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Paul
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
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What does it take to join the Special Forces?
What does it take to join the Special Forces and what is it like?
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8 answers
Jacob Schwarber, CPA
Finance Lead
130
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi, Paul,
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, I agree with Richard - 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'll 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.
"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, I agree with Richard - 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'll 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 Mr. Schwarber for your service and for taking the time to answer my question.
Paul
James Hanzel
Corrections and Security
236
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
James’s Answer
This will depend on the branch and the special force you are interested in joining. If you aspire to become a Navy Seal, you can sign a contract to actually attend the training to become a Seal. There is no guarantee you will make it, but your contract enables you to try. If you aspire to be Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC), you have to be active duty in another job first. You cannot sign a contract outright to attend the training to become MARSOC.
I unfortunately cannot speak on what it is like to be special forces.
I unfortunately cannot speak on what it is like to be special forces.
Husseina Abba
Contract Specialist
15
Answers
Cibolo, Texas
Updated
Husseina’s Answer
Hello Paul,
Depending on the branches, the US Army requirement should be 20-36 years old. Minimum rank of E-3, and within the rank of private first class, specialist, sergeant, or staff sergeant. No more than 12-14 years in service prior to training, and minimum of 36 months remaining in service after graduation. No more than nine months in E-7 grade when applying.
The requirements may be a slightly different or similar to other branches. Recruiters from various branches are in a better position to give the exact or an update’s information on the requirement.
Depending on the branches, the US Army requirement should be 20-36 years old. Minimum rank of E-3, and within the rank of private first class, specialist, sergeant, or staff sergeant. No more than 12-14 years in service prior to training, and minimum of 36 months remaining in service after graduation. No more than nine months in E-7 grade when applying.
The requirements may be a slightly different or similar to other branches. Recruiters from various branches are in a better position to give the exact or an update’s information on the requirement.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Paul
Rich Burr
Director of Engineering Organization
21
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Rich’s Answer
All the services have their own Special Forces, I.e. Army Rangers, Navy Seals, etc. and each have their own specific requirements and tasks. But in general, you have to be extremely tough mentally and in great physical shape. Training is intended to push people beyond their limits, because in combat you have to know the person next to you will not give up when in a difficult situation. While there are some opportunities to go direct to a Special Force path, many start out in other specialties, such as infantry or diver, and then transfer in. Life in SF is tough, with extended deployments at a moments notice to hostile areas without much support. There is a reason they are considered the best of the best, they work at it constantly.
Thank you so much!
Paul
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Paul,
I admire your interest in serving in the military. I cannot advise on what it is like in special forces as, although I served proudly for six years in the Air Force, I was not in special forces. However, in wanting to assist your pursuit, I located this website with overview of the major services:
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-basics/new-to-the-military/joining-the-military-elite-forces/ and this one from the Army:
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/special-ops/special-forces.html All the best to you in your pursuits.
I admire your interest in serving in the military. I cannot advise on what it is like in special forces as, although I served proudly for six years in the Air Force, I was not in special forces. However, in wanting to assist your pursuit, I located this website with overview of the major services:
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-basics/new-to-the-military/joining-the-military-elite-forces/ and this one from the Army:
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/special-ops/special-forces.html All the best to you in your pursuits.
Thank you Mr. Kirk for your service and your answer!
Paul
Peter Glaeser
Senior Consultant / Veteran Green Beret
4
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Peter’s Answer
I believe the age requirement is 21 years old. However if you're trying to get in earlier, join the Army and try to become a Ranger. You can either join the infantry and apply to Ranger Regiment. Or come in on a Ranger contract. Do a couple years there, get your Ranger Tab, and then apply for Special Forces.
They will screen you for integrity and being a great team player. Army Special Operations is ALL about teamwork and the ability to mentally push through sheer physical and mental challenges.
I did it for 10 years and if I can do it, anyone can.
They will screen you for integrity and being a great team player. Army Special Operations is ALL about teamwork and the ability to mentally push through sheer physical and mental challenges.
I did it for 10 years and if I can do it, anyone can.
Jonny Booth
United States Marine
32
Answers
Davenport, Iowa
Updated
Jonny’s Answer
The text you want enhanced and made actionable is as follows:
Each military branch has its own unique special forces program, so it's important to consider which one you're interested in. To join their elite force, you'll need to meet specific standards. Start by talking to a recruiter who can provide information on the requirements for qualifying. Next, find a workout program to help you succeed in basic training. Once you've completed that, shift your focus to preparing for special forces training.
Each military branch has its own unique special forces program, so it's important to consider which one you're interested in. To join their elite force, you'll need to meet specific standards. Start by talking to a recruiter who can provide information on the requirements for qualifying. Next, find a workout program to help you succeed in basic training. Once you've completed that, shift your focus to preparing for special forces training.
Derek Rosa, MBA, PMP
Program/Project Manager
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Derek’s Answer
Hello Paul,
As others have written, it all depends on which Special Forces branch you'd like to join. For the Army, you can go the traditional route and enlist as an Infantryman w/ Airborne in your contract. Once you get through training and report to you permanent duty station, you can apply for Ranger School to become Ranger-qualified. You are only considered an Army Ranger if you are in a Ranger Battalion. The Ranger tab only indicates that you're Ranger-qualified. The 75th Ranger Regiment is considered Special Forces as they fall under SOCOM. To obtain the Special Forces tab, you have to apply to go to the Special Forces qualification course (Q-course) and, if you pass, you go onto specialized training in a SF Group. You can be in any job to apply to attend the Q-course. That specialized training after the Q-course is in weapons, medicine, communications, intelligence, etc. So you really don't need to be an infantryman or Ranger to attend and pass. You don't need to be the fastest or strongest Soldier to go Ranger or SF, you just need to have problem-solving skills, be a team player, and never quit.
As others have written, it all depends on which Special Forces branch you'd like to join. For the Army, you can go the traditional route and enlist as an Infantryman w/ Airborne in your contract. Once you get through training and report to you permanent duty station, you can apply for Ranger School to become Ranger-qualified. You are only considered an Army Ranger if you are in a Ranger Battalion. The Ranger tab only indicates that you're Ranger-qualified. The 75th Ranger Regiment is considered Special Forces as they fall under SOCOM. To obtain the Special Forces tab, you have to apply to go to the Special Forces qualification course (Q-course) and, if you pass, you go onto specialized training in a SF Group. You can be in any job to apply to attend the Q-course. That specialized training after the Q-course is in weapons, medicine, communications, intelligence, etc. So you really don't need to be an infantryman or Ranger to attend and pass. You don't need to be the fastest or strongest Soldier to go Ranger or SF, you just need to have problem-solving skills, be a team player, and never quit.