What is a National Guard Special Operations Detachment?

Ethan Still — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:32:27 -0500

I've been doing research into the numerous National Guard units in my area of interest for civilian careers and stumbled across a unit under the Maryland National Guard known as the "Special Operations Detachment - OTAN/NATO." I did some digging and found that there are ten of these units scattered throughout the U.S. National Guard, each with separate areas of responsibility, but I really couldn't find much else about these units. I understand they are ~30 soldiers each, but how can they operate Guard units this small? What kind of MOSs do they consist of? What do they do when called to active service? And are their slots "interview only" or can they be entry-level for some MOSs?

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made Jan 25 at 2021 10:35 PM

SFC(P) Jonathan P. — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:35:46 -0500

Hello Ethan,

ODA’s are operational detachments units otherwise known as Special Forces. Highly trained and lethal in their jobs. This is the best place for you to learn what you need to about the SF.

https://www.nationalguard.com/special-forces-detachment-structure

Army National Guard

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made Jan 25 at 2021 10:36 PM

SFC(P) Jonathan P. — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:36:45 -0500

One more thing this is earned not given wearing that beret and being a part of that community is very intense and demanding.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 25 at 2021 10:51 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:51:28 -0500

They have no need to advertise.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 11:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:02:07 -0500

I recommend, get your Bachelor's Degree on your PD off time. If you have passed probation, You are protected if you decided to join the Army National Guard or army reserve. You can always go in As enlisted. Upon completing basic training, You will be eligible for up to $3500 a year in educational tuition reimbursement. This is the incentive to get your bachelor's Degree in any Field. To becoming officer in the guard or reserve, it just needs to be a Bachelor's degree. It could be in psychology, history, English, business, You name it. Then you could go to Officer Candidate School. If SF is your goal, you need to be E4 or higher. You can also join as a Captain. Civil Affairs is a sister Special Operations Unit in the USAR. That Branch keeps you informed of opportunities in SF, Airborne and Air Assault. SF is only in the Guard and there is no Civil Affairs in the Army National Guard. Civil Affairs can use your Police Experience if deployed to help another country. 85% of Civil Affairs Soldiers are Reservists. Fort Bragg has actice duty Airborne Civil Affairs Brigades.

https://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/special-operations/civil-affairs/civil-affairs-req.m.html

Civil Affairs Requirements | GoArmy.com

Learn about the requirements to becoming a Civil Affairs Soldier.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 25 at 2021 11:04 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:04:36 -0500

The team in Maryland is part of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), which is headquartered in Birmingham, AL.
I served in the 20th from AUG69 to DEC74.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Special_Forces_Group

20th_Special_Forces_Group

Response by CPL Richard Hughes made Jan 25 at 2021 11:31 PM

CPL Richard Hughes — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:31:52 -0500

Not really a topic for an open forum discussion. Do what research you can. Find a SOF mentor group and, listen to every word. Then join up and pursue your curiosity.

Response by CPL Richard Hughes made Jan 25 at 2021 11:34 PM

CPL Richard Hughes — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:34:15 -0500

19th group has batts all over. 20th Group is Alabama NG.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2021 7:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 07:46:42 -0500

These are SOD's, they are not Special Forces Detachments, or ODA's like it sounds. It's not a secret, and it's perfectly OK to discuss in an open forum. I even pasted a link to an article about them.

They have some SF in them, yes but only a handful. They also have MI as well, and a skeleton crew of support. Detachments like this usually analyze threats in an area and provide advice and assistance to the leaders of an area, where an ODA will usually train the Soldiers in an area. These are 100% interview only positions and you won't even be welcome for an interview if you aren't coming from Special Operations experience.

https://medium.com/war-is-boring/maryland-now-has-a-special-forces-unit-dedicated-to-countering-russia-ff4cc5688d4f

Maryland Now Has a Special Forces Unit Dedicated to Countering Russia

Small detachment could provide extra skills in Europe

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2021 1:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 13:29:15 -0500

If you want to get current information then contact the SORD. They can get you information on what units are where as well as what jobs are open in those units.