What is the marines equivalent to navy seals

U.S. service members already serve their country as part of one of the finest fighting forces the world has ever seen. Some special operations units have even higher standards than the general force. Learn what it takes to pursue a career in the elite forces — whether you’re a prospective recruit or a currently enlisted service member.

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Army Special Forces: Rangers, Night Stalkers and Green Berets

Do you have what it takes to join the elite Army Rangers of the 75th Ranger Regiment? Maybe you’d rather be a Night Stalker in the Special Operations Aviation Regiment or possibly a Green Beret.

Generally, soldiers in any of these units:

  • Are U.S. citizens
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Qualify for secret security clearances
  • Hold General Technical Scores of about 110 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
  • Meet or exceed fitness requirements. Expect pullups, pushups, timed runs and 10-mile marches carrying a 45-pound rucksack. And, lots of swimming.

You can request assignment to an Army Special Forces unit when you first enlist. A recommendation to attend the Special Operations Preparation Course depends on your ASVAB results and how you perform during basic and advanced individual training.

You can also join after you enlist or become an officer. You’ll generally need three years of honorable service before qualifying.

Marine Corps and Navy special operations forces: Raiders, Force RECON and SEAL teams

First, the Marine Corps has two primary special operations forces: The Marine Raiders and the Force RECON units. As part of the Special Operations Command, the Marine Raiders run small lethal teams to eliminate targets. Force RECON units are run by the Marine Expeditionary Force Commander, and their primary goal is information gathering in dangerous territory.

To join either the Raiders or the Force RECON units, Marines usually need to:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Swim very well — with and without fins — as well as run, jump and climb. The Raiders have a free fitness app for both iPhones and Android phones you can use to prepare.
  • Be able to get a secret security clearance
  • Graduate both boot camp and the School of Infantry
  • Have three years of honorable service, if transferring after enlistment

Then, there’s the Navy’s elite force, the SEAL teams, which accomplish missions from air, land and sea.

You can apply to become a Navy SEAL as a civilian, a Navy sailor or even as a service member from another military branch. Both new recruits and active-duty military candidates must pass a battery of physical, technical and psychological exams. Once they qualify, future SEAL team members spend years in training before they deploy on missions.

Air Force Special Tactics teams: pararescue specialist, combat controllers and weather forecasters

Enlisted Air Force airmen can serve on Special Tactics teams, some of the most elite forces offered by the Air Force.

You can become a Federal Aviation Administration-certified air traffic controller as a combat controller, coordinating air traffic in remote and hostile environments. Special operations weather forecasters serve with both Air Force and Army Special Operations units to make weather reports and predictions. Finally, pararescue specialists rescue stranded aircrews from the most extreme conditions.

Airmen in each of these jobs generally:

  • Are U.S. citizens
  • Have at least a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete years’ worth of specialized training after basic training. Special ops weather forecasters spend 61 weeks in training before they deploy, while combat controllers train for 35 weeks.
  • Be extremely comfortable with heights. All members of Air Force Special Tactics teams must be able to parachute.

There are additional requirements for each of these specialties. Pararescue specialists must also be scuba divers, for example, and special ops weathermen must have high Electronics ASVAB scores.

If you’re interested in pursuing a military career in the elite forces, ask your commanding officer about next steps — and start preparing yourself now for one of the toughest challenges you’ll ever encounter.

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The U.S. military is currently structured so that all branches are capable of performing special missions, including projecting force outside of formal combat zones. The Navy SEALs probably get the most attention in the media, but the Army Special Forces, the Marine Special Operations Command and the USAF's Pararescue teams are all equally highly trained combat and survival specialists. Delta Force is an ultra-elite special-ops force composed of the best of the best from all branches of the military.

Navy SEALs

SEAL stands for sea, air and land, and Navy SEALs are trained to perform rescue and combat missions in all three environments. SEALs undergo a rigorous seven-month training program including basic training, SCUBA training and land warfare training. According to the official SEAL website, only 250 of 1000 candidates who enter SEAL training every year complete the program. After completing SEAL training, SEALs undergo another year of specialized training before they are mission-ready.

Army Special Forces

The Army Special Forces are also known informally as the Green Berets. The Army Special Forces were first formed in 1952, and came into their own during the Vietnam-war era as a jungle counter-insurgency force. These highly trained military professionals act as scouts for the entire U.S. military, and are experts in unconventional warfare. They are also well-versed in training and organizing insurgents, indigenous forces and foreign militaries to fight in support of U.S. objectives.

Marine Special Operations Command

Marine Special Operations Command undertake a range of special operations missions, such as foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action and foreign military advising and training. You need at least two or three years of service to become a noncommissioned officer, and once you are a noncom, you can apply for SOC. Training for SOC begins with a rigorous three-week screening, and those that make it continue on to advanced training.

Air Force Special Tactics

Air Force Special Tactics forces are composed of para-jumpers and combat control technicians. PJs provide emergency rescue services to airmen, soldiers and civilians in peacetime and combat environments. CCTs are trained air-traffic controllers who frequently conduct missions behind enemy lines, setting up air fields or calling in fire support working together with other special operations forces. PJ training takes eight to night months depending on your specialty, and CCT training typically takes around seven months.

Is a Navy SEAL higher than a Marine?

U.S. Navy SEALs are an elite unit, more exclusive and harder to be admitted to than the U.S. Marines. The United States Marine Corps (also known as USMC or Marines) is one of the 5 branches of the U.S. military under the Department of Defense. It was created in 1775 as a special service.

What is the Navy SEALs for the Marines called?

Fast Facts.

Are Marines more elite than Navy SEALs?

Although the Marines are highly respected and considered one of the most elite fighting forces, the Navy SEALs training is far more rigorous and demanding than that of the Marines.

What is the Air Force equivalent to Navy SEALs?

The Airmen who make up Air Force Special Warfare are the most specialized warriors on the planet. They are the ones other special forces look to when the mission calls for their unique skills and fearless commitment.