United States Army Special Forces selection and training The Special Forces Qualification Course ( SFQC ) or , informally , the Q Course is the initial formal training program for entry into the United States Army Special Forces . Phase I of the Q Course is Special Forces Assessment and Selection ( SFAS ) . Getting " Selected " at SFAS will enable a candidate to continue on to the next of the four phases . If a candidate successfully completes all phases he will graduate as a Special Forces qualified soldier and then , generally , be assigned to a 12 - man Operational Detachment " A " ( ODA ) , commonly known as an " A team . " The length of the Q Course changes depending on the applicant ' s primary job field within Special Forces and their assigned foreign language capability but will usually last between 56 to 95 weeks . Special Forces Qualification Course . Special Forces Preparation and Conditioning ( SFPC ) 3 Weeks 4 Days . Scope : This 19 - day performance - oriented course includes physical conditioning , map reading and land navigation instruction ; land - navigation practical exercises and common - task training . Course Description : To prepare and condition 18X and REP - 63 ( National Guard ) Soldiers to attend Special Forces Assessment and Selection course and the follow - on Special Forces Qualification Course . Special Forces Assessment and Selection ( SFAS ) 19 Days . A version of SFAS was first introduced as a selection mechanism in the mid - 1980s by the Commanding General of the John F . Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at the time , Brigadier General James Guest . There are now two ways for soldiers to volunteer to attend SFAS : Training at SFAS . The first phase of the Special Forces Qualification Course is Special Forces Assessment and Selection ( SFAS ) , consisting of 24 days of training held at Camp Mackall . Events in SFAS include numerous long distance land navigation courses . All land navigation courses are conducted day and night under heavy loads of equipment , in varied weather conditions , and in rough , hilly terrain . Land navigation work is done individually with no assistance from instructors or fellow students and is always done on a time limit . Each land navigation course has its maximum time limit reduced as course moves along and are upwards of each . Instructors evaluate candidates by using obstacle course runs , team events including moving heavy loads such as telephone poles and old jeep trucks through sand as a 12 - man team , the Army Physical Fitness Test ( APFT ) , a swim assessment , and numerous psychological exams such as IQ tests and the Defense Language Aptitude Battery ( DLAB ) test . The final event , which was discontinued in early 2009 , was a road march of up to known as " the Trek " or Long Range Individual Movement ( LRIM ) . Selection outcomes : Upon selection at SFAS , all Active Duty enlisted and IA 18X candidates will be briefed on : The five Special Forces Active Duty Groups The four Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties ( MOS ) initially open to them The languages utilized in each Special Forces Group Candidates will then complete what is often referred to as a ' " wish list . " Enlisted candidates will rank in order of preference the MOS that he prefers ( 18B , 18C , 18D , 18E ) . Officer candidates will attend the 18A course . Both enlisted and officer candidates will list in order of preference the SF Groups in which they prefer to serve ( 1st , 3rd , 5th , 7th , 10th ) and the languages in which they prefer to be trained . Language selection is dependent on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery ( DLAB ) test scores of the candidate , as well as the SF Group to which they are assigned . Different SF Groups focus on different areas of responsibility ( AOR ) , which require different languages . A board assigns each enlisted and officer candidate his MOS , Group placement , and language . The MOS , Group , and language that a selected candidate is assigned is not guaranteed , and is contingent upon the needs of the Special Forces community . Generally 80 % of selected candidates are awarded their primary choices . Successful Active Duty candidates usually return to their previous units to await a slot in the Special Forces Qualification Course . Because an Initial Accession ( IA ) 18X candidate lacks a previous unit , he will normally enter the Q Course immediately . All SF trainees must have completed the United States Army Airborne School before beginning Phase 2 of the Q - Course . Course Orientation and History Phase I ( 7 weeks ) . Course Description : Phase 1 of the SFQC is the SF Orientation Course , a seven - week introduction to SF . Dubbed the Orientation and History module , the course falls under the auspices of the 4th Battalion , 1st Special Warfare Training Group ( Airborne ) . The course is separated into six modules : Module A - Introduction to Unconventional Warfare . This phase of training will expose the students to the overall learning objectives and outcomes of the SFQC , train them in tactical guerrilla warfare , and most importantly , provide them the operational and strategic context under which they will train for the remainder of the SFQC . Under the supervision of the cadre in Robin Sage and mentorship of the “ G ” chiefs , the students will complete this phase with a firm understanding of what will be expected of them throughout the remainder of the SFQC and the importance of Unconventional Warfare in the Special Forces mission . This is an introduction to the students to Unconventional Warfare at the beginning of the SFQC through their participation in Robin Sage as “ Gs ” . Module B - Introduction to Special Forces . To provide the Soldiers an understanding of Special Forces , its history , organization , attributes and the core tasks that relate to their mission . Lessons include SFOD - A and SFOD - B numbering convention , command and control architecture , joint special - operations area , duties and responsibilities of each MOS , SF planning and organization , core mission and tasks , SOF physical fitness and nutrition . The training is to prepare our future Special Forces Soldier for what is expected of him and the standards that he must acquire to graduate the SFQC and be a member of the brotherhood and regiment . Module C - Airborne Operations and Refresher . This module allows the Soldier to maintain his jump proficiency and prepare for the training he will encounter throughout the SFQC . Module D - Special Forces Planning . This module provides the Soldiers an understanding of the Special Forces Mission Planning process . The Soldiers are given classes on the Military Decision Making Process followed by a practical exercise that reinforces the training . Module E - Operational Culture and Regional Analysis : The purpose of this instructional module is to give students a foundational understanding of the battlespace including : operational culture and a systems ’ analysis of an area . The lessons include a view of one ’ s own cultural lenses , leading to an understanding of the perspective of others as well as the use of PMESII - PT system of regional analysis to deduce the capabilities , people and environment of a given area . The Pineland Area Study will be used as the basis for analysis allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the training environment . Language and Culture Phase II ( 18 - 25 weeks ) . Course Description : Phase 2 of the SFQC focuses on language and culture . During Phase 2 , Soldiers receive basic special - operations language training in the language assigned to them at the completion of Special Forces Assessment and Selection . Languages are broken into two categories based on their degree of difficulty . Soldiers who are assigned a Category I or II language will be enrolled in an 18 - week language program , while Soldiers who are assigned a Category III or IV language will attend 24 weeks of language training . Students receive instruction in three basic language skills : speaking , participatory listening and reading ( limited ) . The following areas of emphasis are covered during the training : overview of physical and social systems , economics , politics and security , infrastructure and technology information , culture and regional studies . Language instruction focuses on functional application geared toward mission - related tasks , enhanced rapport building techniques , cultural mitigation strategies , interpreting and control of interpreter methods . Also during Phase 2 , a progressive PT program is started in order to prepare for Phase 3 . To successfully complete Phase 2 , Soldiers must achieve a minimum of 1 / 1 Listening and Speaking as measured by the two - skill Oral Proficiency Interview . Small Unit Tactics & SERE Phase III ( 13 weeks ) . Course Description : Small Unit Tactics is the third phase in the qualification course . The 13 - week program provides Soldiers in the SFQC the apprentice - level tactical combat skills required to successfully operate on an SF OD - A . Students will master the following tactical skills : advanced marksmanship ; small - unit tactics ; SF common tasks ; urban operations ; mission analysis ; advanced special operations level 1 ; sensitive - site exploitation ; military - decision making process . At the end of Phase 3 , Soldiers will enroll in SERE Level C , where they will receive intensive training in support of the Code of Conduct . Training includes survival field craft skills , techniques of evasion , resistance to exploitation and resolution skills in all types of environments . Students will participate in a survival and evasion field - training exercise and in a resistance - training laboratory . The course spans three weeks with three phases of instruction . The first phase lasts approximately 10 days of academic instruction on the Code of Conduct and in SERE techniques that incorporate both classroom training and hands - on field craft . The second phase is a five - day field training exercise in which the students practice their survival and evasion skills by procuring food and water , constructing evasion fires and shelters and evading tracker dogs and aggressor forces over long distances . The final phase takes place in the resistance - training laboratory , where students are tested on their individual and collective abilities to resist interrogation and exploitation and to properly apply the six articles of the Code of Conduct in a realistic captivity scenario . MOS Training Phase IV ( 14 - 50 weeks ) . 18A - Special Forces Detachment Officer ( 2E - 18A ) Prerequisites : Officer must have successfully passed the SF Orientation Course , Language , SUT , Survival , Evasion , Resistance and Escape before entering AOC training . Any variation from these prerequisites requires a waiver from the Commanding General , SWCS . Purpose : To train selected officers in the critical branch ( 18A ) tasks and competencies required to perform the duties of a detachment commander of a Special Forces ODA . Course Description : Focuses on the full operational spectrum of problem analysis and resolution design associated with SF core missions across the elements of national power spectrum . Duties and functional - area familiarization of the 18 series MOSs : communications , engineer , medical , weapons , intelligence ; the military decision making process ; special - operations mission planning ; adaptive thinking and leadership ; special reconnaissance ; direct action ; unconventional warfare ; foreign internal defense ; counterinsurgency operations ; military operations in urban terrain ; interagency operations ; warrior skills ; Advanced Special Operations skills ; OPFUND management ; elements of national power considerations ; culture ; in - depth core mission analysis ; information operations , planning and conduct of ODA training ; and three field - training exercises . Module A - Special Forces Mission Analysis and Planning : The module provides student officers with an introduction to SOF mission peculiar software ; fire support ; an introduction to IO ; mission planning utilizing the MDMP ; target analysis ; infiltration / exfiltration planning ; non - conventional unassisted evasion and recovery planning . Module B - Adaptive Thinking and Interpersonal Skills : This module develops the officer ’ s ability to perform in an asymmetrical environment . An adaptive leader is one who can intuitively identify and resolve complex problems simultaneously at multiple levels by influencing those around him , providing purpose , direction and a vision of his intended outcome , while anticipating and shaping second - and third - order effects in a dynamic and ambiguous environment . Module C - SR / DA : This module teaches the doctrine associated with special reconnaissance and direct action missions and provides an introduction and overview of sensitive site exploitation operations and target site exploitation . Module D - Foreign Internal Defense / Counterinsurgency : This module develops the officer ’ s capacity to develop a strategy based approach to FID support planning , and training that employs a methodology of balanced , decentralized , intelligence driven lethal and nonlethal operations across the operational spectrum . It emphasizes the importance of combined , multinational and interagency integrated operations and the establishment and functionality of mission supportive informal command relationships to stimulate their capacity to act as force multipliers . This module includes a FID / JCET FTX where students work by , with , and through host nation partners . Module E – Unconventional Warfare : This module teaches student officers how to implement the developmental processes of an insurgency and identify the components of an insurgency . Implement the role and functions in operations as it relates to the seven phases of US sponsored insurgency . Demonstrate the uses of UW as a strategic option during the initial phases of a Geographic Combatant Commander ’ s Campaign Plan . This module includes UW Case Studies and a Case Studies Brief and a UW Pilot Team FTX . Module F – Advanced Special Operations : This module familiarizes students with the basic fundamentals of advanced special operations . Module J – MOS Cross Training : This module provides officers with knowledge and education of the duties , responsibilities , and capabilities of the individual MOS members of the SFODA . It identifies what the 18B , 18C , 18D , 18E are trained on during the SFQC and provides a familiarization of the role of the SF Warrant Officers , Operations Sergeant , and Intelligence Sergeant to future detachment commanders . This module will also provide limited MOS specific cross - training to students in the 18A Phase IV SFQC . The Special Forces operational detachment commander is a captain who has been awarded the 18A MOS . He commands the detachment and is responsible for everything that the detachment does or fails to do . The commander may command and / or advise an indigenous battalion combat force . The commander will regularly meet abroad with the country team to include ambassadors , foreign ministers of defense and foreign presidents . He ensures his detachment is trained for combat anytime , anywhere and in any environment . The commander ensures that he and all of his detachment members are cross - trained on all assigned equipment and duties in case of injury or death to a detachment member during a mission . 18B - Weapons Sergeant ( 011 - 18B30 - C45 ) Weapons sergeants have a working knowledge with weapons systems found throughout the world . They gain extensive knowledge about various types of U . S . and foreign small arms , submachine guns , machine guns , grenade launchers , forward - observer procedures and directs fires and indirect - fire weapons ( mortars ) , anti - tank missiles . They learn the capabilities and characteristics of U . S . and foreign air defense and anti - tank weapons systems , tactical training and range fire as well as how to teach marksmanship and the employment of weapons to others . Weapons sergeants employ conventional and unconventional tactics and techniques as tactical mission leaders . They can recruit , organize , train and advise or command indigenous combat forces up to company size . Prerequisites : Student must have successfully passed the Special Forces Orientation Course , SUT and Survival , Evasion , Resistance and escape before entering MOS training . Any variation from these prerequisites requires a waiver from the Commanding General , SWCS . Purpose : To train selected Soldiers in the critical MOS and skill level ( 18B30 ) tasks and competencies required to perform the duties of a Special Forces weapons sergeant on an SF ODA . Course Description : Direct - and indirect - fire systems and procedures : mortars , light / heavy weapons , sniper systems , anti - armor systems , forward observer and fire direction center procedures , close air support ; Warrior skills ; combatives ; plan and conduct training ; field training exercise . Module A Light Weapons : The purpose of this module is to produce a weapons sergeant capable of employing , maintaining and engaging targets with select U . S . and foreign pistols , rifles , shotguns , submachine guns and machine guns and grenade launchers Module B Heavy Weapons : The purpose of this module is to produce a weapons sergeant capable of employing , maintaining and engaging targets with select U . S . and foreign anti - armor weapons , crew - served weapons , mortars and in the utilization of observed fire procedures . Module C Tactics : The purpose of this module is to produce a weapons sergeant proficient in Special Forces and light - infantry tactics through platoon level . Tactics FTX : This module develops the student ’ s knowledge , skills and understanding of the Special Forces weapons sergeant on tactics , techniques and procedures that affects mission planning as it pertains to SF operations . This will increase the student ’ s understanding of his operational environment . 18C - Engineer Sergeant ( 011 - 18C30 - C45 ) Engineer Sergeants are experts in employing offensive / defensive combat engineer capabilities to include demolitions , U . S . and foreign landmines , explosives and improvised munitions , construction , home made explosives , reconnaissance , and target analysis . The construction module requires Soldiers to learn to read blueprints as well as design , and to construct a theater - of - operations building , as well as field fortifications to be used as fire bases while deployed on an SFODA . Special Forces engineers are taught basic to advanced demolition skills that will enable them to destroy targets in non - electric and electric firing systems , with U . S . , foreign and civilian demolition components . Engineer sergeants plan , supervise , lead , perform and instruct all aspects of combat engineering , demolition operations and theater - of operations construction engineering in either English or their target language . They can recruit , organize , train and advise or command indigenous combat forces up to company size . Prerequisites : Student must have successfully passed the Special Forces Orientation Course , SUT , Language and Survival , Evasion , Resistance and Escape before entering MOS training . Any variation from these prerequisites requires a waiver from the Commanding General , SWCS . Purpose : To train selected Soldiers in the critical MOS and skill level ( 18C30 ) tasks and competencies required to perform the duties of a Special Forces engineer sergeant on a SF ODA . Course Description : Basic military construction techniques and procedures ; basic and intermediate demolitions ; Special Forces Tactical Facilities , UXO / IED ; target analysis / interdiction and mission planning ; Warrior skills ; combatives ; plan and conduct training ; and field - training exercises . Module A Demolitions : To provide students with baseline knowledge of explosives theory , their characteristics and common uses , formulasfor calculating various types of charges and standard methods of priming and placing these charges . Lesson plans include explosive entry techniques , demolition material , demolition safety , firing systems , calculation and placement of charges , expedient charges and range operations . Module B Special Operations Construction : To provide students with knowledge and training in the role of an SF engineer ; blueprints ( read / design ) ; construction of a masonry wall ; welding , concrete construction , types and sitings of obstacles , wire obstacles , fighting positions , bunkers and shelters , camp construction / fortification , heavy equipment operations ( skid - steer loader , scraper , grader , scoop loader , utility tractor ) , electrical wiring , plumbing and logistical operations . Module C UXO / IED : To provide students with knowledge and skills in the construction , demolition and emplacement of special - purpose munitions and unexploded ordnance , including IEDs . Homemade expolosives . Module D Reconnaissance : To provide students with knowledge and training in target analysis / interdiction and mission planning . Module E Engineer Field Training Exercise : To complete the foreign internal defense scenario - based 18C SF engineer tasks . 18D - Medical Sergeant ( 011 - 18D30 - C45 ) Medical sergeants specialize in trauma management , infectious diseases , cardiac life support and surgical procedures , with a basic understanding of veterinary and dental medicine . Both general healthcare and emergency healthcare are stressed in training . Medical sergeants provide emergency , routine and long - term medical care for detachment members and associated allied members and host - nation personnel . They establish field medical facilities to support unconventional - warfare operations . They provide veterinary care . They prepare the medical portion of area studies , briefbacks and operation plans and orders . Soldiers selected for MOS 18D attend 250 days of advanced medical training . Additionally , they spend two months of the year on a trauma rotation in hospital emergency rooms . The medical - training phase includes a nationally accredited emergency medical technician paramedic program . They can recruit , organize , train and advise or command indigenous combat forces up to company size . 18E - Communications Sergeant ( 011 - 18E30 - C45 ) The Special Forces communications sergeant has to learn U . S . communication systems as well as those systems found throughout the world . He must incorporate this information and technology into his communications planning , and teach it to the other members of his ODA . Communications sergeants have a thorough grounding in communication basics , communications procedures , computer technology ; assembly and systems applications . They must understand communication theory — how to install , operate and maintain FM , AM , HF , VHF and UHF radio systems . They must be able to make communications in voice to data , and to read voice and data radio nets by utilizing computer systems and networks . Communications sergeants are experts in sending and receiving critical messages that link the SFODA with its command and control elements . They are familiar with antenna theory , radio wave propagation and how to teach it to others . Communications sergeants prepare the communications portion of area studies , briefbacks and operation plans and orders . They can recruit , organize , train and advise or command indigenous combat forces up to company size . Prerequisites : Student must have successfully passed the Special Forces Orientation Course , SUT and Survival , Evasion , Resistance and Escape before entering MOS training . Any variation from these prerequisites requires a waiver from the Commanding General , SWCS . Purpose : To train selected Soldiers in the critical MOS and skill level ( 18E30 ) tasks and competencies required to perform the duties of an SF communications sergeant on an SFOD - A . Course Description : The course provides training in computer applications , satellite radios and satellite and antenna theory and radio wave propagation . Soldiers will learn how to construct field - expedient antennas , employing communications procedures and techniques and communicate throughout the HF , VHF and UHF spectrums , all culminating with a field training exercise . The course goal is to develop a world - class SF Communicator capable of employing , accessing and familiar with SF , joint and interagency communications . MODULE A — Course Orientation : Provides the students with the information of what is covered in the 18E Course , the student evaluation plan and conduct while attending the course . MODULE B — Computer Applications : This module instructs Soldiers to become proficient in computer applications A + training and NET + training . The A + training provides Soldiers the training necessary to troubleshoot and repair basic computer components , hard drives , power supplies , motherboards , video cards and other internal components of a computer . The Net + training provides Soldiers the training necessary to network computers in a LAN and WAN and setting up servers and routers . Installing , operating and maintaining the SND - L and SOMPE - G . Students are postured at the end of this module for external certification in CompTIA + network and security . MODULE C — Communications Procedures : The module instructs the Soldiers on basic communications fundamentals such as basic radio theory , basic electricity , radio telephone procedures , signal - operating instructions , communication security , power applications and information operations / electronic warfare as they pertain to an SF communications sergeant . MODULE D — Radios Common to the Army : Students receive instruction on the operation of radios and radio - secure systems common to Army units such as the AN / PRC - 148 , AN / PRC119F , AN / PYQ - 10 simple key loader and the AN / CYZ - 10 electronic transfer device . MODULE E — Satellite Communications : Soldiers learn satellite theory , the use of satellite radios such as the AN / PSC - 5C / D AN / PRC - 117G and BGAN attenna and the radio ’ s modes of operation , demand assigned multiple access and point to point operations . The Soldiers are also trained in the use of multiple computer applications such as VIASAT , PDA - 184 , and MoVer to install , operate and maintain satellite communications links . MODULE F — Communications Planning : The Communications Planning Module instructs Soldiers in the matters of communications planning such as transmission site selection , the duties and responsibilities of the SF communications sergeant , signal support in the Special Forces group , MDMP , mission planning and preparing a signal annex to an operations order as it pertains to his duties and responsibilities . MODULE G — High Frequency Communications : The module instructs Soldiers in the use of the high frequency ( HF ) radio spectrum to communicate , such as training in antenna theory and radio wave propagation , the calculation of length to determine how to make HF antennas for short , medium and long - range communications . The operation and troubleshooting of the AN / PRC - 137 special mission radio set ( SMRS ) and AN / PRC - 150 are also taught . MODULE I — Field Performance : This module measures the Soldiers ability through testing and grading to measure proficiency in the use and techniques of the equipment and procedures taught throughout the SF Communications Sergeant Course . The Soldiers must achieve a passing grade to become qualified . UW CULEX ( Robin Sage ) Phase V ( 4 weeks ) . Since 1974 , Robin Sage , the culmination exercise for the SFQC , has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the coveted Green Beret . ( Prior to 1974 , similar exercises were held under the name Devil ' s Arrow , Swift Strike , and Guerrilla USA . ) It is during Robin Sage , held in 15 rural North Carolina counties , that Soldiers must put all of the skills they have learned throughout the SFQC to the test in an unconventional - warfare training exercise . The exercise , broken into two phases , puts students on their first SFODA . The SFODA is trained , advised and mentored throughout the entire exercise from mission receipt through planning and infiltration . During the first week , the students are taught the necessary skills to survive and succeed in a UW environment utilizing the small group instruction teaching methodology . The remaining three weeks focus on their planning and application during Robin Sage . The students are placed into an environment of political instability characterized by armed conflict that forces Soldiers to exercise both individual and collective problem solving . A key to the success of the Robin Sage training is its real - world feel that is established by the use of guerrilla forces . The SFODA must assess the combat effectiveness of the G - forces , and then train them in basic individual tasks from each of the MOSs as well as collective tasks in basic small - unit tactics , while remaining responsive to asymmetrical challenges . Just as language plays a key role in all other phases of the pipeline , language skills will be put to the test during Robin Sage . During this training , the SFODA must demonstrate its knowledge of UW doctrine and operational techniques . Participating in this rigorous and realistic training exercise the future Special Forces Soldier learns the skills and confidence to successfully deploy with an SFODA . On the last day of isolation the detachment presents its plan to the battalion command and staff . This plan will explain how the commander intends to execute the mission . The next day , the students make an airborne infiltration into the country of Pineland . They then make contact with the guerrilla forces and begin " Robin Sage " . Students will then begin their task of training , advising , and assisting the guerrillas . The training will educate the guerrillas in various specialties , including weapons , communications , medical , and demolitions . The training is designed to enable the guerrillas to begin liberating their country from oppression . It is the last portion of the Special Forces Qualification Course before they receive their " Green Berets " . ROBIN SAGE involves approximately 100 Special Forces students , 100 counter - insurgent personnel ( OPFOR ) , 200 guerrilla personnel , 40 auxiliary personnel , and 50 cadre . The local communities of North Carolina also participate in the exercise by role playing as citizens of Pineland . The exercise is conducted in approximately of North Carolina . Many of the OPFOR and guerrilla personnel are made up of North Carolina residents who are financially compensated for their participation . The role of the guerrilla chief , " G - chief , " is sometimes played by a retired Green Beret . In previous years , during the summer Robin Sage exercises , Army ROTC cadets acted as the OPFOR or guerrilla fighters . Participation of AROTC cadets in Robin Sage has not taken place since summer of 2009 . Death during ROBIN SAGE . On 23 February 2002 , during an off - post traffic stop , Moore County Deputy Sheriff Randall Butler shot to death 1st Lieutenant Tallas Tomeny , 31 , and wounded Staff Sergeant Stephen Phelps , 25 , during a Robin Sage exercise . The two soldiers had presumed that Butler was aware of the Robin Sage training , and when stopped , attempted to bribe him with " Don " ( Pineland currency ) , which looks similar to Monopoly money . The deputy used his entire supply of chemical spray on Tomeny , who backpedaled and screamed , shaking his head . Phelps continued to think that the deputy was part of the play of the exercise and grabbed the bag holding his machine gun , running for cover . Butler shot Tomeny once , turned , and shot the fleeing Phelps twice after telling him to show his hands . Prior to the accident , there was confidence within the military establishment that the law enforcement community of North Carolina was well familiarized with the exercise . Press releases are now issued before an exercise commences and law enforcement officers who participate in the training are now required to wear a distinctive uniform . On 27 October 2009 a federal civil trial jury in Greensboro , North Carolina awarded $ 750 , 000 to Phelps after he sued Butler and the Moore County Sheriff ' s office . Tomeny ' s estate had previously settled out - of - court with the sheriff ' s office . Jurors said that they did not believe portions of Butler ' s testimony about what had occurred during the shooting incident . Graduation Phase VI ( 1 Week ) . Phase 6 is the final phase and consists of one week of out processing , the Regimental First Formation where students don their green berets for the first time , and the graduation ceremony . Further training . After successfully completing the Special Forces Qualification Course , Special Forces soldiers are then eligible for many advanced skills courses . These include , but are not limited to , the Military Free Fall Parachutist Course ( MFF ) , the Combat Diver Qualification Course and the Special Forces Sniper Course ( formerly known as the Special Operations Target Interdiction Course ) . All Special Forces soldiers conduct real world , non - combat operations in order to maintain their skills . Special Forces Medical Sergeants ( 18D ) often work in both military and civilian Emergency Room s in between deployments . Additionally , because one of the Special Forces soldier ' s primary mission is the instruction of other forces , they participate extensively in special operations training courses offered by other services and allied nations throughout their careers .