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Special Forces Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Special Forces Candidate - Army

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Army

Special Forces Candidate - Army

Bangor, ME · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Army

Special Forces Candidate

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$22K - $44K/yr

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 ...

U.S. Army

Special Forces Candidate - Army

Brockton, MA · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Army

Special Forces Candidate - Army

Lowell, MA · On-site

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 ...

U.S. Army

Special Force (18X)

Morgantown, WV · On-site

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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How much do special forces jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 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:
What job categories do people searching Special Forces jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Special Forces jobs are:
Special Forces jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Forces job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,955 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Special Forces Candidate - Army

Special Forces Candidate - Army

U.S. Army

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 24 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

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 complete extensive mental and physical training. There are four entry-level Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties, and your specialty will be decided based on your background, aptitude, and the needs of the Army.
  
Job Duties:
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 extensive mental/physical training in order to join the Army elite.
Requirements:
  • Be between the ages of 17– 40.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Submit to background and medical screening
  • Receive a passing score on the ASVAB

Training:     
  •   Attend Basic and Advanced training (22 Weeks) with pay.
  •   Attend Airborne training with pay.
  •   Attend Special Forces Prep Course (4 Weeks) with pay.

Some of the skills you'll learn are:
  • Language Training: Languages are assigned in relation to the scores from the Defense Language Aptitude Battery test.
  • Survival Training: The survival, evasion, resistance, and escape course.
     
Future Civilian Careers:
The most elite level of military service is arguably, Special Operations Forces. There are a lot of skills that those serving in the special operations forces can bring to a post-military career. Specific careers can also be a perfect fit and would be worth pursuing. Those career paths would be healthcare/ medical fields, personal security, or intelligence officer. 
Key Healthcare Benefits:
TRICARE Health Plan: As a member of the U.S. Army, you and your family can be covered under the TRICARE Health
Plan – a top-tier healthcare program that provides medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. 
 
No-Cost Healthcare: 
Active-duty members receive medical and dental care at no cost. Your family can also receive healthcare services at military or civilian facilities through TRICARE at little or no cost. 
 
Comprehensive Dental Care:
Receive annual dental check-ups, cleanings, and necessary treatments. 
 
Vision Coverage: 
Coverage includes routine eye examinations and potential discounts on eyewear or corrective surgery. 
 
Health & Wellness Programs:
Engage in preventive health programs, counseling services, fitness resources, and more to ensure you remain in the best of health. 
 
Maternity and Paternity Benefits:
Expectant mothers receive comprehensive prenatal, labor, and postnatal care. New parents are also entitled to maternity and paternity leave. 
 
Long-term Care: 
Access to resources and programs that assist with long-term health needs or disabilities. 
 
Mental Health Services:
Prioritizing the mental well-being of our service members, the U.S. Army offers counseling, therapy, and other mental health resources. 
 
Specialized Medical Training:
Depending on your role, you may receive specialized medical training, ensuring that you're equipped with the skills to treat and manage a variety of health situations. 
 
Why the U.S. Army:  
Professional Growth: 
Engage in continued learning, training, and career advancement opportunities. 
 
Diverse Opportunities:
From combat medic specialists to medical officers, choose a role that fits your passion and expertise. 
 
Community:
Join a tight-knit community that prioritizes camaraderie, service, and mutual support. 
 

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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

Social media

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