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For Educators: Military Resources
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.
Learn More About Military Benefits

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
76,578

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
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 Paths

What 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 College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

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 Test

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