Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 4/14/2009

Question
Hey, I want to be in Special Forces.  However, if I don't make it, would I have to switch branches to try for Navy SEALS?  How are they alike and different (SEALS and Special Forces).  Thanks for your time.

Answer
Special Forces and Navy SEALs are different in their mission as well as their training.  Both are very difficult to get into and have special security clearance requirements along with physical fitness, psychological, and intelligence requirements.  If you enlist in the Army with the opportunity to try out for SF, you still would be under contract if you failed selection school or were unable to attend for failing to meet any of the other various criteria. As far as mission differences, it would be difficult to say as the mission of both are not entirely for public consumption. Good luck in your quest to become SF.