Special Forces Member

Your Fit

Income

$74K

Preparation

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Special Forces Member?

A Special Forces Member is an elite military professional trained in unconventional warfare and specialized operations. They execute a range of missions, often in high-risk environments, including direct combat, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and foreign internal defense.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Special Forces Member.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Special Forces Member earn

Income data is from Canada's latest census. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Special Forces Member.

$74K

CAD per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K above the national average.

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What does a Special Forces Member do?

Work environment

Special Forces Members operate in diverse and often hostile environments worldwide. They may be deployed in conflict zones, remote areas, and various terrains, including jungles, mountains, and deserts. Their work often requires a high degree of secrecy and can involve irregular hours and extended periods away from home.

Quick task list

Participates in direct combat and counter-terrorism operations.
Conducts reconnaissance missions and gathers intelligence.
Trains and advises allied forces and local populations.
Executes search and rescue operations.
Performs crisis response and evacuation in emergencies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Weapons and demolitions expert.
Medical and combat casualty care.
Communications and intelligence gathering.
Language specialization and cultural expertise.
Reconnaissance and surveillance.

Description

Special Forces Members are distinguished by their ability to perform high-stakes, sensitive missions that require exceptional physical and mental fortitude, adaptability, and proficiency in a variety of military tactics. Their training is extensive and multifaceted, covering advanced combat skills, survival techniques, language proficiency, and cultural awareness. This preparation enables them to operate effectively in foreign environments and under extreme conditions.

One of the primary roles of Special Forces is to engage in direct action operations, including raids, ambushes, and sabotage. They also specialize in unconventional warfare, supporting resistance movements and insurgencies to destabilize hostile governments or groups. Moreover, Special Forces conduct counter-terrorism operations, working to neutralize terrorist threats and dismantle extremist networks.

Being a Special Forces Member requires a strong commitment to teamwork, leadership, and continuous personal and professional development. These individuals often find themselves in leadership and mentorship roles, both within their units and when working with allied forces. The nature of their missions demands not only physical prowess but also mental resilience, strategic thinking, and exceptional decision-making skills under pressure.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being part of an elite, highly skilled military unit.
Engaging in challenging and meaningful missions with significant impacts.
Developing a wide range of specialized skills and expertise.

You might make a good Special Forces Member if you are...

Physically fit and capable of enduring challenging conditions.
Mentally resilient and able to handle high-stress situations.
A team player with strong leadership abilities.
Interested in learning advanced military tactics and specialized skills.
Committed to serving your country in a highly demanding role.

Pros:

Being part of a prestigious and highly respected military group.
Opportunity for intense personal and professional development.
Engaging in diverse and impactful missions.

Cons:

High-risk and potentially life-threatening situations.
Long periods away from family and normal life.
Intense physical and psychological demands.

How to become a Special Forces Member

Typical education

Minimum education is a high school diploma or equivalent, but further specialized military training is essential. Members usually undergo rigorous selection and training processes specific to their role in the Special Forces, often lasting several months to a year.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education to build fitness.
JROTC or similar programs for basic military training and discipline.
Foreign Language for cultural and linguistic skills.
Psychology to understand mental resilience.
Leadership courses or activities.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Team sports for physical fitness and teamwork skills.
Outdoor and survival skills clubs.
Community service to develop a sense of service and responsibility.

Preparation after high school

Enlistment in the military is the first step.
Pursuing military education and training specific to Special Forces.
Specialized physical and tactical training programs.
Language and cultural immersion programs.
Leadership and advanced combat training.

More resources

United States Army Special Forces - Official website with information on career paths and training.
Special Operations Recruiting Battalion - Provides information on Special Forces selection and training.
National Defense University - Offers resources and courses on military education and leadership.
Professional Soldiers - A forum for networking and information exchange among Special Forces professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.