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Special Forces Weapons Sergeant

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Special Forces Weapons Sergeant - 18B


  • Active/Reserve:Active Duty
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

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.

Job Duties

  • Go behind enemy lines to recruit, train and equip friendly forces for guerrilla raids
  • Carry out demolition raids against enemy military targets
  • Employ warfare tactics and techniques in infantry operations
  • Maintain proficiency with all foreign highdensity light and heavy weapons
  • Read, interpret and prepare combat orders

    • Requirements

  • Special operations forces have very demanding physical requirements. Good eyesight, night vision and physical conditioning are required to reach mission objectives via parachute, land or water. Excellent hand-eye coordination is also required to detonate or deactivate explosives.
  • In most instances, special forces weapons sergeants are required to be qualified divers, parachutists and endurance runners.
  • Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

    • Training

    Due to the wide variety of missions, special operations weapons sergeants are trained swimmers, paratroopers and survival experts, as well as trained in many forms of combat. Training for the special forces weapons sergeant consists of 43 weeks of formal classroom training and practice exercises. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

  • Physical conditioning, parachuting, swimming and scuba diving
  • Using land warfare weapons and communications devices
  • Handling and using explosives
  • Bomb and mine disposal

    • Helpful Skills

  • Ability to work as a team member
  • Readiness to accept a challenge and face danger
  • Ability to stay in top physical condition
  • Interest in weapons and artillery
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • No ASVAB

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.