Do you have what it takes? Meet the best of the best: Special Operations, the most elite forces in the U.S. Army.
One Unstoppable Force
These highly trained Soldiers typically work in small, tactical teams on the Army’s most varied and sensitive missions.
- Made up of five units, each with a unique specialty
- Takes on the Army’s most challenging missions
- Requires extensive training to ensure physical and mental resiliency
CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Army Rangers
Army Rangers are also called the 75th Ranger Regiment.
- They are combat experts who specialize in conducting raids within enemy territory
- They take on high priority and high-pressure missions
- They require extensive training, Airborne qualification, and a General Technical score of at least 105 on the Army’s placement test, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Special Forces (Green Berets)
Special Forces are also known by their nickname, the Green Berets.
- They are guerrilla warfare experts who use unexpected and unconventional techniques
- They fight terrorists and insurgents abroad
- They require secret security clearance eligibility, Airborne qualification, an ASVAB placement test GT score of at least 100, and extensive training
SOAR (Night Stalkers)
SOAR is also called the 160th Special Operations Aviation Unit or Night Stalkers.
- They are aviation experts who use cutting-edge aircraft to surprise enemies — anywhere and at any time
- They maintain and operate the most advanced military aircraft in the world, including Black Hawk, Chinook, and Little Bird helicopters
- To join them as an enlisted Soldier, you must qualify for a Night Stalker MOS (job), have secret security clearance eligibility, and an ASVAB placement test GT score of at least 100; contact a recruiter for more details
Psychological Operations
Psychological Operations are also known by their nickname, PSYOP.
- They are communication experts who persuade our allies and enemies to act in our nation’s best interest
- They leverage cultural expertise, language skills, and military deception to sway opinions and actions
- They require secret security clearance eligibility, an ASVAB placement test GT score of at least 100, and extensive training
Civil Affairs
- They are diplomacy experts who help reduce instability and enable local governments abroad
- They partner with key officials and leaders to better understand, help, and influence local populations
- They require secret security clearance eligibility, an ASVAB placement test GT score of at least 100, and extensive training
What Sets Special Operations Apart
There is no other Army force that requires as much training and dedication as Special Operations, but those who succeed will experience a level of success few Soldiers will ever know.
THRILL OF ADVENTURE
Keep your adrenaline flowing as you take on fast-paced and high-intensity missions in remote regions around the world.
THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
Test your physical and mental endurance and reach your peak potential as a Soldier and a person.
TRAIN TO BECOME THE BEST
Be part of an elite group of individuals trained to lead and succeed in defending and protecting the country.
Common Questions
How do I become a Special Operations Soldier?
Enlisted Soldiers must first qualify and then be selected to join Special Operations. Requirements vary within each of the five units, but can include things like qualifying for a security clearance or having an ASVAB placement test score above 100. After qualifying, Soldiers begin rigorous mental, physical, and technical training that can take between several months to over a year to complete. Due to the difficulty, some Soldiers don’t make it past training and instead get placed in a related job within the regular Army.
What are the advantages of being a Special Operations Soldier?
Special Operations Soldiers complete more training and special courses, which means they receive promotions and climb in rank and pay faster than regular Soldiers. Special sign-up, re-enlistment and skill-based bonuses and other benefits are also available to them. Beyond compensation, there’s the opportunity for personal growth and the chance to reach a level of success that few Soldiers will ever get to experience.
What is the difference between Special Operations and Special Forces?
Special Operations is the collective force made up of the Army Rangers, Special Forces (Green Berets), Night Stalkers, Psychological Operations, and Civil Affairs, whereas Special Forces (nicknamed the Green Berets) is an individual unit within Special Operations.
What happens if I don’t make it through Special Operations training?
Not everyone who pursues Special Operations training is successful, but everyone who attempts it is respected—regardless of the outcome. If you don’t make it through training, you’ll still be highly trained and qualified for another position within a regular Army unit.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.