While we're on the subject of special operations forces, I would like to fill in some gaps. Going on my memory, I can list the following SOCOM components, but could you fine folks fill in some of the gaps and/or correct me as needed?
Army...Rangers, Special Forces (Green Berets), Delta Force (AKA Special Operations Detachment-Delta), SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment). I've seen patches labled "Recondo", but I am thinking it is more of a school than a unit, in much the same vein that one can go to Ranger school and earn the tab but not necessarily be posted to a Ranger regiment. Likewise, are Army snipers called "scout-snipers"?
Navy...SEALs. And who are the people who operate the rubber raiding craft? Are they SEALs, or something else?
Air Force...Pararescue, and Combat-Controllers. I have heard the term Air Commandos, but did not know specifically what that is.
Marine Corps...Reconnaissance, and Force Reconnaissance. As well as MEU (SOC).
Regarding foreign special operations forces, these are all that come to mind at the moment. And if you wouldn't mind telling us what would be the rough American equivalent (i.e. SAS is akin to Delta, GSG-9 is more like the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team, etc).
United Kingdom...Special Air Service (and do they belong to the British Army, or the RAF?). Special Boat Service. Do the Para regiments belong to the British version of SOCOM?
Germany...GSG-9. And I think they have some 3-letter acronym for their version of SEALs.
France...I couldn't tell you.
Israel...Sayaret Commandos.
Russia...Spetsnaz, of course. Do the VDV qualify?
Don't let me down, boys.
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