Before we even started writing this piece, the staff at SOFREP knew that compiling any “top eleven” list of special operations forces would be met with strong opinions and allegations of leaving someone out. We acknowledge this upfront. Who is “the best” is a largely subjective call. And how exactly is one to accurately measure “eliteness”? Is that even a word? I’m not aware of any “eliteness” units of measure.
With these things in mind, we forge ahead with our “Top 12 Most Elite Special Operations Units” list, which is in no particular order. We hope you enjoy it.
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Special operations forces are called elite warriors for a reason. There’s even a saying that “everybody can be a soldier, but not everyone can be in the special forces,” as these men (and women) are the epitome of military excellence, highlighting tactical prowess and unparalleled courage. These highly skilled warriors often operate in the shadows, undertaking high-risk missions that often remain undisclosed to the public.
Whether combating terrorism, countering insurgency, conducting reconnaissance, or executing hostage rescues, special operations forces play a pivotal role in protecting a country’s interests at home and abroad. In this article, we unveil the Top 12 most elite units, highlighting their exceptional training, accomplishments, and contributions to global security.
British Special Air Service (SAS)
The Special Air Service, or SAS, is the British Army’s most esteemed special forces unit. It first emerged as a regiment in 1941 before being reconstituted as a corps in 1950 and has since solidified its reputation as one of the world’s premier special forces units. SAS operatives are experts in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and intelligence gathering. Their training is famously grueling, designed to test physical endurance and mental resilience, and only a small percentage of applicants successfully pass the selection tests. Those who’d make it would undergo an extensive training program covering a wide range of skills, ensuring each warrior is thoroughly prepared for the demanding missions that lie ahead.
The SAS has many remarkable accomplishments spanning several decades, including the daring operations behind enemy lines during World War II, disrupting enemy communications, sabotaging infrastructure, and gathering critical intelligence. One of their most famous operations was the raid on German airfields in North Africa, known as Operation Squatter, where they destroyed numerous enemy aircraft—which is why many special operations forces units worldwide base their military model on the British SAS.
United States Navy SEALs
The US Navy SEALs are renowned for their extraordinary combat capabilities and diverse skill set. These elite warriors undergo Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL aka (BUD/S) training, widely known as the most demanding and rigorous military training program in the world, covering all aspects of unconventional warfare, including Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) operations. Candidates face a grueling selection process that tests their physical and mental capabilities to the extreme, enduring punishing physical exercises, rigorous obstacle courses, extensive underwater training, and arduous land navigation challenges. This intensive training regimen is designed to forge their resilience, mental fortitude, and team cohesion, and only a select few can complete the training and earn the coveted SEAL Trident.
Following BUD/S, SEAL candidates advance to specialized training, which includes various disciplines such as combat diving, land warfare tactics, marksmanship, close-quarters combat, and high-altitude parachuting. Thanks to its extensive training program and some extremely competent Frogmen, SEALs have an illustrious history of remarkable accomplishments, playing a crucial role in numerous high-profile operations, such as the mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden.
The SEALs’ legacy of excellence continues to shape the future of special operations as they adapt to emerging threats and serve as a symbol of America’s dedication to defending freedom and upholding peace.
United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
Nicknamed “Green Berets” for their distinctive headwear, the US Army Special Forces are elite soldiers trained for unconventional warfare. These highly skilled fighters undergo rigorous training that includes foreign language proficiency, cultural awareness, guerilla warfare tactics, and survival skills. Green Berets are often deployed in small teams behind enemy lines to train and advise indigenous forces, conduct direct action raids, and gather intelligence.
One of their most notable operations was Operation Neptune Spear in 2011, where a Green Beret team played a pivotal role in eliminating Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda.
United States Army 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force)
Delta Force, also known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is the US Army’s tip of the spear, carrying out some of the nation’s most dangerous missions, particularly in the fight against terrorism. Formed in the wake of harrowing hostage crises in the late 70s, these elite warriors endure grueling selection and constant training, mastering every facet of combat from advanced marksmanship to hostage rescue. Only those who emerge, forged in resilience and honed to a razor’s edge, become Delta operators.
From the daring raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019 to rescuing Americans under fire since its formation in 1977, Delta Force operates in the shadows, striking with precision and unwavering courage.
From the daring raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019 to rescuing Americans under fire since its formation in 1977, Delta Force operates in the shadows, striking with precision and unwavering courage.
German Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK)
The Kommando Spezialkräfte, or KSK, is Germany’s premier special forces unit. Highly trained in counterterrorism and unconventional warfare, the KSK is known for its exceptional professionalism and precision.
Rigor and intensity in training are familiar themes in becoming an elite warrior, and KSK operators are no exception. Prospective candidates undergo a stringent selection process, including physical and mental assessments, endurance tests, and team exercises. Those who make it will move on to a comprehensive and specialized training program that tackles different skills, equipping German forces with the expertise needed to excel in high-risk and complex missions.
The elite German warriors are often deployed in international peacekeeping missions. They have garnered respect for their exemplary performance in challenging environments, including their successful hostage rescue in the Sahara Desert by a terrorist group in 2003.
French GIGN
Groupe d intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN), also known in English as National Gendarmerie Intervention Group, is France’s elite police tactical unit specializing in counterterrorism and hostage rescue. First founded in 1973 in response to the 1972 Munich terrorist attack massacre, GIGN operators undergo rigorous training and are equipped with advanced weaponry and cutting-edge technology.
Among the unit’s successful missions include the rescue of passengers during the 1994 Air France Flight 8969 hijacking and the intervention in the 2015 Paris attacks, which have solidified its reputation as one of the world’s best.
Russian Special Forces Regiment
The Russian Special Forces Regiment, or Spetsnaz—previously Soviet Special Forces—is renowned for its fearless and tenacious operators within the Russian Armed Forces. Trained in a wide range of combat techniques, including hand-to-hand combat and sabotage, the Spetsnaz are known for their stealth and efficiency. They have long demonstrated their proficiency and operational effectiveness since World War II; however, they were shaped further by the Cold War. They have executed various missions and have participated in conflicts such as the Soviet-Afghan War, the Chechen Wars, and counterinsurgency campaigns in the North Caucasus region.
Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)
The Australian SASR (more commonly referred to as the Australian SAS) is a highly skilled special forces unit within the Australian Defence Force specializing in reconnaissance and counterterrorism. Its operators are highly trained to excel in extreme conditions, both in urban environments and harsh terrains. Again, similar to its other counterparts, the Australian SAS conducts rigorous and demanding training, selecting only the best of its prospective candidates capable of operating effectively in dynamic and high-stress environments.
With this, they have made remarkable accomplishments and significant contributions to national and global security, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq. SAS has also actively engaged in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, responding to natural disasters within Australia and abroad.
Their motto: “Who Dares, Wins”
Israel’s Shayetet 13
Shayetet 13, or the Israeli Naval Special Warfare Unit, is the Israeli Navy’s elite special forces unit mainly focusing on maritime and counterterrorism operations. Renowned for their expertise in underwater missions, Shayetet 13 operators are trained to infiltrate enemy territory and neutralize threats with unmatched precision. Furthermore, they have executed numerous successful hostage rescues and covert operations, especially playing a vital role in safeguarding Israel’s maritime borders and protecting the nation’s strategic interests.
Russian Alpha Group
The Russian Alpha Group, officially known as Directorate “A” of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Special Purpose Center, is one of the world’s most secretive and formidable special forces units. Operating under the FSB command, these elite warriors possess exceptional combat skills and are well-versed in hostage rescue and counterinsurgency operations. Their training is highly classified but undoubtedly rigorous like its counterparts, with candidates going through a grueling selection process before advancing into the extensive training program to become part of the elite unit. Accordingly, the Alpha Group operators have a distinguished record of remarkable accomplishments in combating terrorism and ensuring national security, including several high-profile operations.
British Special Boat Service (SBS)
The Special Boat Service (SBS), an extension of the Royal Navy, specializes in maritime counterterrorism and unconventional warfare. They are proficient in conducting covert operations in marine environments, such as intelligence gathering and sabotage. Moreover, the British SBS has played a pivotal role in protecting British interests worldwide, including conflicts such as the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and the ongoing fight against global terrorism.
Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG)
Pakistan’s renowned special operations force, SSG, is known for its mental toughness, physical endurance, and exceptional marksmanship skills, equipped to address unconventional warfare (nuclear-capable), counterterrorism, and guerrilla warfare. They have effectively tackled various security threats, contributing significantly to regional stability.
Notable attainments of the Pakistani SSG comprise their involvement in the successful Operation Zarb-e-Azb, a major military offensive against militant groups in Pakistan’s tribal regions. These elite warriors have also successfully executed complex missions against insurgents in highly contested environments, underscoring their adaptability and combat expertise.
Closing Thoughts
In summary, these elite special forces units emerge as living proof of human dedication, perseverance, and exceptional training, withstanding extreme conditions, risking their lives to safeguard global security and protect innocent lives. While this list presents only eleven units, it’s important to note that countless other special operations units of elite warriors worldwide display remarkable skill and bravery. The sacrifices these warriors make, often unrecognized, are the cornerstone of modern military capabilities, ensuring the safety and stability of nations—even if it is achieved by operating in the shadows.
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This article has been reviewed and updated by the SOFREP News Team.
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