The SF assessment and selection program lasts 20'45 days. Soldiers are judged on their creativity, motivation, ability to handle stress, teamwork and physical ability.
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Going unnoticed during their missions is critical for Green Berets. It's important for them to be organized in small, highly trained groups. This way they get things done in a quick and effective manner.
Special Forces groups are organized in small teams of 12 men — a.k.a. Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA). A typical Green Berets Team structure usually consists of two each of the following: Weapons Sergeants, Communications Sergeants, Medical Sergeants and Engineering Sergeants. A Commander, Assistant Commander (Warrant Officer), Operations/Intelligence Sergeant and Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) complete the team. These teams can change according to the type of mission.
Each Soldier in an ODA is specially trained and cross-trained in different disciplines. See below for a brief job description for each ODA team member.
SPECIAL FORCES OFFICER (COMMANDER)
(18A)
Each ODA needs a team leader on missions. The 18A is a Commander (Captain) responsible for mission organization, outfitting the team and debriefing the mission objectives.
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WARRANT OFFICER/ASSISTANT DETACHMENT COMMANDER
(180A)
To back up the 18A leading the team, the 180A acts as the Assistant Detachment Commander. He prepares to take the lead whenever the Captain is absent or non-functional, or if a mission calls for the ODA to be split in two teams
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WEAPONS SERGEANT
(18B)
Special Forces Weapons Sergeants are the weapons specialists. They're capable of operating and maintaining a wide variety of U.S., Allied and other foreign weaponry. Some of your tasks might include maintaining proficiency with all foreign high-density light and heavy weapons; selecting weapons placements and sites; assigning targets and areas of fire.
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ENGINEERING SERGEANT
(18C)
Special Forces Engineering Sergeants are specialists across a wide range of disciplines. Some of your tasks may include working in demolitions, explosives, land and water navigation duties, field fortification, bridging, rigging, reconnaissance and sabotage operations.
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MEDICAL SERGEANT
(18D)
Special Forces Medical Sergeants are considered to be the finest first-response/trauma medical technicians in the world. Though they're primarily trained with an emphasis on trauma medicine, they also have working knowledge of dentistry, veterinary care, public sanitation, water quality and optometry.
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COMMUNICATIONS SERGEANT
(18E)
Special Forces Communications Sergeants operate every kind of communications gear, from encrypted satellite communications systems to old-style, high-frequency (HF) Morse Code systems. They also have serious computer/networking skills and know several computer languages.
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ASSISTANT OPERATIONS/INTELLIGENCE NCO
(18F)
Since many SF missions require being behind the lines in hostile areas, each team is given an 18F Intelligence Specialist. The 18F collects and evaluates information for transmission, and supplies vital data on the enemy.
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OPERATIONS SERGEANT
(18Z)
The Operations Sergeant is responsible for the overall organization, functionality and training of an SF team. He makes sure the team is outfitted correctly and supports the ODA commander (18A).
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