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Special Forces Officer 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 ... Those career paths would be healthcare/ medical fields, personal security, or intelligence officer.

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 ... Those career paths would be healthcare/ medical fields, personal security, or intelligence officer.

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 ... Those career paths would be healthcare/ medical fields, personal security, or intelligence officer.

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 ... Those career paths would be healthcare/ medical fields, personal security, or intelligence officer.

Lukos

S. Army Special Forces Officer Qualifying Course (18A), or Warrant Officer 180A and graduate of a U.S. military officer's Senior Service College, or Graduate of Warrant Officer Senior Service ...

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$5

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How much do special forces officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for special forces officer in the United States is $28.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 5'7" too short for Special Forces?

Special Forces officers typically need to meet specific physical requirements, but height is not a strict disqualifier. While taller stature can be advantageous for certain tasks, candidates of 5'7" have successfully qualified by demonstrating strength, endurance, and skills essential for special operations. Physical fitness, mental toughness, and training are more critical factors than height alone.

What are some common challenges Special Forces Officers face during deployments, and how do they overcome them?

Special Forces Officers often encounter unpredictable environments, extended periods away from family, and high-pressure decision-making during deployments. To overcome these challenges, they rely on rigorous training, strong team cohesion, and adaptive problem-solving skills. Maintaining physical and mental resilience is essential, and many officers utilize support networks and stress management techniques to stay mission-ready. Collaboration with other military branches and allied forces is also key to successfully navigating complex operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Forces Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Forces Officer, you need advanced tactical training, leadership skills, physical fitness, and typically a bachelor's degree along with completion of specialized military courses. Proficiency in specialized weapons, communications technology, navigation systems, and foreign languages is essential, often verified by military certifications. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, resilience under pressure, and strong teamwork and interpersonal skills help set top candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for mission success, adaptability in diverse environments, and effective leadership in high-stakes operations.

What is the difference between Special Forces Officer vs Military Intelligence Officer?

AspectSpecial Forces OfficerMilitary Intelligence Officer
Required CredentialsMilitary commission, specialized training, leadership skillsMilitary education, intelligence certifications, analytical skills
Work EnvironmentField operations, covert missions, combat zonesIntelligence analysis, strategic planning, office settings
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Army Special Operations, elite unitsMilitary branches, defense agencies, intelligence community

Special Forces Officers focus on direct action, combat missions, and leadership in field environments. Military Intelligence Officers primarily analyze information, support strategic decisions, and work in intelligence settings. Both roles require military service, but their daily duties and environments differ significantly.

Are Green Berets as elite as SEALs?

Special Forces Officers, including Green Berets, and Navy SEALs are both highly elite special operations forces, but they have different roles and training focuses. Green Berets specialize in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and working with partner nations, while SEALs focus on direct action, special reconnaissance, and maritime operations. Both require rigorous selection and training, making them among the most elite in the U.S. military.

What are Special Forces Officers?

Special Forces Officers are highly trained military leaders responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing specialized missions, often in challenging or hostile environments. Their duties can include counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, and training allied forces. These officers lead small, elite teams and must possess advanced tactical skills, physical fitness, and leadership qualities. They often work under demanding conditions and require extensive training to qualify for these roles.

What are the 7 Special Forces units?

The United States Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, are organized into several groups, each with specific regional and operational focuses. While there are multiple units within the broader Special Forces community, the primary operational groups include the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 19th, and 20th Special Forces Groups, each based in different regions and specializing in various missions such as unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and foreign internal defense.

What Does a Special Forces Officer Do?

A special forces officer leads a specialized 12-person team in the US Army. In this role, you are responsible for preparing the missions, outfitting your team, debriefing the team on the objectives and all relevant intelligence, and leading them into the operational field. You are often deployed for rapid response missions against enemy combatants or as part of anti-insurgency and national defense operations. You also participate in special reconnaissance and guerrilla warfare. Your job duties as a special forces officer may also include deployment to war zones where you are responsible for training or arming foreign armies.

Can you be an officer in Special Forces?

Yes, individuals can become officers in Special Forces units, typically by first serving as commissioned officers in the military and then qualifying for special operations training. Candidates usually need to meet specific requirements such as physical fitness, security clearance, and specialized skills, and must complete rigorous selection and training programs like the Special Forces Qualification Course.
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Special Forces Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Forces Officer 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 $60,101 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Special Forces Candidate - Army

U.S. Army

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted yesterday

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 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. 
 

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About US Army

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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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