Intro
Unlock the secrets to becoming a Special Forces operative. Discover the rigorous test requirements, including physical fitness, mental toughness, and tactical skills. Learn what it takes to be elite and join the ranks of the worlds most feared warriors. Get insider info on selection processes, training programs, and more.
Special Forces are elite units that conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance. To become a member of these units, one must undergo rigorous training and meet specific requirements. In this article, we will explore the test requirements for Special Forces and what it takes to be considered elite.
Physical Requirements
To join the Special Forces, one must meet certain physical requirements. These include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 20 and 35
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Having a score of 260 or higher on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
- Passing the swim assessment
- Having a body fat percentage of 20% or lower
Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
The APFT is a three-event test that measures a soldier's physical fitness. The events are:
- Push-ups: 30-40 push-ups in 2 minutes
- Sit-ups: 30-40 sit-ups in 2 minutes
- 2-mile run: 13-15 minutes
Mental Requirements
In addition to physical requirements, Special Forces candidates must also meet mental requirements. These include:
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Having a minimum score of 110 on the General Technical (GT) section of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Passing the SFAS (Special Forces Assessment and Selection) psychological evaluation
Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS)
The SFAS is a 24-30 day evaluation that assesses a candidate's mental and physical abilities. The evaluation includes:
- Psychological testing
- Interviews with SFAS instructors
- Performance in team-building and problem-solving exercises
Training Requirements
Once a candidate has passed the physical and mental requirements, they must undergo training. The training process includes:
- Basic Combat Training (BCT): 10 weeks
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT): 14-20 weeks
- Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC): 24-30 months
Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
The SFQC is a 24-30 month course that trains candidates in the skills necessary to become a Special Forces soldier. The course includes:
- Language training
- Unconventional warfare training
- Advanced first aid training
- Survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training
Special Forces Operations
Special Forces soldiers conduct a variety of operations, including:
- Unconventional warfare
- Foreign internal defense
- Direct action
- Special reconnaissance
Unconventional Warfare
Unconventional warfare involves supporting and advising foreign governments and guerrilla forces. Special Forces soldiers may conduct operations behind enemy lines, gather intelligence, and conduct sabotage.
Foreign Internal Defense
Foreign internal defense involves training and advising foreign military forces. Special Forces soldiers may conduct training exercises, provide advice on military operations, and assist with logistics.
Special Forces Teams
Special Forces teams are composed of 12 soldiers, each with a specific skill set. The teams are:
- Team leader (ODA 1): responsible for overall team operations
- Assistant team leader (ODA 2): assists the team leader and provides intelligence
- Senior communications sergeant (ODA 3): responsible for communications and navigation
- Senior engineer sergeant (ODA 4): responsible for demolitions and construction
- Senior medic sergeant (ODA 5): responsible for medical care and evacuation
- Communications sergeant (ODA 6): assists the senior communications sergeant
- Engineer sergeant (ODA 7): assists the senior engineer sergeant
- Medic sergeant (ODA 8): assists the senior medic sergeant
- Intelligence sergeant (ODA 9): provides intelligence support
- Assistant team sergeant (ODA 10): assists the team leader and provides security
- Operations sergeant (ODA 11): responsible for planning and executing operations
- Team sergeant (ODA 12): responsible for team operations and security
Special Forces Gallery
What is the purpose of the Special Forces?
+The purpose of the Special Forces is to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance.
How do I become a Special Forces soldier?
+To become a Special Forces soldier, you must meet the physical and mental requirements, pass the SFAS evaluation, and complete the SFQC training course.
What is the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)?
+The SFQC is a 24-30 month course that trains candidates in the skills necessary to become a Special Forces soldier.
In conclusion, becoming a Special Forces soldier requires meeting specific physical and mental requirements, passing the SFAS evaluation, and completing the SFQC training course. Special Forces soldiers conduct a variety of operations, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance. They are highly trained and skilled individuals who are part of an elite unit.
We hope this article has provided valuable information on the test requirements for Special Forces and what it takes to be considered elite. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.