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Combat · Army career profile

18X Special Forces Candidate

As a Special Forces Candidate, you’ll be training to become a Green Beret, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. To join the Army elite, you must complete extensive mental and physical training. There are four entry-level Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties, and your specialty will be decided based on your background, aptitude, and the needs of the Army.

ASVABGT 110 and CO 100
Training22 weeks of Infantry One Station Unit Training + 4 week Special Operations Forces Preparation Course and the Special Forces Assessment & Selection Course, following Airborne School
Physical demandsHeavy
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Special Forces Candidate, you’ll be training to become a Green Beret, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world.
  • To join the Army elite, you must complete extensive mental and physical training.
  • There are four entry-level Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties, and your specialty will be decided based on your background, aptitude, and the needs of the Army.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

EvasionPhysical & Mental StrengthWeapons OperationsWorking as a teamreadiness to accept challenge and dangerRemain calm under stressPhysically and Mentally fit to perform under pressure

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 0–18 semester hours.

Recruiting-option estimate; the applicable training and potential recommendation depend on the MOS ultimately awarded. Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Emergency Management
  • Criminal Justice

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 18X experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Business Intelligence Analyst

Illustrative salary information: $55,000–$125,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Public safety agencies, Government contractors, Industrial employers

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Business Intelligence Analyst jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

EMT / Paramedic

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Public safety agencies, Government contractors, Industrial employers

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current EMT / Paramedic jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Law Enforcement Officer

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Public safety agencies, Government contractors, Industrial employers

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Law Enforcement Officer jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related combat MOS options

11BInfantrymanAs an Infantry Soldier, you’ll serve in the field, working to defend our country against any threats on the ground. You’ll capture, destroy, and deter enemy forces, assist in reconnaissance, and help mobilize troops and weaponry to support the mission as the ground combat force.11CIndirect Fire InfantrymanAs an Indirect Fire Infantry Soldier, you’ll be a member of a mortar squad, section, or platoon. The mortar has the most power and range of any weapon in an infantry unit. In this job, you’ll carry out scout missions to spot enemy troops and gun locations, and operate two-way radios and signal equipment to relay fire missions.11XInfantryman JobsAs a first step toward becoming an Infantryman, you’ll train in the use of small arms, anti-tank, and other weapons systems. You will be responsible for capturing, destroying, and repelling enemy ground forces during missions. This is also the starting point for many advanced schools, such as Special Forces, Airborne School, Ranger School, Sniper School, and Pathfinder School.13BCannon CrewmemberAs a Cannon Crewmember, you’ll play a vital role in helping the Army win during missions. You’ll work with Howitzers, some of the most technologically advanced weapons systems ever created, to support infantry and tank units. You’ll learn how to handle ammunition, operate these weapons systems, and calculate targets. Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.

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