Special Forces Training Program (SFTP)

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Information for TXARNG Unit Leaders

REF: JFHQ-TX OPORD 26-0001 

ATTENDANCE

Commanders must allow accepted applicants to attend at least one SFTP in FY26.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

• Candidates will notify first-line supervisor of intent and obtain unit permission. Candidates will download the application, complete the Candidate Information portion, and forward to RNCO for validation.
• RNCOs will complete the RNCO Information portion and submit applications to SWTD via email (ng.tx.txarng.list.npe-access-texas-swtd@army.mil) by the deadline indicated in the timeline (see OPORD).
• SWTD will notify candidate and RNCO of acceptance or denial via email. SWTD will include initial end date of attachment order for acceptance and provide corrective measures for denials.

COMMUNICATION

SWTD will provide memos with schedules, dates, assignment instructions and other details at these milestones:

• Acceptance into SFTP
• Dropped from SFTP
• Selected at SFAS

SFTP ASSIGNMENTS AND CONFLICTS

• Candidates who meet Phase 1 standards will be attached to RRB, UIC W91SHD.
• Candidates attached to RRB for SFTP must have all training and schools cancelled for duration of program. 
• Candidates attached to RRB for SFTP cannot be assigned to a mobilization roster. 

SFQC ASSIGNMENTS AND CONFLICTS

• Candidates selected at SFAS will be permanently assigned to 19th SFG(A) to attend the SFQC.
• Unit RNCOs will initiate a transfer to WTP997 Standard Excess when SFTP attachment order ends.
• SFAS-selected candidates will be assigned to 19th SFG(A) by NLT date indicated in timeline (see OPORD).
• SFAS-selected candidates cannot be held at unit for training, schools, or mobilizations after SFTP.

PAY

• SWTD will submit all TXARNG candidates for IDT pay for all four phases via 1379. SWTD will provide a 67-R for other ARNG candidates.
• Unit RNCOs will submit candidates for SFAS pay via J TL. SFAS orders are 26 days in duration when candidate completes all training. Orders are curtailed when the candidate is dropped and returns early.

Documents

Program Overview

SFTP is designed to evaluate candidate readiness for SFAS over the course of four months. It has two purposes. One, to allow candidates to focus their military efforts on getting ready for SFAS. Two, to remove candidates from SFAS rosters who do not become SFAS-competitive during those four months. 

FY26 will have two SFTP classes (26-A and 26-B). 26-A will drill OCT, NOV, DEC, and JAN with SFAS in FEB. 26-B will drill JAN, FEB, MAR, and APR with SFAS in MAY.

Phase 1 (Tryout): The purpose of this drill is to identify candidates with the baseline fitness to be successful. Candidates will complete a UTA 4 consisting of SF Physical Assessment (SFPA; Hand-Release Pushups, Plank, Pull-Ups, 2-mile run), 6-mile ruck, and Combat Fitness Assessment (CFA). Candidates may be required to complete other physical and mental challenges during this drill. Candidates who meet the standard will be accepted into SFTP.

Phase 2 (Gut Check): The purpose of this drill is to identify candidates with the will and mental attitude to be successful. Candidates will complete a UTA 4 consisting of multiple SFAS-style events. Candidates who quit or fail to perform will be dropped from the program.

Phase 3 (Land Navigation; Break): The purpose of this drill is to provide land navigation familiarization and allow candidates a break from physical tests to not disrupt their Phase 4 preparation. Candidates will complete a UTA 4 consisting of land navigation instruction and practical exercises.

Phase 4 (Evaluation): The purpose of this drill is to identify candidates who are SFAS-competitive. Candidates will complete a UTA 4 consisting of SFPA, 12-mile ruck, and CFA. Candidates who do not meet the standard will be dropped from the program.

Phase 5 (SFAS): Candidates who are selected will transfer to 19th SFG(A) to attend the SF Qualification Course. Candidates not selected will be dropped from the program. 

Eligibility Requirements

These are the only SFTP requirements. No other SFAS/SFQC requirements (physical, clearance, etc) will be addressed until accepted into SFTP.

• Candidates are not eligible if assigned to a mobilization roster on or before Phase 1 date.

• Candidates must be in the rank of E3-E7 or O2-O3.

• Enlisted candidates must have a minimum 100 GT Score.

• Enlisted candidates may attend with or without an Army MOS.

• Officers must be Army branch qualified.

• Candidate ETS dates must be after 30 APR 2026 for Class A and 15 AUG 2026 for Class B. Exceptions can be made for reserves.

• Candidates will make every effort to have an active and current DTS account and GTC by Phase 1 date, but failure to do so does not prohibit entry into SFTP.

• Candidates who have previously been non-selected at SFAS must be eligible to attend the SFAS class related to the SFTP for which they are applying.

Schedule

TXARNG M-DAY CANDIDATES

• You will attend a Phase 1.
• You will meet Phase 1 standards to enter SFTP.
• You will attend and meet standards for Phases 2-4
• You will attend the SFAS class scheduled for your SFTP class.

TXARNG AGR and ADOS, OTHER ARNG, ANG, RESERVE CANDIDATES

• You will attend a Phase 1 or Phase 4 (OCT, JAN, APR).
• You will meet Phase 4 standards to enter SFTP.
• You may attend Phase 2 and 3 unless APR tryout; no Phase 2 or 3 for APR tryouts.
• You will attend the SFAS class scheduled for your SFTP class unless APR tryout; SFAS will be late OCT.

Standards

PHASE 1

• Hand Release Pushups: 35 minimum
• Plank: 2:30 minimum
• Pullups: 8 minimum
• Two-mile Run: 14:30 maximum
• Six-Mile Non-Tactical Road March: 1:30 maximum
• CFA: SWTD cadre will judge potential to reach SFAS fitness level in time allotted.

PHASE 2

Candidates will be judged on mental and physical toughness. Candidates who fail to perform will be dropped.

PHASE 4

• Hand Release Pushups: 45 minimum
• Plank: 3:00 minimum
• Pullups: 12 minimum
• Two-mile Run: 14:00 maximum
• 12-Mile Non-Tactical Road March: 2:55 maximum
• CFA: Candidates must be able to low carry a 50-pound water can for 200 meters and high carry body weight for 100 meters. SWTD cadre will judge SFAS readiness.

IMPORTANT: Phase 4 standards are not as high as the recommended metrics in the official SFAS guide (see PREP page). This is to account for the compressed event schedule during drill. Candidates must strive to exceed SFAS recommended metrics in their personal training.

Program Completion

Candidates selected at SFAS will transfer to TXARNG 19th SFG(A) and await PCS to the SF Qualification Course.

• AGR candidates must resign from AGR for SF assignment and PCS.
• ARNG candidates must IST to TX for SF assignment and PCS.
• Reserve candidates must separate from current component via ETS/EAS or conditional release for SF assignment and PCS.

Candidates not selected at SFAS or dropped prior to SFAS will have attachment order curtailed (if applicable) and return to duty with home unit.

Application Procedures

• Candidates will notify first-line supervisor of intent and obtain unit permission. Candidates will download the application complete the Candidate Information portion, and forward to RNCO for validation.
• RNCOs will complete the RNCO Information portion and submit applications to SWTD via email by the deadline indicated in the timeline.
• SWTD will notify candidate and RNCO of acceptance or denial via email. SWTD will include initial end date of attachment order for acceptance and provide corrective measures for denials.

Drop Criteria

• Candidates will be dropped for failure to meet Phase 2 or Phase 4 standards, failure to complete SF physical by deadline, failure to adhere to behavioral and administrative standards, and failure to get selected as SFAS.
• Candidates will not be pushed from Class A to Class B for any reason. Candidates who cannot complete Class A training will be dropped. Candidates dropped from Class A may apply for Class B and begin at Phase 1.
• Candidates dropped from SFTP prior to SFAS are eligible to return to next SFTP. Candidates non-selected at SFAS may not return until eligible to attend the SFAS class associated with desired SFTP class.

Administrative Instructions

PAY

• SWTD will submit all TXARNG candidates for IDT pay for all four phases via 1379. SWTD will provide a 67-R for other ARNG candidates.
• Unit RNCOs will submit candidates for SFAS pay via J TL. SFAS orders are 26 days in duration when candidate completes all training. Orders are curtailed when the candidate is dropped and returns early.
• All ARNG SFAS orders will be funded by TXARNG. TXARNG cannot fund Reserve orders.

DTS

• Phase 1
  • TXARNG: Candidates traveling more than 150 miles from home-station or home of record to Camp Bullis for Phase 1 are authorized to input DTS for mileage only (individuals will select "duty day" to zero out per diem during IDT weekend). Per Diem is not authorized. Utilize MSC BPRID LOA/Routing.
  • Other: Candidates may be authorized travel reimbursement at home unit discretion.
• Phase 2 thru 4
  • TXARNG M-DAY: Travel reimbursement is not authorized.
  • Other: Travel reimbursement may be authorized at home unit discretion.
• SFAS
  • All DTS authorizations will be funded by TXARNG.
  • No action is required by TXARNG candidates.
  • Other ARNG and Reserve Candidates
    • Primary: Coordinate DTS profile detachment with home unit so SFTP cadre can claim the profile and process authorizations.
    • Alternate: A cross-organization LOA will be provided.

DRILL PERIODS

All SFTP drills are UTA 4. Drill period starts Friday evening regardless of arrival date.

LODGING AND MEALS

• Meals will be provided Friday evening until release for all candidates.
• Lodging will be provided Friday evening until release for all candidates.
• Lodging will be provided as early Wednesday for all candidates who coordinate with SFTP cadre the week prior to training. You must coordinate via the SFTP distro email to receive early lodging. ng.tx.txarng.list.npe-access-texas-swtd@army.mil.
• Important: We recommend all candidates arrive before Friday to avoid long travel on day of training. Meals are not provided for early arrival.

REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Review the whiteboard in front of the SFTP building and follow instructions for sign-in and lodging.

REPORT TIME

Report time for all drills is no later than 1800 on Friday.

REPORT UNIFORM

• Report in PT uniform with water source of any type, pen, and phone for all SFTP drills.
• If reporting early, civilian clothes are authorized.

Directions

Some map applications will lead to a gate that is not in use if you search for Camp Bullis or use the armory address. Search for Eisenhower Park on NW Military Highway. You will go north on NW Military Highway from Anderon Loop 1604. Stay on NW Military Highway until you reach the Camp Bullis gate. Once on Camp Bullis, after about a mile, you will pass the Post Exchange on your right then the fire station. The SFTP building is across the street from the fire station. As you turn left into the parking lot, you will see the two-story brick Special Forces armory to your right. The SFTP building is the metal building to your left.

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