The Difference Between “Special Operations” and “Special Forces”

[Talyn]

Possibly one of the most pervasive yet irritating missteps that the media and public in general make about the military is the use of the terms ‘Special Operations Forces’ (SOF) and ‘Special Forces’ (SF) interchangeably.

Consider this article a primer for anyone in the media that even remotely cares about their journalistic accuracy, as well as the curious citizen.

The Difference Between "Special Operations" and "Special Forces" • The Havok Journal

SOF v. SF: Consider this article a primer for anyone in the media who even remotely cares about their journalistic accuracy, as well as the curious citizen.

havokjournal.com

A U.S. Special Operations soldier provides security overwatch from a rooftop during the early morning hours of a clearing operation in Panjwa’i District in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on April 25, 2011.

 

[Cedric]

Not only is it important to understand the organization but also what missions they are primarily responsible for, and in some cases have been blended between the elements. E.g., SF (Green Berets) has always had the foreign internal defense mission, a strategic level effort, while the Rangers have been the direct action units to support the tactical and operational mission of corps in the field. In my experience, Green Berets have been used more in the direct action role because, I'm assuming we have to rotate units for missions, or we don't want to risk fid missions in Iran which is actually a strategic task, or both.

The Taliban were not beaten by a dozen Green Berets just by their presence. The Northern Alliance was a tank/mechanized infantry force that existed prior to 9-11. Yes, they were supported by us, so we need to recognize the successful operation was won by conventional forces - just not ours.

 

[HayesGreener]

The Air Force now refers to their special operations forces as Special Warfare