Special Forces Soldiers Earn their Badge of Distinction, the Green Beret

It was a milestone in the lives of 96 Green Beret soldiers as they attended the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) graduation at the Crown on June 30.

Col. Donald C. Bolduc, recent commander of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan, told the new graduates that each of them are a symbol of excellence and distinction.

The class graduated less than half of the 230 soldiers that started the course approximately one year ago at Fort Bragg. The SFQC is the only entry-level training requirement to offer the qualification to join the Regiment.

Capt. Michael Moad, from San Antonio, Texas, was selected as the distinguished officer honor graduate. 

"My only goal throughout the course was to graduate. I always tried to do the best I could during each event and in the end I was surprised, literally during graduation rehearsals, to be the distinguished officer honor graduate," Moad said.

Moad, a 2006 West Point graduate, said the most challenging part of the course was the Officer (18A) portion of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). 

"My instructor challenged us every day to think 'outside of the box' and strive to operate with a strategic mindset in often vague and ambiguous environments," he said. "In this phase of training, I learned the most about what Special Forces do, which I expect will certainly aid me and the other officers to achieve success as future Detachment Commanders."

Moad will be deploying immediately with the 3rd SFG(A), and he hopes to become an ODA Commander in the near future.

"Now, we must join the operational group where the rubber meets the road, and that is where the significant day-to-day training begins for the newly qualified Green Berets," said Moad. 

Fortunately, the recent beret authorization ruling will not affect the coveted Special Forces' Green Beret from being worn. The change came about in response to a survey of soldiers' opinions taken by Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, said Army spokesman Gary Tallman.

In mid-June, the headwear uniform change applies to 1.32 million soldiers -- including 566,473 active duty troops -- and went into effect immediately. The new headwear comes with a lower price: a beret costs $11.90 while a patrol cap is only $6.50. 

It's hard not to think of the famous song written and performed by Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler, Ballad of the Green Beret.

Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret

Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men we'll test today
But only three win the Green Beret

Trained to live, off nature's land
Trained in combat, hand to hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage deep, from the Green Beret

Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men we'll test today
But only three win the Green Beret

Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her this last request

Put silver wings on my son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret