The US Army Special Forces Reserve, also known as the Green Berets, is a highly specialized and elite unit of the US Army Reserve. With a rich history dating back to 1952, the Special Forces Reserve has played a critical role in various military operations and humanitarian missions around the world. As a reserve component of the US Army's Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, the Special Forces Reserve is trained to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance missions.
To become a member of the Special Forces Reserve, individuals must undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes passing the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course, followed by the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). The SFQC is a 24-month training program that teaches advanced skills in languages, cultural awareness, and specialized military tactics. Upon completion of the SFQC, soldiers are awarded the coveted Green Beret and the Special Forces tab. The Special Forces Reserve has a unique structure, with units located throughout the United States, and is organized into several key components, including the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Key Points
- The US Army Special Forces Reserve is a highly specialized unit with a rich history dating back to 1952
- Special Forces Reservists are trained to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance missions
- The selection process for the Special Forces Reserve includes passing the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course and the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
- Special Forces Reservists are organized into several key components, including the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) and the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
- The Special Forces Reserve plays a critical role in supporting national security objectives and promoting global stability
History and Mission
The US Army Special Forces Reserve has a storied history, with its roots in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a clandestine organization established during World War II. The OSS was responsible for conducting unconventional warfare and intelligence operations behind enemy lines. After the war, the US Army recognized the need for a similar unit and established the 1st Special Service Force, which later became the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). The Special Forces Reserve was formally established in 1959, with the mission of providing a reserve component to support the active-duty Special Forces. Today, the Special Forces Reserve is an integral part of the US Army’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) and plays a critical role in supporting national security objectives and promoting global stability.
Training and Selection
The training and selection process for the Special Forces Reserve is highly competitive and demanding. Candidates must meet rigorous physical and mental standards, including passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course. The SFAS course is a 24-day evaluation that assesses a candidate’s physical and mental toughness, as well as their ability to work in a team environment. Those who pass the SFAS course are then invited to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), which is a 24-month training program that teaches advanced skills in languages, cultural awareness, and specialized military tactics. The SFQC is divided into several phases, including the Language Phase, the Cultural Awareness Phase, and the Tactical Phase.
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Language Phase | Candidates learn a foreign language, such as Spanish, French, or Arabic, and develop their language skills through intensive study and practice |
| Cultural Awareness Phase | Candidates learn about the culture and customs of a specific region, including its history, politics, and social norms |
| Tactical Phase | Candidates learn advanced military tactics, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and special reconnaissance |
Operations and Missions
The Special Forces Reserve has been involved in numerous military operations and humanitarian missions around the world. In the 1960s and 1970s, Special Forces Reservists played a key role in the Vietnam War, conducting unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Special Forces Reserve was involved in various missions in Central and South America, including counter-narcotics operations and humanitarian assistance. More recently, the Special Forces Reserve has been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, where they have conducted counter-terrorism operations and trained local security forces. The Special Forces Reserve has also been involved in various humanitarian missions, including disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations in countries such as Haiti and the Philippines.
Organization and Structure
The Special Forces Reserve is organized into several key components, including the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Each of these units has its own unique mission and area of responsibility, and they work together to support the overall mission of the Special Forces Reserve. The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) is the highest level of command for the Special Forces Reserve, and it is responsible for providing strategic guidance and oversight to the various Special Forces Reserve units. The 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) is a regional unit that supports operations in the Middle East and North Africa, while the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) supports operations in the Pacific and Asia.
What is the mission of the US Army Special Forces Reserve?
+The mission of the US Army Special Forces Reserve is to provide a reserve component to support the active-duty Special Forces and to conduct unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance missions.
How do I join the Special Forces Reserve?
+To join the Special Forces Reserve, you must meet the eligibility requirements, which include being a US citizen, being between the ages of 20 and 35, and having a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) course.
What kind of training does the Special Forces Reserve receive?
+The Special Forces Reserve receives advanced training in languages, cultural awareness, and specialized military tactics. The training includes the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), which is a 24-month training program that teaches advanced skills in languages, cultural awareness, and specialized military tactics.
In conclusion, the US Army Special Forces Reserve is a highly specialized and elite unit that plays a critical role in supporting national security objectives and promoting global stability. With its rich history, rigorous training and selection process, and diverse range of operations and missions, the Special Forces Reserve is an important component of the US Army’s Special Operations Forces (SOF). Whether conducting unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, or special reconnaissance missions, the Special Forces Reserve is always ready to answer the call and defend the nation.
