Special Forces 20th Group – The Ultimate Guide

Introduction: Serving With the Elite While Keeping Your Day Job

Imagine mastering the most demanding military skills on earth—free‐fall parachuting, foreign languages, and unconventional warfare—while still living in your hometown and thriving in your civilian career. That’s the promise of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), one of only two Special Forces groups in the Army National Guard. These Green Berets live double lives: on drill weekends and deployments they’re members of America’s most prestigious special operations force, but during the week they’re teachers, engineers, business owners, and parents. This article is your guide to understanding 20th SFG(A)—its organization, training pipeline, lifestyle, benefits, and how you can join.

Key points covered in this guide

• What makes the 20th Special Forces Group unique
• How the unit is organized and where its detachments are located
• An insider’s story about training with 20th Group Soldiers
• A step‑by‑step overview of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)
• How pay and allowances work for National Guard Green Berets
• Mission sets and operational areas for 20th SFG(A)
• Frequently asked questions about joining and serving in 20th Group

My First Encounter With 20th Group

My introduction to the 20th Special Forces Group came during a deployment to Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, where a team was attached to Joint Task Force Bravo. For about a month they ran Rappel Master and Fast‑Rope Insertion/Extraction (FRIES) courses, and I was fortunate enough to attend both. From the start I was struck by their demeanor—professional, competent, confident—but also calm, intelligent, and easygoing. They were Army, but they weren’t too Army; it was a refreshing contrast to the rigid environment I’d experienced earlier that year with the 101st Airborne Division.

I spent quite a bit of time with those Green Berets and one of their NCOs made a lasting impression. I must have asked him a hundred questions about the lifestyle, the missions, the training pipeline, and what it really means to serve as a Green Beret in the National Guard. He was patient, honest, and professional—never selling it, just explaining it. Looking back, he was a key influence in my decision to attend the Q Course and dedicate the rest of my military career to Special Forces.

When I finally went through the Special Forces Qualification Course, I had the privilege of training alongside several outstanding Soldiers from 20th Group. They were sharp, humble, and relentlessly capable—the kind of teammates you want beside you when things get hard. Later, I worked with 20th Group operators in multiple countries, and that early impression proved accurate: these were seasoned professionals who quietly excelled wherever they went.

For anyone who wants to maintain a civilian career while still serving at the highest levels of military professionalism, the 20th Special Forces Group offers an incredible opportunity. It allows you to keep your day job while living, training, and deploying as a Green Beret—earning the same respect, facing the same challenges, and sharing the same brotherhood as your active‑duty counterparts. I consider myself fortunate to have crossed paths with 20th Group early on, and even more fortunate to have served alongside them in the years that followed.

Understanding the 20th Special Forces Group

Organizational structure and command

The 20th SFG(A) falls under 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), which in turn is part of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). Administratively, 20th Group belongs to the Alabama Army National Guard, but its subordinate battalions and companies span many states.

A simple way to remember the command structure:

• Group:Commanded by a colonel (COL). Responsible for overall training, readiness, and deployment of the group.
• Battalion:Each battalion is led by a lieutenant colonel (LTC) and consists of several companies and support elements.
• Company:Companies are commanded by majors (MAJ). They oversee multiple Operational Detachment Alphas (ODAs) and manage training schedules and logistics.
• Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA):Also known as “A‑Teams,” ODAs are the core twelve‑man teams commanded by a captain (CPT) with a master sergeant or sergeant first class as team sergeant.

Where the units are located

Although the group’s headquarters is in Birmingham, Alabama, 20th Group’s reach is national. Units and detachments are dispersed across several states to recruit, train, and operate locally before mobilizing together. Here is a quick reference to major units and their home stations:

This geographic spread allows National Guard Soldiers from many states to serve in a Special Forces unit without uprooting their families. When deployed, detachments integrate seamlessly, forming complete battalions and teams.

Missions and areas of responsibility

Special Forces units perform an array of complex missions, often referred to as “special operations core activities.” The 20th Group trains and deploys for all of the following:

• Unconventional Warfare (UW):Working with indigenous forces and resistance movements in denied areas to overthrow or disrupt hostile regimes.
• Foreign Internal Defense (FID):Training and advising partner‑nation militaries to help them defend themselves against insurgency or terrorism.
• Direct Action (DA):Short‑duration strikes or small‑scale offensive actions to seize, destroy, capture, or recover designated targets.
• Counter‑Terrorism (CT):Operations intended to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist activities.
• Special Reconnaissance (SR):Long‑range surveillance and intelligence collection deep in hostile territory.
• Security Force Assistance (SFA):Working alongside partner forces to improve their tactical skills, leadership, and logistics.
• Counter‑Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (CP‑WMD):Preventing the spread of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials.

The 20th SFG(A) shares a regional focus with the active‑duty 7th Special Forces Group, covering roughly 32 countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of North America. However, like all Special Forces units, it can be deployed globally wherever U.S. interests require.

The Special Forces Training Pipeline

Becoming a Green Beret—whether active duty or National Guard—requires passing the same demanding pipeline. For 20th Group Soldiers, the journey typically includes a local try‑out before official selection. Here’s what to expect:

1. Special Forces Readiness Evaluation (SFRE)

Most National Guard companies run a Special Forces Readiness Evaluation (SFRE) or Special Forces Assessment Detachment (SFAD). This “home station” try‑out is designed to gauge physical fitness, land navigation skills, and mental resilience before sending Soldiers to the Army’s official selection program. Think of it as a preparatory gate—failing SFRE saves you from wasting a school seat and the unit from investing in an unprepared candidate.

2. Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS)

Held at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, SFAS is a 24‑day assessment that tests physical endurance, teamwork, and problem‑solving under stress. Candidates face long ruck marches, obstacle courses, team events, and a stringent peer‑and‑instructor evaluation system. Passing SFAS earns a coveted slot in the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), commonly known as the Q Course.

3. The Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)

The SFQC is modular and can last 18–28 months depending on your specialty (MOS) and language. It consists of several sequential phases:

1. Orientation and Preparatory Training:An introduction to Special Forces culture, expectations, and basic skills.
2. Phase I – MOS & SERE (15 weeks):Candidates are assigned one of five specialties—Weapons (18B), Engineer (18C), Medical (18D), Communications (18E), or Officer (18A)—and undergo intense training in that specialty. This phase also introduces the fundamentals of Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE).
3. Phase II – Tactical Skills (7 weeks):Covers demolitions, small‑unit tactics, foreign internal defense, weapons marksmanship, mission planning, and tactical communications.
4. Phase III – Robin Sage (3 weeks):A culminating unconventional warfare exercise set in the fictional nation of “Pineland.” Candidates operate in small teams with volunteer “guerilla fighters,” using everything learned to overthrow an oppressive regime.
5. Phase IV – Language and Culture (16–24 weeks):Students receive language instruction in one of 14 core languages and study the history, culture, and geopolitical issues of their assigned region.

After successfully completing all phases, candidates receive the Special Forces tab and Green Beret and are assigned to an Operational Detachment Alpha. National Guard Soldiers then return to their home state and unit, transitioning into their part‑time Special Forces careers.

Life as a National Guard Green Beret

Drill vs. reality

You’ve probably heard the recruiting slogan “one weekend a month, two weeks a year.” For conventional Guard units that may hold true, but Special Forces is different. Once assigned to a 20th Group ODA, you’re expected to maintain proficiency in parachuting, language, medical skills, weapons, and communications. Many teams schedule extra drill periods (commonly called M‑days) and extended annual training beyond the statutory minimum.

On top of unit training, you’ll need to manage individual responsibilities like physical training, online schooling, and maintaining your clearance. While the Guard model offers flexibility, it also demands self‑discipline and time management. Expect periodic mobilizations for federal missions or state emergencies. Your “weekend warrior” status is more like being a professional athlete who trains year‑round with occasional championships.

Balancing civilian career and military duty

One of the biggest advantages of 20th Group service is the ability to pursue a civilian career while serving as a Green Beret. Many Soldiers work in fields such as law enforcement, medicine, engineering, education, or business. The key to success is communication:

• Inform your employer early.Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), employers must accommodate your military duties, but they appreciate advanced notice.
• Plan ahead.Block out periods for annual training and potential deployments.
• Use your network.20th Group has a strong community; teammates and alumni often help each other find civilian job opportunities that complement Guard service.

Family and employer coordination

Serving in Special Forces impacts more than just the Soldier—it affects families and employers as well. The 20th Group encourages early involvement of spouses or partners in briefings, and many states have Family Support Groups to provide resources during deployments.

Employers may need reassurance about your absence, especially if you work in a critical role. Programs like Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) offer mediation and recognition for supportive companies. By maintaining transparency and building a support network, you can thrive in both your civilian and military lives.

Pay, Specialty Pays and Benefits

Base pay vs. drill pay

National Guard Soldiers are paid for every day they serve. When activated for training or deployment for 30 days or more, you receive full active‑duty pay plus allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). If mobilized to a combat zone, your base pay and most allowances are tax‑free, and you may receive hostile fire or imminent danger pay.

During regular drill weekends, pay is calculated differently. Drill pay is based on 1/30th of your active‑duty base pay per drill period, and a typical weekend includes four drill periods. You do not receive BAH or BAS for drills, but you can still qualify for specialty pays if you maintain proficiency in those skills.

Specialty pays and allowances

Special Forces Soldiers are eligible for several incentive pays that acknowledge hazardous or highly skilled duties. The amounts below are approximate monthly rates (always check current regulations for exact figures):

Additionally, when mobilized for contingency operations, Soldiers may receive Family Separation Allowance, Per Diem for travel, and Combat Zone Tax Exclusion. Keep in mind that pay and allowances change regularly; consult a finance office or official pay chart for up‑to‑date information.

Additional benefits

Serving in 20th Group unlocks benefits beyond cash pay:

• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP):National Guard Soldiers can contribute to the TSP, a government‑run retirement investment program.
• GI Bill and tuition assistance:Mobilizations for 90 days or more may qualify you for the Post‑9/11 GI Bill. Some states also offer tuition assistance for Guard members.
• Medical coverage:TRICARE Reserve Select provides affordable health insurance for drill‑status Guard members; TRICARE Prime is available during active‑duty mobilizations.
• Retirement:Guard members accumulate retirement points toward a Reserve pension, typically payable at age 60. Every drill, annual training day, and active‑duty day counts.
• Community and camaraderie:Perhaps the most intangible benefit is joining the brotherhood of Special Forces—men and women who share a commitment to excellence and service.

Joining the 20th Special Forces Group

Pathways for prior‑service candidates

If you’ve already served in the military, you may be eligible to join 20th Group through a transfer or reclassification. Prior‑service candidates typically:

1. Contact a Special Forces recruiter.They’ll review your record, ensure you meet age and rank requirements (generally 36 or younger for enlisted candidates, waiverable), and determine your eligibility for a security clearance.
2. Prepare for SFRE and SFAS.Even experienced Soldiers need to build ruck‑march endurance, maintain a high PT score, and brush up on land navigation.
3. Attend airborne training (if not already qualified).All Special Forces members are jump‑qualified.
4. Complete the SFQC and return to your state unit.Your prior service may shorten some administrative steps, but you’ll still go through the same selection and training as active‑duty candidates.

Pathways for non‑prior‑service candidates

If you’re new to the military, it’s still possible to become a National Guard Green Beret, though the timeline is longer:

1. Enlist in the Army National Guard.You’ll select an initial MOS and attend Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
2. Complete Airborne School.Paratrooper qualification is mandatory for Special Forces.
3. Apply for SFRE/SFAS.With the support of your unit and recruiter, you’ll attend the local readiness evaluation and, if successful, proceed to SFAS.
4. Attend the SFQC.Non‑prior‑service Soldiers spend 18–28 months in training before returning to their Guard unit as qualified Green Berets.

Both paths require commitment, but the reward—earning a green beret and serving in an elite unit while maintaining a civilian life—is unparalleled.

Noteworthy History & Major Campaigns of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

When you think of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or “20th SFG(A)” for short, imagine a National Guard unit that’s part playbook analyst, part deep-mission commando — rooted in Alabama but capable of dropping in anywhere the U.S. needs unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance and more.
Here are some of its headline-missions, served with a twist of behind-the-scenes grit:

• From Guard to Global Reach
  Although the group traces its lineage to 1961 when it was allotted to the Army National Guard and organized in Alabama. Initially the 20th SFG(A) remained somewhat regional, but over time its footprint expanded far beyond the “home-state” mindset.
• Desert Storm & “Augmentee” Missions
  During Gulf War the 20th mobilized for training, and while it did not deploy en-masse into the theatre in full configuration, individuals from the unit served as augmentees supporting other Special Forces tasks.
• Operation Uphold Democracy & Early Deployments
  In 1995, the 20th lent companies to the mission in Haiti — a demonstration of how this unit can shift from “Green Beret combat ops” to “National Guard overseas problem-solver”.
• War on Terror: Afghanistan / Iraq / Beyond
  After the attacks of 9/11, the 20th SFG(A) fully entered the global special-operations arena. For example, its 3rd Battalion deployed headquarters elements to bolster the task force in Afghanistan. Additionally, its companies and individual operators supported operations in Iraq — especially from around 2006 onward.
• Dual Identity: Citizen-Soldiers & Elite Operators
  Because it is part of the Army National Guard, the 20th SFG(A) embodies a dual role: a local-community citizen-soldier mindset and a global special-ops capability. That flexibility is one of its standout features.

In short: the 20th SFG(A) started as a Southern-based National Guard Special Forces group, but over decades it turned into a globally deployable unit with all the mission sets of its active-duty peers — just with a bit more home-state flavor and a citizen-soldier twist.

Top Figures Who Served in the 20th SFG(A)

Here are five standout men who served with the 20th SFG(A). Each entry links to a business page, official bio or Ambassador-style page for deeper reading.

• Mike Waltz
  A former Special Forces officer with the 20th SFG(A) (Company B, 2nd Battalion) who later became a U.S. Congressman and, as of 2025, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Waltz  
• Scott L. Thoele
  Retired Major General in the National Guard who served in a command role within the 20th SFG(A).
• Henry H. Cobb Jr.
  Major General who established and commanded the 20th SFG(A) during its earlier days.
• Tim Kennedy
  Warrior, MMA fighter and Green Beret who served in the 20th SFG(A) among other units. https://timkennedy.com/
• Barry Seal
  A controversial figure who is listed among former members of the 20th SFG(A) due to his early ties (though his life took very unconventional turns).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 20th Special Forces Group?

The 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) is one of two U.S. Army Special Forces groups assigned to the Army National Guard. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, it comprises multiple battalions and companies across several states. Its Soldiers are part‑time National Guard members who train and deploy as Green Berets.

How do I join the 20th Group while keeping my civilian job?

You’ll need to enlist or transfer into the Army National Guard, attend Airborne School, and successfully complete both the Special Forces Readiness Evaluation and the Special Forces Assessment and Selection. After graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course, you return to your home state and continue drill‑status service while maintaining your civilian career.

Where are 20th Group units located?

In addition to its headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, 20th Group has battalions in Fort Payne, Alabama; Jackson, Mississippi; and Starke, Florida. Detachments and companies are located in Alabama, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, and Florida.

Do National Guard Green Berets do the same training as active‑duty Green Berets?

Yes. All Special Forces candidates—active duty or National Guard—must pass the same SFAS and SFQC and earn the same Special Forces tab. The difference lies in what happens after you graduate: National Guard Green Berets return to their state units for part‑time service, whereas active‑duty Green Berets serve full‑time in their assigned Special Forces group.

How long is the Special Forces Qualification Course?

The SFQC typically lasts 18–28 months, depending on your specialty (18B/C/D/E/A) and the time required for language training. It consists of preparatory training, MOS training and SERE, tactical skills, Robin Sage, and language/culture phases.

How does pay work for National Guard Special Forces Soldiers?

During drills and most training periods shorter than 30 days, you receive drill pay based on your rank and years of service, plus any specialty pays you qualify for (e.g., parachute pay, language pay). When mobilized for 30 days or more, you receive full active‑duty pay, BAH, BAS, and other allowances. Deployments to combat zones may be tax‑free and include hostile‑fire or imminent‑danger pay.

What missions does 20th Group carry out?

20th Group Soldiers train for and execute the full range of Special Forces missions, including unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, counter‑terrorism, special reconnaissance, security force assistance, and counter‑proliferation. Their regional focus is Central and South America and the Caribbean, but they deploy wherever national interests require.

What kind of time commitment is required?

Expect more than the standard “one weekend a month” commitment. ODAs often train additional days each month and conduct extended annual training. You’ll also need to dedicate personal time to physical fitness, language study, and professional education. Mobilizations can range from a few weeks for training to several months for deployments.

Do 20th Group Soldiers deploy overseas?

Yes. Although headquartered in the United States, 20th Group Soldiers regularly deploy overseas for training exercises, security cooperation missions, and combat operations. Past deployments have included countries throughout Latin America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Are there age or rank requirements to apply?

Enlisted candidates must typically be between 20 and 36 years old (waiverable) with at least the rank of E‑3 and a General Technical (GT) score of 100 or higher. Officers must be in the grade of O‑1 to O‑3. All candidates must be airborne qualified or willing to attend Airborne School and be eligible for a Secret clearance.

Is Special Forces service in the National Guard worth it?

If you’re passionate about challenging yourself, serving your country at a high level, and maintaining a civilian career, then yes. The training is intense and the commitment is significant, but the skills, camaraderie, and sense of purpose make it an unparalleled experience.

Final Thoughts

Serving in the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) isn’t just a part‑time job—it’s a way of life. You’ll train in demanding skills, deploy on meaningful missions, and join a brotherhood that spans the globe. Yet you also retain the freedom to build a civilian career, raise a family, and stay rooted in your community.

If you’re ready to walk this path, start preparing now. Focus on physical conditioning, land navigation, ruck marching, and mental toughness. Reach out to a Special Forces recruiter for guidance, and connect with current or former Green Berets to learn from their experiences.

If you’re interested in preparing for military service or special operations training, we have several resources to help you achieve your goal:

• Train Up – Arrive Prepared for Military or Special Operations Training
• Special Operations Mindset – Develop a Champion’s Mindset
• Fitness Programs – Get into Amazing Shape
• Military Leadership Course – Become the Leader Everyone Respects
• Military Planning Course – Plan Like Your Life Depends on It

Life is a Special Operation. Are you ready for it?