Special Forces (SF) Soldiers are experts in Unconventional
Warfare. They deploy on a variety of missions all over the
world. They are the specialized minutemen of today's Army-
highly trained and ready to go anywhere in the world at
a moment's notice.

Special Forces Soldiers are either on a real-world mission
or training for one. Their missions are conducted worldwide
and usually classified. They range from Combating Terrorism
to Humanitarian Efforts. Because Special Forces teams can
be the first point of contact in negotiations with foreign
or guerilla parties, they must keep the highest level of
professionalism at all times.

To be in SF, you have to learn to lead.  The Primary
Leadership Development Course (PLDC) is four weeks and
teaches younger enlisted personnel the ropes of becoming a
non-commissioned officer in the Army.  Skills learned in
this course can include: combat orders, rifle marksmanship,
leadership, military customs and map reading.

The Special Operations Preparatory Course (SOPC) is a
30-day course taught at Fort Bragg that helps the 18X
Soldier recruited from the "street" to complete the Special
Forces Assessment and Selection course. It focuses on
physical training and one of the most important skills a SF
Soldier can have:  land navigation.  This course does not
guarantee you will pass the SFAS.

The Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) consists of
six phases (II-VI). If you complete this training, you will
be a Special Forces Soldier, one of the Army's experts in
Unconventional Warfare.  The Individual Skill Phase (II)
consists of land navigation, small unit tactics and live-
fire training.  During the MOS Training Phase (III) you 
will be instructed on your specialty skills, which will be
based on your background, aptitude and desires.

The Collective Training Phase (IV) consists of Special 
Forces doctrine and organization, Unconventional Warfare
Operations, Direct Action Operations, Methods of
Instruction and both Airborne and Airmobile Operations.
You will deploy to the Uwarrie National Forest, North
Carolina, for an unconventional warfare exercise.  There
you will perform as a member of the ODA Team, and your
specialty and common skills will be evaluated. 

As an SF Soldier, you might receive Live Environment
Training (LET) that completely immerses you in another
culture. You'll learn to be fluent in that country's
language, customs and traditions: becoming a virtual
citizen of that country.