Lead elite teams that implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime. These activities include offensive raids, demolitions, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. In addition to their combat training, special forces officers often have specialized training in swimming, diving, parachuting, survival, emergency medicine, and foreign languages. Duties include directing advanced reconnaissance operations and evaluating intelligence information; recruiting, training, and equipping friendly forces; leading raids and invasions on enemy territories; training personnel to implement individual missions and contingency plans; performing strategic and tactical planning for politically sensitive missions; and operating sophisticated communications equipment.
SOC: 55-1017.00
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate intelligence information and reconnaissance data in high-stakes operational environments to inform mission planning and tactical decisions.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate strategic and tactical plans for politically sensitive missions independently, considering geopolitical constraints and operational security requirements.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign unconventional warfare campaigns and counterterrorism operations integrating multi-domain capabilities and interagency resources.
Advanced
MindsetModel leadership under extreme duress and ethical decision-making when leading elite teams in combat and peacetime operations.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop individual mission briefs and contingency plans for direct action raids, search and rescue, and invasion operations.
Advanced
Hands-onAdapt emergency medical interventions in combat or remote locations with limited medical resources and evacuation options.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize real-time battlefield intelligence and mission objectives to make split-second tactical adjustments during high-risk operations.
Advanced
Hands-onExecute precisely advanced reconnaissance operations by air, land, or sea in hostile or denied territory, under extreme physical and environmental stress.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate sophisticated communications equipment in austere environments to maintain secure command and control during special operations.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess friendly forces' capabilities and readiness during recruitment, training, and equipping phases for unconventional operations.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform efficiently specialized tactics including demolitions, parachuting, diving, and survival techniques across diverse operational environments with minimal logistical support.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate cross-cultural competencies and foreign language skills when building rapport with indigenous forces and conducting coalition operations.
