What makes elite units elite?

Drawing from my own experiences here, I'd say commitment above all else. Realize that these "elite" units are all volunteers. Nobody told these boys they had to go to SFAS, Ranger School, HALO, SERE C, etc. Nobody forced them to sign up for these positions, get the training, and endure cold, fatigue, and starvation to prove their mettle. They all know what they sign up for. They commit to it. That commitment and having the heart and mindset to fulfill that commitment is what sets them apart from rank and file. Rightly so in my mind.

Great question LTC (Join to see). I think that it is a combination of everything. first and foremost, it is the people. The people of the unit make or break it regardless of the external, or internal, influences. Budget, equipment, logistics, etc. are all external influences that are not controlled by the people. Internal influences consist of how the people see themselves and how they carry themselves. I honestly believe that the people make the unit. They make it elite, or they do not.

Yes,

In all seriousness, it is all of those things. What makes them elite is everything they do that is "above" what others do. Elite is by comparison so what may be on nation's elite troops (significantly better, more trained, more specialized than their normal ones) could be less elite than the average Solider/Sailor/Airman/Marine in the US (and often that's true).

Our own elite forces by comparison must be elite to our "normal" forces. So they have more rigorous training, higher standards, more specialization, more equipment, etc.