Special Forces Training

Special Forces training in the US military are reserved for the Green Berets. Part of their operations includes reconnaissance and counterterrorism. Given the nature of the missions, they require unique training.

Basic Preparation and Infantry School

The soldiers start by doing 9 weeks of boot camp basic training. This is followed by a month of training at Fort Benning Infantry School, Georgia.

Army Airborne School

Following infantry school, there are three weeks of Army Airborne School training. Here they are taught how to jump from aircraft and how to use a parachute. The exercises will consist of mock jumps first before the actual jumping. Even after graduation, these soldiers undergo regular retraining to stay in shape.

Training at Fort Bragg

Up next is the Special Operations Preparations Course at Fort Bragg. This is a 30 day physical training program. Only those who pass may proceed.

Survival Testing Skills

Next is the Special Forces Assessment and Selection. This course lasts for 24 days. Here the soldier’s resourcefulness, agility and ability to cope with different situations are assessed.

The Special Forces Qualification Course

This Special Forces training course is divided into numerous parts. The first 13 weeks are devoted to Individual Skills. Next is the Military Occupational Specialties Qualification, which lasts for 15 weeks.

The Language Training goes on for 14 weeks. There is also a month of Collective Training and the SERE (Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion) training.

War Games Simulation

Part of the Green Beret training includes dealing with guerilla warfare and small unit tactics. The simulated war game exercises are used to complement the training they receive in class. It also helps them prepare for the real thing.

Some of the activities include taking over a base, taking hold of an establishment or sneaking undetected into enemy territory.

How to Join the US Special Forces

Applicants need to be male, 20 years old at least and a high school graduate minimum. You must be a US citizen. Next, go to the US Army website. Find the link to the Special Forces. You can get more information at the site or request for an info / data pack. Follow the instructions on how to apply.

If you join the Army and meet the qualifications, you will be eligible for the Special Operations Preparation Course. This is the training course at Fort Bragg.

Before becoming a Green Beret, you will have to undergo numerous tests. The physical test includes push ups, running and other exercises. Your physical conditioning will also be assessed.

Considerations

Talk to your family before you join the military; this is a life changing decision. If you are dealing with an Army recruiter, make sure they are legitimate. The training is not just physical and mental. How you get along (or not get along) with your peers will also be judged.

The Special Forces training applicants undergo is not easy. But if you meet the qualifications and pass the various training courses, you will join the ranks of the US Green Berets, one of the best military units in the world today.

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