Re: Question for you military people.

To qualify, go to the school/training, I would rate the 3 as follows (Most Difficult First)

1) SF - Green Beret
2) Seal
3) Ranger

To live the life and thrive in the Spec Ops Community, I would rate as follows (Most Difficult First)

1) Ranger Line Battalion
2) Seal
3) SF

Just a touch of context for the reversal. Length of training to qualify is shortest for Ranger averaging <100 days including recycles and pre-training whereas an SF Medic can spend almost 2 years in training alone before seeing a team.

For difficulty afterwards it's a LINE Ranger Battalion (not Regimental HQ job). The daily and draconian standards in the Battalions is brutal and even after you serve a successful tour (2-3 years) you most often must go back to Big Army for qualification in a leader role, then you can apply to come back to the Rangers.

Bonus Survey - Which Spec Ops Unit has best work life balance and chance to stay married?

1) Coast Guard (Spec Ops marriages work about as often as scratch off lottery tickets)

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Aug 5, 2024, 4:51 PM

Yep ..... read "White Feather" or "Marine Sniper" about Carlos Hathcock ...... Marine sniper with 93 confirmed kills. In the case of Marine snipers, not only did they have to meet the physical challenges, but also the mental aspect which I think was even harder. One of my best friends from OCS, John Hoff, was a platoon leader of a 1st Marine Division Recon unit and was awarded the Navy Cross ..... one step below the Congressional Medal of Honor. Training is tough, but it is combat where toughness, discipline, and bravery is displayed.

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Battalion: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant John R. Hoff, Jr. (MCSN: 0-111172), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 April 1970, while leading a seven-man patrol through a heavily jungled area southwest of DaNang, Second Lieutenant Hoff detected signs of enemy soldiers in a hut and launched an aggressive assault, resulting in the destruction of the hut and four enemy dead. Continuing his mission, he led his men deeper into the confines of the camp where the Marines came under a heavy volume of grenade launcher fire from enemy soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements. Although outnumbered, Second Lieutenant Hoff seized the initiative and led a counterattack against the enemy, boldly moving to a dangerously exposed vantage point from which he hurled hand grenades at the hostile soldiers. As a result of his valiant efforts and the accurate fire of his men, the enemy abandoned their positions and retreated. Shortly thereafter, Second Lieutenant Hoff located a large cache of arms and ammunition and was passing the supplies to his men when the patrol was subjected to intense grenade launcher fire from enemy soldiers who had maneuvered to a nearby position. Despite the rounds impacting around him, Second Lieutenant Hoff tenaciously held his ground, hurling hand grenades and delivering rifle fire with such accuracy that he accounted for several enemy casualties and forced the remainder of the enemy to retreat. The reconnaissance efforts of the patrol having now been seriously compromised, Second Lieutenant Hoff led his men to a nearby suitable landing zone and skillfully adjusted supporting Marine artillery fire around the site until they were safely extracted the following morning. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and contributed to the success of the mission without sustaining a single Marine casualty. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

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Question for you military people.