5 Key Differences: Army Rangers Vs Special Forces

The United States Army is home to two of the most elite and respected special operations forces in the world: the Army Rangers and the Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. While both units are highly trained and skilled in unconventional warfare, there are distinct differences between them. In this article, we will explore the 5 key differences between Army Rangers and Special Forces.

Army Rangers and Special Forces differences

History and Origins

The Army Rangers have a long and storied history, dating back to the Revolutionary War. The modern-day 75th Ranger Regiment was established in 1984, and is headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgia. The Rangers are a light infantry special operations force that specializes in airborne operations, direct action, and rapid deployment.

The Special Forces, on the other hand, were established in 1952, and are headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Green Berets are a psychological operations and civil affairs unit that specializes in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action.

Key Differences

1. Mission and Purpose

The primary mission of the Army Rangers is to conduct airborne operations, direct action, and rapid deployment in support of national objectives. They are a quick reaction force that can be deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours. The Rangers are trained to conduct a variety of missions, including airborne assaults, raids, and reconnaissance.

The Special Forces, on the other hand, are trained to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action. Their primary mission is to work with foreign military forces to train, advise, and assist them in their fight against terrorism and insurgency. The Green Berets are experts in guerrilla warfare, counterinsurgency, and counterterrorism.

2. Training and Selection

Both the Army Rangers and Special Forces have rigorous selection and training processes. However, the selection process for the Special Forces is longer and more arduous. To become a Green Beret, a soldier must first complete the Special Forces Qualification Course, also known as the "Q Course." This course is 53 weeks long and includes training in languages, culture, and unconventional warfare.

To become an Army Ranger, a soldier must complete the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), which is 8 weeks long. RASP includes training in airborne operations, first aid, and combat tactics.

3. Organization and Structure

The Army Rangers are organized into the 75th Ranger Regiment, which consists of three battalions: the 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion, and 3rd Battalion. Each battalion is further divided into companies and platoons.

The Special Forces are organized into five active-duty Special Forces groups: the 1st Special Forces Group, 3rd Special Forces Group, 5th Special Forces Group, 7th Special Forces Group, and 10th Special Forces Group. Each group is further divided into battalions and companies.

4. Equipment and Vehicles

The Army Rangers and Special Forces use different types of equipment and vehicles. The Rangers use the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), and the M4A1 carbine. They also use the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

The Special Forces use the Ops-Core FAST helmet, the Crye Precision G3 combat uniform, and the M4A1 carbine. They also use the Polaris MRZR all-terrain vehicle and the Toyota Land Cruiser.

5. Deployments and Operations

The Army Rangers and Special Forces deploy to different parts of the world and conduct different types of operations. The Rangers have deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, and have conducted operations such as airborne assaults, raids, and reconnaissance.

The Special Forces have deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Africa, and have conducted operations such as training, advising, and assisting foreign military forces. They have also conducted direct action operations against terrorist organizations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both the Army Rangers and Special Forces are elite special operations forces, there are distinct differences between them. The Rangers are a light infantry special operations force that specializes in airborne operations, direct action, and rapid deployment. The Special Forces are a psychological operations and civil affairs unit that specializes in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action.

We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the 5 key differences between the Army Rangers and Special Forces. Whether you're a military enthusiast or just interested in learning more about these elite units, we hope you've found this article informative and engaging.