Intro
Unlock the elite world of Air Force Special Forces. Discover 7 proven ways to qualify for this prestigious unit, including meeting physical and mental demands, mastering specialized skills, and showcasing exceptional leadership. Learn how to increase your chances of joining the ranks of the Air Forces most elite operators.
The United States Air Force Special Forces, also known as Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), is an elite unit that conducts specialized missions such as unconventional warfare, direct action, and special reconnaissance. Qualifying for the Air Force Special Forces is a challenging and selective process, but for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, it can be a highly rewarding career. Here are 7 ways to qualify for Air Force Special Forces:
Meet the Basic Requirements
To qualify for the Air Force Special Forces, you must meet the basic requirements, which include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 39
- Being a high school graduate or equivalent
- Scoring a minimum of 40 on the Air Force Qualifying Test (AFQT)
- Having a minimum of 36 months of active duty service remaining
- Having a secret security clearance
Choose a Special Forces Career Field
The Air Force Special Forces has several career fields, including:
- Combat Control Team (CCT)
- Pararescue Recovery Specialist (PRS)
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)
- Special Operations Weather Team (SOWT)
Choose a career field that aligns with your skills and interests.
Complete Basic Military Training (BMT)
If you're new to the Air Force, you'll need to complete Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. BMT is a 7-week course that teaches you the basics of being an Airman.
Attend the Air Force Special Forces Qualification Course
The Air Force Special Forces Qualification Course is a 14-week course that teaches you the skills you need to become a Special Forces operative. The course covers topics such as:
- Special operations theory
- Advanced first aid
- Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape
- Unarmed combat
- Combat tactics
Phase 1: Initial Entry
The first phase of the qualification course is Initial Entry, which lasts for 4 weeks. During this phase, you'll learn the basics of special operations and begin to develop the skills you need to become a Special Forces operative.
Phase 2: Advanced Training
The second phase of the qualification course is Advanced Training, which lasts for 8 weeks. During this phase, you'll learn advanced skills such as combat tactics, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape.
Phase 3: Language Training
The third phase of the qualification course is Language Training, which lasts for 2 weeks. During this phase, you'll learn a foreign language, such as Arabic or Spanish.
Complete Advanced Training
After completing the qualification course, you'll attend advanced training, which includes:
- Advanced Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training
- Advanced combat tactics training
- Advanced first aid training
Get Assigned to a Special Forces Unit
After completing advanced training, you'll be assigned to a Special Forces unit, where you'll work alongside other Special Forces operatives to conduct specialized missions.
Maintain Your Qualifications
To remain qualified as a Special Forces operative, you'll need to complete regular training and maintain your skills. This includes attending annual training exercises and completing online courses to stay up-to-date with the latest tactics and techniques.
Gallery of Air Force Special Forces Images
Air Force Special Forces Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Air Force Special Forces?
+The Air Force Special Forces is an elite unit that conducts specialized missions such as unconventional warfare, direct action, and special reconnaissance.
How do I qualify for the Air Force Special Forces?
+To qualify for the Air Force Special Forces, you must meet the basic requirements, choose a Special Forces career field, complete Basic Military Training, attend the Air Force Special Forces Qualification Course, and complete advanced training.
What is the Air Force Special Forces Qualification Course?
+The Air Force Special Forces Qualification Course is a 14-week course that teaches you the skills you need to become a Special Forces operative.
If you're interested in qualifying for the Air Force Special Forces, start by researching the different career fields and meeting the basic requirements. From there, you can begin the process of applying and training to become a Special Forces operative. Good luck!