My LER

Special Forces Officers

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.
  • KnowledgeFormulate strategic and tactical plans for politically sensitive missions independently, considering geopolitical constraints and operational security requirements.
  • KnowledgeDesign unconventional warfare campaigns and counterterrorism operations integrating multi-domain capabilities and interagency resources.
  • MindsetModel leadership under extreme duress and ethical decision-making when leading elite teams in combat and peacetime operations.
  • KnowledgeDevelop individual mission briefs and contingency plans for direct action raids, search and rescue, and invasion operations.
  • Hands-onAdapt emergency medical interventions in combat or remote locations with limited medical resources and evacuation options.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize real-time battlefield intelligence and mission objectives to make split-second tactical adjustments during high-risk operations.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely advanced reconnaissance operations by air, land, or sea in hostile or denied territory, under extreme physical and environmental stress.
  • Hands-onOperate sophisticated communications equipment in austere environments to maintain secure command and control during special operations.
  • KnowledgeAssess friendly forces' capabilities and readiness during recruitment, training, and equipping phases for unconventional operations.
  • Hands-onPerform efficiently specialized tactics including demolitions, parachuting, diving, and survival techniques across diverse operational environments with minimal logistical support.
  • MindsetIntegrate cross-cultural competencies and foreign language skills when building rapport with indigenous forces and conducting coalition operations.