Implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime as members of elite teams. These activities include offensive raids, demolitions, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. In addition to their combat training, special forces members often have specialized training in swimming, diving, parachuting, survival, emergency medicine, and foreign languages. Duties include conducting advanced reconnaissance operations and collecting intelligence information; recruiting, training, and equipping friendly forces; conducting raids and invasions on enemy territories; laying and detonating explosives for demolition targets; locating, identifying, defusing, and disposing of ordnance; and operating and maintaining sophisticated communications equipment.
Special Forces
Implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime as members of elite teams. These activities include offensive raids, demolitions, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. In addition to their combat training, special forces members often have specialized training in swimming, diving, parachuting, survival, emergency medicine, and foreign languages. Duties include conducting advanced reconnaissance operations and collecting intelligence information; recruiting, training, and equipping friendly forces; conducting raids and invasions on enemy territories; laying and detonating explosives for demolition targets; locating, identifying, defusing, and disposing of ordnance; and operating and maintaining sophisticated communications equipment.
What does a Special Forces do?
How much can you earn?
Limited Data Available: Detailed wage distribution data is not currently available for this occupation.
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Special Forces
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
Key Digital Competencies:
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Special Forces
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Trade Colleges That Train for Special Forces
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Cochise County Community College District
Sierra Vista, AZ
865 program completions/year
Community College of Rhode Island
Warwick, RI
18 program completions/year
Great Plains Technology Center
Lawton, OK
9 program completions/year
College of Western Idaho
Nampa, ID
7 program completions/year
Northern Oklahoma College
Tonkawa, OK
6 program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
5 program completions/year
Rogue Community College
Grants Pass, OR
3 program completions/year
Pioneer Technology Center
Ponca City, OK
2 program completions/year
Barton County Community College
Great Bend, KS
1 program completions/year
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Wesson, MS
1 program completions/year