Special Forces Officers

Background

Each service has specially trained forces to perform rapid strike missions. These elite forces stay in a constant state of readiness to strike anywhere in the world on a moment's notice. Due to the wide variety of missions, special forces officers are trained swimmers, parachutists, and survival experts. Special forces officers lead special operations forces in offensive raids, demolitions, intelligence gathering, and search and rescue missions.

What They Do

Special forces officers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Direct and supervise administrative activities of special forces units
• Lead special forces teams in accomplishing mission objectives
• Plan missions and coordinate plans with other forces as needed
• Train personnel for special missions using simulated mission conditions
• Train personnel in parachute, scuba diving, and special combat techniques

Physical Demands

Special forces officers must meet very demanding physical requirements. Good eyesight, night vision, and physical conditioning are required to reach mission objectives by parachute, over land, or under water. Good eye-hand coordination is required to detonate or deactivate explosives. In most instances, special operations officers are required to be qualified swimmers, parachutists, and endurance runners.

Special Requirements

A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career. Selection as a special operations officer is very competitive. 

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to remain calm and decisive under stress
• Determination to complete a very demanding training program
• Willingness to accept a challenge and face danger
• Willingness to stay in top physical condition

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

Helpful fields of study include:

• Business administration
• Engineering
• History
• Physical education
• Physical sciences
• Public administration

Work Environment

Because special operations officers must be prepared to go anywhere in the world they are needed, they train and work in all climates, weather conditions, and settings. They may work in cold water and dive from submarines or small underwater craft. They may also be exposed to harsh temperatures, often without protection, during missions into enemy-controlled areas.

Services offering this career:

• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for officers.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of up to 20 weeks of formal classroom training and practical experience. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Course content typically includes:

• Handling and using explosives
• Mission planning techniques
• Physical conditioning, scuba diving, swimming, and parachuting
• Reconnaissance techniques

Additional training occurs on the job. Basic skills are kept sharp through planning and conducting exercises under simulated mission conditions.

Civilian Counterparts

Although the job of special forces officer has no equivalent in civilian life, the leadership and administrative skills it provides are similar to those used in many civilian management careers, particularly law enforcement.

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 2,500 special forces officers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new special forces officers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After training, special forces officers usually assist commanders in directing special operations forces. After demonstrating leadership ability, they may assume command positions.