However as early as the 11th century, Chinese strategist Lü Shang spoke of the recruitment of highly talented and motivated men to elite units. Special Operations Capabilities Specialists (SOCs) are combat support Marines that are able to join MARSOC. CIA Paramilitary Operations Officers (PMOO) join a select cadre that is motivated by camaraderie and selfless service. Special Operations Combat Systems Officer. Special forces emerged in the 20th century, with considerable growth in the field during the Second World War. Special Tactics Officers (STO) can become career officers of Group Command level and have the honor to lead in the challenging Air Force Special Operations Community. SOCs are operational and tactical force multipliers and frequently deploy alongside CSOs. SOCs' billet fields include intelligence, communications, explosive ordnance disposal, dog handlers, and fire-control specialists. They require intelligence, self-discipline and confidence, and they often have to make rapid decisions. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals. They have to bear numerous responsibilities. Typically, Special Operations enlisted operators outnumber the officers 10 to 1, so just by the numbers alone, it is very competitive for the officer seeking to serve in Special Operations. Welcome to the United States Air Force. Overview: Special Operations Combat Systems Officers embody the Joint Force aspect of US military operations in which all branches coordinate to maximize the utilization of resources and personnel. Special forces officers must perform physically and mentally in dangerous and highly stressful situations. PMOOs lead and manage Covert Action programs, at the direction of President of the United States, collect Foreign Intelligence vital to national security policy makers, and take on demanding responsibility, accept significant personal risk, and maintain accountability for results. These Air Force Reserve officers are assigned to Army or Marine Corps units and perform as navigators, fire control officers (FCO) or electronic … Training to become a special forces officer is long, tough, and intense and so drop out rates are high. However, the competition is high due to the complexity of the missions, the physical, mental, and leadership strains that the positions take on the officers.