OVERVIEW
The  Special Forces Officer is the team leader of an operational detachment alpha, a highly trained 12-man team that is deployed in rapid-response situations. The officer organizes the mission, outfits the team and debriefs them on the mission objective.

JOB DUTIES
Typically, officers lead the team in the following types of missions:

• Counter-terrorism: prevent, deter and respond to terrorist activities and train the military of other nations
• Direct action: participate in short-duration strikes that are used to capture, recover or destroy enemy weapons/information, or recover designated personnel/material
• Foreign internal defense: organize, assist and train the military and national defense forces of foreign governments
• Special reconnaissance: gather intelligence to monitor enemy movements and operations
• Unconventional warfare: participate in unconventional warfare (a.k.a. guerrilla warfare) to train, equip, advise and assist forces in enemy-held or controlled territory

REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.

TRAINING
Special Forces Officers go through an extensive, demanding training cycle. You will learn skills in the many areas of combat by completing Airborne training, Ranger School and Special Forces Qualification Courses.

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
• Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
• Ability to make quick decisions
• Ability to bear numerous responsibilities

COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay and vacation time.

EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in fields such as business management. Being an officer in the Army National Guard is closely related to working in managerial positions in corporations.