Overview

The  Special Forces officer is the team leader of an operational detachment alpha, a highly trained 12-man team that is deployed in rapid-response situations. The officer organizes the mission, outfits the team and debriefs them on the mission objective.

Job Duties

Typically, officers lead the team in the following types of missions:

• Counter-Terrorism: prevent, deter and respond to terrorist activities and train the military of other nations
  
• Direct Action: short duration strikes that are used to capture, recover or destroy enemy weapons/information, or recover designated personnel/material
  
• Foreign Internal Defense: organize, assist and train the military and national defense forces of foreign governments
  
• Special Reconnaissance: intelligence gathering to monitor enemy movements and operations
  
• Unconventional Warfare: the use of unconventional warfare (a.k.a. guerilla warfare) to train, equip, advise and assist forces in enemy-held or controlled territory
  

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Special Forces officers go through an extensive, demanding training cycle. You will learn skills in the many areas of combat by completing airborne training, Ranger School and Special Forces Qualification Courses.

Helpful Skills

• Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
  
• Physically and mentally fit to perform under pressure
  
• Ability to make quick decisions
  
• Capable of bearing numerous responsibilities

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in fields such as business management. An Officer in the Army is closely related to managerial positions in corporations.