Must be a United States Citizen. Must be airborne qualified or volunteer for airborne training. Must be able to swim 50 meters wearing boots and battle dress uniform. Must score a minimum of 206 points on the Army physical fitness, with no less than 60 points on any event, using standards for age group 17 to 21. Must be able to meet medical fitness standards as outline in AR 40-501. A soldier who can meet these stringent qualifications can be eligible for training however not all who meet the requirements are destined to complete the training to become part of the Green Berets".
Special Operations Forces were designed to meet the changing civil and military challenges that our country faces. They face politically and tactically complicated issues with every mission and are set in place by the government to carry out covert and unconventional warfare. The soldiers who are part of these units are not only physically capable but they are required to have technological advantages with the ability to use them as well. With the continual changes throughout the world in advanced weaponry and technology, the ways in which Special Operations Forces missions are carried out must also be changing. The need for increased investment in science and technology is necessary to support and increase the advantage that the Special Operations Forces will have over their adversaries. They must be able to deliver people, equipment and weapons with precision. They must be able to locate valuable, strategic targets and use firepower accurately with little or no damage to civilian population.
Because Special Forces are continually seeking advanced technologies in order to meet special requirements of their demanding missions, Special Operations Forces often are the first to test and evaluate prototype equipment, material, techniques and tactics. Special Forces were instrumental in developing night-vision equipment and tactics, high-altitude mountaineering and free-fall parachuting techniques and equipment, and helicopter fast rope insertion techniques.
