How to go Special Forces: Earning the Green Beret | Tactical Rifleman

Published on May 29, 2020
Duration: 28:32

This video details the rigorous path to becoming a Green Beret, as explained by a retired Special Forces operator. It covers the 18X program, traditional army enlistment, foundational infantry skills, advanced training like Ranger School and Scout Sniper, the demanding SFAS assessment, and the specialized 18D medical qualification. The narrative emphasizes the importance of maturity, teamwork, and continuous learning throughout a Special Forces career.

Quick Summary

Becoming a Green Beret involves rigorous training, starting with SFAS (Special Forces Assessment and Selection) and continuing through the SFQC. The 18X program offers direct entry, but prior military experience is often recommended for maturity and foundational skills. Training includes specialized MOS qualification (e.g., 18D medic), small unit tactics, and unconventional warfare exercises like Robin Sage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Motivation
  2. 01:25The 18X Program vs. Traditional Path
  3. 04:12Starting in the Infantry (11B)
  4. 06:00Recon and Scout Sniper Experience
  5. 08:50Desert Storm and the Decision to Go SF
  6. 11:00SFAS: Special Forces Assessment and Selection
  7. 15:00SFQC: The 18D Medical Path
  8. 18:24Small Unit Tactics and Robin Sage
  9. 21:30Graduation and Continuous Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 18X program for Special Forces?

The 18X program is a direct enlistment option for civilians to enter the Special Forces pipeline. While it offers a direct route, it has a high attrition rate, and prior military experience or college education can provide beneficial maturity and foundational skills for success.

What are the key phases of Special Forces training?

Key phases include SFAS (Special Forces Assessment and Selection) for initial screening, followed by the SFQC (Special Forces Qualification Course) which includes MOS-specific training (like 18D medic), Small Unit Tactics (SUT), and the unconventional warfare exercise Robin Sage.

Why is prior military experience recommended for Special Forces?

Prior experience in roles like infantry, reconnaissance, or scout sniper builds essential tactical foundations, land navigation skills, and maturity. This traditional path often proves more successful than direct entry via the 18X program due to the demanding nature of SF selection.

What is Robin Sage?

Robin Sage is a critical component of the Special Forces Qualification Course. It's a large-scale, realistic unconventional warfare exercise conducted in a simulated foreign country ('Pineland') where candidates train and operate with guerrilla forces.

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