This course is designed for company-level junior officers and senior enlisted personnel and provides international Special Operations Forces, selected conventional forces and law enforcement agency students with tailored training in the tactical employment of platoon-sized units in various environments and operational scenarios

This four-week course consists of instruction in advanced land navigation, SOF patrolling, physical training, route planning, combat reaction drills, mission planning, ambushes, raids, and special reconnaissance tactics. The course culminates with a Final Training Exercise encompassing all material covered to ensure students have attained tactical proficiency in platoon-sized elements.

Students attending the SOFTPL course must have basic computer skills with specific knowledge in Microsoft Office, be able to calculate basic mathematic equations, have 20/20 vision correctable, be physically fit, and be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. overhead. Students will be required to successfully perform the following physical fitness tests during the first week: Perform a minimum of 42 push-ups in 2 minutes followed by a 2-minute rest; perform a minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes followed by a 2-minute rest; perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups (no time limit) followed by a 10-minute rest; and, run 1-1/2 miles wearing running shoes in less than 13 minutes. In addition to the fitness test, there is a written and practical land navigation test to verify each student’s proficiency to operate in woodland environments. Failure of any of these tests will result in the student’s removal from this course and return to their home country. The Chief Security Cooperation Officer must provide written certification that each student selected was screened to attend the SOF Tactical Patrol Leader Course. It is highly recommended, but not required, that students attend JO/NCO Leadership and Planning (JNPL) prior to attending SOFTPL. This is an attrition-based course.