Army Special Forces Soldier Training
Introduction to Army Special Forces Soldier Training
The Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are an elite group of soldiers who undergo rigorous training to conduct unconventional warfare and other specialized missions. The training process for Army Special Forces soldiers is highly selective and challenging, pushing candidates to their limits physically and mentally. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Army Special Forces soldier training, exploring the various stages and requirements that candidates must meet to become part of this esteemed group.
Basic Requirements and Preparation
To be eligible for Army Special Forces training, candidates must meet certain basic requirements. These include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 20 and 35, and scoring a minimum of 110 on the general technical (GT) portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. Candidates must also pass a physical fitness test and meet certain medical standards. Before entering the training pipeline, candidates typically undergo preparation to improve their physical fitness and learn basic skills such as language proficiency and cultural awareness.
Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS)
The first stage of Army Special Forces training is the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course, also known as “SFAS” or “Selection.” This 24-day course is designed to assess a candidate’s physical and mental abilities, as well as their potential to work well in a team. During SFAS, candidates participate in a variety of challenges, including obstacle courses, rucksack marches, and team-building exercises. The course is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of candidates are selected to move on to the next stage of training.
Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
Candidates who are selected during SFAS move on to the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), also known as the “Q Course.” This course is divided into several phases, each focusing on a different aspect of Special Forces training. The phases include: * Phase 1: Orientation and administration * Phase 2: Language training * Phase 3: Cultural training * Phase 4: Advanced first responder (AFR) training * Phase 5: Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training * Phase 6: Advanced skills training The Q Course is highly intensive and can last up to 62 weeks, depending on the candidate’s language proficiency and other factors.
Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
After completing the Q Course, new Green Berets attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in their specific specialty, such as: * 18A: Special Forces detachment commander * 18B: Special Forces weapons sergeant * 18C: Special Forces engineer sergeant * 18D: Special Forces medical sergeant * 18E: Special Forces communications sergeant AIT can last several weeks to several months, depending on the specialty.
Language Training
Language training is an essential part of Army Special Forces training. Candidates are required to learn a foreign language, such as Spanish, French, Arabic, or Chinese. Language training can last several months to a year or more, depending on the candidate’s proficiency level and the language being learned.
Cultural Training
Cultural training is also an important aspect of Army Special Forces training. Candidates learn about the culture, customs, and history of the region where they will be operating. This training helps Green Berets to better understand and interact with local populations, which is critical to their mission.
Unconventional Warfare Training
Unconventional warfare training is a key component of Army Special Forces training. Candidates learn how to conduct guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and subversion, as well as how to train and advise indigenous forces. This training is highly classified and can only be discussed in general terms.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Training
In addition to language and cultural training, Green Berets also receive training in their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). This training can include skills such as: * Demolitions: Explosives and demolition techniques * Communications: Radio and satellite communication systems * Medicine: Advanced first aid and medical techniques * Engineering: Explosives and construction techniques
MOS | Job Description |
---|---|
18A | Special Forces detachment commander |
18B | Special Forces weapons sergeant |
18C | Special Forces engineer sergeant |
18D | Special Forces medical sergeant |
18E | Special Forces communications sergeant |
📝 Note: The training process for Army Special Forces soldiers is highly selective and challenging, and only a small percentage of candidates are selected to become Green Berets.
As we have seen, the training process for Army Special Forces soldiers is highly rigorous and selective. Candidates must meet certain basic requirements and undergo a series of challenging courses, including SFAS, SFQC, and AIT. They must also learn a foreign language and receive cultural and unconventional warfare training. The end result is a highly skilled and versatile soldier who is capable of conducting a wide range of missions.
The key points to take away from this discussion are that Army Special Forces training is highly selective, rigorous, and specialized. It requires a unique blend of physical and mental abilities, as well as a strong commitment to teamwork and mission accomplishment. Whether you are a candidate looking to become a Green Beret or simply interested in learning more about this elite group of soldiers, it is clear that Army Special Forces training is an extraordinary and demanding process.
What are the basic requirements for Army Special Forces training?
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The basic requirements for Army Special Forces training include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 20 and 35, and scoring a minimum of 110 on the general technical (GT) portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
What is the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course?
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The SFAS course is a 24-day course designed to assess a candidate’s physical and mental abilities, as well as their potential to work well in a team.
What is the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)?
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The SFQC is a course that provides advanced training in specialized skills such as language, culture, and unconventional warfare.
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