To become a Green Beret, most States require that Soldiers attend the Special Forces Readiness Evaluation (SFRE). The SFRE is a three-day event that assesses a Soldier’s potential as a candidate to attend Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS). SFRE counts as a Soldier’s monthly drill and usually takes place Friday–Sunday.
Soldiers must complete the SFRE in order to attend the SFAS. The SFAS is a 19-day course designed to reliably predict successful completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC).
After Soldiers have completed the SFAS, they are scheduled to attend the SFQC at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for 52–94 weeks. The SFQC features six sequential phases of training that focus on the core Special Forces tactical competencies, MOS skills, survival, language and cultural skills. Once Soldiers complete the SFQC, they have earned the Special Forces tab and Green Beret.
Positions within the Special Forces include: Special Forces Detachment Commander (18A), Special Forces Weapons Sergeant (18B), Special Forces Engineer Sergeant (18C), Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D), Special Forces Communications Sergeant (18E), Special Forces Team Sergeant (18Z), Special Forces Warrant Officer (180A) and Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant (18F).
The following are minimum requirements to apply to the Army National Guard Special Forces and are non-negotiable. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, be eligible for a secret security clearance, be Airborne qualified – or willing to commit to volunteering for Airborne School – and have a minimum score of 240 on the APFT, or no less than 70 points on any event depending on the standards for their age group.
Soldiers must meet medical fitness standards for military, Airborne and Special Forces service as outlined in AR 40-501. They must complete a 50-meter swim assessment, conducted in uniform, to determine whether they have the aptitude to meet the Special Forces swim standards.
