One of the biggest issues that seems to trip a lot of folks up is that initially SOF specific equipment cascades down to the GPF.
Tier 1 units have a fairly significant budget as they are National Level of Interest entities - a "No Fail" mission set - so there is always the push for the next edge - be it training, equipment whatever.
The Tier 2/3 units tend to get either hand me downs from the National unit - or once the equipment has been developed or acquired in sufficient number to validate (and get the price down) it is then incorporated if needed into their equipment locker.
Generally then the QRF/RDF/Light/Airborne units from the GPF start getting items that had been SOF specific.
1) While not SOF, those units tend to end up supporting SOF missions - or are involved in SOF supported missions (JFE, NEO etc)
2) Items are often Lighter, more capable, increase survivability, decrease visibility to enemies etc.
At some point after that - a lot of equipment becomes standard issue - as the price is down, it is proven, and it's more practical to adopt as general issue.
Now SOF is a catch all, and there are many different types of SOF, and SOF missions, and require a lot of different support and equipment.
