US Special Forces vs. SAS & SBS

OK, just to stir the pot a bit, and setting aside national biases, what are the opinions of members of the forum on the special forces of the US and UK? If you were trapped behind enemy lines who would you want coming to get you, the SAS or the Rangers/Seals/Green Berets/or any other US organization?
From my own readings,it would appear that if the US forces have a weakness it is too much reliance on technology (blame Tom Clancy) while the strength of the SAS/SBS appears to be in the training of the men (no women yet) to react to situations on their own. Gross oversimplifications I know.
Everyone should read "Delta Force" by Col.Charlie Beckwith, a Green Beret who was attached to the SAS.

[PeterL]

Terry McC: "....setting aside national biases..."


You've got two hopes; Bob Hope and no hope. I'm just glad they're all on our side.

[leo]

The UK has a great tradition of training and developing "special forces". The United States , with the exception of our Marine Corps, is a little late on the scene.
I don't think the technology available to US Forces would put them to any disadvantage and might even give them a slight edge.

[stephen]

I have a one of the SAS survival publications and browse it occasionally for kicks. It's really amazing. And to think that these guys practice this stuff all the time.

I have absolute confidence in any of the above mentioned organizations, and would only prefer an American unit because the national affiliation might make them try a bit harder to help a comrade.

Otherwise, SAS is top shelf stuff and I would trust them equally with my life or well being.

[Barrett]

If I couldn't name my specific friends, I would want French SFs to come get me: in the Mideast, Balkans, wherever, journalists cozy up to La Legion, etc., because the local ruffians quickly learned that you do NOT rub those lads the wrong way. They don't worry about "international image."
Overall impression of the others: Brits ahead of the US. What I've learned about SAS training vs. Ranger training, ferinstance, is no contest. Delta may be a different story; just dunno.
Puh-leeze do NOT send any ATF or FBI swattists to "rescue" me. I'll arrange my own getaway in that case...

[Ginger.]

"Setting aside national biases"
The SAS consider Yank Special Forces a bit of a joke,on account of stiffing them on every exercise and joint training mission that has ever taken place.
Having said that if I was up s!*t creek and the 7th Cavalry came over the horizon I would happily break into a chorus of Yankee Doodle.
To quote Michael Caine in Zulu.
"You asked me,and I've told you."

I'd have to go with the SAS over the Rangers, Green Berets, SEALs, and Marine Recon. Delta trumps SAS though.

[Billy_Bishop]

If I was in a tight spot and needed to be rescued, I'd want my mommy.

[Brad]

I'd have to go with the SAS over the Rangers, Green Berets, SEALs, and Marine Recon. Delta trumps SAS though. *

I disagree. I'd take Marine Recon first, SAS second, then the rest of them.

Brad

[gregoire]

In my opinion it will be difficult to compare and try to rank the special of the western nation as they all train together all have acces to similar equipment and so on. a few year ago when the GIGN (french counter terrorism hostage rescue team) was created they were practissing with the SAS on the SAS range well last year the SAS have been training in the GIGN hostage house (there were some work on there tarining ground)
about french special force it must be said that Legion is not special force but a part of the regular army having ingeenering, infantry (including a single paratroop) and even light tank battailon. oh they also have their own aviation (the legion in guyana is protecting the Kourou space center and are doing patrol using ultra light airplane fitter with a light MG)
French special force are made of
Army 1st Regiment parachutiste d'infantrie de marine aka french SAS (they have been created in ww2 as the free french sas squadron)
Navy Group Fumaco (5 comando unit ~ SEAL for the mission)
Air force CPA 10 (small unit 150 men) specilised in air force taking
there are also a heliocper squadron and some transal and C130 crew
some other unit (pathfinder of the para brigade, reccon of the mountain troop GIGN ...) can be added

My main problem with the SAS is that they are doing both hostage rescue, deep recon and standard special force mission that will require a lot of different training and I think specialised unit would be more effective in their main task