Army SFAB, or a Security Force Assistance Brigade, is a specialized unit of the military branch.
The U.S. Army created the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) to assist allied and partner nations with military training and advisement.
For this reason, Army SFAB conducts operations across the globe and reduces the burden of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs).
Learn more about the Army SFAB including purpose, requirements, training, and other crucial information.
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Table of Contents
#1. Purpose
The Army Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) was established to provide training, consulting, and other assistance for allied and partner nations.
These specialized units are handpicked from regular units and then presented with additional training at Fort Moore (more information, below).
The Security Force Assistance Brigade is composed of fewer than 1,000 enlisted members and commissioned officers.
As a result, Army SFABs are highly trained and considered among the best tactical leaders in the military branch.
The U.S. Army utilizes SFAB units to strengthen allies and partnering nations with their security objectives.
Consequently, members of Army SFAB see a lot of the world as well as serve in critical security training.
Army SFABs reduce the burden on conventional Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), which allows these units to focus on nearby threats.
#2. History
The first Army SFAB unit was established in 2018.
By 2020, the United States Army had created four additional Security Force Assistance Brigades.
U.S. Army SFAB units answer to a specific Command:
- SOUTHCOM
- AFRICOM
- CENTCOM
- EUCOM
- INDO-PACOM
- FORSCOM
The Army established a 6th SFAB unit for the National Guard.
As such, the 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade reinforces the 5 active-duty units of SFAB.
The Army created SFAB with the purpose of training, advising, and assisting (TAA) missions overseas with foreign national military partners.
In other words, Army SFABs are designed to relieve Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) from training and advising to focus purely on combat missions.
In the past, the combat advisory role was filled by commissioned and non-commissioned officers detailed from Brigade Combat Teams.
Unfortunately, it left a critical void in leadership billets during actual combat missions.
Thus, Army Security Force Assistance Brigades are the latest solution for providing military aid and assistance to “weak states.”
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#3. Army SFAB Units / Locations
Army SFABs are currently composed of fewer than 1,000 commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
These officers are selected from standard Army units and receive additional training at the Military Advisor Training Academy (MATA).
Therefore, the first destination is advanced training at Fort Moore, Georgia, before members are assigned to an SFAB unit.
The current structure of Army SFAB, including unit locations, is as follows:
- Security Force Assistance Command (Fort Liberty, North Carolina)
- 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (Fort Moore, Georgia)
- 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (Fort Liberty, North Carolina)
- 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (Fort Cavazos, Texas)
- 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade (Fort Carson, Colorado)
- 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington)
- 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade (Army National Guard, Stout Field Armory, Indianapolis, Indiana)
There are multiple locations for the 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, but the primary headquarters are located at Stout Field Armory, in Indiana.
The Army National Guard supervises reserve SFAB units in Florida, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
#4. Qualifications / Characteristics
In general, there are several qualities and characteristics the Army is seeking for SFAB.
For starters, Army SFAB soldiers are proven leaders with high potential to be promoted through the ranks.
Moreover, it doesn’t hurt to have the ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
The Army is seeking candidates who are master tacticians as well as excellent instructors.
Army SFABs seek recruits who are outstanding at teaching, coaching, or mentoring.
It also doesn’t hurt to be proficient in a second language since Army SFABs work with allied and partner nations across the globe.
Furthermore, you need to be flexible and prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Army SFABs assume increased responsibility in volatile situations or during events that threaten national security.
Sgt. Maj. Robert George, SFAC Assessment and Selection Sergeant Major, also recommended that candidates are physically fit and work well with a team.
#5. Army SFAB Benefits
There are numerous advantages to joining an Army SFAB.
For starters, Security Force Assistance Brigade members are eligible for cash incentives and other rewards.
SFAB members earn an extra $5,000 in Special Duty Assignment Pay for 12 months of volunteer service.
Moreover, retention bonuses and other exclusive cash incentives are available.
Service members also receive an additional Skill Identifier thanks to volunteer commitment to the brigade.
Meanwhile, recruits can also learn from others why they elected to join the Army Security Force Assistance Brigade on the official website.
#6. Requirements
There are many requirements necessary to become eligible for an Army SFAB.
First, you must maintain your deployable status.
Secondly, you must obtain as well as maintain secret security clearance from the Department of Defense (DoD).
The national agency background check will also include an Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) examination for derogatory information.
Third, service members must have completed the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
Fourth, another rigorous 2-day assessment challenges the physical and mental abilities of candidates.
However, soldiers at the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7) or higher and who have completed a key and developmental (KD) position in their current grade may bypass the assessment.
In those circumstances, an interview is conducted with SFAB Command to determine eligibility.
Lastly, it’s suggested that candidates review MILPER Number: 21-223 (CAC Login) to verify correct skill and grade when applying for an SFAB position.
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#7. SFAB Assessment
As previously noted, some candidates will be required to complete the SFAB assessment.
The assessment lasts 3 days and begins with in-processing on day zero.
Then, day one presents recruits with a non-stop process that stretches into day two.
Day 1 begins with candidates conducting an APFT and warrior skills test.
Furthermore, recruits are challenged in other team events as well as leader reaction courses.
Day 2 includes more assessments like MOS proficiency, peer evaluations, and ethical dilemma tests.
It culminates with a physically daunting and challenging foot march.
Finally, on Day 3, candidates are informed as to how well they performed on the assessment.
If selected, recruits learn about what SFAB role they’ll be serving, location, reporting process, and training.
Army SFAB training continues once recruits progress to the headquarters of their respective units.
It’s worth mentioning that the Army SFAB assessment is still relatively new and the schedule may be adapted in the future to adjust to the current needs of SFAB soldiers.
#8. SFAB Training
The first step is to successfully pass the 3-day Security Force Assistance Command Assessment and Selection Course.
Candidates undergo a series of difficult challenges designed to test mental, physical, teamwork, and leadership skills.
The purpose of the initial exam is to determine if you have what it takes to serve the country as an SFAB Advisor.
After the initial assessment, candidates will continue to train and work on developing leadership skills.
SFAB Advisors are coaches and mentors, so they’ll continue to focus on individualized/specialized training as well.
Soldiers are trained in land navigation, survival and personnel recovery, fire support, and advanced medical care.
The types of training include everything from classroom instruction and written examinations to peer evaluations and psychological tests.
In general, SFAB Advisors also focus on building attributes such as discipline, moral conduct, and sound judgment.
Thus, they are trained in critical areas such as building rapport, working with interpreters, negotiating, and cross-cultural communication.
#9. How to Apply
The U.S. Army is actively seeking new recruits for the Security Force Assistance Brigade.
Currently, there are 5 active-duty units as well as one unit in the Army National Guard.
Soldiers have two options for applying depending on if they are enlisted personnel or an officer.
Enlisted soldiers must submit the following documents to the Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC) Recruiting Assessment Team:
- DA Form 4187
- DD 2808
- DD 2807-1
The SFAC Recruiting Assessment Team is available at: usarmy.liberty.forscom.mbx.sfac-recruiting-accessions-group@army.mil
Meanwhile, officers must log into the AIM2 portal and navigate to the SFAB tab.
The same 3 documents are required to be completed and submitted for officers as enlisted personnel.
Officers can find DA Form 4187, DD 2808, and DD 2807-1 available for download via the AIM2 portal.
Upon submission of your application, the recruiting team will determine if you meet the minimum requirements.
Furthermore, a background check is required, meaning it could take up to 2 weeks to receive a response.
Candidates who are considered for the assessment will be contacted by an SFAB representative.
For more information, visit the official website.
Additionally, more information is available via Facebook and Twitter.
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Conclusion
There are several things you need to know about Army SFABs before joining the specialized unit.
Nonetheless, serving the military in this capacity gives back to allied and partner nations.
You serve a tremendous purpose in assisting in the training and development of allied security forces.
Furthermore, Army SFAB is an excellent opportunity for developing your military career.
Army SFABs teach soldiers how to become outstanding coaches, mentors, and advisors.
For this reason, consider these 9 things before applying for Army SFAB.
Featured Image: https://nara.getarchive.net/media/us-army-soldiers-from-us-army-africas-security-c1ddc1
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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