Army National Guard Special Forces: Elite Warriors Within

The Army National Guard (ARNG) is a reserve component of the United States Army that provides support to civil authorities in times of need, while also serving as a strategic reserve for the Total Army. Within the ARNG, there exists a specialized unit known as the Special Forces, also referred to as the Green Berets. These elite warriors undergo rigorous training to develop advanced skills in unconventional warfare, language proficiency, and cultural expertise. In this article, we will delve into the world of Army National Guard Special Forces, exploring their history, training, and role within the ARNG.

History of Army National Guard Special Forces

The concept of Special Forces within the ARNG dates back to the 1950s, when the first Special Forces units were established. These units were designed to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action missions. Over the years, the ARNG Special Forces have evolved to meet the changing needs of the military and the nation. Today, ARNG Special Forces are an integral part of the Total Army, providing a vital link between the active component and the reserve component.

Training and Qualifications

ARNG Special Forces soldiers undergo some of the most rigorous training in the military. To become a member of the ARNG Special Forces, one must first meet the basic qualifications, which include:

• Being a U.S. citizen
• Being between the ages of 20 and 35
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Scoring a minimum of 110 on the General Technical (GT) section of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

Once qualified, candidates attend the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), also known as the "Q Course," which is designed to test their physical and mental limits. The SFQC is divided into several phases, including:

• Phase I: Assessment and Selection
• Phase II: Small Unit Tactics and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)
• Phase III: Language Training
• Phase IV: Unconventional Warfare and Advanced Tactics

Those who successfully complete the SFQC are awarded the Special Forces tab and become part of the ARNG Special Forces community.

Role of Army National Guard Special Forces

ARNG Special Forces soldiers are trained to conduct a variety of missions, including:

• Unconventional warfare: This includes guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and intelligence gathering.
• Foreign internal defense: This involves training and advising foreign military forces to help them build their capacity to defend against internal threats.
• Direct action: This includes conducting raids, ambushes, and other forms of direct action against enemy forces.
• Special reconnaissance: This involves gathering intelligence behind enemy lines.
• Counterterrorism: This includes conducting operations to disrupt and defeat terrorist organizations.

ARNG Special Forces soldiers are also trained to work in a variety of environments, from urban to rural, and to operate in a variety of languages and cultures.

Benefits of Serving in Army National Guard Special Forces

Serving in the ARNG Special Forces offers a unique set of benefits, including:

• Advanced training and skills
• Opportunities for education and career advancement
• Camaraderie and esprit de corps
• Service to the nation and the community
• Opportunities for travel and cultural immersion

However, serving in the ARNG Special Forces also comes with its own set of challenges, including:

• Rigorous training and selection process
• High level of physical and mental fitness required
• Potential for deployment to combat zones
• Time away from family and friends

Despite these challenges, many soldiers find that serving in the ARNG Special Forces is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that offers a unique sense of purpose and belonging.

Gallery of Army National Guard Special Forces

Army National Guard Special Forces Image Gallery

What is the role of Army National Guard Special Forces?

+

Army National Guard Special Forces are trained to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, special reconnaissance, and counterterrorism missions.

How do I become a member of the Army National Guard Special Forces?

+

To become a member of the ARNG Special Forces, one must meet the basic qualifications, attend the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), and complete the necessary training and evaluations.

What is the difference between Army National Guard Special Forces and active-duty Special Forces?

+

While both ARNG Special Forces and active-duty Special Forces undergo similar training and have similar roles, the ARNG Special Forces are a reserve component and may have different deployment and training schedules.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the world of Army National Guard Special Forces. These elite warriors play a critical role in supporting the Total Army and defending the nation. Whether you are a current or aspiring member of the ARNG Special Forces, we encourage you to share your experiences and ask questions in the comments below.