The Army's Special Forces (SF) make up a unique, unconventional, combat arms organization. Highly trained and seasoned professionals - they are the most versatile Special Operations (SO) soldiers in the world.

Special Forces (SF), also referred to as the legendary Green Berets, is an elite, multi-purpose force for high priority operational targets of strategic importance. Their linage dates back to more than 200 years of unconventional warfare history, with notable predecessors including the Revolutionary War Swamp Fox Francis Marion, the WWII OSS Jedbourg Teams and Detachment 101 in Burma, as well as the Alamo Scouts. Since their establishment in 1952, Special Forces soldiers have distinguished themselves in Vietnam (17 Medals of Honor), El Salvador, Panama, Desert Shield/Storm, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Most recently, SF has played a critical role in Destroying Taliban/al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, rooting out insurgents in Iraq, training foreign troops to fight terrorists or drug warlords, and crossing the globe to liberate the oppressed.

Their missions often require rapid and discrete responses to unique situations throughout the world. As the Global Scouts for the US military, Special Forces ubiquitous presence generally guarantees that SF is the first on the ground or already at a crisis location as trouble emerges. For this reason they are experts in unilateral direct action operations and unconventional warfare, as well as having thorough knowledge of foreign languages, customs and cultures. In addition, they are masters of training and organizing insurgents, surrogate fighters, indigenous forces and foreign militaries in support of US national objectives.

SF team members work closely together and rely on each other for long periods of time, both during deployments and in garrison.ÊBecause of this, they develop close relationships and personal ties which foster a team cohesion and esprit de corps which is rarely found elsewhere in the military.

While the personal satisfaction of a job well done and the respect of your peers are rewards in themselves, Special Forces soldiers do receive many additional financial benefits for their enhanced capabilities, special skills and advanced training, along with the associated hazards that they face. However, financial rewards are not the primary motivators in SF. More important to most SF soldiers are the intangible rewards such as job satisfaction, training opportunities, professionalism, responsibility, camaraderie, and the feeling of belonging. For many, being considered the best at what you do; relied upon for the toughest missions and succeeding at what others dare not try is reward enough.

The career management field (CMF) 18 includes positions concerned with the employment of highly specialized elements to accomplish specifically directed missions in times of peace and war. Many of these missions are conducted at times when employment of conventional military forces is not feasible or is not considered in the best interest of the United States. Training for and participation in these missions are arduous, somewhat hazardous, and are often sensitive in nature. For these reasons it is a prerequisite that every prospective 'Green Beret' successfully completes the 24-day SFAS course and be selected for Special Forces Training.

The SFAS Course assesses and selects soldiers for attendance at the SFQC. This course uses a Whole Man selection process that assesses each candidate for six attributes that are important for all Special Forces Soldiers. These attributes are intelligence, trainability, physical fitness, motivation, influence, and judgment.

All candidates participate in a variety of activities designed to place them under various forms of physical and mental stress. It assesses potential and qualities through behavioral observation, analysis via performance measure, and recording data. All tasks are performed in a neutral environment with limited information and no performance feedback.

The SFQC teaches and develops the skills necessary for effective utilization of the SF Soldier. Duties in CMF 18 primarily involve participation in Special Operations interrelated fields of unconventional warfare. These include foreign internal defense and direct action missions as part of a small operations team or detachment. Duties at other levels involve command, control, and support functions. Frequently, duties require regional orientation, to include foreign language training and in-country experience. The SF places emphasis not only on unconventional tactics, but also knowledge of nations in waterborne, desert, jungle, mountain, or arctic operations.

After successful completion of SFAS, officers who have not already attended their Advanced Course will attend either the Infantry or Armor Career Captain's Course. Enlisted Soldiers will return to their home station and await receipt of PCS orders to Fort Bragg, NC. Including SFAS, the SFQC is comprised of six phases. SFAS is considered Phase One. All of remaining phases are as described below:

1. SFQC (Phase II): Individual Skills - During this phase of SF training Soldiers in-process at Fort Bragg and begin their SF training. This phase is approximately 13 weeks in duration and includes training in Small Unit Tactics, SF Tactics, Survival Skills and Language and Cultural Training.
2. SFQC (Phase III): MOS Qualification Phase - During this phase of SF Training Soldiers will receive MOS training for their newly assigned Special Forces MOS. Training for this phase is approximately 15 weeks and includes additional language training, SF Common tasks, Advanced Special Operations Techniques (ASOT), and Interagency Operations.
3. SFQC (Phase IV): Language Training - Based on each Soldier's individual language skills, he will advance through language training to prepare him to serve in SF. Additionally, while receiving language training Soldiers will be trained in warrior skills, such as Combatives. This phase may be up to 14 weeks in duration or may be exempted if the Soldier already possesses an appropriate SF language. Select Soldiers may have the opportunity for advanced language training based on individual language proficiency and the needs of SF.
4. SFQC (Phase V): Collective Training Phase - During this phase Soldiers will hone their newly acquired SF skills in a realistic Unconventional Warfare (UW) culmination exercise. This phase is approximately 4 weeks in duration.
5. SFQC (Phase VI): Out-Processing and initial assignment

The CMF 18 is subdivided into five accession Military Occupational Specialties (MOS's): 18A, Detachment Commander; 18B, SF Weapons Sergeant; 18C, SF Engineer Sergeant; 18D, SF Medical Sergeant; and 18E, SF Communications Sergeant. Each SF volunteer receives extensive training in a specialty, which prepares him for his future assignment in a SF unit. SF units are designed to operate either unilaterally or in support of and combined with native military and paramilitary forces. Levels of employment for Special Operations forces include advising and assisting host governments, involvement in continental United States-based training, and direct participation in combat operations. CMF 18 MOSs:

• 18A - SF Detachment Commander. Training includes: teaching the officer student the planning and leadership skills he will need to direct and employ other members of his detachment.
• 18B - SF Weapons Sergeant. Training includes: Tactics, anti-armor weapons utilization, functioning of all types of U.S. and foreign light weapons, indirect fire operations, man-portable air defense weapons, weapons emplacement, and integrated combined arms fire control planning.
• 18C - SF Engineer Sergeant. Training includes: Construction skills, field fortifications, and use of explosive demolitions.
• 18D - SF Medical Sergeant. Training includes: Advanced medical procedures to include trauma management and surgical procedures.
• 18E - SF Communications Sergeant. Training includes: Installation and operation of SF high frequency and burst communications equipment, antenna theory, radio wave propagation, and SF communication operations procedures and techniques. Training culminates with an around-the-world communications field performance exercise.

Army Special Forces are organized into 5 Active Duty SF Groups and 2 National Guard SF Groups. An SF Group includes an organic command control and support capability, as well as 3 operational SF Battalions. These SF Battalions have a command control and support capability, as well as 3 operational SF Companies. The SF Company has 6 SF Operational Detachment-Alpha's, commonly called SFODA's or A-teams.

The A-team, the center of gravity in Special Forces, is a 12-man, highly skilled unit that works quickly and invisibly to succeed at our nations toughest missions. The A-team is America's Swiss Army Knife called on to do almost anything. Each A-team member is an expert in his own specialty and cross-trained in the others. Beyond the extensive individual training for entry into SF, all SF soldiers complete a myriad of advanced individual skills training. These skills are then applied in a collective manner on the A-team to make the A-team a versatile and adaptable organization.

A captain leads the 12-man team. Second in command is a warrant officer. Two noncommissioned officers, or NCOs, trained in each of the five SF functional areas: weapons, engineer, medical, communications, and operations and intelligence comprise the remainder of the team. All team members are SF qualified and cross-trained in different skills, as well as being multi-lingual.

Capabilities of the highly-versatile A-team include: the ability to plan and conduct SF operations separately or as part of a larger force; infiltrate and exfiltrate specified operational areas by air, land, or sea; conduct operations in remote areas and hostile environments for extended periods of time with a minimum of external direction and support; develop, organize, equip, train and advise or direct indigenous forces up to battalion size in special operations; train, advise and assist other U.S. and allied forces and agencies; plan and conduct unilateral SF operations; perform other special operations as directed by higher authority.

The A-team can serve as a manpower pool from which SF commanders organize tailored SF teams to perform specific missions.

In general, A-teams are equipped with communications, i.e. tactical satellite communications, high-frequency radios, and global positioning system. Medical kits include laboratory and dental instruments and supplies, sterilizer, resuscitator-aspirator, water-testing kits and veterinary equipment. Other key equipment includes individual and perimeter defense weapons as well as electric and non-electric demolitions and night-vision devices. Equipment distribution may be geared to conform to specific missions.

The following lists all documentation necessary to be considered for attendance at the SFAS Course. Reproduced copies must be clear and legible. There is no requirement for a DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) for this application unless you are on orders for reassignment.

1. Volunteer statement.
2. current copy of your Enlisted Record Brief (ERB), dated within 6 months of your application.
3. completely filled out Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire (EPSQ) or a DA Form 873 (Certificate of Clearance and/or Security Determination) indicating your type of clearance and when it expires. A security clearance is not a prerequisite for SFAS Course attendance but if you are selected for SFQC training you must have at least an interim SECRET clearance prior to being scheduled for training.
4. SF physical. Original DA Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination) and DD Form 2807-1 (Report of Medical History) along with all supporting documents.
5. Current APFT within 6 months of application date. All applicants are required to score a minimum of 229, graded in the age group of 17 to 21. SF Recruiters will conduct a diagnostic APFT for all candidates upon completion of SFAS application. Uniform for APFT is IAW with AR 670-1.
6. If your ERB does not have all of your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery scores, you must furnish an official document showing your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery results. Personnel Records. All enlisted personnel should ensure their ERB reflects all schools that have been successfully completed or include a copy of either the service school academic record or diploma.

Applications

Completed applications should be forwarded to the recruiting station responsible for servicing your designated area as listed in Table 3-1, USAREC Pam 601-25. For information on the recruiting station responsible for your area click here.Ê Your application will be forwarded to the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion, Operations Section, for final review and formal review and formal scheduling for attendance at the SFAS Course.

The following lists all documentation necessary to be considered for selection by the Special Forces Branch, HRC.

1. Volunteer statement.
2. A current copy of your officer record brief (ORB).
3. Resume.
4. DA Form 873 or a statement from your S2 if security clearance is not annotated on your ORB.
5. SF physical. Original DD Form 2808 and DD Form 2807-1 along with all supporting documents.
6. Current APFT within 6 months of application date.ÊAll applicants are required to score a minimum of 229, graded in the age group of 17 to 21.SF Recruiters will conduct a diagnostic APFT for all candidates upon completion of SFAS application. Uniform for APFT is IAW with AR 670-1.
7. DLAB. You must score a minimum of 85 on the DLAB.If you do not attain a minimum score of 85, you can retake the DLAB or submit your packet with the current score and it will be considered and reviewed for SFAS Course attendance.
8. Statement of intent. You must completely fill out the student officer statement of intent to Special Forces training and include it in your packet.
9. Personnel Records. All officer applications should ensure your ORB reflects the listed selection criteria or include a copy of either the service school academic record or diploma.

Completed applications should be forwarded to the recruiting station responsible for servicing your designated area as listed in Table 3-1, USAREC Pam 601-25.

Target Year Group. The current target year group is YG 2006 male officers. YG 06 officers are strongly encouraged to complete their application immediately and forward the completed packet to their SF recruiters. Use FEDEX, US Postal, email, or fax to get your packet to us. HRC SF Branch needs your packet ASAP for the following reasons; 1) The board convenes at the end of Mar 09, 2) Allows plenty of time for application quality control and corrections, 3) Allows time for all of your processing requirements, and 4) Gives you the best shot at being selected for SFAS and moving toward a career as a Special Forces Officer. Deployed in support of Army Operations across the world: Your chances improve with a completed packet, but in order to provide everyone the opportunity to apply, DA will board your packet with a minimum of the required items for the officer packet. Turn in your packet with whatever you have! Inside hint: include a memorandum for record explaining your deployment dates and return dates. This memorandum should include a remark stating I understand I must complete my Special Forces Application packet prior to going to SFAS. Out of Year Group. Officers not in the target YG may apply at any time, however your accession board will not be until after your Captain Selection board. Check the HRC website for more information. See the Out of Year Group Checklist for more information.

• Airborne School
• Primary Leadership Development Course
• DLAB
• DLPT - If you can speak a foreign language you are encouraged to take the DLPT. This exam will show your proficiency in that specific language. Successful ratings may shorten your training in the SFQC.
• The ability to perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups from a dead hang.
• The Adult Basic Education Version A.

1. Must be an active duty male Soldier.
2. Must be U.S. citizen (non-waiverable).
3. Must be airborne qualified or volunteer for airborne training.
4. Must score a minimum of 229 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), with no less than 60 points on any event, using the standards for age group 17-21.
5. Must be able to meet medical fitness standards as outlined in AR 40-501.
6. Must be eligible for a SECRET security clearance (security clearance is not required to attend SFAS).
7. No Soldier, regardless of Military Occupational Specialty or basic branch will be recruited if he is unable to reclassify from his current MOS or basic branch into CMF 18.
8. All Soldiers will be given a 50 meter swim assessment, conducted in uniform, during SFAS to determine whether they have the aptitude to learn how to swim.

1. Enlisted applicants must be in the pay grade of E-4 to E-6 or E7s with no more than 12 years TIS and 9 months TIG. Successful completion of SFAS is a prerequisite to the SFQC.
2. Must be a high school graduate or have a general equivalency diploma (GED).
3. Must have a general technical (GT) score of 100 or higher.
4. Stabilization of current drill sergeants and detailed recruiters will not be broken.
5. Specialists, Corporals, and Sergeants who successfully complete SFAS will normally have their Retention Control Point waived to attend the SFQC. Upon successful completion of SFQC, they will be allowed continued service. Staff Sergeants approaching their RCP will not be allowed to apply. Each Sergeant First Class (SFC) must have no more than 12 years time in service and nine months time in grade when applying for SFAS and must be either airborne or ranger qualified. SFCs must also be able to PCS to the SFQC within six months of selection from SFAS.
6. Soldiers on assignment will not be allowed to attend SFAS without their branch's prior approval. Soldiers on orders to a short tour area will be allowed to attend SFAS if a deferment is not required. These individuals will be scheduled for the next available SFQC after their DEROS. Soldiers who volunteer for SFAS prior to receiving assignment notification will be deferred to allow SFAS attendance. For SFAS graduates, assignment to the SFQC will take precedence over any assignment conflict.
7. OCONUS-based Soldiers may attend SFAS in a TDY and return status anytime during their tour. Upon successful completion of SFAS, Soldiers will be scheduled for the next available SFQC provided they have completed at least two-thirds of their overseas assignment obligation and have received HRC approval for curtailment of the remainder of their overseas tour obligation. Soldiers serving on a short tour will not have their assignment curtailed.
8. CONUS-based Soldiers may attend SFAS in a TDY and return status anytime during their tour. Upon successful completion of SFAS, Soldiers will be scheduled to attend the SFQC ensuring that they will have completed at least one-year time on station prior to PCS.
9. Must have a minimum of 36 months remaining Time in Service (TIS) upon completion of the SFQC.

1. Must be in the pay grade of O-1 / O-2 and be in the targeted year group for the Captains Board.
2. Have at least a Secret security clearance prior to final packet approval and meet eligibility criteria for Top Secret clearance.
3. Have completed the Officer Basic Course and have been successful in your branch assignments prior to application for Special Forces.
4. Have a Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) Score of 85 or higher or a Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) of a minimum of 1/1 reading and listening score.
5. Have a minimum of 36 months remaining time in service upon completion of Special Forces Detachment Officer Qualification Course (SFDOQC).

1. Be barred to reenlistment or be under suspension of favorable personnel action.
2. Have been convicted by court-martial or have disciplinary action noted in their official military personnel fiche under the provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Article 15). This provision can only be waived by the Commanding General, United States Army Special Warfare Center and School on a case-by-case basis.
3. Have been terminated from SF, ranger, or airborne duty, unless termination was due to extreme family problems.
4. Have 30 days or more lost time under USC 972 within current or preceding enlistment.

Yes. Any active duty Army Soldier in the pay grades of E-4 to E-7 is eligible, as long as he meets the prerequisites.

Yes. Waivers are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Commander, United States Army, John F. Kennedy, Special Warfare Center and Schools.

Yes. There are currently no waivers available regarding citizenship.

No. Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) is a 30 day course, Temporary Duty (TDY) to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and return to home station.Ê Once selected, the Army will permanently change your station to include family members, to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for the completion of your Special Forces training.

Yes. Your orders for the Qualification Course to Fort Bragg will include a full Permanent Change of Station (PCS) for you and your family. The Qualification Course may last up to one year, plus four to six months for language training and three weeks for the Survival, Evade, Resist and Escape (SERE) Course.

Review the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Physical Training Handbook (PT 31-210-SWCS).Ê If you have any questions not answered in this handbook, contact the Special Forces Recruiter in your area.Ê This handbook is a 5-week workout designed to prepare you for Selection and Assessment.

There are five Active Special Forces Groups that are regionally oriented for missions throughout the world. 1st Special Forces Group is located at Fort Lewis, Washington with two battalions at Fort Lewis, and one battalion forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan. 3rd Special Forces Group is located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with three battalions. 5th Special Forces Group is located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with three battalions. 7th Special Forces Group is located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with three battalions and one company forward deployed to Puerto Rico. 10th Special Forces Group is located at Fort Carson, Colorado with two battalions at Fort Carson and one battalion forward deployed in Stuttgart, Germany.

You will be released to your original Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Branch and be placed on worldwide assignment.

We recruit from all branches of the Army and there is no specific MOS that qualifies for Special Forces duty. Do your very best in whichever field you choose and then apply for Special Forces Assessment and Selection.

Special Forces traces its roots as the Army's premier proponent of unconventional warfare from the Operational Groups and Jedburgh teams of the Office of Strategic Services. The OSS was formed in World War II to gather intelligence and conduct operations behind enemy lines in support of resistance groups in Europe and Burma. After the war, individuals such as COL Aaron Bank, COL Wendell Fertig and LTC Russell Volckmann used their wartime OSS experience to formulate the doctrine of unconventional warfare that became the cornerstone of the Special Forces. In the Army's official Lineage and Honors, the Special Forces Groups are linked to the regiments of the First Special Service Force, an elite combined Canadian-American unit that fought in North Africa, Italy and Southern France.

Special Forces grew out of the establishment of the Special Operations Division of the Psychological Warfare Center activated at Fort Bragg, NC in May 1952. In June of 1952, the 10th Special Forces Group was established under COL Aaron Bank. Concurrently with this was the establishment of the Psychological Warfare School, which ultimately became todays John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. The 10th Special Forces Group deployed to Bad Tolz, Germany in September 1953. The remaining cadre at Fort Bragg formed the 77th Special Forces Group, which in May 1960 became today's 7th Special Forces Group. The intervening years saw the number of Special Forces Groups rise and fall.

Special Forces Soldiers first saw combat in 1953 as individuals deployed from 10th SFG to Korea. These men worked with the partisan forces conducting operations behind the enemy lines. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, teams of Special Forces Soldiers deployed to Laos to work with the Royal Laotian Army. Operation WHITE STAR was the precursor to Special Forces operations in Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, Special Forces teams worked as advisors to the Vietnamese Army and the Civilian Irregular Defense Forces, trained and led quick reaction units called Mike Forces and conducted cross-border operations as the Studies and Observation Group, MACV-SOG. 5th Special Forces Group was formed as the requirement for Special Forces troops grew. In the fourteen years Special Forces were in Viet Nam, they established a record for bravery and proficiency second to none. The three decades following Vietnam witnessed Special Forces participation in virtually every campaign fought by the U.S. Army. In Grenada, Haiti, Panama and in the Balkans, Special Forces teams conducted unconventional warfare operations in support of the regular Army. In Operation DESERT STORM, General Norman H. Schwarzkopf described the Special Forces as the eyes and ears of the conventional forces and the glue that held the coalition together. In the post 9-11 Global War on Terrorism, Special Forces teams were instrumental in establishing the Northern Alliance coalition that ousted the Taliban government in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom and were critical to the success of the Coalition ground campaign in Iraq. In Operation Iraqi Freedom, Special Forces teams trained and fought with the Kurds in northern Iraq, cleared the western desert of SCUD missiles and provided long-range special reconnaissance to the Coalition ground forces on the drive to Baghdad. The Quiet Professionals, Special Forces units are today deployed worldwide displaying their dominance in full-spectrum operations through their unconventional warfare expertise. From humanitarian assistance and training of indigenous forces, to direct action and special reconnaissance missions, Special Forces Soldiers live up to the Special Forces motto: De Oppresso Liber, to Free the Oppressed.

Special Operations families are without equal. SF families have many unique characteristics and characterize themselves as independent and self-sufficient but they balance this with a strong sense of community with other SF families. Wives of SF Soldiers describe themselves as selfless, flexible, strong, a jack of all trades, supportive of their husband's work and Outgoing.

Currently the total number of times an SF Soldier is away from home in one year may be the same or even less than the number of times he would be away from home in a conventional combat arms unit. The length of a deployment can easily affect the family, but most SF families understand they must contend with this. The SF Soldier may be gone for several weeks or months at a time when he is deployed for training, missions, or away at schools. Time away tends to be greater for Soldiers who are on an SFODA than for Soldiers with other assignments. The Special Operations Command recognizes the sacrifices these families make and try to help make the Soldier's time at home better for their families. Most deployments are planned well in advance, and families are given the Soldier's location and address. In these situations, the Soldier will have access to some form of communication to get in contact with his loved ones at home. However, there are rare occasions when the Soldier deploys unexpectedly or is not able to disclose his exact location. The family may not be able to communicate with him for unknown amounts of time. The unpredictability of such deployments can cause stress for the family because they are unable to plan for his absence, and they are sometimes unable to plan on his exact return date.

The time a Soldier is away can be particularly stressful for families with children. The wife must typically assume all responsibilities when her husband is away, including childcare, household finances, and household upkeep. Keeping the children's relationship with their father secure and ongoing in another challenge when the father is away for long periods. Involvement in the unit's Family Readiness Group can help to create a support network for the family to help solve some of the inevitable issues that will arise during deployment.

The transition time when the Soldier is leaving and returning from deployments can also be stressful and emotional for both husband and wife. Many wives settle into new routines when the husband is away and then must readjust these routines when he returns. On the other hand, some husbands and wives report a positive outcome when the husband returns from deployment because they experience a repeated honeymoon period. Both positive and negative outcomes directly come from the family's attitude and opinions about coping with deployment. The family must always maintain an open line of communication about deployment in order to have a better understanding of the nature of his job in SF and to communicate the different stresses they encounter.

Some wives report that they've had to adjust to the realization that their husbands truly love their job and are committed to their team and its missions. Some wives find it disconcerting that their husband spends so much time with his team, even when the team is not deployed. On the other hand, many wives spend a great deal of time socializing with the other wives on the team, so that the team's closeness is a positive factor for everyone in the family.

Common family stresses in SF are the Length of time the Soldier is away, Number of times the Soldier is away (especially when he is on a SFODA), Loneliness due to separations, Difficulties of communication (due to Soldier's schedule), Difficulties maintaining relationships between fathers and young children, Transition times of leaving and returning and disruptions of routines, Inability to plan family vacations or activities when unscheduled deployments arise, Difficulties maintaining household finances

Special Operations has always set the example for the Army with respect to support for families. They were one of the first to develop Family Readiness Groups (FRG), and now have demanded that Family Readiness Program Coordinators and Assistants be a part of the Chain of Command to advocate the families needs. This action has inspired all Army Commands to institute these vital members into their organizations. Now, each MSC/MSU within USASOC has a Family Resource Center (FRC). Family Resource Centers are unique to Special Operations, where we have one at each of our units, most garrison units will only have a resource center at the Installation level. An FRG is a command-sponsored organization of family members, volunteers, Soldiers and civilian employees belonging to a unit, that provide an avenue of mutual support and assistance and a network of communication among the family members, the chain of command, chain of concern, and community resources. FRGs assist the unit Commander in providing family members with the tools necessary to educate, enable, and empower them so that they obtain the skills that foster resilience.

When the Soldier begins the SFQC, the Company Commander will host a briefing/social that will help to introduce the families to the FRG and the Family Readiness Coordinator. The meetings, which are open to all, provide opportunities to discuss issues and share information. Each SF Group also has its own family readiness group. Plus, there are many other formal and informal sources of support for SF families. A family member in SF never needs to feel alone.

Sources of support for SF families include Ð Family Readiness Centers(where family members can come to socialize, get information, volunteer, seek advice or assistance, ask questions about their Soldier and/ or the unit's mission), Family Readiness Group, Close, supportive relationships among team members and their wives (the team is often described as a second family), Chain of concern rosters used to pass along information and assistance, Chaplain's office and the installation Family Resource Center, Family Pre-deployment and Re-deployment briefs.

• 4 PR. BDUS/ACUS see note #2 (MORE THAN 4 IS AUTHORIZED)
• 5 EA. ARMY ISSUE BROWN T-SHIRTS NO COOL MAX
• 1 EA. ARMY ISSUE GRAY PT UNIFORM TO INCLUDE SWEAT TOP AND BOTTOMS (NEW OR OLD)
• 1 EA. ARMY ISSUE BLACK BELT
• 5 PR. SOCKS, GREEN/BLACK ARMY OR CIVILIAN WOOL/COTTON NO PLOYPRO/GORTEX
• 5 PR. ARMY ISSUE BROWN UNDERWEAR
• 2 EA. PATROL CAP see note #2
• 1 PR. RUNNING SHOES NO BLACK RUNNING SHOES
• 2 PR. SOCKS, WHITE COTTON
• 1 EA. BDU FIELD JACKET WITH LINER see note #2
• 2 PR. BOOTS, ARMY ISSUE OR JUNGLE ONLY see note #3
• 1 PR. GLOVES, ARMY ISSUE W/LINERS OR ARMY ISSUE GORTEX GLOVES
• 1 EA. CAP, WOOL, BLACK see note #1
• 1 EA. BDU PILE CAP see note #1
• 1 PR. UNDERWEAR, COLD WEATHER, WOOL OR POLYPRO see note #1
• 1 EA. PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMSÊ i.e. RAZORS, TOOTHPASTE, SOAP
• 2 EA. TOWELS
• 1 PR. SHOWER SHOES
• 1 EA. SEWING KIT
• 3 EA. PENS/PENCILS
• 1 EA. NOTEBOOK NOT LARGER THAN 4 X 6(ONLY 1 ANY ADDITIONAL WILL BE CONFISCATED)
• 1 EA. SHOE SHINE KIT
• 2 PR. EYEGLASSES IF WORN NO CONTACT LENSES
• 2 EA. WRIST WATCH NO COMPASS OR ALTIMETER FUNCTION
• 1 EA. LAUNDRY BAG
• 1 EA. DUFFEL OR KIT BAG NO CIVILIAN BAGS
• 1 EA. CASH, $50.00 DO NOT BRING LESS THAN $50.00 OR MORE THAN $100.00
• 1 EA. SFAS PHYSICAL TRAINING HANDBOOK COMPLETED
• 1 EA. PONCHO LINER
• *** EPSQ COMPLETE, HARDCOPY AND DIGITAL
• *** TABE TEST RESULTS IF APPLICABLE
• *** 5 COPIES OF ORDERS
• *** Not Less than $50.00 cash, and either a Personal Credit Card or ATM Card
• **NOTES **
• NOTE # 1 REQUIRED FOR CLASSES FROM 15 OCTOBER THROUGH 15 APRIL
• NOTE # 2 NO RANK, BRANCH INSIGNIA, CAT EYES OR OTHER BADGES AUTHORIZES FOR WEAR.
• NOTE # 3 NO BOOTS THAT HAVE A SNEAKER STYLE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE AUTHORIZED
• FOR WEAR, i.e. HIGH TECH, OAKLEY, ADIDAS

• CAMELBACKS (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
• SAFETY GLASSES CLEAR LENSES ONLY
• BABY WIPES
• BOOK 1 PER CANDIDATE ONLY BIBLE, RANGER HANDBOOK, OR NOVEL NO MAGAZINES
• BOOT INSOLES AND LACES
• COTTON TIPPED APPLICATORS
• CLOTHES PINS
• CURLEX
• CRAVATS
• FOOT POWDER
• GAUZE PADS
• PENLIGHTS W/BATTERIES MUST HAVE RED OR BLUE LENS
• INSECT REPELLANT
• LIGHTER
• LIGHTER FLUID
• LIP BALM
• MAP CASE/NOTE BOOK COVERS
• MOLESKIN
• PACE COUNT CORDS
• POCKET KNIFE/TOOL 1 PER CANDIDATE BLADE LENGTH CANNOT EXCEED 3inches
• SAFETY PINS
• SCISSORS, SMALL
• SECURITY LOCKS
• SKIN LOTION
• SUN SCREEN
• TOBACCO PRODUCTS
• VASELINE
• ZIP LOCK BAGS LARGE/SMALL
• 550 CORD
• 100 MPH TAPE
• BLACK ELECTRICAL TAPE
• HIGHLIGHTERS
• BUNGEE CORDS
• SNAPLINKS