Navy SEALs vs Green Berets: Differences, Similarities

Both Navy SEALs and Green Berets are special covert groups they differ in function, but to a large extent are trained in almost the same skills. The Navy SEALs generally do not interfere in matters of politics and international coalition on foreign soil, while the Green Berets have a greater part to play in those matters.

Green Berets

The Green Berets also known as ‘United States Army Special Forces’ were formally established in 1952, by Brigadier General Robert McClure with the purpose of carrying out sensitive operations for the United States.

Joining the Green Beret’s is no easy task, only trained soldiers are permitted. The process is long and tedious and designed to discourage the weak willed.

Instruction and Preparation: a thirty day course to instruct and brief the soldiers for the physical and mental pressure they will undoubtedly undergo.
The Sifting: a daylong event dedicated to determining that only the finest will be able to proceed further for the Special Forces training.
Instructions: on language, cultures, customs and traditions of numerous countries where they are likely to be posted.
SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape): Prisoner of War training, which includes resistance to torture.

Furthermore, the Green Berets undergo training for physical endurance, ground combat and navigation and like the Navy SEALs in weapons, diving and parachuting.

Navy SEALs

The Navy SEALs, although dating back to the time of the invasion of Japan by America, only became an official body in the early 1960’s.

A Navy SEAL is trained to handle missions on the sea, in the air or over land. Operations include underwater demolitions, over land missions, infiltration, rescue, reconnaissance, unconventional warfare and anti-terrorist activities.

Selection

Rigorous training is required to become a Navy SEAL. A seven month long course covering, general instruction, conditioning, underwater demolition and on-land combat as well. Known to be one of the most physically grueling and mentally challenging trainings known to man, it’s no surprise that very few who start it, actually mange to finish.

During the training the candidate undergoes the following:

Indoctrination: to mentally and physically prepare them for the training ahead.Basic Conditioning: Aimed at conditioning the body and testing the limits of physical endurance.
SCUBA training: two and a half months of water based training in sabotage, underwater demolition, infiltration etc.
Land-warfare training: roughly three months of on the ground training in weapons combat, hand-to-hand combat and other land warfare.

Similarities

Both Green Berets and Navy SEALs have to undergo very concentrated and demanding training programs to qualify. The physical aspects of both training programs are very similar.The U.S. Navy SEALs and the Green Berets are both Special Forces trained to perform various combat tactics and reconnaissance; the Green Berets officially hold the title of Special Forces.

Differences

Unlike Navy SEALs, Green Berets are also trained in languages, diplomacy, politics, culture, disinformation and psychological warfare.While Navy SEALs assist in providing security, The Green Berets also work with foreign governments in areas of operation to advice on Political administration and Economical situations.Most Green Berets are highly educated before entering the program itself; some with even a postgraduate degree.

While both Navy SEALs and Green Berets are trained to perform special reconnaissance, fighting terrorism, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, information operations, counter-proliferation and combat search and rescue (CSAR); functions like coalition support, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and counter Drug operations are usually handled by the Green Berets.

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