Special Forces

Special Forces (Green Berets) are a strategic multi-purpose force capable of a rapid response to various contingencies around the world. These highly skilled soldiers are trained in various missions and environments. You will be challenged in your new assignments. The United States Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) Special Forces Groups are the world's most highly trained, unconventional warfare units. You will become an integral part of the world of "quiet professionals." Working around the world in unique environments is a tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth. Becoming a part of the Army Special Forces requires an enlistment in the United States Army. Below you will find the required prerequisites, benefits and steps in training and the duration: (All steps in training path must be completed to proceed to the next step)

PREREQUISITES

- Must be 18 years of age by graduation of Basic Combat Training and Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT)
- Have not reached you 30th birthday prior to departure to Basic Combat Training
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be eligible for a SECRET security clearance
- Must take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) test. (no minimum score)
- High School Diploma Graduate. (High school seniors must have high school diploma prior to ship date).
- Must successfully complete the Pre-Basic Training Task List while a member of the Delayed Enlistment Program prior to ship date. Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), must score a minimum of 60 points in each event, portion of task list must be completed within 10 days prior to departure date. Applicants approved for this enlistment option will receive an accelerated promotion to pay grade E-3 at the time of enlistment.

Benefits


- 30 days vacation annually
- 100% tuition assistance ($4500 annual cap)
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
- Free medical (to include prescriptions)
- Free dental
- Airborne Parachute Status Pay
- Language Proficiency Pay

Training path at Fort Benning, Georgia

1) In-processing through Reception Battalion. (7-10 days)
2) Attend Infantry School (18 weeks) - Must achieve a minimum Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) score of 229 upon completion of training.
3) Airborne School (3 weeks)
Training path at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
4) Special Operations Preparatory and Conditioning (2 weeks) - This course is two weeks in duration, consisting of physical conditioning, land navigation, and small unit tactics training. Individuals will be required to meet Special Forces (SF) selection and eligibility criteria.
5) Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course ( 3 weeks)
6) Army Common Leader Training (2 to 3 weeks)
7) Small Unit Tactics (7 weeks)
8) Special Forces Qualification Course
Phase I SFQC (7 weeks)
Phase II - training in specific specialty (12-56 weeks)
9) SERE school ( Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) ( 3 weeks)
10) Basic Military Language Course (16-24 weeks) Language will be dictated based on the needs of the Special Operations Command at the time of your attendance.
11) Primary Leadership Development Course (3 weeks)
12) Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course (2 weeks)

* Total training time 1-2 1/2 years (Course lengths and order of training will vary)

During Special Forces Training, you will train for one of the following specialties:

- Special Forces Weapons Sergeant specializes in the employment and use of domestic and foreign individual small arms, light and heavy crew-served, anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons.
- Special Forces Engineer performs and teaches tasks in demolitions, explosives, improvised munitions, U.S. and foreign landmines, mine/countermine operations, construction, field fortification, bridging, rigging, electrical wiring, reconnaissance, target analysis and civil action projects.