How to Pass Special Forces Training

The US Army Special Forces helps citizens of a country liberate themselves.

The motto of the US Army Special Forces is "De Oppresso Liber," which means to liberate the oppressed. Like other special operations units, Special Forces perform direct action, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism and unconventional warfare. However, what sets the Special Forces from other special operations units is their use of Foreign Internal Defense, or training indigenous troops to fight for freedom. Becoming a special forces soldier is a long, difficult process, but it can be accomplished with dedication, commitment and proper preparation.

Instructions

1. Take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery. This test will determine your ability to learn a foreign language. An important part of special forces training is language education because special forces' primary mission is training indigenous people to fight for freedom and secure areas within their country.

2. Develop your physical fitness. The US Army Physical Fitness Test consists of performing push-ups and sit-ups in two minutes each and doing a 2-mile run. You will be required to achieve a certain score in each event depending on your gender and your age. Check the Physical Fitness Test Score Standards on the Army's website to see what you will be required to accomplish. To be competitive, you should be able to perform much more than the minimum scores.

3. Talk to an Army recruiter about the 18X enlistment option. The 18X option will allow you to attend basic training, Infantry Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School. Upon successful completion, you will be sent to the four-week special operations preparation course.

4. Attend and pass the Special Forces Assessment and Selection. SFAS is a 30-day course in which you will be assessed on your ability to pass the remainder of Special Forces training.

Tips & Warnings

• Soldiers who go through the Special Operations Preparation Course have a substantially higher success rate in the remainder of training than those who do not; however, if you do not have the opportunity to attend this course, you should focus your preparations on land navigation, forced marches and running in boots.

• A career in Special Forces carries with it a risk of death and injury.

References

• Goarmy: Special Forces Training

Resources

• 2010 Army (APFT) Standards