Is Navy SEAL training harder than SAS? No. The definition of something being 'harder' or rather more difficult is vague. Though, in my thoughtful opinion, SAS training is harder, longer, more brutal, more mentally challenging, and has a bigger dropout/disqualification rate as to SEAL training.
Both are Tier 1 special forces in their respective countries, and much of the SEAL training is directly comparable to SAS training. It is estimated that approximately 90% of SEAL training is similar to SAS training.
While Army Green Beret training is extraordinarily demanding, the overall consensus is that Navy SEAL training is the most challenging of any elite ops group in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The SEAL teams are ranked as Tier 2 units by USSOCOM with DEVGRU/ ST6 being the Tier 1 Special Mission Unit. The SAS is considered to be a Tier 1 unit so roughly equivalent in training and capability to DEVGRU. Originally Answered: Who is better trained, a British SAS soldier or a U.S Navy SEAL?
SASR (Australia)
It is widely known that they are highly skilled and highly capable operators with significant combat-experienced gained through their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the recent decade. They made their way up to the #3 position on the Top 10 Special Operations Forces Around the World list.
While it could be argued that SEALs may be better suited to working in a team environment, it is essential to note that both SAS and SEAL selection processes are highly challenging and have high dropout rates, with SAS selection having a 90% dropout rate compared to a 75% dropout rate for SEAL selection.
Both units have the most sophisticated equipment and are highly trained in Close Quarters Combat (CQB), hostage rescue, high value target extraction, and other specialized operations. The difference is the extensive training DEVGRU operators have in specialized maritime operations, given their naval heritage.
The most elite special operations forces in the U.S. are known as the Green Berets, and while that alone is enough to spark debate, there's great reasoning behind it. Training includes harsh mental and physical undertakings, including the school that's widely regarded as the hardest: Combat Diving.
While the Combat Diving program during Green Beret training is widely thought of as the hardest form of military training, these are the most difficult branches of the military in terms of training: United States Navy (Navy Seal training) United States Marines. United States Army (Green Beret training)
The US Navy SEAL teams are elite Special Forces units, and are categorised officially as “Special Forces”. The Australian Navy does not have a capability by the strict term of “special forces”. We do, however, have a branch of extremely well trained Sailors and Officers called Clearance Divers.
SAS Fail Rate
According to numerous reports, the program has a 90% fail rate. Many drop out due to stress, others will have to withdraw due to injury while others are simply are unable to meet the exceptionally high demands that are required for selection.
The Special Air Service (SAS) is famous around the world. Its highly trained men are renowned for their skills in covert surveillance, close-combat fighting and hostage rescue.
The operational capabilities of the SBS and the SAS are broadly similar. However, the SBS (being the principal Royal Navy contribution to UKSF) has the additional training and equipment required to lead in the maritime, amphibious and riverine environments.
The SEALs are part of the US Navy. The SEALs have a simar role to the SAS, except they have more of a focus on water operations. The SAS is also above the SEALs in terms of capability. The US equivalent would be Delta and DevGru("SEAL Team 6).
Most of the operations carried out by the SBS are highly classified; consequently, little is known about the individuals who make up the unit. Most of them are drawn from the Royal Marines Commandos, and all show exceptional physical and mental aptitude. In short, they're the best of the best.
Army Green Berets — "Special Forces"
Army Green Berets are among the most elite groups in the world, and provide a pipeline to higher units, like the Army's "Delta" CAG, and the CIA SAD. They have about as much street-cred as numbered SEALs and Force Recon, depending on who's doing the talking.
As a unit within the British Army, the SAS has a storied history and an unparalleled reputation for effectiveness, adaptability, and a rigorous selection process that ensures it attracts only the finest soldiers.
You must be a member of the Navy to be a SEAL, but Delta Team pools from many branches. Many U.S. Navy SEALs become a part of Delta Force over time.
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 Green Berets are the special forces unit of the U.S. Army while SEALs are a unit of the Navy.
Although the Marines are highly respected and considered one of the most elite fighting forces, the Navy SEALs training is far more rigorous and demanding than that of the Marines.
The SAS is a secret organisation. Its members often do not tell anyone except close family that they are in it. The British Ministry of Defence (MOD) rarely speaks of the SAS and mission details are never released until much later. The badge of the organisation is a winged sword of Damocles.
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. It was here that he perfected many of the survival skills that his fans all over the world enjoy, as he pits himself against the worst of Mother Nature.
The SAS is thought of all over the world as one of the best, if not the best Special Operations organisations. This is mainly because of the intense training they are put through. The hardest part of this is intense interrogation (questioning while under torture) which the trainees must go through.