For Educators: Military Resources
Military Special Forces Officers
Median Salary
76,578
Workforce Count
20,494
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Special forces officers advise Commanders on all aspects of special operations. They are experienced subject matter experts in unconventional warfare and operations, fusing intelligence and planning at all levels across the operational continuum. They must have detailed knowledge of geography, economy, political structure, armed forces, and history.
What is the work environment like?
Because special forces officers must be prepared to go anywhere in the world they are needed, they train and work in all climates, weather conditions, and settings. They may work in cold water and dive from submarines or small underwater craft. They may also be exposed to harsh temperatures, often without protection, during missions into enemy-controlled areas.
How many people have this role in the Military?
20,494
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$121,248
2 Years
$79,098
6 Years
$121,248
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Special Forces officers go through extensive, demanding training. Job training for Special Forces officers primarily consists of classroom training and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Physical conditioning, scuba diving, swimming, and parachuting
- Mission planning techniques
- Handling and use of explosives
- Reconnaissance techniques
- Combat skills
- Airborne training
- Special Forces Qualification Courses
Education
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy
- Intelligence, General
- Strategic Intelligence
- Geospatial Intelligence
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operations
- Signal/Geospatial Intelligence
- Explosive Ordinance/Bomb Disposal
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC TestRelated Military Occupations
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