Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be in the Army to be eligible for Special Forces training?
Yes. Any active duty Army Soldier in the pay grades of E-4 to E-7 is eligible, as long as he meets the prerequisites.
Are there waivers available for acceptance into Special Forces?
Yes. Waivers are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Commander, United States Army, John F. Kennedy, Special Warfare Center and Schools.
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for Special Forces Training?
Yes. There are currently no waivers available regarding citizenship.
Will my family be relocated while I'm at the Special Forces Assessment and Selection?
No. Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) is a 30 day course, Temporary Duty (TDY) to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and return to home station. Once selected, the Army will permanently change your station to include family members, to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for the completion of your Special Forces training.
Will my family be relocated while I'm in the Special Forces Qualification Course?
Yes. Your orders for the Qualification Course to Fort Bragg will include a full Permanent Change of Station (PCS) for you and your family. The Qualification Course may last up to one year, plus four to six months for language training and three weeks for the Survival, Evade, Resist and Escape (SERE) Course.
How do I prepare physically for the rigors of SFAS?
Review the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Physical Training Handbook (PT 31-210-SWCS). If you have any questions not answered in this handbook, contact the Special Forces Recruiter in your area. This handbook is a 5-week workout designed to prepare you for Selection and Assessment.
Where can I be stationed upon completion of my Special Forces Training?
There are five Active Special Forces Groups that are regionally oriented for missions throughout the world. 1st Special Forces Group is located at Fort Lewis, Washington with two battalions at Fort Lewis, and one battalion forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan. 3rd Special Forces Group is located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with three battalions. 5th Special Forces Group is located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with three battalions. 7th Special Forces Group is located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with three battalions and one company forward deployed to Puerto Rico. 10th Special Forces Group is located at Fort Carson, Colorado with two battalions at Fort Carson and one battalion forward deployed in Stuttgart, Germany.
What happens if I don't complete the Special Forces Training?
You will be released to your original Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Branch and be placed on worldwide assignment.
What job should I enlist for in the Army before I apply to Special Forces?
We recruit from all branches of the Army and there is no specific MOS that qualifies for Special Forces duty. Do your very best in whichever field you choose and then apply for Special Forces Assessment and Selection.