Joining The Best Military Organizations - Special Forces
The military is a service that can provide many different career opportunities to those looking for change. Special Forces, also known as SF, are a highly specialized and elite fighting force who undertake some of the most dangerous missions in all branches of service. The rigorous training process is meant to weed out those not up for the task.
There are so many ways of doing something new, and we will talk about how the Air Force provides this opportunity in detail below:
- Active Duty Enlistment for Non-Prior Service and Prior Service
- Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve enlistment
- Crosstraining/Retraining for current Active Duty Airmen
- Officer Assessments for CRO, STO and TACPO
Active Duty Non-Prior Service and Prior Service (Enlisted)
Non-Prior Service = Never been in the military before
Prior Service = Been in the military before but not the Air Force
Prior to entering this program, you must first contact a recruiter about joining Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) active duty operators by taking ASVAB tests followed by medical examinations before enlisting with AFSPCWAR Active Duty Operations Recruiting. Enlisted Special Warfare jobs include Combat Control Pararescue Tactical Air Control Party or TACP(special reconnaissance). Non-prior service applicants have an opportunity to sign up for SWOE which gives them time to compete on their desired job such as air control party operator and
It is important to note that there are two different types of recruiters in the Air Force: a regular AF recruiter and an AFSPECWAR (special tactics) recruiter. The former will get you all the information about training, but may not be able to provide as much help or personal attention before Basic Military Training begins. If by chance you contact a regular AF Recruiter and need more specialized care, they should have no problem putting you in touch with one of their counterparts who can give additional input on what it takes for Special Tactics work within our nation's military special operations unit!
There are also ANG (Air National Guard) and Reserve units that require some specific paths necessary to cross-train be sure to contact them directly if you wish to try out.
Ways to Find an Active Duty Enlisted Recruiter
- *RECOMMENDED OPTION* Contact a local 330 RCS AFSPECWAR recruiter provided in this guide HERE. *Note* Although recruiter names may change over time, the phone numbers to the recruiting office should not change.
- Stop by your community’s local Air Force recruiting office
- Click the application tool on the Air Force recruiting website, provided on our Links page.
After making contact, make sure that your recruiter refers to you to a Special Warfare developer that will ensure your PAST test scores are where they need to be prior to shipping out. This mentor is an ex-operator and has been through this process themselves so know exactly what it takes!
Entry Requirements
- Successful completion of the Physical ability and stamina test (PAST)
- ASVAB Score: General – 49
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Possess a High School Diploma or GED
- PULHES Medical Profile Score of 111111.
- Physical qualification for aircrew, parachute, and marine diving duty according to AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards. (For more information, visit our Medical Eligibility Page.)
- Vision: 20/200, correctable to 20/20
- Note: Some medical conditions may be waiverable depending on severity and mission impact.
- Meet general Air Force enlistment requirements, outlined in Air Force Manual 36-2032
Cross-Training
For current Active Duty Airmen that want to switch career fields. Refer to our AFSPECWAR retraining page for specific guidance.
Officer Candidates
Follow the procedures in the attached Assessment Program Guides (pdf):