Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I was wondering out of the Delta Force and the Navy SEALS who has the the harder training and of the two who is considered to be better. Any help is appreciated and thank you.

ANSWER: Michael,

Wow, what a tough question.  My vote would probably be with the SEALS although both are pretty tough.  Delta Force members come primarily from the Army Special Forces and the Rangers.  Because of their unique mission they don't receive the publicity that the SEALS do.  The majority of the operations assigned to Delta are highly classified and may never be known to the public.  Because SEALS missions are employed in direct action and special reconnaissance operations they're a little more visible to the general public.

If you're looking for the toughest guys in the military don't just limit yourself to Delta or SEALS.  In my humble opinion that award goes to the Navy Special Warfare Combatant Crewmember (SWCC) commonly called "Boat Guys."

They operate in direct support of Navy SEAL missions as boat drivers, medic assistants, navigators, communications links, and provide direct suppression fire from the arsenal of weapons on their vessels.  They usually are jump qualified and wear the Master Parachutist's Badge also.  These are unassuming men with rock-hard physiques.  Hitting them in the chest with your fist is like hitting a brick wall.  But it's not all physical, they also have to score high on the ASVAB.  You have to think fast and accurately because lives depend on you when you're a "Boat Guy."

Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So, you are saying then that the Delta Force is harder to judge than the SEALS because with Delta there is less to judge off of where as with the SEALS you have something to go off of?

Answer
Michael,
No, not exactly.  When you're dealing with that kind of quality and excellence it's like trying to decide between 99.9% and 99.99%.  There just is no bad.  I know more about Delta than I can say, and more than the general public knows.  So my opinion is based on solid facts.  Still it's my opinion.  I'm sure I'll get hundreds of letters from angry ex-Delta guys.  Personally, if I had to be rescued I don't care who rescues me.  But after having deployed with both, I'd still rather work with the SEALs.
Colonel H