Is Army Airborne considered Special Forces?
The question of whether Army Airborne units are considered Special Forces is a topic of much debate among military enthusiasts and professionals alike. While both Army Airborne and Special Forces units are elite military units, they serve distinct roles and have different training, capabilities, and missions. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two units and discuss whether Army Airborne can be classified as Special Forces.
Understanding Army Airborne
Army Airborne units are designed for rapid deployment and are capable of conducting operations in any environment, including urban, jungle, desert, and mountainous terrain. These units are trained to parachute into enemy territory and engage in combat immediately upon landing. The primary mission of Army Airborne units is to seize and hold key terrain, disrupt enemy lines of communication, and provide support to other units during operations.
Characteristics of Special Forces
Special Forces units, on the other hand, are specialized military units that are trained to perform a wide range of missions, including direct action, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare. Special Forces units are highly skilled in various disciplines, such as survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE), as well as in the use of advanced weaponry, equipment, and tactics. They are often deployed in small teams and operate independently, blending in with the local population to avoid detection.
Comparison and Debate
The debate over whether Army Airborne units are considered Special Forces centers on several key factors. First, while both units are elite and undergo rigorous training, the focus of their training differs. Army Airborne units are primarily trained for airborne operations and combat in various environments, while Special Forces units are trained for a broader range of missions, including unconventional warfare and counter-terrorism.
Second, the composition of the units also plays a role in the debate. Special Forces units typically consist of highly specialized operators, such as Green Berets, Delta Force operators, and Navy SEALs, who have undergone extensive training in their respective areas of expertise. While Army Airborne units have their own unique skills, they are not as specialized as Special Forces units.
Lastly, the missions and roles of these units also contribute to the debate. While Army Airborne units are crucial for rapid deployment and combat operations, they are not as specialized in unconventional warfare and counter-terrorism as Special Forces units.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Army Airborne units are elite and highly trained, they are not considered Special Forces. The distinction between the two units lies in their training, composition, and missions. While both units play critical roles in the military, Army Airborne units are focused on airborne operations and combat, while Special Forces units are specialized in unconventional warfare and counter-terrorism.
