Army MOS · Combat & Infantry
18A Special Forces
Overview
A Special Forces officer commands or serves on the staff of Special Forces units as a commander, advisor, plans and operations officer, exchange officer, or instructor. The officer studies potential operational areas, develops foreign language and communication skills, and plans, controls, and executes foreign internal defense, strike operations, strategic reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and related special operations.
Core Skills
- operational planning and mission design
- intelligence integration and analysis
- risk assessment and mitigation planning
- information management and reporting
- cross-functional and interagency coordination
- program and project management
- briefing and executive communication
- foreign partner engagement and advisory skills
- team leadership and organizational management
- basic information security and OPSEC practices
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Acrobat
Civilian Career Paths
- Project Management
- Intelligence Analysis
- Emergency Management
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Executive Protection Certificate
- Firearms Instructor Certification
Career Growth
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP®)
- Physical Security Professional (PSP®)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Also Common
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) · Funded
- Physical Security Professional (PSP) · Funded
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) · Funded
What the Work Involves
- Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
- Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
- Analyze training needs to develop new training programs or modify and improve existing programs.
- Plan, develop, and provide training and staff development programs, using knowledge of the effectiveness of methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
Related Occupations
- Logisticians
- Data Scientists
- Training and Development Specialists
- Instructional Coordinators
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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