[Rick James]

A question: what makes Special Forces training different from regular training?

[Dilmah G]

I'm not in the armed forces (though my app's going in this year), but I think the phrase "Close enough is never good enough," is a good description of the attitude towards their training. I was at RAAF Pearce a year and a bit ago for my JNCO course and I believe we had some operators from 4RAR (now 2 Commando) working with the Adgies on base. All I can say is that it sounded like a mother****in' fireworks display when they hit the range.

But anyway, our Commando regiments are expected to

   

* Conduct Point of entry seizure,and complex clearances
    * Direct Action Assaults
    * Accurately employ a range of advanced weapon systems
    * ISTAR (Intelligence, surveillance, Target acquisition, and Reconnaissance)
    * Fight at close quarters
    * Domestic Counter terrorism
    * MCT (Maritime Counter terrorism)
    * Participate in a Commando fighting patrol in both urban and rural operations;
    * Destroy targets using explosives
    * Beach Parallel and PLF (parachute load follow)
    * Participate in Tactical Air Land Operations from both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft
    * Embark and disembark from Commando amphibious insertion craft in surf (beach and rocky landings) and from parent craft
    * Lead climbing
    * Conduct entry to urban structures
    * Conduct airborne rappelling and fast roping (including suspended extraction)
    * Operate Commando amphibious boats as coxswain / bowman as part of a flotilla

[Nuclear1]

A question: what makes Special Forces training different from regular training?

It's longer and more physically and mentally demanding. It's also got an extremely high attrition rate.

That's really it in a nutshell.

[NGTM-1R]

A question: what makes Special Forces training different from regular training?

Everything Nuclear said, plus the fact it's intended to develop (or force you to develop if you want to stay in) a higher level of skill.

[Nuclear1]

Also depends on the type of special forces. SEALs go through much different training than Green Berets who go through different training than SERE specialists, etc etc.

[BrotherBryon]

In addition to the stuff already mentioned it also entails a good deal of language and cultural training for working with foreign troops. These guys are literally the glue that keeps multinational forces working together smoothly in joint operations.

[TrashMan]

I hear that 80% of Delta Force training is shooting. Shooting, shooting and more shooting from every possible angle and position till you can hit a bullseye in your sleep.
But then again I hear a lot of things

[NGTM-1R]

I hear that 80% of Delta Force training is shooting. Shooting, shooting and more shooting from every possible angle and position till you can hit a bullseye in your sleep.
But then again I hear a lot of things

So Delta are Marines?

[Scotty]

Delta are what Marines want to be when they grow up.

[NGTM-1R]

Delta are what Marines want to be when they grow up.

Oh, so Delta's Force Recon.

[Polpolion]

PJs > anything else

[Nuclear1]

PJs > anything else

This times a million.

Times a hundred million more.

[redsniper]

PJs > anything else

This times a million.

Times a hundred million more.

Wait, who?

[Colonol Dekker]

I've not read any posts following the initial question.
 
I'm Army, Territorial now. But did a fair bit before that too. I've been around. I'm NOT nor ever have been anything other than a regular Sapper.
 
But I can tell you from experience that special forces are not recruited directly from civvie street. Special forces are made. They're serving soldiers that excell at their given role or demonstrate aptitude in a specialist field.
They have years of experience combat and otherwise, they are intelligent, they take personal responsibility for keeping themselves in peak physical condition, every soldier in the British Army must pass regular fitness tests. There are minimum standards that must be kept. If you can't keep yourself healthy and combat effective, you're no good to the Army. 
Sierra Foxtrots maintain these standards as a given and improve upon them without obligation. They MUST pass stringent selection exercises.
 
They must have exceptional moral courage, mental discipline and fortitude of character. These cannot be taught and you either develop it at a young age and keep it or you don't.
 
Once these tests have been passed, training hones existing skills. Teaches new ones that are centuries old, and encourages bonding with your new troop.
 
 
This doesn't apply to the US or any other country to my knowledge.

[Nuclear1]

PJs > anything else

This times a million.

Times a hundred million more.

Wait, who?

USAF Pararescue.  They're called PJs from the old acronym "Para Jumpers", which is what they were called back in the days of the Army Air Force.  These guys are beyond hardcore.

This doesn't apply to the US or any other country to my knowledge.

It's about 50/50 with the US.  Some SF comes directly from basic training, some comes after a certain amount of time in service.  All of the USAF ones I can think of are recruited specifically for SF, but they go through different levels in their careers. 

I'll use SERE specialists as an example.

Right after their various courses, most SERE specialists become instructors at Fairchild for a few years.  At the end of their initial instructor period, they can keep going as instructors, go on to additional training, or get PCS'd to another base to serve as one of that base's SERE specialists (to train and brief us regular folk).  Some of the more senior (Staff Sergeants, Tech Sergeants, and Master Sergeants) can get deployed to actually paradrop with Army SF and basically act as a living breathing survival guide for that specific environment.

I don't know how the Army, Navy, or Marines do it though.

[redsniper]

Ohhhh Pararescue, yeah I know about them. They're the guys that the other SF units call when they're in trouble.

[BrotherBryon]

Army Special Forces are recruited from within the ranks of existing units or at least they were 10 years ago. It usually requires a sponsorship from a commanding officer or senior NCO just to be considered. As far as I know there are no ways to go directly from Basic and AIT training into special forces training though I do believe you can go directly to Ranger school after you are airborne qualified. The Rangers themselves are elite combat units but I don't think they are considered Special Forces, though I wouldn't be surprised if a good number of Green Berets got their start in the Rangers. Green Berets are among the most highly trained soldiers in the military, enduring years of specialized training.

[General Battuta]

Where do they go to school to learn to fight Predators in the jungle?

[Scotty]

Ft. Hollywood.

[Nuclear1]

Where do they go to school to learn to fight Predators in the jungle?

Same place where you learn to GET TO THE CHOPPPPPAAAAAAAAAAAAA