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What do I need to do in order to join special forces?
What do I need to do in order to join the United States special forces, what education system do I need what do I need to prepare for and what should I avoid or look out for.
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Aisha’s Answer
Hello Ezekiel,
Your desire to serve your nation is truly commendable.
SPECIAL FORCES CRITERIA
The qualifications for joining the Special Forces vary based on your current military status.
FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT YET IN THE ARMY:
You must be a U.S. citizen, aged between 20-32, and adhere to the Army's height and weight standards. An ASVAB TECH score of 110 or higher is required. You can join as an active duty soldier or as a member of the Army National Guard. You need to qualify for Airborne School and be eligible for a secret security clearance.
FOR SOLDIERS WISHING TO SWITCH TO SPECIAL FORCES:
The age requirement is 20-36 years. You should hold a rank of at least E-3, and be a private first class, specialist, sergeant, or staff sergeant. You should have served no more than 12-14 years before training and have at least 36 months of service left after graduation. If you're in the E-7 grade, you should not have been in it for more than nine months when applying. You must qualify for either Airborne School or Ranger School. You'll need to switch from your current MOS or branch to Special Forces and be eligible for a secret security clearance.
Your desire to serve your nation is truly commendable.
SPECIAL FORCES CRITERIA
The qualifications for joining the Special Forces vary based on your current military status.
FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT YET IN THE ARMY:
You must be a U.S. citizen, aged between 20-32, and adhere to the Army's height and weight standards. An ASVAB TECH score of 110 or higher is required. You can join as an active duty soldier or as a member of the Army National Guard. You need to qualify for Airborne School and be eligible for a secret security clearance.
FOR SOLDIERS WISHING TO SWITCH TO SPECIAL FORCES:
The age requirement is 20-36 years. You should hold a rank of at least E-3, and be a private first class, specialist, sergeant, or staff sergeant. You should have served no more than 12-14 years before training and have at least 36 months of service left after graduation. If you're in the E-7 grade, you should not have been in it for more than nine months when applying. You must qualify for either Airborne School or Ranger School. You'll need to switch from your current MOS or branch to Special Forces and be eligible for a secret security clearance.
Thanks for the help.
Ezekiel
Aisha is spot on with her reply if done by the book. I found it best to start off with a Infantry Mos E.G. 11x or have a Special skill like being a Medic.
Joseph Smith
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi, Ezekial,
To give some context, I served as an Infantry Rifle and Mortar Platoon Leader in the Army for four years. I can't speak to what it's like to be in the Special Forces specifically, but can give some thoughts on military service in general and different paths to the special forces.
Military service is filled with intense highs and lows, prolonged periods of profound boredom followed by short bursts of paralyzing excitement. It is also absolutely a lifestyle. It dominates every facet of your life. I am both extremely proud of my time in the Army and hugely relieved that I am no longer serving. I think that might be the best way to think about military service - juxtaposition of opposing feelings. The Army had a huge influence on the person I am today and has absolutely fueled my professional success since I got out in 2017. But I definitely carry some baggage from that part of my life.
If the military is something you're interested in, the best thing I can recommend is to think very carefully about why you want to join. Military service is drastically different from how it's portrayed in film and the media - there is probably nothing further from reality than how each branch of service advertises itself. The simple fact of the matter is that being in the military isn't a video game - in one way or another, there is pain in serving.
As far as the special forces go, direct paths to those elite units are rare. Typically, you would have to serve in a conventional military occupational specialty (MOS) for a few years before you would even be given the opportunity to take the medical assessment (which is generally more stringent than service in the conventional Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Army) for the special forces. You'd then go on to the selection course for that branch's special forces unit(s). To say it's difficult is the understatement of the century - if that's the path you want to go for, you need to clearly understand your motivation for pursuing it.
Think carefully, talk about the decision with your family and friends, and try to find veterans/active service members to talk to. I added a link to the Army's career website that gives some background on requirements to join the special forces. I'll also recommend a couple of books that you could check out that I think give a more realistic depiction of service (sorry, they're both focused on life as an infantryman in the Army - my perspective is biased by my own experience).
Good luck - feel free to add a comment on this response if you have any other questions.
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/special-ops/special-forces.html
"War" by Sebastian Junger (https://bookshop.org/books/war-9780446556248/9780446556224)
"The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell" by John Crawford (https://bookshop.org/books/the-last-true-story-i-ll-ever-tell-an-accidental-soldier-s-account-of-the-war-in-iraq/9781594482014)
To give some context, I served as an Infantry Rifle and Mortar Platoon Leader in the Army for four years. I can't speak to what it's like to be in the Special Forces specifically, but can give some thoughts on military service in general and different paths to the special forces.
Military service is filled with intense highs and lows, prolonged periods of profound boredom followed by short bursts of paralyzing excitement. It is also absolutely a lifestyle. It dominates every facet of your life. I am both extremely proud of my time in the Army and hugely relieved that I am no longer serving. I think that might be the best way to think about military service - juxtaposition of opposing feelings. The Army had a huge influence on the person I am today and has absolutely fueled my professional success since I got out in 2017. But I definitely carry some baggage from that part of my life.
If the military is something you're interested in, the best thing I can recommend is to think very carefully about why you want to join. Military service is drastically different from how it's portrayed in film and the media - there is probably nothing further from reality than how each branch of service advertises itself. The simple fact of the matter is that being in the military isn't a video game - in one way or another, there is pain in serving.
As far as the special forces go, direct paths to those elite units are rare. Typically, you would have to serve in a conventional military occupational specialty (MOS) for a few years before you would even be given the opportunity to take the medical assessment (which is generally more stringent than service in the conventional Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Army) for the special forces. You'd then go on to the selection course for that branch's special forces unit(s). To say it's difficult is the understatement of the century - if that's the path you want to go for, you need to clearly understand your motivation for pursuing it.
Think carefully, talk about the decision with your family and friends, and try to find veterans/active service members to talk to. I added a link to the Army's career website that gives some background on requirements to join the special forces. I'll also recommend a couple of books that you could check out that I think give a more realistic depiction of service (sorry, they're both focused on life as an infantryman in the Army - my perspective is biased by my own experience).
Good luck - feel free to add a comment on this response if you have any other questions.
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Ezekiel
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Choosing to serve in the military is indeed a noble pursuit. Aspiring to be a Special Forces soldier takes this nobility a step further.
At the very least, you should possess a high school diploma, though a GED is also acceptable. It's a good idea to consult with a military recruiter to understand the most recent qualification standards.
In terms of preparation, you don't necessarily need to be the fittest individual, but maintaining a decent physical condition is crucial. Cultivate a resilient mindset, as the selection and qualification process will put you to the test. While you don't have to be the strongest or quickest, make sure you're not lagging behind during any stage of the selection process. Be ready for extensive "rucking" and carrying weight. Embrace teamwork, and be prepared to go above and beyond to complete your tasks.
Master the art of map reading and navigating using a map, military protractor, and compass over vast distances. Be ready to lead when required and follow when necessary. Avoid being a "spotlight Ranger", only performing when observed by the cadre. Stay true to yourself throughout the selection process and always be prepared to go the extra mile when asked.
Remember, this advice is specific to Army Special Forces. If you're considering a different military branch, it's wise to research the specific criteria, mission sets, and skills required by their special operations forces, as each branch has its own unique requirements.
At the very least, you should possess a high school diploma, though a GED is also acceptable. It's a good idea to consult with a military recruiter to understand the most recent qualification standards.
In terms of preparation, you don't necessarily need to be the fittest individual, but maintaining a decent physical condition is crucial. Cultivate a resilient mindset, as the selection and qualification process will put you to the test. While you don't have to be the strongest or quickest, make sure you're not lagging behind during any stage of the selection process. Be ready for extensive "rucking" and carrying weight. Embrace teamwork, and be prepared to go above and beyond to complete your tasks.
Master the art of map reading and navigating using a map, military protractor, and compass over vast distances. Be ready to lead when required and follow when necessary. Avoid being a "spotlight Ranger", only performing when observed by the cadre. Stay true to yourself throughout the selection process and always be prepared to go the extra mile when asked.
Remember, this advice is specific to Army Special Forces. If you're considering a different military branch, it's wise to research the specific criteria, mission sets, and skills required by their special operations forces, as each branch has its own unique requirements.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ezekiel
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
Your desire to serve your fellow man is comendable.
Each branch has it's own special forces components. We all hear about Navy SEALS, Green Berets and Rangers. Each component performs different missions.
The Air Force Special Forces consist of pilots and crew who fly specialized aircraft. There are also the Air Force Para Rescue teams, combat controllers and the Tactical Air Control Party. Here is their website: https://www.airforce.com/careers/special-warfare-and-combat-support/special-warfare
The Marines have their MARSOC group. https://www.airforce.com/careers/special-warfare-and-combat-support/special-warfare
One of the biggest tips is that the qualification for these teams is intense. It stresses your mind and body. Teamwork is a big component of the qualification process too. Your ability to work with others will be put on full display. Once you qualify, you will move on to the training phase. Training can take a long time. You don't go right from qualification to a front line unit.
Each branch has it's own special forces components. We all hear about Navy SEALS, Green Berets and Rangers. Each component performs different missions.
The Air Force Special Forces consist of pilots and crew who fly specialized aircraft. There are also the Air Force Para Rescue teams, combat controllers and the Tactical Air Control Party. Here is their website: https://www.airforce.com/careers/special-warfare-and-combat-support/special-warfare
The Marines have their MARSOC group. https://www.airforce.com/careers/special-warfare-and-combat-support/special-warfare
One of the biggest tips is that the qualification for these teams is intense. It stresses your mind and body. Teamwork is a big component of the qualification process too. Your ability to work with others will be put on full display. Once you qualify, you will move on to the training phase. Training can take a long time. You don't go right from qualification to a front line unit.
Updated
James’s Answer
I commend your eagerness to serve and contribute. We certainly need more individuals like you who are ready to make such a commitment. If your interest lies in joining the special forces, your choice will depend on the specific military branch you wish to be part of. Each military branch has its unique special forces units.
For some branches, such as the Navy, you have the option to sign a contract that allows you to try out for their special forces. For example, those aspiring to become Navy Seals can sign a contract that lets them try out after completing boot camp. However, it's important to note that signing this contract doesn't necessarily guarantee your acceptance. You still need to successfully pass the assessment and selection process.
On the other hand, some branches like the Marine Corps require you to serve for a specific period before you can apply to try out for their special forces. Once you make this request, you'll be detached from your current unit to attend a course that will assess your suitability. If you meet all the requirements, you'll be accepted into the special forces. If you don't pass the course, you'll return to your original unit and continue with your regular duties.
For some branches, such as the Navy, you have the option to sign a contract that allows you to try out for their special forces. For example, those aspiring to become Navy Seals can sign a contract that lets them try out after completing boot camp. However, it's important to note that signing this contract doesn't necessarily guarantee your acceptance. You still need to successfully pass the assessment and selection process.
On the other hand, some branches like the Marine Corps require you to serve for a specific period before you can apply to try out for their special forces. Once you make this request, you'll be detached from your current unit to attend a course that will assess your suitability. If you meet all the requirements, you'll be accepted into the special forces. If you don't pass the course, you'll return to your original unit and continue with your regular duties.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Ezekiel