Special Operations Forces

United States Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) consist of Rangers, Special Forces, and Delta Force, as well as several smaller units (some of which may be formed on an ad hoc basis and disbanded once their mission is complete).

Rangers (formerly identified by black berets but who now wear kakhi berets as distinctive headgear) are primarily utilized in reconnaisance, the gathering of intelligence data (including the capture of selected opposing force individuals), and long-range patrolling. To become Ranger qualified, soldiers must volunteer for the eight week Ranger training program, which is one of the most demanding and intensive in the United States Armed Forces.

Special Forces soldiers (who wear the distinctive green beret) are primarily utilized in liaison and training roles to friendly governments involved in counterinsurgency operations (as in Vietnam), or as liaison and training advisors to members of insurgency forces (commonly refered to as guerillas) which the United States Government wishes to support (as in Afghanistan). At the operational level, Special Forces are usually comprised of twelve-man "A Teams," each Enlisted member of which is considered an expert in such Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) as: small arms, demolitions, medical, communication, etc. Each member is also cross-trained in at least one other MOS so that he may fill in for other members who are wounded or killed. In addition, each member is usually proficient in the language of the host nation or insurgent group.

Delta Force members (who normally have no distinctive items of uniform wear) are primarily utilized in hostage rescue roles, as well as in other special circumstances, most of which are highly classified. The organization and training of Delta Force personnel is classified.

During peacetime SOF units are usually under the operational command of their assigned branch of the military. Upon direction of the Secretary of Defense, however, Special Operations Forces (including all of the above, as well as United States Navy SEAL units, selected units of the United States Air Force, and other units such as Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations) are placed under the direct control of the United States Special Operations Command, usually in time of active hostilities. Special Operations Command consults with the Theater Commander to ascertain the best mix of SOF units, and how best to utilize them.

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