Want To Be a Part Time SEAL, Green Beret or PJ? Here’s How!

Want elite Special Operations Forces training and deployments part-time? Army, Navy, Air Force Reserves or Guard offer options!

Believe it or Not, Special Operations Can Be Part-Time

Yes, you can be a part-time Navy SEAL!

While special operations forces (SOF) often conjure images of elite warriors dedicating their entire lives to service, there’s another option.

What if you crave the challenge and fulfillment of SOF training and deployments but still want a civilian career? The good news is that the Army, Navy, and Air Force all offer Reserve and National Guard components as an option for their SOF units.

These part-time special operations units provide a unique opportunity to serve your country at the highest level while still maintaining a semblance of a civilian lifestyle.

Here’s a breakdown of what each branch offers:

Army National Guard Special Forces

The 19th and 20th Special Forces Groups spearhead the National Guard’s SOF.

Soldiers train alongside their active-duty counterparts and must complete the demanding Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) the same as their active-duty counterparts.

Like active-duty Special Forces, National Guard units regularly deploy around the globe to fulfill their critical missions.

*3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group operators (3/20th)*

Navy Reserve Special Warfare (NSW) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)

The Navy Reserve offers Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) opportunities.

Reserve Naval Special Warfare units, including SEAL Teams 17 and 18, comprise both SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewmen (SWCCs).

While most Naval Special Warfare reservists are veterans capitalizing on their prior active-duty experience, sailors can also enlist directly in the reserves and train specifically for a reserve SEAL Team.

Similarly, EOD reserve units are filled primarily with transitioning veterans.

Naval Special Warfare and EOD reserves deploy frequently, typically on year-long deployments involving pre-deployment training followed by overseas service.

Air Force National Guard and Reserve Special Operations

The Air Force offers a variety of Special Operations career paths in the National Guard and Reserves, including Pararescue (PJs), Combat Control Teams (CCTs), Special Reconnaissance (SR), and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).

After joining the Guard or Reserves, individuals can enlist directly for training in these specialized fields.

Upon successful completion, airmen will be assigned to operational units like the Air National Guard’s Pararescue Rescue Wings (Guardian Angels) or the Combat Control’s Special Tactics Squadrons.

Pararescue training — *Pararescue in-flight training, 2018. (Image source: DVIDS)*

These units take on a wide range of missions, from supporting domestic operations to deploying overseas.

Pro Tip: Check out SOCOM Athlete

SOCOM Athlete, an elite member of the Military Content Group, is a premier training program designed to prepare aspiring candidates for the rigors of U.S. Special Operations, whether you are looking for a full-time active duty career or Reserve/Guard status. With a focus on mental toughness, physical conditioning, and real-world tactical skills, SOCOM Athlete offers a unique environment that mimics the demanding nature of SOF selection processes. Participants train alongside experienced mentors, including former Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and other Special Operations veterans, gaining valuable insights and firsthand knowledge about what it takes to thrive in elite units. By focusing on leadership, teamwork, and resilience, SOCOM Athlete ensures that candidates are mentally and physically prepared for the high standards of Special Operations.

For individuals looking to break into the world of SOF, SOCOM Athlete serves as an ideal stepping stone. Not only does it provide a structured, immersive training experience, but it also connects participants with a network of like-minded individuals and mentors who have successfully navigated the journey themselves. Whether you’re aiming to join the Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, or Air Force Pararescue, SOCOM Athlete equips you with the tools, mindset, and physical conditioning necessary to succeed, making it a critical asset for anyone serious about becoming a special operations warrior.

The Perfect Blend

The desire to serve in America’s elite forces is STRONG.

But for those seeking to balance that passion with civilian pursuits, reserve or National Guard special operations offer the perfect solution.

If you have the drive to serve your country at the highest level, explore these options and embark on a rewarding, part-time journey as a guardian of the nation.

—

Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.