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
Just like active duty Special Forces, National Guard units regularly deploy around the globe to fulfill their critical missions.
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.
These units take on a wide range of missions, from supporting domestic operations to deploying overseas.
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.
This article was originally published in February 2020 and has been reviewed and updated by the SOFREP News Team
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