5 Countries with the Highest Number of Military Special Forces in the World

1. United States

Special Forces: 20

The United States special operations forces are components of the American Army, Navy, and Air Force, and work under the United States Special Operations Command. According to the Asymmetric Warfare Group, there are 20 elite special operations forces in the US. 

We begin with the Green Berets, which are among the most elite special forces in the world. Their personnel go through the toughest initial round of training among all other units in the US military. The training lasts for 24 days, and includes physical tests, language training, map training, land navigation, long distance trekking, and basic first aid.

Moving on to the Tier-1 units, The Delta Force is the special operations force under the operational control of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Its operators are responsible for complex missions related to counter-terrorism, direct action, hostage rescue, reconnaissance, and often taking out high value targets. Delta Force is known for taking out the leader of ISIS — Baghdadi.

The Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) performs similar activities like the Delta Force, but on the naval side. The team’s highlight was taking out Osama Bin Laden in Abottabad, Pakistan. The Air Force’s 24th Special Tactics Squadron is tasked with tactical aerial special operations and its personnel are composed of combat controllers and pararescue-men.

Another special operations group that requires mention is the Army’s Intelligence Support Activity which collects information related to decisions taken by policymakers through its recruits from across services. Most of the activities of this unit are classified.

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