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18A

Special Forces Officer

Job Overview

  • Enlisted
  • Officer
  • Active Duty
  • Army Reserve
  • Army National Guard
  • Entry Level

As a Special Forces Officer, you’ll become a member of the Green Berets, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. You will lead teams on missions, including counter-terrorism, direct action, foreign internal defense, intelligence gathering, and unconventional warfare. You’ll have several duties, including training, resource management, mission and logistics planning, and working with U.S. and foreign government agencies.

Skills You’ll Learn

  • Intelligence Collection
  • Tactical Operations
  • Defensive Operations

Requirements

  • Be a college graduate with at least a four-year degree
  • Be between 18 and 34 years old
  • Officer Basic Leadership Course (Or Additional Special Courses/Qualifications)
  • Eligible for a Secret security clearance
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Requirements

  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • 18 to 34 Years Old
  • Accepted to College, In College, or Graduate of a Four-Year Degree Program
  • Basic Officer Leadership Course (or Additional Special Courses/Qualifications)
  • Eligible for a Secret Security Clearance
  • Medically and Physically Fit
  • In Good Moral Standing
See All Requirements

Certifications

  • 8 Nationally Recognized Certifications Available
What You Could Earn As a Special Forces Officer

Experience

Contract Length

Rank

Location

<2 YRS

6 YRS

Second Lieutenant

Ft. Bragg (Fayetteville, NC)

Here is an example of the compensation you could earn as a full-time or part-time Soldier in this role.
All Dollar amounts are approximate
In Addition to your civilian income

Get The Complete Package As a Special Forces Officer

Explore the many benefits that not only provide support to you and your family, but can also help you advance in the Army and in your civilian life.

Education Opportunities for paid college tuition and student loan repayment

If you're interested in pursuing a college education or getting an advanced degree for less, the Army not only offers programs to help you earn your degree while you serve, but also helps pay for tuition costs through tuition assistance programs and a variety of merit-based scholarships.

Additionally, the Army can repay nearly $65,000 of current outstanding student loan debt through the Loan Repayment Program (LRP) if you qualify.

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Skills & Training Training and credentialing to strengthen your skill sets

The Army offers a variety of training programs, leadership courses, and certifications to develop your skills, so you can shape the career you want to have and keep moving it forward.

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Health Care High-quality comprehensive health care coverage at little to no cost

As a commitment to the well-being of every Soldier, the Army provides high-quality comprehensive health care coverage and life insurance. Full-time Soldiers and their families receive free health care, and part-time soldiers and their families pay minimal out-of-pocket costs.

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Vacation 30 days paid annual vacation

Time off is an important part of a Soldier's life and well-being, which is why full-time Soldiers receive 30 days paid vacation, weekends, national holidays, and sick days annually.

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Veterans Affairs Loans Purchase a home with 0% down

If you're actively serving, a veteran, or select military spouse, you could qualify for the VA Loan and put $0 down on a mortgage. VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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What To Know Before You Join
Here are some things you might want to know before you take the next step. You can always reach out to your recruiter for more specific details.
What can I do if I don't meet the eligibility requirements to join?

The Army has a waiver process that you can take advantage of to prove you overcame a disqualifying issue that would otherwise prevent you from joining the Army. After submitting a waiver, a review takes place to make sure you can join. If your waiver is denied, you can also look into pursuing a civilian career within the Army.

Are there any physical fitness requirements to join?

You won't need to meet any physical fitness requirements before joining the Army as an enlisted Soldier. There are requirements if you join through ROTC or another Officer path—your recruiter will provide the details. Everyone will need to pass the Army's fitness test after joining, and again every year of service.

Do I need to attend basic training?

Before you can become a Soldier, you'll first need to complete a form of Basic Training—Basic Combat Training for enlisted Soldiers and the Basic Officer Leadership Course for Army Officers, as well as any additional training your job may require. Over the course of your training, you'll learn the skills, knowledge, and discipline needed to become a Soldier. Active-duty Soldiers and Officers also have ongoing training to keep their skills sharp, so they stay ready for anything.

How does Army Pay compare to Civilian pay?

Your Army salary is just one part of the total compensation Soldiers earn. While civilian jobs may pay higher baseline salaries, the Army offers a starting salary above the federal minimum wage, plus a variety of benefits on top of your base pay that add up. When you consider affordable health care for part-time Soldiers and free health care for full-time Soldiers, plus access to bonuses, allowances for housing, food, and clothing, education benefits to get a college degree with less debt, and more financial benefits, the Army offers a competitive choice to similar civilian careers.

What benefits will I receive as a Soldier?

The Army offers a complete package of benefits that not only supports you and your family, but also helps you advance in your career. Whether you serve part-time or full-time as an enlisted Soldier or Army Office, you'll earn competitive pay with opportunities for bonuses, as well as receive health care at little to no cost. You could also receive money for education, student loan repayment assistance, training and certifications, housing, living expenses, and more.

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