Here's how America's most secret, elite warrior units operate

The familiar command "Rangers lead the way" is exemplary of what Army Rangers do best. This company goes into special-operations missions first, clearing the way for other service forces behind them. Can be deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014

The most clandestine of the special-operations units, Delta Force, aka The Unit, specializes in high-risk air, land, and sea missions. Each member of Delta Force is capable of carrying out solo missions, and they are considered the best in close-quarter combat.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014

Operatives conduct aerial surveillance, deliver troops to combat zones, resupply units behind enemy lines, and jam enemy TV and radio broadcasts during reconnaissance missions.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014

The only military group tasked with recovering the nation's lost warriors, pararescuers are a small unit within AFSOC are trained to extract wounded troops in the most adverse conditions.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014

Dedicated to transporting and recovering SEALs, MARSOC, and Green Berets with precision and stealth. Known for their expertise in covert nighttime missions.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014

SEALs are the maritime equivalent of the Army's Green Berets and are experts in hand-to-hand combat, high-altitude parachuting, demolitions, and capture of wanted people. They make up the top 1% of the US Navy.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014

This small team of operators drive well-armed and very fast boats in support of special-operations missions, including stealthy insertion and extraction of SEALs, clandestine reconnaissance, and combat gunfire support.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014

The youngest of the special-operations units, MARSOC specializes in the precision application of firepower, infiltration, counterterrorism, and information operations. It also excels in nonthreatening dialogue with locals to gather information.

Source: Special Newsweek Issue: Special Ops, 2014