TEAM MEMBERS
A Look At The Special Forces Tactical Team
Special Forces Soldiers rely on stealth to complete their missions. Special Forces are organized into small, versatile teams, called Operational Detachment Alphas (ODA).
An ODA has 12 team members, including two weapons sergeants, two communications sergeants, two medical sergeants and two engineering sergeants. A commander, assistant commander (warrant officer), operations sergeant and an intelligence sergeant complete the team. The size and composition of the team can change according to the type of mission.
Each member of an ODA is an expert in his or her MOS. Their specialized training and expertise prepare them for increased levels of stress compared to conventional Army Soldiers. A Special Forces Soldier is expected to exercise more initiative, self-reliance, maturity and resourcefulness than any other Soldier in the Army.
Related Jobs
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Special Forces Officer (18A)
The Special Forces Officer is a captain who is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing and participating in Special Forces operations. He has several duties, including training, resource management, mission and logistics planning, and working with U.S. and foreign government agencies.
- Active/Reserve: Both
- Officer/Enlisted: Officer
- Restrictions: None
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Special Forces Weapons Sergeant (18B)
Special Forces Weapons Sergeants employ U.S. and foreign small arms, light and heavy crew served weapons, anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons. They are also relied upon to control and supervise tactical offensive and defensive operations as well as perform various airborne operations.
- Active/Reserve: Both
- Officer/Enlisted: Enlisted
- Restrictions: None
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Special Forces Engineer Sergeant (18C)
The Special Forces Engineer Sergeant is a construction and demolitions specialist. As a builder, the engineer sergeant can create bridges, buildings, and field fortifications. As a demolitions specialist, the engineer sergeant can carry out demolition raids against enemy targets, such as bridges, railroads, fuel depots, and critical components of infrastructure.
- Active/Reserve: Both
- Officer/Enlisted: Enlisted
- Restrictions: None
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Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D)
Special Forces Medical Sergeants are considered to be the finest first-response/trauma medical technicians in the world.
Though they’re primarily trained with an emphasis on trauma medicine, they also have a working knowledge of dentistry, veterinary care, public sanitation, water quality and optometry.- Active/Reserve: Both
- Officer/Enlisted: Enlisted
- Restrictions: None
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Special Forces Communications Sergeant (18E)
Special Forces Communications Sergeants provide conventional and unconventional tactical communications support during the full range of Special Operations missions. Special Forces Communication Sergeants are masters of internal communications between team members on a dismounted patrol, the myriad of linked HF, VHF, and UHF/SHF communication platforms within a Gun Mounted Vehicle, and satellite communication in all forms.
- Active/Reserve: Both
- Officer/Enlisted: Enlisted
- Restrictions: None
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Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant (18F)
The Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant collects and processes intelligence, plans force protection, conducts threat vulnerability assessments, and is trained in photography, digital intelligence systems, biometrics, forensics and digital media exploitation.
- Active/Reserve: Both
- Officer/Enlisted: Enlisted
- Restrictions: None
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Special Forces Candidate (18X)
Special Forces candidates are given the opportunity to become a member of one of the most highly skilled combat forces in the world. They must complete and endure the extensive mental/physical training in order to join the Army elite.
- Active/Reserve: Both
- Officer/Enlisted: Enlisted
- Restrictions: None
