What can officers do to be competitive to attend Special Forces Selection?

2015-08-19T18:12:49-04:00

In order for officers to put in a SF packet, I understand there is a board that precludes candidates to even attending SFAS. As a nontraditional active duty officer (AMEDD), what are some ways to increase your chances of attending SFAS? Command experience, deployments? What are some ways to beef up your resume?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Aug 19 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-08-19T18:18:52-04:00

1. Go speak with the nearest SORB (Special Operations Recruiting Battalion) representative. Here is a link to their contact info. I suggest scheduling a time to drive down to Bragg (I see you are in DC) to introduce yourself and get answers to these questions directly from them: http://www.sorbrecruiting.com/Contact.htm

2. Short of an official position which you can get from SORB, I would guess that attending schools like Airborne, Air Assault, and Pathfinder would be helpful to show you can do ok in those environments. I realize slots for those schools may be tough given your MOS, but that would just show that you can get more done than is normal in your peer group.

3. Top OER goes without saying

4. Top PT test score (i.e. 300)

5. Strong DLAB score (or DLPT if you already know a language - would be helpful).

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Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 3:03 AM

2015-08-20T03:03:24-04:00

Being honest this is something that is pretty rare. I have never heard of a AMEDD officer going to SF. Not saying it can't be done. I hope one day to go but I am in the National Guard. I got a few schools under my belt and a few deployments, one being a PL. The issue you will run against is that it is very competitive. You will competing for slots against combat arms officers. As the good MAJ said you really have to bring a lot to the table to out shine an combat arms officer. I would say you need command time. If you can get command time while deployed the better. If you could get any schools, especially Ranger, it would prove your ability to operate in a tactical environment. You biggest challenge is getting experience that translates into what they want in an SF officer. Being AMEDD would actually hinder you since you wouldn't be using any of those skills as an officer. That is for the 18D.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Aug 20 at 2015 4:47 AM

2015-08-20T04:47:57-04:00

Your biggest challenge will be your branch. You are a nurse and that has special implications in the equation. That been said the ARSOF board do not discriminate on what branch are the applicants coming from but what he/she brings to the table. No need to worry about schools because you will be trained in everything that is required and them some. Please contact your SORB recruiter and they will gladly get you the latest information. They should be visiting the DC area at least quarterly and doing face to face with those interested.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-08-20T11:21:57-04:00

Everything LTC Yinon Weiss said is spot on. Contacting SORB is always the first step. They have a lot of visibility on those types of things.

Response by LTC David Zimmerman made Apr 25 at 2017 6:33 PM

2017-04-25T18:33:21-04:00

In 1989, I went through with 4 AMEDD officers. 2 were MDs and the other support officers. All were destined for SOF units. They all graduated and were assigned to SOF units. The 3 non MD officers were made team leaders by the groups and were able to change branches in a year or two. After that, there was a AMEDD officers allow to attend Q-Course 10 plus years.
It comes down to your branch allowing you the option. Remember, the needs of the Army is omni important but can sometimes warrant an exception.