. But, by 2020 when India becomes a superpower, the MARCOS will be the most powerful special force in the world.
A priced possession of the Indian armed forces, they're the one of the best badasses in this field. Have access to best equipment available from Russia to USA (thanks to Indian diplomatic relations. ) Dare not under estimate this lethal weapon as it is considered to be unwise by all who have faced it (ask pak military, kashmiri rebels and Taliban) Close ally of SEALs, spetsnaz and SAS. Many joint operations and war games conducted with those elite units last decade. So clandestine that most of there ops are classified. Possess underwater assault gear. Capable of being deployed from subs, warships, amphibious vehicles, choppers, airplanes. So you might estimate their elite status.

The Israeli Naval Commandos have always had a strong rep behind what they are capable of. A highly well-trained group of soldier 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 come from the United States. Therefore, since they are relying on an uncertain external force to keep them afloat, I consider their foundation to fragile to rank higher.
Shayetet 13 is more similar to the seals than delta force after they are "the Israeli navy seals", I think they deserve a spot in the top 5 for sure... Some of the units here were trained by men that came from the Israeli special forces like the Indians and the polish GROM for example
The best trained Israeli force is Sayeret Matkal directly dependent on the first minister, not the IDF. Among other feats it performed the Entebbe rescue. The funding of Israeli special forces does not depend on the US. Nor does the funding of the IDF. Israel funds its armed forces with its own money, it receives 2% of the funding from the US and it is used on US made equipment. The top antiterror unit in the world is the Israeli YAMAM that is part of the Israeli border police. It has won for three years in a row the SWAT competition in the US. The MATKAL is a force with enormous recourses a mixture of SAS and Delta but specialized on the ME and the Mediterranean basin.
Their hostile environment become their best training ground for the IDF. And I think Shayetet 13 should be on the 1st spot. Also, I think countries in the middle east should also make on the top 10 list. So sad that choosing the best is like basing on the add... or watching hollywood movies. Not in reality.

Very brave and courageous. A Russian president once said that if he had Pakistan's army and Russian weapons, he could conquer all the world because they are very brave.
The Special Services Group (SSG) is a special operations force of the Pakistan Army. It is quite similar to the U.S. Army's Special Forces and the British Army's SAS. They are considered to be one of the highly trained special forces in the world. At the moment they have the 3rd hardest training in the world. Special services group (SSG) officers must have at least five years of prior military experience. The SSG course emphasizes physical conditioning, including a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a five mile run in 45 minutes with full gear. Only about 5% recruits make it through to the Pakistan SSG due to the very tough training course. All together the Pakistan army has 1,275,000 troops and the Special services group (SSG) is only around 2000. A "Combat Diver" badge is awarded for the course held by the Naval Special Services Group SSGN. Three classes of combat swimmers are recognized: 1st class to those completing an 18-mile swim, 2nd class to those completing a 15-mile swim, and 3rd ...more
The ssg had only 100 me in the battle of the hill in afganistan in which they posed as mujahideen and attacked the Russian regiments of spetsnaz there. They won the battle although the enemy had the elevation o there posts and superior numbers to there side. In another case only 100 ssgs cleared 3 towns in swat district from 2000 taliban in a matter of 2 days!
It is not the weapon they hold, it's the men behind it that matters. No matter how the west view them, simply because word MUSLIM attached to their identity. I wonder if they know, that exact word is their strength. It is impossible to separate the two.

I think the Russian military is much better for anyone that wants to serve, they are the hardest training military 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 every 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 were being honest they take more care of their soldiers than the U.S. does. We has slacked on our military training with every branch. While Russia's always seems to make everyone else's look like they are just playing games.
From what I under stand they function much differently from most special forces. Most special force operate units that take on special jobs. Although the Spetsnaz can fill this roll they are frequently mixed in with regular troops; wearing the same uniforms and insignia as the units they are mixed in with. Historically Russia troops aren't very well trained as the Russia used a lot of draftees during the soviet era. So among a unit of draftees their is one or two total bad asses that can pull off some amazing feats (like accurate knife throwing while doing a flip, if the rumors are to be believed).
Their basically thrown in to keep their opponents off balance and make them hesitant and second guess them selfies when engaging Russian units.
The effectiveness of this tactic can be questionable but it produces extremely capable soldiers.
Deadliest warrior season one had an Green beret vs Spetsnaz episode. Worth checking out if your curious.
Their training includes torture and beatings (in order to make them pain-resistant), breaking concrete-blocks w/ their bare hands/head, being hit with wood and glass-bottles and much more things which are banned in western countries, deemed immoral.
By the way, they have what for me are the best ARs in the world: the AK family. Big caliber, extremely reliable and so simple a baby could fix it in the field. They just lack picatinny rails, which the newest AKs have.
They also undergo extensive use of Systema, which is their martial art. Features almost any movement you can imagine. It's a very deadly martial art, which turn Spetsnaz operators in basically impossible to beat in hand-to-hand combat.
So that's in basically. If they were equipped with the same material USSOCom units have, they will be clearly superior.
However, their history in respect to hostage-situations is very bad. They get the job done, but have no concern about collateral damage. If they ...more
The fact that they are trained to enjoy pain, and to never be taken alive puts them in a completely different league then the rest. They literally do not fear death, they do not care if they are shoot or are bleeding or have shrapnel in their body they enjoy that pain and will fight until their blood runs cold. No other military group can match up to their skill, clinical brutality, and sheer will power.

I'm gonna break from the tradition of each country supporting it's special forces and tell you right away that I am not from USA. All those people placing SEALS above Delta don't know how it works.
From a strictly functional point of view, DELTA is a tier 1 SF while SEALS are tier 2 along with army rangers. Only SEAL team six is a tier 1 and it has violated it's disclosure policy so many times, it's not funny. Thus I consider DELTA to be the most elite special force of the US. I'm not qualified to draw a comparison between this and MARCOS, Spetsnaz or SAS. But SSG? Really? It has failed it's mandate on so many occasions, it's unbelievably unprofessional. Following is an excerpt from Wikipedia.
"During Operation Magistral, it is alleged that the SSG came into regular contact with Soviet forces. One of these incidents was the Battle for Hill 3234, where a company of Soviet paratroopers engaged a force of Mujahideen believed to be SSG. The Mujahideen wore black uniforms with ...more
I believe it's kind of hard to determine what 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% accuracy marksman training, and incredibly high risk training methods (for example: using live ammunition in hostage simulations, while their comrades play the roles of the hostages). ALSO seeing how Delta recruits from other special forces groups, and many others have "open try outs", I'd say that Delta Force is at least the most "badass".
Delta Force should be top 3 minimum. The objective of Delta was to invite the very best soldiers in the very best branches of the US military. Essentially, the best of the best were invited to try out. IF, even then, they were good enough, then they made it. The brainchild of a gentleman who had been on attachment with the British SAS, the best SF in the world for the last 75 years, it modelled itself on them but with an essentially unlimited budget. So the best of the best of the best, in a Force modelled on the best with the best budget.
The Delta Force is the best special operations group in the world. They are better than the seals in every way (except amphibious operations). They follow a philosophy that gets the right people, not just the the best. You can be the best at what you do and still not get into the unit. Delta has more brains and brawn than everyone else and can do the largest variety of operations with maximum efficiency. They invent their own equipment if they need to. That's the nvg's with the four tubes were invented. There is so much more that they can do better than everyone else.

Rangers and SEALs will ever be as good as the Green Beret. 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 etc etc. Direct action unit's like Rangers and SEALs are elite but Green Beret can not only do everything they can, but one of the biggest things is the fact that they can go into another country and topple it from the inside without help of conventional Forces. Overall say what you will but Breen Beret are the best there are.
I don't know anything about the other forces but my dad was Green Beret and he trained me in subtle ways my entire life. Their training has obviously stayed with them to their core and they are perfect and godlike to me. Aside from fighting skills they have taught me how to be patient and calm in stress situations. How to observe and engage others while sizing up situations. I think they're the best because they're not just badass jocks, they are suffused with something different, something extremely honorable and their presence alone almost imperceptibly asks that of others around them.
And more than anything. They have taught me the importance of KEEPING A SECRET. All my life, whenever I've been told something in confidence I've never repeated it. I was told, "They're weaker than you and I and usually share secrets because they have nothing better to say."
"I've got a girl in every port bay..."
The Green Berets are the most superior special forces in the U.S army. I think a spot between 5-1 would be best. They have one of the best and hardest training. They are trained to survive at any cost. They follow right behind the seals in my opinion. Also, their history is very interesting. The Green Berets fight in airborne squads that takes balls. Most Rangers eventually become A Green Beret. "De Oppresso Liber" translated to English is to liberate the oppressed is said for a reason.
The are many "Special Operation Forces" but there is only ONE SPECIAL FORCE in the World! "US ARMY SPECIAL FORCES". Being a "Special Force" does not mean spectacular hostage rescue or direct action raid on Bin Laden. Special Force is not about being T.V./ Videogame Celebrieties. Special Force means performing tasks (not single mission) that are far beyond capabilities of other units or SOF. Green Berets are masters of "Unconventional Warfare" and "Asimetric Warfare". They are skilled in many fields of craft, they are "Force Multipliers", they are capable of performing long-term unconventional operations deep behind enemy lines. The greatest thing about US Special Forces is that they are "Silent Professionals" they don't push themselves into being Television Celebrities - they focus on doing their job while keeping lowest possible profile.

They are the guys which 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 times for years nobody even knows that any operations where conducted. They where operating in Iraq for at least a year before 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 soldiers, more than once. Currently there are rumors that SEALS visit Poland to get training from GROM.
Polish GROM is in the same league as British SAS, US Navy Seals and Delta Force. It has been created and trained based on the same principles and standards as them. In my opinion, GROM should be within the world's top 4 special units. Just ask the British and the Americans who carried out quite a few special operations with GROM, they will tell you what GROM is worth.
This highly secretive unit of the Polish military has been shrouded in mystery for quite some time. They have been hailed as one of the prime European special ops units and have established a reputation few can stand up to. They have been involved in numerous homeland defense missions and even more international operations normally working closely with other top tier special ops units.
""GROM" is Polish for "thunder". And that is what this SF Unit brings to the table: they hit hard. Formed in 1990, they have earned the respect of every operator around the world for their tenacity." -Battlelog description from Medal of Honor.
And it's true. Did you hear about the time when they captured a hijacked cruise ship without firing a single shot? They did it all hand-to-hand. Honestly not sure why they're only #9 on this list...
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 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.
I personally know and/or have met many active duty, recent- and long-retired Rangers from Battalion 2 at Fort Lewis-McChord over the last several years and do not believe that a more highly and diversely skilled, dedicated, discreet, intelligent, loyal-for-life and unwaveringly committed Special Force unit exists within the United States military. The cumulative past and present successful missions, including retrieving other military branches' Special Forces, are because of every Ranger's competencies and bravery.
The fact that Army Rangers' long legacy of "top of class" mission success is rarely publicized nor commercialized underscores an unwavering, lifelong commitment to do what is necessary for every American's well being around the world. Thank you all!
The Army Rangers are the best the US army has to offer. Not only are they well equipped but also well trained. Their is a reason why the motto of the Ranger's is "Rangers lead the way! " It's because they are the first military unit america deploys to any engagement they go into. Not to mention the fact that they are deployed all over the world. And by the way, anyone ever wonder why most Delta force applicants are from the 75th Ranger Regiment, it's because they know soldiers that come out of their are the best.
I served as an Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger. I'm Pathfinder qualified as well as completing SERE training. I respect all the highly trained special units mentioned in this article (well maybe not Spetsnaz). I think the Seals are getting all the attention because they like to be in the spotlight. The Marine statement below is just foolish and not worthy of a reply, enough said on that. I don't think people realize that Rangers stay ready to deploy every minute of every day. We should be higher on this list because we are always on the go. We go anywhere anytime on every type of mission with no notice. We don't (can't) talk about the things we do. We just do and then get ready to hit the tarmac again. People would not believe the places I've been deployed throughout my career. Truly "RANGERS LEAD THE WAY"
JTF-2 remains the only foreign special operation unit to be conducted into 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 worlds most 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. One of the most guarded and secret special forces unit in the world. Products of a nation that values training rather than advancement of weapon technology above all else.
Canadian special forces training and Canadian Forces training has one of if not the most rigorous and efficient training on the planet and has for years upon years. Even things like P90x training system are based from an old Canadian military program, which even one of the Prince's used to develop his physical capabilities. The British have frequently cited Canadian military training programs as being the best available. JTF2 have even trained foreign troops including the US, and Canadian military frequently train other foreign infantry just as the US, Britian etc does as well. Yes even the US trains Canadian military in the south for the climate just as other ally nations help each other when needed, but the training that goes on above the 49th parallel and especially for JTF2 seems to be the best in the world.
As a Canadian citizen, I can tell you how under the radar these guys are. Almost no one knows about the JTF2. Their size is unknown. They could be larger than any special force in the world, no one will know. Another factor that makes Canada's JTF2 is that countries don't suspect Canada as a major threat and contributor in anti-terrorism and counter insurgency, which allows them to operate with little international pressure. Technically, Canadian solders are considered to be some of the best trained and equipped in the world, with a great salary. I can only imagine the quality of the solders in the JTF2.
One thing that is a bit different in this group is the training that goes into strategic planning ability. I know that missions are very meticulously planned with a strong emphasis on information gathering and processing. Another thing is professionalism. Being expected to perform the task correctly with low chances for mistakes, friendly fire, blackhawks down, etc. Planning for contingencies, and practice, practice, practice. Another thing is a certain level of accountability. Even one of their own generals was tried and fined for accidental discharge of a weapon. And he owned up to it. Now even with DEVGRU consider that during the attempted rescue of Linda Norgrove she was killed by one of the SEALs grenades and they tried to conceal that fact. Now do you want someone who admits and learns from mistakes or someone who tries to hide the fact that it happened?

The most highly trained amphibious special forces in the world. 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 daddy in this category. They have been completing missions like operation anaconda since 1940 and we never heard a word of it. SAS and The SEALS might be the show ponies these days, but the SBS have always been the prize work horse of the Britsh and NATO special forces.
Easily one of the most difficult training to pass, have great leaders currently and historically, use some very well made weaponry and equipment and most of all, they bring all that together to result in success in every arena of combat they are placed in.
The SBS, in the main, are selected from the Royal Marines, which is the longest and most extensive infantry training in Nato... Mountain leader being 1 and half yrs training alone! Therefore, the benchmark has already been set for very professional military skills. Many more were initially selected for 14 Intelligence in Ireland, due to their ability to undertake undercover lone working, with MI6, where many initial SAS failed to adapt to this crossover type of work...They were the preferred choice during task force black due to their more reflective and planned approach, relative to the SAS, who already set a high bench mark.
They undertake all the same skills as the SAS, fought alongside them unofficially in Vietnam, Malaya, Borneo; Sierra Leone.. pioneered parachuting to water, oil rig and boat rescue; kayak for massive distances and dive from subs. Carry considerably more weight, not including the kayak! In short, water based endurance and skills are far more challenging, ...more
Come on look at the SBS selection and training "By Strength and Guile". They have to complete the SAS training then a further 4 weeks SBS training before being badged. Part of the Royal Marines who undergo one of the longest and toughest military training in the world to become a general Royal Marine Comando. Per mare per terram.
In conclusion: it is impossible to rank the best Special Forces in the world and should not be attempted. They all should be given our Greatest respect for the job they do, silently and without seeking recognition, fame or fortune.
The SBS is the most highly trained and quietest of all British special forces. They complete the same selection and training as SAS but are not 'badged' until they have completed more extensive and rigorous SBS training.
Contrary to some opinion here, they are not 'part of the SAS'. They are part of the Royal Marines.
Americans seem to believe the Seals are the best having pulled off one good mission. The SBS have been doing it for years but without telling anyone.
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 degrees celsius. Walk up a mountain with wet gear and a log on their back, which in total weighs around 50kg. 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 do a test on paper which tests if they can still solve problems while they are exhausted. This week is called "Höllen Woche" in German. "Hell Week"
The German KSK are an elite commando unit of the German military and cross train very often with the elite police unit known as GSG9. The German KSK have been involved in training many other European special forces units and have a high reputation among military leaders around the world.
Good training is not enough! The german authorities have an immense lack in structure,logistic and communication. This has led to disastrous results for KSK in Kundus,Afghanistan in 2008 and for the GSG 9 in Bad Kleinen and the failed rescue of hostages of the Hansa Stavanger.This reflects the general problem of the Bundeswehr despite the defense budget of 43 billion Euros yearly.In this point they can learn from much smaller NATO members like Norway or Greece who have much smaller defense budgets but higher readiness in personnel and equipment.
They are a very good unit, their tactical knowledge is above others.
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 investigated or official almanacs. Perhaps because most of the opinions come from countries with much larger populations and patriotic bias.
The training for the Sas is crazy hard here in Australia. In harsh conditions and training with heavy loads in groups, it really tests the mental and physical strength. Although even after doing the selection course, there is still 70% chance you will get kicked out of the sas even after the selection course, their is still many more challenges and tasks to do after the selection course. It is crazy tough and that has really paid off. The completions in the last 30 years speak for themselves. Vietnam, Somalia, East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and now in Syria/ Iraq.
The Australian SAS are trained to an exceptionally high level both physically and mentally. They are the most head strong team in the world and the percentage of gaining access into the regiment is under 8%. They are just as good if not better than the british SAS and in my opinion better than the Navy Seals. They are trained to be both experts in water and air services and not just specialise in one certain aspect but to be just as good as a specifically trained team in the water and the air.
Seeing how first of this special force unit isn't that well know and has reach this high spot should show how could they are as well as the country population. 2nd the Australian SAS which is actually called the SASR Special Air Service Regiment is based off of the SAS which is regarded as the best special force unit in the world this should reflect how good they. 3rd these soldiers have a lot of experience they fought in manipulable war including the war in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan along side the Americans in these war and more then proved themselves to be one of the best.

With its headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta, KOPASSUS is considered to be an elite force that has traditionally emphasized its small size and its 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 the Don Muang Airport in Thailand. KOPASSUS troops to Thailand and brilliantly overwhelmed the hijackers. Around 90 troops from KOPASSUS were dispatched to Irian Jaya when a rebel group took hostages there have left the province without rescuing the remaining captives in 1996. KOPASSUS members climbed Mount Everest in 1997.
They're all brutally trained to make up for our machinery and weaponry obviously. The thing is they aren't just physically trained like any other special forces in the world, their martial arts are also focusing in psychological and spiritual endurance. They meditate and train their energy or chakra to be able to do things immposible for normal person like driving and fighting with their eyes closed. Break bricks and steel with their bare hand, thigh and even head. They have the strongest survival as well, trust me, you can just drop this guys in the middle of thickest amazon or even in the middle of sahara desert and they'll make it out alive.
During Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM), an international shooting competition, which was held in Puckapunyal, Australia, from May 20-23 2015, Indonesian Army specially from Kopassus & Kostrad sweep most of all of gold medal.
Indonesia claimed 30 gold, 16 silver, and 10 bronze medals. The next best performing country, Australia, only managed 4 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze medals. The USA, in third, collected 4 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
For the competition, the Indonesian Army sent 14 of its best sharpshooters from the Special Forces Command (Kopassus) and the Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad). It seems they were so damn good it wasn't fair for the competition.
And this was the eighth overall victory for Indonesia at an Asia-Pacific shooting competition.
Actually, this special force and the other Indonesian Special Forces don't have so many documentation (like Navy Seal, SAS, etc) and remain as a mysterious Army. They have so many skills that average people may see it as an impossible stuff. Actually, there is one more special force that is really mysterious and have never been documented in any news and T.V. Channel. They are called Denjaka (Marine). Rumors say that they are way more better than Kopassus. (I know this all from my Indonesian Friend)
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 platoon of Americans, platoon of Germans, platoon of British, and French. Awesome training.
Lot of high climbing, repelling, hand to hand and extreme endurance.
France actually WON more wars than any other nation in the history... this is what make the British and their cousins so angry and despising about it.
The French lost more wars than any other nation in the history... Still they stand. After all their wars it made only stronger and tougher.
They are the most highly trained force in the world. They have a longer boot camp then any of the other 3 branches in the United States military. They are groomed in many different kinds of Martal-Arts. I would put a United States Marine Sargent 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 the earth.
The most elite fire support team in the world, and the only one that has the US Department of defense distinction of calling in strikes from air, land, and sea.
The US Marines are number 1 on this list. The US Army second and the Navy Seals third. Read military history about the battle victories that saved the world from complete destruction. Semper Fi
They are trained to work with any special op group. Some of the training they go through, Ranget,SEAR, and more. They are the elite Force Multiplier unit in the world. Should be rates in the top 5.

I have no idea how alpha group, the group that is an elite part of the already elite spetsnaz, is so far under the spetsnaz. the french gign also deserve a better rank as well
Honestly, all I have heard about Alpha group is that they shut down the power in a bit of ukraine, FOR A TRAINING!
Spetsnaz on steroids

111 Trp.. Tough boys and brotherhood/teamwork that fits all situations. Green berets are not easy to get.. However, SAS are another league but no one recognises SBS as they are undercover and even most Brits have not heard of them as after the seige in London where the SAS was exposed, the SBS now use the SAS title as they do not want publicity but just to complete mission fact is that Royal Marines are top 10, SAS top 5 but SBS top 2.. Seeing this table, it is just wrong. However, you guys should check out unit 777 and the Turks.. Jesus are they tough. Out the 2 I would say unit 777 would wipe them out.. They can even potentially join SBS in battle for top 2. Dangerous bunch.
As not technically special forces I would argue to say these guys should be higher up in the list. Not only the professionalism, humility and physical attributes that come with a Royal Marines Commando. They have to have the mentality to keep going until they physically can no longer take another step. That's just basic training.
Many US Marines couldn't hack the British Royal Marine commando course. Lots of American Marines who were sent to do our commando course have said there's is a walk in the park compared to ours. To all you guys out there who have earned your green beret you have my respect and make me proud to be British.
They are a lot more trained than a normal US Delta Force Soldier. They are rated as the most highly trained normal military unit in the world. only 5 people out of 500 people will pass their training like SAS, but SAS is 5 in 500,000 people get in
Good bunch of fighters. Well trained and well disciplined.

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 toughest soldiers. My Uncle who was in the SAS worked with these guys and said they are the highest trained warriors in existence.
The real badass.
Doing everything you can imagine and more.
To get to the teams you need to pass BUD/S
, Selection and Green Team. Well equipped with newest tech.
Training is brutal. trust me I know a guy who worked with them and he is one of the most noble and independent SEAL I know. they are the bet of the best.
Al-Sa'ka forces undergo the hardest training and the most rigorous in the Egyptian Army as Al-Sa'ka must be trained to deal with the most difficult situations and the hardest missions under any circumstance. The officers are picked by the Trainers and checked before the Training plan. Al-Sa'ka Training plan consists of 4 parts and lasts for 34 weeks.
The Hell Week Edit
The "hell week" is the hardest and most dangerous week in Al-Sa'ka training program. Not a lot of information is available on the hell week but it is known for being the most brutal training sequence that Sa'ka trainees have to go through. Trainees have to stay awake 4-7 days in a row. This week is known to be the phase at which a great deal of Sa'ka trainees get expelled from the force for inadequate endurance or fitness.
This should be upped 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 how to benefit from and survive the environment as they learn to kill snakes, lizards and scorpions and to eat them alive.
They are the most underrated lethal stealth weapon. Warrior Ghosts.
Top tier "Superman" training that even the 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. 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 Army, Navy, Marine, fellow Air Force, or foreign friendly alike, makes them number one in my book.
It is a fact that USAF Pararescue have the longest training pipeline of any special forces unit in the world. It is also a fact that they have the highest attrition rate in the entire world. Another fact, other special forces the world over call the training these guys go through, "Superman" training. Why do that call them that, it's simple, because nobody, no other SF unit in the world can do what they do, nor have to do as extensive and strenuous of training. They are the modern day, real life version of true "Supermen"!
Another more fun fact, it has been proven on a reality T.V. show, that these guys are capable of taking out an entire team of any other SF group or combination of individuals that the world has to offer. Each week of the program, One "PJ" was pitted against every possible SF type trained individual or team and he consistently decimated an entire team of SEALS, same with British and Australian SAS, and the list of those they put him up against really goes on ...more
Navy SEALS aren't trained I the field of medicine nearly as well as pararescueman. In fact, no other special forces group in the world is trained as intensely in this field. The Pararescue training has a 90% dropout rate, not only due to the physical intensity of the program, but also do to the inability to keep up mentally. Pararescueman have to train in every condition and learn to not only survive those conditions to fight, but also to give medical attention to whomever requires it. "Because even Navy SEALS. Green Berets and Recon Marines need to call 911." no matter where or when, Pararescueman can save the lives of those trapped under fire and keep them alive no matter the cost. Field Medics meets Special Forces. Honestly Pararescueman are SEALS with medical training. This extra training puts them on top.
Employ land, sea, and various aerial insertion methods, capable of direct-action, CQB, advanced comms, and light underwater salvage in denied territory in order to fulfill their mission: Global 24/7 CSAR. And they hold National Registry Paramedic certificates (EMT is only the first six weeks in that process) in order to triage, treat, and transport their casualties. Light on demolition training (not typically part of their mission). In addition to Rescue Squadrons, PJ's are regular actors on spec op composite teams, interservice small units that train for specific missions. They have the typical special operations attitude: they don't focus on the possibility of success as much as they do the impossibility of failure, and they simply don't quit. Doubt their combat abilities? Stand between them and their pilot...

How you put suicide and Recon in the same writing is disgusting. You talk about your dad but were you in the Military? Were you in FR? If you weren't in Recon or FR then maybe you shouldn't speak at all, if you weren't in the Military maybe you should think twice about what your saying! What most of you have said is disrespectful. I know you may mean what you say in respect but it isn't. We do Not need a pat on the back, we do Not need recognition because we know what we have done and some still do. I know you Love your father, but before you go bringing up what you Yourself don't know about, please leave it to people that have had fun in these ranks.
I'm former 0321 and this is some "fake news" or fake polling. I was 2nd Force in 1959 - 1967 and I'd stack Marine Recon up against any others. We should certainly be in the top 5. Do some research and read the training required. Recently there was a show on AHC re Force Recon - In my day, Marine Recon DID NOT talk about their missions to the outside world. Just was not done. The story was pretty factual and I was shocked, so I called a long time Recon friend to ask if he had seen the program or ever heard of this? He spent 27 yrs in the Corps and 14 years in 1st, 2nd & 3rd Recon and his answer was "Hell No"
Just curious who did this polling? Semper Fidelis
My father served in the USMC for 26 years. He served in Korea and Vietnam. I swore an oath to defend my country against all enemies foriegn and domestic in 1979 and I was honorably discharged from the USMC in 1976. To this day I am active is all manner of sports, even with two bullets lodged in my spine. I deal with pain and keep moving and I owe it all to the Marines Corps.
I love the Corp! How we could be rated so low is beyond my comprehension. As an aviator on the CH-53, I was in constant contact with my Force Reconnaissance Brothers and I have watched them in action and they preformed flawlessly. Semper Fidelis!
I am joining the marines, but it isn't fair that my brothers here are not in the top three. I mean the marines are already the most elite group in the world, plus the force recons are the marine corps' special forces, so the force recons should actually be first. That is why I am joining the marines. All these other ones are wack with the exception of SEALS and SPETSNAZ
Being the best, I have never seen they winning any war.
They are one of the best special naval forces in the world much much then crap MARCOS
Proud to be Pakistani
They are the greatest