You need to factor in 20+ years of deployments and the number of average Joes that go NG after doing their hitch.

You don't need to be an operator to have a combat patch and CIB.

But, having the area secured by regular line troops makes it easier for operators to do their job.

Honestly?

I see slick sleeves, both sides and didn't notice any qualification badges like Airborne, air assault, etc.

My first thought is a bunch of guys just finished Basic and are headed to AIT.

If they're actually doing something covert, why go to all the trouble of making sure there are no distinguishing markings, then March through an international airport?

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that.