The elite unit of the American army is the Special Forces, or as they are often called, “Green Berets”. They perform the most complex and dangerous tasks, so their training becomes a real test of survival. Only in this way can the Special Forces representatives become well-rounded soldiers and complete any mission.
Preparatory training
Like any other military unit of the American army, Special Forces training always begins with a preparatory course. This course provides the necessary physical exercise, develops endurance and helps the soldiers reach optimal conditions before the main training stage.
This stage of Special Forces training includes all the same exercises as similar training of other units. The only difference is the higher intensity, which increases the difficulty of completing the entire training course. At the preparatory stage, soldiers perform many exercises to improve endurance and strength and achieve ideal physical shape.
Physical and mental skills are combined during Special Forces preparatory training. Soldiers are taught to read maps correctly and navigate the terrain. Training also includes acquiring skills using standard navigation devices (such as a compass) and essential army equipment.
During the preparatory stage, Special Forces representatives also recall various military skills they acquired while serving in one of the American army units (Special Forces only accepts soldiers who have served in another unit). These skills include properly providing first aid, shooting accurately from different types of weapons, moving tactically correctly alone and in a team, and much more.
Physical and psychological training
Physical and psychological exercise are the main stages of training for Special Forces representatives. Even in extreme conditions, they must achieve ideal physical fitness and emotional fortitude.
The physical training of the main stage is much more complex and intense than it was during the preparatory course. It includes many exercises, each allowing soldiers to develop specific skills and abilities. The most popular of them is overcoming an obstacle course. It can have different difficulty levels and focus on training-specific actions (for example, jumping, sharp acceleration, etc.). Physical training also always includes different types of running (cross-country running, running with various loads, etc.) and other endurance exercises.
This stage of training allows soldiers to combine physical training and navigation exercises. The exercises can be carried out at any time of the day so that soldiers gain the skills to perform tasks in different environmental conditions. Daytime training includes running over rough terrain and independently searching for the correct route. Night training involves performing navigation exercises in conditions of low or no light. Soldiers will also learn to use AGM night vision binoculars, NV goggles and various thermal imaging equipment in these cases.
Psychological training is an integral part of Special Forces training. Various techniques are used during its implementation to help develop soldiers’ emotional stability and ability to make the right decisions in stressful situations. In addition, psychological training becomes a test of servicemen’s suitability for Special Forces service.
Teamwork training
Soldiers of any unit must be able to work effectively in a team. That is why the Special Forces conduct special training to practice team interactions. Most of the classes include exercises aimed at improving servicemen’s shooting skills, ensuring soldiers move correctly in various conditions, interacting with each other and demonstrating behavior in the event of one or more team members’ failure. Such training allows everyone to demonstrate their leadership qualities and ability to make the right decisions.
Team interaction training is conducted during the day and at night. In the second case, servicemen find themselves in the most challenging situations and learn to interact in conditions of minimal visibility. During night training, they use various night optics and thermal imaging equipment. These devices help them see generally in the dark, shoot accurately and carry out the tasks assigned by commanders.
Day and night team training includes tactical training and practicing the skills of conducting raids, reconnaissance missions, patrolling the territory, setting ambushes and much more. This approach makes military personnel become true generalists and can effectively cope with future tasks.
Language and cultural training
Language and cultural training is a critical stage of training for an elite unit of the American army. It includes studying the language features and artistic traditions of the countries in which Special Forces operate. Such training improves mutual understanding with residents of the regions where a particular operation is taking place, mitigates negative cultural consequences and simultaneously achieves the set goals during the performance of various missions.
Language training involves Special Forces soldiers acquiring reading, writing and listening skills in foreign dialects. In addition, this training provides an opportunity to hear spoken language and learn to understand it. Depending on the complexity of the language, the duration of such training is selected. It can be 18-24 weeks, during which Special Forces soldiers need time to learn all the most important nuances of a foreign language.
Cultural training includes studying the customs, traditions and other components of the culture of the countries in which Special Forces operate. Depending on the mission’s location, training can be supplemented by completing an introductory course of study on the country’s economic, political and social aspects of a separate region.
Additional training and training
Soldiers of the elite American army unit undergo additional training and basic training. This training allows servicemen to master specific skills characteristic of their specialization. Parachute jumping is one of the most popular additional training courses, and it has now gradually been introduced into the introductory course. Classes are held at exceptional training grounds, where soldiers are taught the correct behavior during free fall and how to control the situation after the parachute opens.
Another popular additional course is training in combat diver skills. The training allows Special Forces soldiers to learn how to scuba dive, avoid various problems associated with prolonged underwater exposure, and gain skills in performing combat missions in non-standard environmental conditions.
Sniper training is also of great interest to Special Forces servicemen. This additional training allows soldiers to master shooting skills from a long distance and gain experience using new weapons. Sniper training is often conducted during the day and at night. During such training, servicemen learn to use night vision scopes, thermal imagers, and other auxiliary optics to obtain certain benefits.
Additional survival training is also worth mentioning when considering Special Forces training. It provides the opportunity to experience an extended natural stay without food, water, medicine, and other valuable items. As part of the survival course, each soldier has a chance to learn how to behave correctly in hopeless situations, in captivity, during interrogations, etc. Such training has a theoretical and practical component. Therefore, it allows the serviceman to obtain all the necessary knowledge and skills for survival in extreme conditions.
Special Forces is a unit of the American Army that performs complex and dangerous tasks. To do this, its representatives train extensively, undergo special training, and acquire skills that other soldiers do not have. Such comprehensive training allows servicemen to become professionals in their field and become the elite of the American army.
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
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