U.S. Army Special Forces Characteristics

Members of the U.S. Army Special Forces are also known as the Green Berets. Special Forces is a highly exclusive division of the Army. According to the official website, Special Forces soldiers are the Army's most specialized experts in unconventional warfare. The motto of the Special Forces is "De Oppresso Liber," Latin for "To Free the Oppressed."

Types

There are five types of missions that Special Forces members are involved with.
Counterterrorism missions are concerned with preventing and resolving overseas terrorist attacks, and also involve training other countries' militaries in fighting terrorism.
Direct action missions are brief, used when weapons, information, or personnel need to be recovered, seized or destroyed.
Foreign internal defense missions train the military and national defense of foreign governments to protect their citizens.
Special reconnaissance missions are designed to monitor enemy movements and gain as much intelligence as possible. Unconventional warfare, or guerrilla warfare, missions are used to assist forces in controlled areas.

Physical

The Green Berets are all males between the ages of 20 and 30; females are not eligible to apply. Candidates must score at least 60 points on each part of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and achieve a minimum overall score of 229. Events include sit-ups, push-ups and a two-mile run. The APFT is designed to test a soldier's muscle endurance and cardio-respiratory fitness. An extremely high level of physical fitness is essential for all Green Berets.

Mental

Green Berets face intense challenges, both during training and in practice. They must be able to endure mental strain. To qualify for Special Forces training, a member must have high school diploma and score at least 107 on the Army's General Technical Test and a combat operation score of 98 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. A Special Forces soldier is required to speak at least one foreign language. The Army places emphasis on creativity, motivation and response to stress when selecting soldiers for the Special Forces.

Teamwork

Green Berets are organized in groups of 12 men, called Operational Detachment Alpha. The team's objective is to go unobserved as they carry out a mission. Members must work together seamlessly. Teams change regularly. They are established on a mission-by-mission basis. Each team member specializes in a different field, such as weapons, engineering or medicine. Green Berets are expected to work both individually and as part of a team.

Benefits

Members of the Special Forces are part of the world's most highly trained forces, according to the Army. They are given an enlistment bonus of up to $7,000, and up to $81,756 to continue their education. Green Berets have the same benefits as other military members, including 30 vacation days per year and full medical and dental coverage. Green Beret training includes High-Altitude Low-Opening (HALO) parachute jumps.

References

• Go Army - Special Forces
• Army Physical Fitness Test