How to Be a U.S. Army Green Beret

The Green Berets are an elite group of U.S. Army soldiers trained in a variety of unconventional areas ranging from counterterrorism to intelligence gathering. In order to accomplish these missions, Green Berets must be exceptionally qualified soldiers and possess a great deal of intelligence and physical fitness. For those who are willing to undertake the challenges and risks involved, however, being one of these Special Forces soldiers can provide one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the Army.

• 1

  Study hard in school and participate in fitness activities to stay in shape. Obtain at least a high-school diploma.

• 2

  Join the U.S. Army. Recruits who join the infantry or other combat-related field will receive much of the background training required to become a Green Beret later on.

• 3

  Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), scoring at least a 107 on the General Technical (GT) portion of the test].

• 4

  Perform at a high level while in the Army and stay in long enough to attain the rank of corporal or specialist (E-4).

• 5

  Stay in peak physical condition. Green Beret candidates must score at least a 240 out of 300 on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and score at least a 60 in each event according to the chart used for 17-to 21-year-old soldiers. This requires performing at least 85 pushups in two minutes, 71 situps in two minutes and running two miles in at least 15:54. Candidates must also know how to swim and complete a 50-meter assessment while in uniform.

• 6

  Attend Army Airborne training and become airborne-qualified. This entails learning the basics of jumping from an aircraft and using a parachute to drop into a combat zone.

• 7

  Complete a basic application for Special Forces training to verify that all prerequisites to training have been met, and then volunteer for training.

• 8

  Attend Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) at Fort Bragg, NC. This 21-day weed-out course is designed to place an inordinate amount of physical and mental stress on Green Beret candidates to determine who is best suited to join the force. SFAS is an extremely difficult endeavor that evaluates soldiers on their intelligence, trainability, fitness, motivation, leadership, and judgment. No feedback is given during the course; selections are made after the end of the 21-day session.

• 9

  Attend the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). In addition to physical training, soldiers undergo intensive academic work and learn about subjects ranging from foreign language to combat techniques and specific job training. Upon completion of the six-phase course, graduates officially earn the Green Beret.