what is special forces qualification course

by Yasmeen Krajcik 10 min read

The Special Forces Qualification Course

United States Army Special Forces selection and training

The Special Forces Qualification Course or, informally, the Q Course is the initial formal training program for entry into the United States Army Special Forces. Phase I of the Q Course is Special Forces Assessment and Selection. Getting "Selected" at SFAS will enable a candidate to con…

(SFQC) or, informally, the Q Course is the initial formal training program for entry into the United States Army Special Forces. Phase I of the Q Course is Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS). Getting "Selected" at SFAS will enable a candidate to continue to the next of the four phases.

SFQC focuses on core Special Forces tactical competencies in support of surgical strike and special warfare; Career Management Field 18 MOS classification; Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE); language proficiency; and regional cultural understanding.

Full Answer

What are the qualifications for special forces?

The training is as tough as it gets with the two-year combat controller training pipeline historically seeing between 70 and 80 per cent of candidates drop out. Personnel are to the technical and physical standards as other special operators such as Army Green Berets and Navy SEALs.

How do I prepare for Special Forces training?

  • Injury Prevention: Very fit individuals are usually susceptible to injury in three general circumstances.
  • Accidents. When they suffer an accident (fall on uneven terrain, sprain an ankle, something falls on them, another person inflicts damage, etc.)
  • Exhaustion. Muscle tone and reflexes protect joint integrity. When physically exhausted, d

What is the Q Course for Special Forces training?

Special Forces Phase 1. Special Force Qualification Course Phase 1A is the preparation course where soldiers will check in, collect gear and start advanced-level physical training and land navigation.

How to prepare for SFAS?

Make sure that you're getting enough sleep at night and make sure that you're taking it easy during the day. This is why it's best to plan ahead for a fast, instead of jumping in headfirst. You'll need time to recover and to rest and so you'll need to make sure that you aren't having a super busy schedule.

Where is Special Forces Qualification Course?

Fort Bragg, North CarolinaThe Army Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) is long and demanding. Although the length of the course varies according to Military Occupational Specialty and language it is generally 12 to 24 months long. Most of the training is held on Fort Bragg, North Carolina or Camp Mackall, North Carolina. Prerequisites.

What are the qualifications for Special Forces?

Army Special Forces QualificationsMeet the minimum age requirement of 20 years old.Be a U.S. citizen.Have a high school diploma.Achieve a General Technical score of 110 or higher and a combat operation score of 98 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

How long is the Q Course?

The Q Course is now designed to be completed in a little more than 12 months for all Green Berets, except those training to become medics. Four classes start each year, allowing the course to align training with Army Special Operations Command's psychological operations and civil affairs students.

What is Special Forces Assessment and Selection course?

SFAS is a systematic procedure for evaluating candidates against job-related dimensions specific to the Special Forces regiment and the operational environments in which they serve.

How can I join Special Forces in India?

those attaining 100% marks in Physical Fitness tests and 50% marks in Written Test and are in merit will be asked to exercise an option of joining the ELITE PARA Regt by AROs just prior to their despatch. These volunteers candidates will be subjected to additional tests for selection for PARA Regt.

What languages do Special Forces learn?

The language opportunities of all Special Forces operators are Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Indonesian, Czech, Persian-Farsi, Polish, Russian, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Arabic, Korean and Japanese.

Do you go home during Q Course?

There are several times where you will not be able to see him during the Q-course (the field phases), but there are lots of times he will be available to be "home" during training (language, some parts of MOS).

Do Special Forces get paid more?

When you're talking about base salary, the answer is not a whole lot — at least, not when compared with many civilian careers. Even those in high-ranking special forces divisions aren't sweeping in hundreds of thousands of bucks a year; in fact, they're often earning much less.

Do you see your family during the Q Course?

The current SFQC layout has family time available during Phase III and Language School. You willl not see your family (or your house) much, if any, during Phase IA, I, II, PLDC, BNCOC, SERE, or Robin Sage.

What happens after SF selection?

After selection at SFAS, all Active Duty enlisted and IA 18X candidates will be briefed on: The five Special Forces Active Duty Groups. The four Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) initially open to them. The languages spoken in each Special Forces Group.

How long is SF selection?

about three weeksSpecial Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) This course is about three weeks long. You are mentally and physically stressed and evaluated by Special Forces instructors for suitability to continue training in Special Forces. Learn more about the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course.

How do I become a SF officer?

RequirementsBe a college graduate with at least a four-year degree.Be between 18 and 34 years old.Officer Basic Leadership Course (Or Additional Special Courses/Qualifications)Eligible for a Secret security clearance.Must be a U.S. citizen.

Do I need to attend Basic Training to become a Special Forces Soldier?

Yes. In addition to Basic Combat Training, Soldiers must have completed Advanced Individual Training and U.S. Army Airborne School to be eligible t...

What happens if I’m not selected to Special Forces during training?

If you are not ultimately selected to join Special Forces during training, you will be assigned to a unit as a qualified specialist in the Military...

What equipment, weapons and gear do Special Forces Soldiers use?

Special Forces Soldiers carry the most advanced equipment in order to complete the most sensitive missions, including: the lightweight all-terrain...

What language could I be assigned to learn as part of Special Forces training?

Assigned languages include French, Indonesian-Bahasa, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese-Mandarin, Korean, Persian-Farsi, Russian, Tagalog, Thai,Levantine, a...

Do Special Forces Soldiers receive extra pay?

Special Forces Soldiers receive special duty assignment pay, language pay, parachute pay and special-skills pay such as military free-fall, combat...

What is the history of the Special Forces?

The first Special Forces unit was officially established during the 1950s, after several notable operational successes during World War II. However...

What do you learn in the Special Forces?

For Special Forces, you will go to infantry school to learn to use small arms, anti-armor and weapons such as howitzers and heavy mortars. Before you can advance to the special operation career selection path, Special Forces candidates also much complete ...

How long does it take to become a special forces officer?

Like all soldiers, Special Forces candidates begin their career with nine weeks of basic combat training (BCT). Upon completion of basic training, you will attend advanced individual training. For Special Forces, you will go to infantry school to learn to use small arms, anti-armor and weapons such as howitzers and heavy mortars. Before you can advance to the special operation career selection path, Special Forces candidates also much complete the Basic Airborne Course. For a complete timeline for the quickest an 18 XRAY candidate will attend SF training: 1 Basic Combat Training lasts nine weeks 2 AIT lasts four weeks 3 Airborne last three weeks

What is the best medical school for combat medics?

The 18D education is arguably the best combat medic training in the world and creates experts in medical, surgical, dental, veterinary and pharmaceutical subjects. This course is called the Special Forces Medical Sergeants Course (SFMS), which consists of the 24-week Special Operations Combat Medic Course ...

How long is the final phase of SFODA?

The final phase is a culmination exercise known as Robin Sage, which is five weeks long and where students will form their own SFODA and put their training and experience of the last several months to the test.

How long is the SFQC?

After four weeks, soldiers will find out whether they are selected to attend the full Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), also known as the Q Course. This phase 1B is known formerly as SFAS -- Special Forces Assessment and Selection. There is a short two-week course after advancing to Phase 2.

How long does it take to get into phase 4 of the SF?

Additionally, while receiving language training, you will be trained in warrior skills, such as combatives. This phase may take up to 18-24 weeks.

Where does the Green Beret school take place?

All of these schools take place at Fort Benning, Georgia. Once you are an Airborne graduate, you will be authorized a permanent change of station (PCS) move to Fort Bragg, N.C. Here is where the Special Forces pipeline begins and ends for those seeking the Green Beret and special operations careers.

Where is the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course?

The 24 day Special Forces Assessment and Selection course is run out of the Col. mick Rowe Special Forces Training Facility at Camp MacKall , North Carolina. The SFAS is designed to select candidates suitable for the Special Forces Qualification course and such is structures to push the candidates to their limits of physical and mental endurance. Typical elements of the SFAS include:

What is SFQC in the military?

Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) Soldiers who make it through the SFAS course move on to the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). Once a soldier completes the 'Q course', they enter the Special Forces brotherhood and earn the right to wear the Special Forces tab and Green Beret. Course description : the SFQC consists ...

How many points do you need to swim for SFAS?

All soldiers will be given a swim assessment at the SFAS Course to determine whether he is a swimmer or nonswimmer. (5) Must score a minimum of 206 points on the APFT, with no less than 60 points on any event, using the standards for age group 17 to 21.

How long is 180 MOS training?

The 180 MOS training will change from 50 to 14 weeks m the coming months to align the Q-courses. Official US Army video on Special Forces Qualification Course... If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.

What is team cooperation exercise?

Team Cooperation Exercises test the candidates' ability to work together and accomplish a common goal. Being able to work as a part of a team while under pressure is an important attribute of a Special Forces soldier.

How long is the Special Forces training course?

The first phase of the Special Forces Qualification Course is Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), consisting of twenty-four days of training at Camp Mackall. SFAS includes numerous long-distance land navigation courses.

What is the Q course in the Army?

The Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) or, informally, the Q Course is the initial formal training program for entry into the United States Army Special Forces. Phase I of the Q Course is Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS). Getting "Selected" at SFAS will enable a candidate to continue to the next of the four phases.

What is the significance of phase 2 of the SFQC?

Phase 2 of the SFQC focuses on language and culture. During Phase 2, soldiers receive basic special-operations language training in the language assigned to them at the completion of Special Forces Assessment and Selection.

How long is the SFQC?

Course Description: Phase 1 of the SFQC is the SF Orientation Course, a seven-week introduction to SF. Dubbed the Orientation and History module, the course falls under the auspices of the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne). The course is separated into six modules:

What is a medical sergeant?

Medical sergeants specialize in trauma management, infectious diseases, cardiac life support, and surgical procedures, with a basic understanding of veterinary and dental medicine. General healthcare and emergency healthcare are stressed in training.

What do weapons sergeants learn?

They learn the capabilities and characteristics of U.S. and foreign air defense and anti-tank weapons systems, tactical training, and range fire as well as how to teach marksmanship and the employment of weapons to others. Weapons sergeants employ conventional and unconventional tactics and techniques as tactical mission leaders. They can recruit, organize, train, and advise/command indigenous combat forces up to company size. Course instruction includes direct- and indirect-fire systems and procedures: mortars, light/heavy weapons, sniper systems, anti-armor systems, forward observer and fire direction center procedures, close air support; Warrior skills; combatives; plan and conduct training; field training exercise.

What is the minimum level of listening and speaking required for phase 2?

Also during Phase 2, a progressive physical training program prepares for Phase 3. To complete Phase 2, soldiers achieve a minimum of 1/1 Listening and Speaking as measured by the two-skill Oral Proficiency Interview.

How long does it take to train for the Special Forces?

Special Forces training is one of the most grueling programs in the entire world. It can take anywhere between 56 and 95 weeks, and you’ll have to endure extreme physical and mental challenges. However, once you finish your training, you’ll be part of the A-Team, which is a huge honor.

What is the orientation course for Special Forces?

The orientation course is basically a one-week introduction into what the fundamental Special Forces missions and doctrines. Phase I will teach trainees about the Mission Command, and introduce them to SF history, the USASOC Strategy, as well as unconventional warfare.

What is phase 4 in a beret?

Phase IV, also known as Robin Sage, is essentially the litmus test for all trainees who are hoping to earn the Green Beret. You will be put in a situation that will closely resemble real-life scenarios, and expected to work with your time the entire team.

How long does it take to get into phase 2 of the SF?

Then, you will start rigorously training for your new specialty for about 13 weeks . During your training, you will cover all SF common tasks, interagency operations, as well as Advanced Special Operations Techniques.

How long is the SFQC?

The Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) or Q- training, consists of six deliberate phases, which can last between 56 and 95 weeks. Each phase is specifically designed to introduce and foster your expertise in these areas:

How long is the SFAS course?

Before you can attend Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), you first have to complete the Preparation Course (SFPC). It is a 19-day course, which will, for the most part, test your physical preparedness.

What happens if you pass the SFPC?

At this point, your survival skills will be put to the ultimate test, and your physical and mental training will be taken to the next level.

What is the US Army Special Forces?

US Army Special Forces are responsible for training and preparation for execution of special operations in a variety of environments, including maritime, urban, desert, jungle, arctic and mountain. Amongst others, US Army Special Forces are experts in: Special operations tactics and technical knowledge;

When did Special Forces soldiers first see combat?

Special Forces soldiers first saw combat in 1953, deployed from the 10th SFG (Airborne) to Korea. These soldiers worked with partisan forces conducting operations behind enemy lines. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, teams of Special Forces soldiers deployed to Laos to work with the Royal Laotian Army.

What is SORB in the army?

The Special Operations Recruiting Battalion (SORB) is responsible for the recruitment of US Army Special Forces. Its headquarters is located in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. SORB has a global footprint, meaning it can provide recruitment services and support to personnel at a regional level.

How long is the SFQC?

SFQC is also known as the ‘Q’ course and is a “67 week” course (Special Warfare, 2015, p.30). The SFQC consists of six sequential phases of training, upon completion of which candidates earn the right to wear the Special Forces tab and don the famous Green Beret.

How long does it take to run a SFAS?

Run: 4 and 6‐mile runs, maintaining an 8 minute per mile pace.

What is SOPC in military?

The Special Operations Preparation and Conditioning (SOPC) course, as it became known, enabled soldiers at the rank of Private to enter Special Forces training. However, “course criteria and graduation requirements would not change, only who was assessed for further training.” (Martin, 2010).

What is SFOD 18A?

18A: Special Forces Officer: Commander or team leader of a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha (SFOD-A, or ‘A’ Team), a highly trained 12-man team that is deployed in rapid-response situations. Officer organise the mission, outfit the team and debrief them on the mission objective.

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Special Forces Phase 1

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Special Force Qualification Course Phase 1A is the preparation course where soldiers will check in, collect gear and start advanced-level physical training and land navigation. This phase (formerly known as SOPC I -- Special Operations Prep Course) is four weeks long. Special Forces Qualification Course Phase 1B is the a…
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Special Forces Phase 2

  • Phase 2 combines small-unit tactics (SUT) and survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) training. Soldiers will begin with more small-unit tactics on the squad and platoon levels and be tested in weapons marksmanship. The learning curve is steep in this five-week phase. After SUT, the next three weeks will focus on survival training, avoiding capture, resisting enemy interrogati…
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Phase 3

  • Depending upon the military occupational specialty, the soldier is selected to do the following jobs within the 12-man team known as the Special Forces Operations Detachment Alpha (ODA). The process of completing these schools can take 14-18 months. You will receive MOS training for your Special Forces MOS, which includes SF critical tasks required for award of a career manag…
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Phase 4

  • Language training -- Based on your language skills, you will advance through language and culture training to get ready to serve in the SF. Additionally, while receiving language training, you will be trained in warrior skills, such as combatives. This phase may take up to 18-24 weeks. The language opportunities of all Special Forces operators are Spanish, French, Portuguese, German…
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Phase 5

  • The final phase is a culmination exercise known as Robin Sage, which is five weeks long and where students will form their own SFODA and put their training and experience of the last several months to the test. This is a realistic training setting, dealing with indigenous personnel, counterinsurgency and tested in the mission (foreign internal defense) of training a mock guerril…
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Special Forces Assessment and Selection

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The 24 day Special Forces Assessment and Selection course is run out of the Col. mick Rowe Special Forces Training Facility at Camp MacKall, North Carolina. The SFAS is designed to select candidates suitable for the Special Forces Qualification course and such is structures to push the candidates to their limits of physical an…
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SFAS Overview

  • Throughout the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course the candidates are purposefully deprived of sleep and kept under pressure. By the time the SFAS course is in its second week over half of the original 300 candidates will have either given up or been bounced by the instructors. Those who remain after the 24-day SFAS course is over can now look forward to the grueling Sp…
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Special Forces Qualification Course

  • Soldiers who make it through the SFAS course move on to the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). Once a soldier completes the 'Q course', they enter the Special Forces brotherhood and earn the right to wear the Special Forces tab and Green Beret. Course description : the SFQC consists of 6 sequential stages of training: Official US Army vide...
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Further Special Forces Training

  • After SFQC, Green Berets are assigned to a position in a Special Forces Group and go on to further training. more info : Special Forces Training «« special forces
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