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Green Berets |
A special forces weapons sergeant trains an
Afghan Security Forces soldier to fire a 75mm
recoilless rifle during atop a ridgeline 1500
feet above the Pesh Valley, Afghanistan. |
The Army's
Special Forces (SF) make up a unique, unconventional, combat
arms organization. Highly trained and seasoned professionals -
they are the most versatile Special Operations (SO) soldiers
in the world.
Special Forces (SF), also referred to as the legendary Green
Berets, is an elite, multi-purpose force for high priority
operational targets of strategic importance. Their linage
dates back to more than 200 years of unconventional warfare
history, with notable predecessors including the Revolutionary
War Swamp Fox Francis Marion, the WWII OSS Jedbourg Teams and
Detachment 101 in Burma, as well as the Alamo Scouts. Since
their establishment in 1952, Special Forces soldiers have
distinguished themselves in Vietnam (17 Medals of Honor), El
Salvador, Panama, Desert Shield/Storm, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia,
and Kosovo. Most recently, SF has played a critical role in
Destroying Taliban/al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, rooting out
insurgents in Iraq, training foreign troops to fight
terrorists or drug warlords, and crossing the globe to
liberate the oppressed.
Their missions often require rapid and discrete responses to
unique situations throughout the world. As the Global Scouts
for the US military, Special Forces ubiquitous presence
generally guarantees that SF is the first on the ground or
already at a crisis location as trouble emerges. For this
reason they are experts in unilateral direct action operations
and unconventional warfare, as well as having thorough
knowledge of foreign languages, customs and cultures. In
addition, they are masters of training and organizing
insurgents, surrogate fighters, indigenous forces and foreign
militaries in support of US national objectives.
Sense of Brotherhood
SF team members work closely together and rely on each other
for long periods of time, both during deployments and in
garrison. Because of this, they develop close relationships
and personal ties which foster a team cohesion and esprit de
corps which is rarely found elsewhere in the military.
Rewards
While the personal satisfaction of a job well done and the
respect of your peers are rewards in themselves, Special
Forces soldiers do receive many additional financial benefits
for their enhanced capabilities, special skills and advanced
training, along with the associated hazards that they face.
However, financial rewards are not the primary motivators in
SF. More important to most SF soldiers are the intangible
rewards such as job satisfaction, training opportunities,
professionalism, responsibility, camaraderie, and the feeling
of belonging. For many, being considered the best at what you
do; relied upon for the toughest missions and succeeding at
what others dare not try is reward enough. |
Organization
Army
Special Forces are organized into 5 Active Duty SF Groups and
2 National Guard SF Groups. An SF Group includes an organic
command and control and support capability, as well as 3
operational SF Battalions. These SF Battalions have a command
and control and support capability, as well as 3 operational SF
Companies. The SF Company has 6 SF Operational
Detachment-Alpha's, commonly called SFODAs or A-teams.
The A-team, the center of gravity in Special Forces, is a
12-man, highly skilled unit that works quickly and invisibly
to succeed at our nation's toughest missions. The A-team is
America's Swiss Army Knife called on to do almost anything.
Each A-team member is an expert in his own specialty and
cross-trained in the others. Beyond the extensive individual
training for entry into SF, all SF soldiers complete a myriad
of advanced individual skills training. These skills are then
applied in a collective manner on the A-team to make the
A-team a versatile and adaptable organization.
A captain leads the 12-man team. Second in command is a
warrant officer. Two noncommissioned officers, or NCOs,
trained in each of the five SF functional areas: weapons,
engineer, medical, communications, and operations and
intelligence comprise the remainder of the team. All team
members are SF qualified and cross-trained in different
skills, as well as being multi-lingual.
Capabilities of the highly-versatile A-team include: the
ability to plan and conduct SF operations separately or as
part of a larger force; infiltrate and exfiltrate specified
operational areas by air, land, or sea; conduct operations in
remote areas and hostile environments for extended periods of
time with a minimum of external direction and support;
develop, organize, equip, train and advise or direct
indigenous forces up to battalion size in special operations;
train, advise and assist other U.S. and allied forces and
agencies; plan and conduct unilateral SF operations; perform
other special operations as directed by higher authority.
The A-team can serve as a manpower pool from which SF
commanders organize tailored SF teams to perform specific
missions.
In general, A-teams are equipped with communications, i.e.
tactical satellite communications, high-frequency radios, and
global positioning system. Medical kits include laboratory and
dental instruments and supplies, sterilizer,
resuscitator-aspirator, water-testing kits and veterinary
equipment. Other key equipment includes individual and
perimeter defense weapons as well as electric and non-electric
demolitions and night-vision devices. Equipment distribution
may be geared to conform to specific missions. |
Becoming a
Green Beret
Special
Forces Assessment and Selection Course (SFAS)
The career management field (CMF) 18 includes positions
concerned with the employment of highly specialized elements
to accomplish specifically directed missions in times of peace
and war. Many of these missions are conducted at times when
employment of conventional military forces is not feasible or
is not considered in the best interest of the United States.
Training for and participation in these missions are arduous,
somewhat hazardous, and are often sensitive in nature. For
these reasons it is a prerequisite that every prospective
"Green Beret" successfully completes the 24-day SFAS course
and be selected for Special Forces Training.
The SFAS Course assesses and selects soldiers for attendance
at the SFQC. This course uses a "Whole Man" selection process
that assesses each candidate for six attributes that are
important for all Special Forces Soldiers. These attributes
are intelligence, trainability, physical fitness, motivation,
influence, and judgment.
All candidates participate in a variety of activities designed
to place them under various forms of physical and mental
stress. It assesses potential and qualities through behavioral
observation, analysis via performance measure, and recording
data. All tasks are performed in a neutral environment with
limited information and no performance feedback.
Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
The SFQC teaches and develops the skills necessary for
effective utilization of the SF Soldier. Duties in CMF 18
primarily involve participation in Special Operations
interrelated fields of unconventional warfare. These include
foreign internal defense and direct action missions as part of
a small operations team or detachment. Duties at other levels
involve command, control, and support functions. Frequently,
duties require regional orientation, to include foreign
language training and in-country experience. The SF places
emphasis not only on unconventional tactics, but also
knowledge of nations in waterborne, desert, jungle, mountain,
or arctic operations.
After successful completion of SFAS, officers who have not
already attended their Advanced Course will attend either the
Infantry or Armor Career Captain's Course. Enlisted Soldiers
will return to their home station and await receipt of PCS
orders to Fort Bragg, NC. Including SFAS, the SFQC is
comprised of six phases. SFAS is considered Phase One. All of
remaining phases are as described below:
SFQC (Phase II): Individual Skills - During this phase of SF
training Soldiers in-process at Fort Bragg and begin their SF
training. This phase is approximately 13 weeks in duration and
includes training in Small Unit Tactics, SF Tactics, Survival
Skills and Language and Cultural Training.
SFQC (Phase III): MOS Qualification Phase - During this phase
of SF Training Soldiers will receive MOS training for their
newly assigned Special Forces MOS. Training for this phase is
approximately 15 weeks and includes additional language
training, SF Common tasks, Advanced Special Operations
Techniques (ASOT), and Interagency Operations.
SFQC (Phase IV): Language Training - Based on each Soldier's
individual language skills, he will advance through language
training to prepare him to serve in SF. Additionally, while
receiving language training Soldiers will be trained in
warrior skills, such as Combatives. This phase may be up to 14
weeks in duration or may be exempted if the Soldier already
possesses an appropriate SF language. Select Soldiers may have
the opportunity for advanced language training based on
individual language proficiency and the needs of SF.
SFQC (Phase V): Collective Training Phase - During this phase
Soldiers will hone their newly acquired SF skills in a
realistic Unconventional Warfare (UW) culmination exercise.
This phase is approximately 4 weeks in duration.
SFQC (Phase VI): Out-Processing and initial assignment:
Special Forces MOSs
The CMF 18 MOS is subdivided into five accession Military
Occupational Specialties (MOSs): 18A, Detachment Commander;
18B, SF Weapons Sergeant; 18C, SF Engineer Sergeant; 18D, SF
Medical Sergeant; and 18E, SF Communications Sergeant. Each SF
volunteer receives extensive training in a specialty, which
prepares him for his future assignment in a SF unit. SF units
are designed to operate either unilaterally or in support of
and combined with native military and paramilitary forces.
Levels of employment for Special Operations forces include
advising and assisting host governments, involvement in
continental United States-based training, and direct
participation in combat operations. CMF 18 MOSs:
(1) 18A - SF Detachment Commander. Training includes: teaching
the officer student the planning and leadership skills he will
need to direct and employ other members of his detachment.
(2) 18B - SF Weapons Sergeant. Training includes: Tactics,
anti-armor weapons utilization, functioning of all types of
U.S. and foreign light weapons, indirect fire operations,
man-portable air defense weapons, weapons emplacement, and
integrated combined arms fire control planning.
(3) 18C - SF Engineer Sergeant. Training includes:
Construction skills, field fortifications, and use of
explosive demolitions.
(4) 18D - SF Medical Sergeant. Training includes: Advanced
medical procedures to include trauma management and surgical
procedures.
(5) 18E - SF Communications Sergeant. Training includes:
Installation and operation of SF high frequency and burst
communications equipment, antenna theory, radio wave
propagation, and SF communication operations procedures and
techniques. Training culminates with an around-the-world
communications field performance exercise. |
Qualifications
To
become part of the Army's Green Berets, you need to be
mentally and physically tough, endure difficult training and
face all challenges head-on. In addition to that, you must:
 Be a male, age 20-30 (Special Forces positions are not open
to women)
Be a U.S. citizen
Be a high school diploma graduate
Achieve a General Technical score of 110 or higher and a
combat operation score of 98 on the Armed Services Vocational
Aptitude Battery.
Qualify for a secret security clearance.
Qualify and volunteer for Airborne training
Take Defense Language Aptitude Battery or Defense Language
Proficiency Test
Achieve a minimum of 60 points on each event and overall
minimum score of 229 on the Army Physical Fitness Test |
Preparing
for SFAS (Green Beret Workout)
The purpose of this information is to assist prospective SFAS
candidates in attaining and maintaining a high state of
physical fitness prior to attendance at the U.S. Army John F.
Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) SFAS
Program and subsequently the SFQC.
USAJFKSWCS Preparatory Training Programs
This program is physically and mentally demanding. To
accomplish physical-related goals set by SFAS, applicants must
be in good physical condition upon arrival at Fort Bragg N.C.
Soldiers attending the SFAS program will perform physical
tasks that will require them to climb obstacles (by use of a
rope) 20 to 30 feet high, swim while in uniform, and travel
great distances cross-country while carrying a rucksack with a
minimum of 50 pounds. The SFAS program requires upper and
lower body strength and physical endurance to accomplish daily
physical-oriented goals on a continuous basis for 24 days.
Below is a recommended 5-week physical training (PT) program
consisting of realistic physical and mental goals relative to
physical requirements set by the USAJFKSWCS SFAS committee (if
you have time, work out more than 5 weeks prior to arrival). |
Stages
of physical fitness
Attaining physical fitness is not an overnight process; the
body must go through three stages:
a. The first is the toughening stage, which lasts about 2
weeks. During this time the body goes through a soreness and
recovery period. When a muscle with poor blood supply (such as
a weak muscle) is exercised, the waste products produced by
the exercise collect faster than the blood can remove them.
This acid waste builds up in the muscle tissue and irritates
the nerve in the muscle fiber causing soreness. As the
exercise continues, the body is able to circulate the blood
more rapidly through the muscles and remove the waste
material, which causes soreness to disappear.
b. The slow improvement stage is second stage in attaining
physical fitness. As the body passes through the toughening
stage and continues into the slow improvement stage, the
volume of blood circulating in the muscle increases and the
body functions more efficiently. In the first few weeks the
improvement is rapid, but as a higher level of skill and
conditioning is reached, the improvement becomes less
noticeable. The body reaches its maximum level of performance
between 6 and 10 weeks. The intensity of the program and
individual differences account for the variance in time.
c. The sustaining stage is the third stage during which
physical fitness is maintained. It is necessary to continue
exercising at approximately the same intensity to retain the
condition developed.
Physical workouts
Physical workouts should be conducted a minimum of 4 days a
week; work out hard one day, easy the next. A hard and easy
workout concept will allow maximum effort for overloading both
the muscle groups and cardiorespiratory system; it will also
prevent injury and stagnation in the program. For example:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday--Hard workouts (over-loading of
muscles) (Saturday used for extra long workouts). Sunday,
Tuesday, and Thursday--Easy workouts. This is the time to
practice swimming and work on overall fitness; sprints,
pull-ups, push-ups, and especially stretching.
Prior to each workout, 10 to 15 minutes should be devoted to
performing stretching exercises. Additionally, the USAJFKSWCS
Surgeon recommends a well-balanced diet be incorporated with
this recommended PT program and that daily fluid (water)
intake be increased. |
(Only
hard workout days are listed here. Make up your own workouts
on your "easy" days.)
Day 1: See what you can do. Do the best you can do.
(a) APFT (maximum performance in all events, see what you can
do).
(b) One hundred-meter swim (nonstop, any stroke, do not touch
the side or bottom of the pool).
(c) Force march with 30-pound rucksack, 3 miles in 45 minutes
(along road) or 1 hour if cross-country. (Wear well broken-in
boots with thick socks.)
Day 2:
(a) Three sets of push-ups (maximum repetitions in one-half
minute period).
(b) 3-mile run (moderate 8 to 9 minute mile pace).
(c) Rope climb or three sets of pull-ups (as many as you can
do).
(d) Forced march with 30-pound rucksack, 5 miles in 1 hour and
15 minutes (along a road) or 1 hour and 40 minutes
(cross-country).
Day 3: Forced march with 30-pound rucksack, 5 miles in 1 hour
and 15 minutes (along the road) or 1 hour and 40 minutes
(cross-country).
Week 2:
Day 1: Repeat of day 3, week 1 (forced march), extend distance
to 8 miles with 35-pound rucksack in 2 hours (along a road) or
2 hours and 40 minutes (cross-country).
Day 2:
(a) Three sets of push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups (maximum
repetitions in 35-second period three times).
(b) Run 5 miles (moderate 8 to 9 minute mile pace).
(c) Three sets of squats with 35-pound rucksack (50 each set).
Go down only to the point where the upper and lower leg forms
a 90-degree bend at knee.
Day 3: Forced march with 35-pound rucksack, 10 miles in 3
hours (along a road) or 4 hours (cross-country).
Week 3:
Day 1:
(a) Four sets of push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups (maximum
repetitions in 40-second period).
(b) Run 4 miles (fast to moderate 7 to 8 minute mile pace.)
(c) Four sets of squats with 40-pound rucksack.
Day 2: Forced march 12 miles with 40-pound rucksack in 4 hours
(along a road) or 4 hours and 40 minutes (cross-country).
Day 3:
(a) Four sets of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups (maximum
repetitions in 45-second period.)
(b) Run 6 miles (fast to moderate 7 to 8 minute pace).
(c) Four sets of squats with 40-pound rucksack.
Week 4:
Day 1: Forced march 14 miles with 50-pound rucksack in 4 hours
(along a road) or 4 hours and 40 minutes (cross-country).
Day 2:
(a) Four sets of push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups(maximum
repetitions in 1-minute period).
(b) Run 6 miles (fast to moderate 7 to 8 minute mile pace).
(c) Four sets of squats with 50-pound rucksack.
Day 3: Forced march 18 miles with 50-pound rucksack in 4 hours
and 45 minutes (along a road) or 6 hours (cross-country).
Week 5:
Day 1:
(a) Run 3 miles (fast 6 to 7 minute mile pace).
(b) Five hundred-meter swim (nonstop, any stroke, but not on
your back).
Day 2: APFT. You should be able to achieve a score of at least
240 (minimum of 70 points in any one event) in the 17 to 21
year age limit. If not, workout harder.
Day 3: Forced march 18 miles with 50-pound rucksack in 4 hours
and 30 minutes (along a road) or 6 hours (cross-country).
Considerations
a. For forced marches, select boots that are comfortable and
well broken-in (not worn out). Wear lightweight fatigues and
thick socks (not newly issued socks). Army issue boots are
excellent if fitted properly.
b. Utilize map and compass techniques whenever possible during
forced march cross-country workouts.
c. Insoles specifically designed to absorb shock will reduce
injuries.
d. Practice proper rucksack marching and walking techniques:
(1) Weight of body must be kept directly over feet, and sole
of shoe must be flat on ground taking small steps at a steady
pace.
(2) Knees must be locked on every step in order to rest
muscles of the legs (especially when going uphill).
(3) When walking cross-country, step over and around
obstacles; never step on them.
(4) When traveling up steep slopes, always traverse them;
climb in zigzag pattern rather than straight up.
(5) When descending steep slopes, keep the back straight and
knees bent to take up shock of each step. Dig in with heels on
each step.
(6) Practice walking as fast as you can with rucksack. Do not
run with a rucksack. When testing, you may have to trot to
maintain time, but try not to do this during training, it may
injure you.
(7) A good rucksack pace is accomplished by continuous
movement with short breaks (5 minutes) every 6 to 8 miles.
(8) If you cannot ruckmarch, then do squats with your
rucksack. (One hundred repetitions, five times or until muscle
fatigues.)
e. On each day (not listed in training program) conduct less
strenuous workouts such as biking and short or slow runs. To
compliment push-up workouts, weight lifting exercises should
be included (for development of upper body strength) in easy
day workout schedule. Swim as often as you can (500 meters or
more).
f. Once a high level of physical fitness is attained, a
maintenance workout program should be applied using the hard
and easy workout concept. Once in shape, stay in shape. Do not
stop this 5-week program. If you have met all the goals, then
modify program by increasing distance and weight and
decreasing times. Be smart, don't injure yourself.
Final notes
a. Do not expect to get "free" time from your unit to work out
so you can come to SFAS. The responsibility to get in shape is
yours and yours alone. Work out on your own time if that is
all you have. If you go to the field, work on strengthening
drills: Push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats (with extra
weight) when you can, as often as you can. The mission is to
get in shape.
b. Eat things that are good for you and stay away from junk
food and fat foods.
c. You need to be in very good shape and able to carry a
rucksack day after day for the entire time you are at SFAS.
This is an assessment of you. We do not teach or coach you to
get through SFAS. You will be challenged.
d. The Army Research Institute (ARI) has been able to closely
correlate performance on the APFT and a 4-mile rucksack march
with success in SFAS. During fiscal year (FY) 89 and FY 90 ARI
evaluated the cumulative APFT score (17 to 21 age group
standard) with the percent of candidates who started SFAS and
who passed the course. The average PT score for SFAS graduates
is 250. The average PT results are depicted below:
APFT Score Percent Passing Course
206-225 31
226-250 42
251-275 57
276 or higher 78
The higher the APFT score, the better the percent that passed
the course. You need to be in top physical condition and you
should do well in SFAS.
e. ARI evaluated the ability of SFAS students to perform a
4-mile ruckmarch in battle dress uniform (BDU), boots, M-16,
load bearing equipment, and a 45-pound rucksack. The overall
average 4-mile ruckmarch time for graduates is 61 minutes. The
average PT results are depicted below:
Ruckmarch Time (Min) Percent Passing Course
54 and less 81
55-64 63
65-74 34
75-84 10
The less time to complete a 4-mile ruckmarch, the better the
percent who passed the course. The Soldiers who prepare for
SFAS through PT should succeed at SFAS. |
History
Special Forces traces its roots as the Army's premier
proponent of unconventional warfare from the Operational
Groups and Jedburgh teams of the Office of Strategic Services.
The OSS was formed in World War II to gather intelligence and
conduct operations behind enemy lines in support of resistance
groups in Europe and Burma. After the war, individuals such as
COL Aaron Bank, COL Wendell Fertig and LTC Russell Volckmann
used their wartime OSS experience to formulate the doctrine of
unconventional warfare that became the cornerstone of the
Special Forces. In the Army's official Lineage and Honors, the
Special Forces Groups are linked to the regiments of the First
Special Service Force, an elite combined Canadian-American
unit that fought in North Africa, Italy and Southern France.
Special Forces grew out of the establishment of the Special
Operations Division of the Psychological Warfare Center
activated at Fort Bragg, NC in May 1952. In June of 1952, the
10th Special Forces Group was established under COL Aaron
Bank. Concurrently with this was the establishment of the
Psychological Warfare School, which ultimately became today's
John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. The 10th
Special Forces Group deployed to Bad Tolz, Germany in
September 1953. The remaining cadre at Fort Bragg formed the
77th Special Forces Group, which in May 1960 became today's
7th Special Forces Group. The intervening years saw the number
of Special Forces Groups rise and fall.
Special Forces Soldiers first saw combat in 1953 as
individuals deployed from 10th SFG to Korea. These men worked
with the partisan forces conducting operations behind the
enemy lines. In the late 1950's and early 1960's, teams of
Special Forces Soldiers deployed to Laos to work with the
Royal Laotian Army. Operation WHITE STAR was the precursor to
Special Forces operations in Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, Special
Forces teams worked as advisors to the Vietnamese Army and the
Civilian Irregular Defense Forces, trained and led quick
reaction units called Mike Forces and conducted cross-border
operations as the Studies and Observation Group, MACV-SOG. 5th
Special Forces Group was formed as the requirement for Special
Forces troops grew. In the fourteen years Special Forces were
in Viet Nam, they established a record for bravery and
proficiency second to none.
The three decades following Vietnam witnessed Special Forces
participation in virtually every campaign fought by the U.S.
Army. In Grenada, Haiti, Panama and in the Balkans, Special
Forces teams conducted unconventional warfare operations in
support of the regular Army. In Operation DESERT STORM,
General Norman H. Schwarzkopf described the Special Forces as
"the eyes and ears" of the conventional forces and the "glue
that held the coalition together." In the post 9-11 Global War
on Terrorism, Special Forces teams were instrumental in
establishing the Northern Alliance coalition that ousted the
Taliban government in Afghanistan in Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM and were critical to the success of the Coalition
ground campaign in Iraq. In Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Special
Forces teams trained and fought with the Kurds in northern
Iraq, cleared the western desert of SCUD missiles and provided
long-range special reconnaissance to the Coalition ground
forces on the drive to Baghdad.
The "Quiet Professionals," Special Forces units are today
deployed worldwide displaying their dominance in full-spectrum
operations through their unconventional warfare expertise.
From humanitarian assistance and training of indigenous
forces, to direct action and special reconnaissance missions,
Special Forces Soldiers live up to the Special Forces motto:
De Oppresso Liber, to Free the Oppressed. |
Special
Forces Creed
I am an American Special Forces soldier. A professional! I
will do all that my nation requires of me.
I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession.
I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me:
Roger's Rangers, Francis Marion, Mosby's Rangers, the first
Special Service Forces and Ranger Battalions of World War II,
The Airborne Ranger Companies of Korea. I pledge to uphold the
honor and integrity of all I am - in all I do.
I am a professional soldier. I will teach and fight wherever
my nation requires. I will strive always, to excel in every
art and artifice of war.
I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in
isolation, far from familiar faces and voices, with the help
and guidance of my God.
I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong, for
this is my debt to those who depend upon me.
I will not fail those with whom I serve. I will not bring
shame upon myself or the forces.
I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment in an
immaculate state as befits a Special Forces soldier.
I will never surrender though I be the last. If I am taken,
I pray that I may have the strength to spit upon my enemy.
My goal is to succeed in any mission
- and live to succeed
again.
I am a member of my nation's chosen soldiery. God grant that
I may not be found wanting, that I will not fail this sacred
trust.
(Source: US Army - released) |
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