Army special operations adds 168 new Special Forces warriors poised to meet modern threats

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - In a powerful display of tradition, discipline, and deep purpose, 168 Soldiers officially earned their place among the nation's special operations warriors during a Special Forces graduation ceremony coined the Regimental First Formation, Class 340, held at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, Aug. 28.

"You don't just graduate, you join a legacy," said Lt. Col. Luke Self, commander of 4th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne). "From this day forward, you carry more than a weapon. You carry the weight of those who came before you, and the responsibility to lead those who will follow. You are not chosen because it was easy, you are chosen because you earned it."

As the 168 newest Special Forces Soldiers walked into the coliseum to take their seats in preparation for the commencement, each step they took represented the completion of one of the most rigorous and selective military training programs in the world. They were tested on physical endurance, mental toughness, intellect, character and tactical skills that prepared them to join Special Forces units tasked with the most sensitive and high-risk missions.

"They've demonstrated their perseverance throughout this course by walking hundreds of miles with a rucksack weighing no less than 50 pounds but oftentimes far more," Self said, during his remarks at the graduation ceremony. "Doing their best to evade capture at Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape - known as SERE - school by training to master their individual specialties before coming together as a team to train by learning to successfully operate in highly ambiguous environments and, finally, by deploying a deliberate timeline as part of their culminating exercise known as Robin Sage, they were specially selected and well-trained warriors."

Class 340 began the Special Forces Qualification Course six to 12 months ago with the oldest candidate being 36 and the youngest 22 years old.

Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew O. Williams, Medal of Honor recipient and previous command sergeant major for 4th Battalion, delivered remarks as the ceremony's keynote speaker.

"I wanted to begin by saying what a tremendous honor it is to be here with you today," Williams said. "Standing before the newest generation of Green Berets, these men have endured one of the most demanding courses the U.S. military has to offer."

He added that the "Green Beret that you will wear is not a reward but a responsibility. It represents sacrifice, discipline, and quiet professionalism. It binds you to the legacy of giants."

Williams reflected on a time where he saw firsthand what professionalism looked like in Shok Valley, Afghanistan, on April 6, 2008.

"My team, Operational Detachment Alpha 3336, was inserted into unforgiving terrain against enemy (fighters)," he said. "Almost immediately, we were ambushed. For seven hours, the valley echoed with machine guns, [rocket-propelled grenades], and sniper fire. We survived. We survived because of professionalism, because of training that demanded excellence, because of quiet professionals … let me say plainly, the Beret that you now wear doesn't make you better than anyone else, but it obligates you to be better."

Williams stated that the challenges ahead are changing at a pace faster than any previous generation.

"Rifles and grid lines no longer define conflict today," he said. "It is cyber, space, information, artificial intelligence, the near peer competition across the globe. You will be responsible for shaping the modern battlefield. You will be at the forefront where technology, strategy, and human interaction both collide."

During his remarks, Williams addressed the families of the graduates.

"To the families here today, you've been the quiet strength behind these men," he said. "This beret may be worn on their heads, but it is earned everyday with your sacrifice, too. Every late night, every absence, every moment of uncertainty, you carried part of his journey. On behalf of the regiment, I want to personally thank you for your service alongside theirs."

Molly Wright, whose spouse was among the 168 graduates, shared a personal anecdote in recognition of the milestone.

"I'm here to celebrate and support my husband who has put a lot of time and effort into this course and to celebrate his graduation," she said. "It means that we're closing this chapter - there's been a lot of sacrifice. This is a culminating moment for all of us."

Following Williams' remarks, the graduates donned their Green Berets. The ceremony concluded with the Special Forces Creed, The Ballad of the Green Beret and the Army Song.

"For Class 340, I leave you with this," Williams said. "Wear this Beret with humility but carry it with pride."