Tier | Unit Type | Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) | Description |
1 | Delta Force | | Simply known as "The Unit", Delta force was not officially recognized until recently. These Airborne-qualified Tier 1 operators are all highly experienced, with the overwhelming majority coming from the Ranger regiments or Special Forces groups. |
2 | Special Forces | | Also known as the "Green Berets", These are the original "best of the best", only second to Delta Force. They are Airborne-qualified, and most come to SF with the Ranger tab or obtain it shortly thereafter. |
3 | Rangers | | These are considered the first special operations unit. One example is the 1st Ranger Battalion. All Rangers are Airborne-qualified. Members of the Ranger regiments do not automatically gain the yellow and black Ranger tab, they must earn it! |
4 | Airborne Units | | Airborne units are a step up from the regular Army units. All members are Airborne-qualified light infantry. Example shown is the 173rd Airborne Brigade |
5 (Lowest) | Regular Units | | The U.S. Army is mostly comprised of regular units. These soldiers are non-Airborne-qualified. Example shown is the 1st Calvary Division. |