Quote:
Originally Posted by oldschoolgm
A thought to consider here, SOF teams operated round the clock in Vietnam with a significantly lower attrition rate than the line units deployed there.
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It depends on the mission. Perhaps if you are referring to SOF troops acting in an advisory role. But for "direct action" type operators, casualty rates were actually higher than typical line units. LRRP/Ranger teams often suffered close to 100% casualty rates (with the majority of casualties consisting of WIA). Some SOG commands suffered over 200% casualty rates with soldiers returning to active duty after recovering from wounds again and again. Although SEAL and Marine Recon teams sustained casualties at a lower rate, they were still significant.