What is a Military Operator? & What Do They Do?

Written by

John Cotton

FACT-CHECKED BY

Logan Miller

what is a military operator

Have you ever wondered if there are special soldiers trained more than others? Well, the answer is yes. They are called military operators. But what is a military operator?

It is a term referring to men and women in the military that are involved in special forces operations.

If you are interested in more about what it takes to become a military operator, read the information below.

Military Operator Definition

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Military operators are better known as Special Forces Operators or SOF. They are well-trained in combatting, serving, shooting, and even healing their fellow soldiers.

A SOF operator trains daily and even until dawn to perfect their craft. In the 1950s, one of the first elite special operations teams was assembled and served throughout World War II.

Special operators can be in any military branch (Navy, Marine Corps, Army, or Air Forces). The military operators also used different military operator number and military operator names to identify and distinguish their units from other military branches.

An example of the operation’s name is Operation Gothic Serpent. This US military mission is to capture a notorious Somali clan leader.

What Do Military Operators Do in Military Branches

1. Navy SEALS

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Navy SEALS military operators are a special forces group that belongs to Naval Special Warfare Command. Specifically for Navy SEALS, the grade of special warfare operators applies, which is from grade E-4 to E-9.

The missions that are assigned to them are to end terrorists and high-value targets and to know everything about the enemies. Moreover, the Navy SEALS carry out small-unit special operations in urban, sea, desert, arctic, and jungle regions.

2. The U.S Army Special Forces

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The US Army has a special military operators group that are referred to as the Green Berets. Being a US Army operator is to be part of a small unit that uses the latest cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and machinery.

The Green Berets’ special forces are specialists in counterinsurgency. They are noted to adopt unusual and unconventional methods in combat.

3. The Delta Force

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The Delta Force was founded in 1997, and it is administratively under the Army Special Forces group. It is managed by Joint Special Operations Command. It was grouped to mainly combat terrorism and direct action. They are also highly skilled in espionage and hostage rescue.

Delta Forces are given confidential commands from the highest ranks of the American government and charged with conducting high-risk missions.

4. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

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Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command is a special unit under the Marine corps. Leading up to being chosen as special operations officers, they undergo specialized training.

They will be trained at the Marine Special Operations School. Also, they will learn not only basic military skills but also tactical and combat skills.

Marine Special Forces strengthen their soldiers by giving extensive training in special reconnaissance and direct action courses. In addition, MARSOC undergoes a mission: the FID or foreign internal defense.

FID is one of the core tasks of MARSOC to help ensure that soldiers will be ready to protect and secure the nation. For the MARSOC squad to succeed in various special operations missions, they must undergo numerous training.

5. Air Force

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The Air Force is a military that predominantly fights in the air. One of the most well-known Air Force operators is Pararescue, although there are few others.

Pararescue, known by their acronym PJ, are Air force operators with specialized parachuting skills. PJs must be good at parachuting because they are key persons in infiltrating enemies’ bases using air space.

Tips to Become a Military Operator

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1. Navy SEALS

A year-long training is required to qualify as a NAVY operator, and it will likely push anyone’s mental and physical limitations. All five SEAL Qualification Training phases must be completed successfully by a candidate.

You’ll have a stronger chance of training to become a Navy Special Warfare Operator if you’ve completed SEAL Qualification Training. This means that depending on the particular operations you will be given, you will receive more advanced training.

2. The U.S Army Special Forces

You must meet the fitness standards and additional clearances to be accepted into the US Army Special Forces. The operator training course army provides extensive training for aspiring applicants. They must also take the ASVAB placement test and get at least a GT score of 100.

In the past, you had to hold an E-4 or E-7 rank to qualify for the Special Forces. The updated qualification allows 18X Enlistment Program to enlist in Special Forces applications.

3. The Delta Force

To join the Delta Force, you must be an Airborne certified member. The candidate will need to achieve a particular ASVAB grade and there no disciplinary actions are reported in his or her records.

Also, you must remain active for at least two and a half years on military duty and be eligible for a Secret security clearance. The 6-month Delta operator training course tests army applicants physically and mentally.

Note: applicants must rank E-4 to E-8 or even O-3 to O-4 to be qualified for the 6-month training.

4. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

Only marines who have operated for a minimum of three years are eligible to join MARSOC. Candidates must fulfill additional requirements throughout four phases, including the Marine Special Operations Individual Course (ITC).

Your abilities, irregular warfare, and combat skills are all put to the test during the training process. So, if you wish to join MARSOC, get ready for the years of hardships.

5. Air Force

If you want to be an Air Force operator, you have to complete basic Air Force training. Candidates for the Air Force special operators must then complete one-year advanced training.

An endurance test is part of the intensive training preparation. You must pass the Air Force Special Warfare exams since it will determine your strengths.

What is the Difference Between a Military Operator vs Soldier?

Military operators are trained for special missions and involved in high-risk operations. Military soldiers fight in the war but are not necessarily involved in special missions.

Meanwhile, military soldiers are assigned to military offices, hospitals, schools, military stops, and base camps.

Conclusion

You might be confused when you hear or read the term “military operator” before. But now, we elaborated on “what is a military operator” and their different functions in every military branch.

With challenging training, military operator meaning they are trained to be strong and smart. They are elite in their fields and deployed in the most difficult military operations.

It is not only because you have to, but also, you will be deployed to fight and rescue high targets that can lead to saving the whole world!

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