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Special Forces Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Special Forces Candidate (U.S. Army) About the Job: As a Special Forces Candidate, you'll be given the opportunity to become a member of one of the most highly skilled forces in the world. But first ...

Special Forces Candidate Overview: As a Special Forces Candidate, you'll be training to become a Green Beret, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. To join the Army elite, you must ...

Special Forces Candidate Overview: As a Special Forces Candidate, you'll be training to become a Green Beret, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. To join the Army elite, you must ...

Special Forces Candidate Overview: As a Special Forces Candidate, you'll be training to become a Green Beret, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. To join the Army elite, you must ...

Special Forces Candidate Overview: As a Special Forces Candidate, you'll be training to become a Green Beret, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. To join the Army elite, you must ...

Special Forces candidates are given the opportunity to become a member of one of the most highly skilled combat forces in the world. They must complete and endure the extensive mental/physical ...

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Special Forces information

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$21K

$68K

$111.5K

How much do special forces jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for special forces in the United States is $67,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs do Special Forces do?

Special Forces personnel perform a variety of roles including direct action missions, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare. They often operate in small teams, using specialized skills such as combat tactics, survival, and language proficiency, often in challenging environments. Their work requires advanced training, physical fitness, and the ability to adapt quickly to complex situations.

What are the 7 Special Forces units?

The United States Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, are organized into several groups, including the 1st through 7th Special Forces Groups, each based in different regions. These units specialize in unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance, and require rigorous training and selection processes.

What is a Special Forces job?

A Special Forces job involves highly trained military personnel who conduct specialized missions, including counterterrorism, direct action, reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare. These elite soldiers operate in small teams and often work in challenging and hostile environments. They undergo rigorous selection and training to develop advanced combat, survival, and strategic skills. Special Forces personnel may also train allied forces and assist in humanitarian or peacekeeping missions. Their role is critical to national security and specialized military operations.

Are Special Forces well paid?

Special Forces personnel typically receive higher pay than regular military members due to the demanding nature of their training, skills, and operational risks. Their compensation includes base salary, special duty pay, and allowances for deployment and hazardous conditions, making it a well-compensated career within the military. However, pay varies based on rank, experience, and service length.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Special Forces position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Forces operative, you need exceptional physical fitness, advanced tactical training, and a proven record of teamwork and adaptability, often supported by a military background and successful completion of specialized selection courses. Mastery of technical tools such as advanced weaponry, communication systems, navigation technology, and survival equipment is essential, as are military certifications unique to the branch. High levels of discipline, resilience, quick decision-making, and cultural awareness distinguish outstanding candidates in this demanding field. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring operational success, personal safety, and effective mission execution in diverse, high-pressure environments.

What is the hardest Special Forces job?

Special Forces jobs such as direct action, hostage rescue, and reconnaissance are considered highly demanding due to their physical, mental, and technical challenges. These roles require advanced skills, extensive training, and the ability to operate under extreme stress and in hostile environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Special Forces operator?

Special Forces operators can expect to spend each day engaged in a demanding mix of physical training, specialized skills exercises, mission planning, and equipment maintenance. Daily routines typically include rehearsing tactics, practicing weapons proficiency, learning foreign languages, and participating in briefings or debriefings with their team. Missions may require rapid deployment and collaboration with allied military units or local forces, both at home and abroad. The work environment is highly structured, team-oriented, and requires flexibility to adapt to new challenges or locations at a moment’s notice.

More about Special Forces jobs
What cities are hiring for Special Forces jobs? Cities with the most Special Forces job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Forces jobs? The most popular types of Special Forces jobs are:
What states have the most Special Forces jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Forces jobs include:
Infographic showing various Special Forces job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,955 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Special Forces Candidate

Special Forces Candidate

U.S. Army

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$22K - $44K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 16 days ago


United States Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 481 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Special Forces Candidate (U.S. Army)
About the Job:
As a Special Forces Candidate, you’ll be given the opportunity to become a member of one of the most highly skilled forces in the world. But first, you must complete extensive mental and physical training in order to join the Army elite. There are four entry-level Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties. 
General Qualifications:
  • Must have an interest in joining the Army.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien or green card holder
  • 17 to 34 years old.
  • Healthy and in good physical condition.
  • In good moral standing with no felony-level offenses.
  • Must be able to meet height/weight standards.
  • No major medical procedures that would prohibit you from service.
  • No tattoos on the hands, neck, or face.
  •  Complete (ASVAB) 

 REQUIREMENTS:
  • 14 weeks of Infantry One Station Unit Training.
  • 110 ASVAB Score: General Technical (GT).
  • 100 ASVAB Score: Combat (CO).

 SKILLS YOU’LL LEARN:
  • Evasion.
  • Physical & Mental Strength.
  • Weapons Operations.

Compensation:
  • Up to $20,000 enlistment bonuses.
  • Up to $115,000 for additional education benefits.
  • 30 days vacation with pay per year.
  • Additional living expenses for those who have dependents.
  • Clothing and food allowance.
  • Centrally located Education and Financial Advisors.
  • Travel.

 Education:
The Post-9/11 GI Bill
The most popular GI Bill program, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to full college tuition, as well as money for housing and books. Paid directly to the school, the program covers up to full tuition for public, in-state schools and up to $25,000 per year at private or foreign schools, depending on your length of service.
The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty
This option uses a combination of your own paycheck contributions and government funding to help pay for education benefits for a maximum of 36 months. Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, benefit payments will be made directly to you.
In addition to college and university tuition, all GI Bill programs cover training and certifications including:
  • Online schooling and correspondence courses.
  • Part-time schooling.
  • Entrepreneurship training for those interested in starting a small business.
  • Flight school.
  • Licensing and certification courses.
  • Vocational training and trade schools.
  • National testing.
  • On-the-job training.
  • Tutorial assistance.

 Apply now and within 24-48 hours, you will receive an email/text from our Army virtual recruiting station.
Thank you!

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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