The Australian Army's elite units fall under the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD), primarily the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) (long-range reconnaissance, direct action) and the 2nd Commando Regiment (direct action, counter-terrorism), supported by specialized units like the Special Operations Engineer Regiment (SOER) and air/logistics squadrons, all focused on complex national security threats.
Australia's most elite military unit is widely considered to be the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), often referred to as Australia's Tier 1 Special Forces, alongside the 2nd Commando Regiment, both operating under the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD). The SASR specializes in long-range reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-terrorism, while the 2nd Commando Regiment focuses on strike and recovery operations, with both units handling the most demanding missions.
Neither SAS nor SBS is definitively "more elite"; they are equally elite but specialized, with the SAS focusing on land/air and the SBS on maritime/amphibious roles, both part of the UK's UK Special Forces (UKSF) and sharing the same rigorous Joint Special Forces Selection process, with SBS adding extra maritime training like swimmer-canoeist skills. Think of them as the Army's and Navy's top-tier counterparts within the same elite special forces framework.
Known for its expertise in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and reconnaissance, the SAS has a long history of successful operations. 3. Delta Force (1st SFOD-D): Delta Force is the United States Army's elite counter-terrorism unit, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta.
It is jointly operated by Australia and the United States, and since 1988 it has been officially called the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap (JDFPG); previously, it was known as Joint Defence Space Research Facility.
The CIA listening station at Pine Gap was officially called the Joint Defence Space Research Facility, but it had nothing to do with research and was joint in name only: Australians were hired as cooks and janitors but the first spies were all American.
Yes, you can visit Puckapunyal, primarily to see the Army Tank Museum, but it's an active military base, so strict security applies: you need valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) for security checks, must declare your purpose (visiting the museum), and access isn't guaranteed, requiring checks before entry. Public transport is difficult; driving is best, and it's crucial to check the Army Museum's website for current opening hours before you go.
Specialized Training Includes:
Combat diving. Language and cultural immersion. SERE School (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Tactical driving and explosives.
Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces (Green Berets) are elite U.S. armed forces units. There is some overlap in the kinds of missions they carry out but there are important differences between the two.
The idea is that when your mind tells you you're done and can't go any further, you are only at about 40% of your actual capacity. Push for that extra 60% when your mind is telling you to quit, that you're “at your limit.” Because you're most likely not.
BEAR GRYLLS OBE, has become known worldwide as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Grylls went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, as part of 21 SAS Regiment.
We enlisted 15 of the best of the best Special Forces around the world.
Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), Australian special forces unit that exists within Australia's Special Operations Command. The unit was formed in July 1957 as the 1st Special Air Service Company, Royal Australian Infantry, and it was modeled on the British Special Air Service.
The United States is consistently ranked as having the #1 most powerful military in the world for 2025 by organizations like Global Firepower and Business Insider. This ranking stems from its massive defense budget, advanced technology, global power projection, and dominance in air, sea, and cyber warfare, though China has the largest number of active personnel.
Here's what Army soldiers can expect from a career as a member of one of these special forces units.
What You Need to Know: The U.S. Army's Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) was born from the failed 1980 Iran hostage rescue mission, Operation Eagle Claw. Recognizing a lack of actionable intelligence, the Army formed an elite, covert unit to gather human and signals intelligence for special operations.
A special mission unit (SMU), at one time referred to as a "tier 1" unit, is a designation for the United States military's most highly secretive and elite special operations forces. The term special missions unit is also used in Australia to describe the Special Air Service Regiment.
Green Berets endure years of training to become fully operational. Most Rangers are trained in several months. However, that is not to imply that Ranger training is a cake walk. It is not, but it is shorter in duration.
United States Army Delta Force
Those units are also considered some of the best special forces in the world. Delta Force specializes in hostage rescue, direct action, and high-value target missions. They are known for their surgical precision and ability to operate in highly complex and dangerous environments.
The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment ("Blackhorse Regiment") is a unit of the United States Army garrisoned at the Fort Irwin National Training Center in California. The regiment has served in the Philippine–American War, the Pancho Villa Expedition, World War II, the Vietnam War, Gulf War and Iraq War.
The Marine Corps is often involved in the initial assault of conflicts which can lead to potentially more dangerous confrontations, while the Army also serves on the front lines and has a high number of combat MOS (military occupational specialty) roles.
The biggest Australian Army base is Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland, serving as the home for the 3rd Brigade and a major hub for operations, training, and housing thousands of troops and support units, making it the largest in terms of personnel and activity. While other bases like RAAF Amberley are larger for Air Force and training areas are vast, Lavarack is recognized as the largest for the Army.
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
The Army is generally considered the most flexible with moral waivers, particularly during times of increased recruitment demand. That said, the waiver process is still thorough. The Navy has a reputation for strict adherence to standards but will still consider waivers on a case-by-case basis.