A little history lesson and correct me if a few things have changed, ManSnow. By the way, hoooah to you in Iraq.
I think the reason why people get mixed up with the term "special ops" is because some units go on Special Missions/Operations that are confidential. Hence, the loose-termed word "Special Ops." A special operation, not the actual Special Forces group.
The term for units that report directly to SOCOM (special ops command) and work with training groups in other countries who "used" to wear the green berets and can speark one or two languages are actually Special Forces. However, there are many 82nd Airborne people attached to these units and even go with them to support them overseas with food, supplies,logistics, MPs, etc. And, they can jump into areas with them. Are they in dangerous areas? Sometimes, because they are attached to them and stay in camp with them -- totally different than with the 82nd where the A2 shops and admin were in tents but not too far from the action. Have some of them been fired upon? Hell yes! Remember, sometimes back at base camp it's very dangerous because the S4, S2 and logistics are all camped there making executive decisions -- we're sitting ducks.
Now, once you've made the rank of E6 -- or in training for it (if it's still the same) and you earn your Master Jump Wings and can complete all the mental and physical testing, you might be able to join this industrious team of Special Forces, but it's harder than you think. They don't just take anyone, and usually your First Sergeant and Captain of his company also has to release him from his unit. These brave men who pass rigorous physical training, mental exams and tests -- and have learned another language, maybe two -- are eligible to continue their ops training in the elite Special Forces. It's quite an honor to be chosen (as it is in any special ops unit in any of the armed forces). When I was in the 82nd, there were only about 120 ladies training with me at Fort Benning. Fifty four of those did not make it. It helps to be a long-distance runner and have strong arms and self-determination.
It can be confusing to civilians or even regular army who are not stationed at Fort Bragg. Some of us, at one time, were attached to the special ops building that focuses on supporting the Special Forces group (as said above: SOCOM). DISCOM (division support command) focused on the 82nd Airborne Division. Another one, and Damn it I can't remember the name now, focused on regular army at that base but encompassed all the units at Fort Bragg.
So, when you casually hear the word "special ops," it could just mean someone is on a classified mission that some lazingly refer to as special ops. See how easy it could get distorted to civilians or even regular army.
I believe Special Forces still have three groups but not sure. When I was at Fort Bragg, it was Third Group and Seventh Group. They learned the languages that was needed for the countries they would be training in and often times have very dangerous assignments. Anyway, everyone at Fort Bragg know them as Special Ops. Several people nickname certain special units in the military as special ops. Of course, SnowMan and I would know that none of them are actually Special Forces. Those were the green berets, who now wear the maroon beret which was only worn by the 82nd until a few years ago. Now, even regular army wear them to be cohesive, but it pissed a lot of us off. Some of us really earned those darn maroon and green berets. I hate that part.
Anyway, I was with the 82nd, yet attached to special forces for awhile in Saudi, and the 82nd is considered a special and elite branch of the military, too. We were party animals. They don't call us the Devils in Baggy Pants for nothing.
Hugs,
Ciara