Intro
Unlock the path to elite status with our 5-step guide on how to join Special Forces from the Army Reserve. Discover the requirements, training, and selection process for becoming a Green Beret. Get expert advice on preparation, physical conditioning, and mental toughness to increase your chances of success in this prestigious and challenging role.
Serving in the Army Reserve can be a rewarding and challenging experience, but for those who aspire to join the elite Special Forces, there's a clear path to follow. The Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are a highly trained unit that conducts unconventional warfare and other specialized missions. To transition from the Army Reserve to the Special Forces, you'll need to meet specific requirements and complete a series of challenging steps.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To be eligible for the Special Forces, you must meet the basic requirements, which include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 20 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Scoring a minimum of 110 on the General Technical (GT) section of the Army's aptitude test
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Being in top physical condition
- Having a secret security clearance
You'll also need to have a strong moral character and a demonstrated ability to work well in a team.
Step 2: Enlist in the Army Reserve and Choose the Right MOS
To join the Special Forces, you'll need to enlist in the Army Reserve and choose a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that's relevant to the Special Forces. Some of the most relevant MOSs include:
- 18B (Special Forces Weapons Sergeant)
- 18C (Special Forces Engineer Sergeant)
- 18D (Special Forces Medical Sergeant)
- 18E (Special Forces Communications Sergeant)
When you enlist, you'll need to specify that you're interested in joining the Special Forces and choose an MOS that aligns with your skills and interests.
What to Expect in the Enlistment Process
The enlistment process typically takes several weeks to several months and includes:
- Taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Completing a physical fitness test
- Undergoing a background check
- Receiving a medical examination
- Completing basic training (also known as Basic Combat Training or BCT)
Step 3: Complete Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training
After you enlist, you'll attend Basic Training, which lasts about 10 weeks. During Basic Training, you'll learn the fundamental skills of a soldier, including:
- First aid and combat skills
- Map reading and navigation
- Communications and teamwork
After Basic Training, you'll attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT), which can last from several weeks to several months. During AIT, you'll receive specialized training in your chosen MOS.
What to Expect in AIT
In AIT, you'll learn the skills specific to your MOS, including:
- Specialized combat skills
- Leadership and teamwork
- Technical skills relevant to your MOS
Step 4: Apply for Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS)
Once you've completed AIT, you can apply for Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), which is the initial evaluation process for the Special Forces. To be eligible for SFAS, you'll need to:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Score a minimum of 110 on the GT section of the ASVAB test
- Have a secret security clearance
- Be in top physical condition
SFAS is a grueling 30-day evaluation that includes:
- Physical fitness tests
- Psychological evaluations
- Leadership and teamwork exercises
- Language testing (if applicable)
What to Expect in SFAS
In SFAS, you'll be evaluated on your physical and mental toughness, as well as your leadership and teamwork skills. You'll also be tested on your language skills, if applicable.
Step 5: Complete Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
If you're selected for the Special Forces, you'll attend the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), also known as the "Q Course." The Q Course is a rigorous training program that lasts about 62 weeks and includes:
- Advanced combat skills training
- Unconventional warfare training
- Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training
- Language training (if applicable)
What to Expect in the Q Course
In the Q Course, you'll learn the advanced skills necessary to become a member of the Special Forces. You'll be trained in unconventional warfare, survival skills, and language skills, if applicable.
Special Forces Image Gallery
What is the Special Forces Qualification Course?
+The Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) is a rigorous training program that lasts about 62 weeks and includes advanced combat skills training, unconventional warfare training, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training, and language training (if applicable).
How long does it take to become a member of the Special Forces?
+The entire process, from enlistment to completion of the Q Course, can take about 2-3 years.
What is the dropout rate for the Special Forces Qualification Course?
+The dropout rate for the Q Course is relatively high, with about 70-80% of students failing to complete the course.
We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of the steps required to transition from the Army Reserve to the Special Forces. Remember to stay focused, persistent, and committed to your goals, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a member of this elite unit.