SEALs called Special Forces?

[cinsity_rec]

While reading The Lone Survivor, I noticed the Author(s) referred to SEALs as Navy "Special Forces" over and over. Normally I would figure that the author just did not know the difference between Special Operations and Special Forces, but one of the authors is a SEAL. Is this normal for SEALs to call themselves Special Forces or is it just unique to this book?

[Kyobanim]

I believe that the use of the search button is in order.

[cinsity_rec]

I did searches before I posted the question.

I understand that in the US Military the term Special Forces is used to ID US Army Special Forces, known to most civilians as Green Berets. PJ's, Rangers, SEALs etc fall under the umbrella of Special Operations Forces...that is my understanding. In the book, written by a SEAL, the SEALs are called Special Forces. The only time I have heard SEALs called Special Forces versus Special Operations or Special Operations Forces was by civilians.

Just seems unusual for SEALs to call themselves Special Forces as it is done in this book written by a SEAL.

[echoes]

Originally Posted by cinsity_rec

I did searches before I posted the question.

I understand that in the US Military the term Special Forces is used to ID US Army Special Forces, known to most civilians as Green Berets.

cin,

If I may offer a tip that has been offered to me...read more of the threads, old and new, on this site. It will at least offer insight into your question...

HTH,

Holly

[Guy]

Originally Posted by cinsity_rec

The only time I have heard SEALs called Special Forces versus Special Operations or Special Operations Forces was by civilians..

Do a search on Patrick Robinson in relations to the book...

Stay safe.

[NousDefionsDoc]

SEALs called Special Forces?

They wish...

[NousDefionsDoc]

Originally Posted by Guy

Do a search on Patrick Robinson in relations to the book...

Stay safe.

He's a Brit isn't he? They call all theirs "special forces". Makes me wonder if Luttrell proofed the book before it was published.

[Team Sergeant]

Originally Posted by cinsity_rec

I understand that in the US Military the term Special Forces is used to ID US Army Special Forces, known to most civilians as Green Berets. PJ's, Rangers, SEALs etc fall under the umbrella of Special Operations Forces...that is my understanding. In the book, written by a SEAL, the SEALs are called Special Forces. The only time I have heard SEALs called Special Forces versus Special Operations or Special Operations Forces was by civilians.

Just seems unusual for SEALs to call themselves Special Forces as it is done in this book written by a SEAL.

You are correct, Special Forces, Rangers and SEALs are considered SOF. There is only one "Special Forces" in the US military.

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

Makes me wonder if Luttrell proofed the book before it was published.

NousDefionsDoc probably has the best guess on the issue.

TS

[Radar Rider]

In more than one instance in the book, Luttrell refers to SEALS as U.S. Special Forces, and/or USSF. Perhaps his ghostwriter was incorrect.

[Guy]

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

He's a Brit isn't he?

I haven't found anything too indicate that he served in US SOF hence; his referral to the SEALs as SF.

Makes me wonder if Luttrell proofed the book before it was published.

I wouldn't expect Luttrell to catch every miss-quote in the book. Re-living it and putting it on paper has got to be a nightmare...

Stay safe.

[82ndtrooper]

Seems fairly common these days with the GWOT and large scale use of all the components/assets under the umbrella of USSOCOM.

I cant imagine a SEAL referring to his unit as "Special Forces" but rather a correct distinction to "Naval Special Warfare/SEALs" assigned to JSOC, and conducting ground operations, and Maritime operations under the control of JSOC, CENTCOM, and USSOCOM.

I do not believe that we can expect every single civillian to understand the true distinctions between U.S Army Special Forces, Rangers, SEALs, Marsoc Det 1, 160th SOAR etc. However, on this board you must understand the correct usage of the terms. We look for perfection on this board, as per Team Sergeants instuctions at the top of this page. (Required reading before posting)

Hollywood has glamorized every single SOF unit in way or the other. To the unknowing, their has never really been anything to differenciate the differences, the capabilities, the mission templates, strengths and weaknesses, etc.

Any SEAL worth his salt will never use the term "Special Forces" to represent his unit and it's capabilites.

[Guy]

If you can't read between the lines...

"Stay out of it!"

Stay safe.

[Atilla]

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to add that this may not be an anomaly in regards to one SEALs understanding of the term Special Forces. One of my best friends here in Austin used to serve in the the "teams" (the way they refer to SEAL service). When I first began looking into the Army and SF specifically I talked to him about it thinking he may have some info. I had already done some research and had learned that SF is a unique term (something I never knew as a Marine) and that SOF is the term applied to those other units within SOCOM. I told him I was thinking about SF, his reply was "which branch?" I looked at him curiously and said "the Army of course (feeling smug at being in the know)" He then said, "what like Rangers or Green Beret?" I said, "Well it is my understanding that there is only one SF and it applies only to the Army Special Forces who do not like being referred to as Green Berets" To which he relied, "eh potatoe, potAtoe, just don't be a Ranger there is nothing special about them." I was surprised that someone that I knew for a fact had been a SEAL neither knew nor cared about the differences in terminology. I only bring this up because I thought it might serve to demonstrate that perhaps other SOF groups care a great deal less about using or understanding the appropriate usage of the term Special Forces and that perhaps the author did make this mistake and did not care to correct it. (I have a sneaking suspicion that my friend and his comrade Frogs do this on purpose and that this feigned ignorance is in actuality a plausibly deniable way to get under the skin of "Green Berets". I say this because even after I tried to educate my very intelligent in every other regard friend, he still refers to other assets including SEALS as Special Forces.)

[Richard]

NDD is correct - with the Brits, the SF term is a catchall term for any of their various SOFs which has its roots in WW2. The attached pic shows the wings worn by the various SOE/OSS units throughout Europe in WW2. You'll find any number of books published in the UK on the world's 'elite' forces and they are all referred to as being Special Forces.

Richard's $.02

[FMF DOC]

In the book it also refers to Burrell as a Medic, If you want to get technical about it he was Corpsman. Like in many books, news coverage or people outside the military tend to mix & match terms not necessarily 100% accurate.