A Career as a Special Forces Officer?

Answer 1

To begin your career as a Special Forces Officer you don’t have to currently be a member of one of the military branches anymore. The United States Army is now recruiting civilians directly into the Special Forces. The Army, Air Force, and Navy all have special forces. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma, qualify for security clearance, and be a male between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. Special Forces positions are not open to women at this time.

You must pass the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course or the SFAS. Just to get into the course you have to meet physical fitness requirements that can include running, sit ups, and push ups, swimming and completion of an obstacle course. Your training will be tough both mentally and physically and lasts a minimum of 18 months depending on which specialty you choose. You will learn at least one foreign language, counterterrorism tactics, special reconnaissance techniques, and other combat and training skills. There are several different specialties that include engineering, medical, weapons, communications, intelligence and different leadership positions.

There are many benefits to having a career as a Special Forces Officer that include a bonus of up to $20,000, over $70,000 to further your education, 30 vacation days annually, medical and dental care, and continued food and housing allowances. Most branches of the military offer a bonus for those enlisting in their Special Forces areas. The Navy offers a $30,000 bonus for enlisting to become a Navy SEAL above and beyond their normal pay. The basic pay still depends on your ranking and years of service but can be anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000. Members of Special Forces still receive food and housing allowances that add to this annual pay as well as health and medical care and money that can be used toward advancing their education and completing degrees.

The retirement after 20 years of service still applies and members of Special Forces and Special Forces Officers can look forward to several career opportunities in the private sector after retirement. Some of these positions include hostage recovery, training security and police officers, consulting and speaking engagements, and working for security companies providing new and crucial intelligence information.