So, You Want To Be a Green Beret. Start Here.

You Will Be Tested Like Never Before

Earning the prestigious Green Beret of the US Army Special Forces is a grueling test of stamina, psychological strength, and sheer willpower. A quick review of the figures reveals the journey has considerable dropout rates, especially during the crucial stages of Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) and the ensuing Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), otherwise known simply as the “Q Course.”

This elaborate vetting process is designed to sieve through candidates, identifying only those with the highest resiliency and skill levels to join the distinguished ranks of US Army Special Forces.

The initial hurdle, SFAS (informally often referred to as “selection”), spans three weeks and marks the beginning of the journey for hopeful Special Forces members. Between 2012 and 2017, Army figures show a significant dropout rate of 64% for enlisted men, with a somewhat lower rate of 51% for officers.

Further studies in 2019 point to an increased dropout rate of 69%. By November 2021, there appeared to be a marginal improvement, with a 56% selection rate observed during an SFAS cycle, showing the variable nature of this challenging journey. 

The Q Course

However, passing SFAS is just the start. Candidates are then subjected to over a year of SFQC training, a rigorous program designed to mold them into fully operational Green Berets. During the 2012-2017 timeframe, SFQC saw a dropout rate of 35% for enlisted personnel and 27% for officers, signaling the course’s stringent criteria and intense demands.

The Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) is the formal training program for candidates aspiring to become Green Berets in the U.S. Army Special Forces. The duration of the Q Course varies depending on the specific MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) qualification and additional specialized training a candidate goes through. However, the entire process generally spans approximately 53 to 94 weeks (about 1 to 2 years), including:

1. Orientation and Introduction (4 weeks): An introduction to the course, Special Forces mission, and operational detachment teams.
2. Individual Skills Phase (13 weeks): This phase covers Special Forces operational tactics, survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training, and language and cultural training.
3. MOS Qualification Phase (14-50 weeks, depending on MOS): Candidates receive training specific to their chosen Special Forces MOS. The length varies significantly based on the specialty:
   • 18B – Weapons Sergeant
   • 18C – Engineer Sergeant
   • 18D – Medical Sergeant
   • 18E – Communications Sergeant
   • 18F – Intelligence Sergeant (available to those already qualified in another MOS)
4. Collective Training Phase (Robin Sage Exercise, 4 weeks): This is a culminating exercise that tests candidates in a realistic, unconventional warfare environment.
5. Language Training (18-24 weeks): Extensive language training is part of the SFQC, with the duration depending on the candidate’s proficiency and the language’s difficulty.

When the dropout rates for both SFAS and SFQC are combined, the figures jump to an average of 77% for enlisted personnel and 64% for officers. These figures don’t even include those who leave during initial training phases such as Infantry OSUT, Airborne School, or before the start of SFAS.

Reasons for Failure to Select

The statistics from the SFAS class of November 2021 provide insight into the rigorous challenge, with a 44% overall selection rate and a 56% dropout rate. Significant reasons for dropout included:

• Failure to meet physical fitness and ruck march standards (17%).
• Inability to properly execute land navigation (24%).
• Negative peer evaluations (14%).

Voluntary exits made up 6%, while medical withdrawals constituted 2%.

The stringent nature of the assessments, with 54% failing to meet the SFAS standards in a 2019 study and a surprising 15% failing to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test, contributes to the high dropout rates. Additional factors such as medical issues, dwindling motivation, loss of equipment, and safety infractions also lead to candidates being removed from the program.

Peer Evaluations Matter

The selection process tests more than physical ability; it examines character and the ability to work well within a team. The fact that 14% were removed due to peer evaluations in the November 2021 class underscores the importance of teamwork alongside individual performance. If your fellow candidates do not feel comfortable with your abilities, it will be expressed to the cadre. You will be questioned about it. It could be enough to get you sent home. 

Despite these formidable dropout rates, the drive to attain the title of Green Beret pushes candidates to overcome these obstacles. This reflects their deep commitment and the extensive preparation they embrace, which includes specialized training in weightlifting, rucking, running, improving land navigation skills, and cultivating a strong sense of camaraderie and empathy.

Prep well, give every task your all, and never quit. Do this, and you’ll greatly increase your likelihood of joining the ranks of the “Quiet Professionals” of the US Army Special Forces.