U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

The Special Operations Center of Excellence

USAJFKSWCS Command Group

  • Brigadier General Guillaume Will Beaurpere
    Commanding General
    Brigadier General Guillaume Will Beaurpere
  • Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ostrander
    Command Chief Warrant Officer
    Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ostrander
  • Command Sergeant Major Lionel A. Strong
    Command Sergeant Major
    Command Sergeant Major Lionel A. Strong
  • Brigadier General Sara Dudley
    Deputy Commanding General - Modernization
    Brigadier General Sara Dudley
  • Brigadier General Matthew Gebhard
    Deputy Commanding General - Operations
    Brigadier General Matthew Gebhard

Mission

Our mission is to produce world - class quality ARSOF Soldiers, is our non -negotiable contract with the Army, the Nation, and the American people. There is no second place in the Profession of Arms, and anything less than exceptional is unacceptable

Guiding Principles

Always strive for Excellence in all we do! Our Profession and our Nation demands it. Everything we do should be planned, organized and executed effectively and efficiently. Every success and every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Serving our country carries the responsibility for unwavering Courage. Courage to do what is right and put the mission before self. This requires Trust…the Trust I have in you and your Trust in me. Trust and integrity is foundational to personal accountability and critical self -assessment. As Leaders, I expect you to empower subordinates, build Trust, build Teams, and Do What’s Right – Always!

Command Philosophy

My priorities are Family, Country, and the Unit. The Army Values and the ARSOF Attributes are my values. I believe in accomplishing our mission and taking care of our people : People, Prepare, Pursue, Preserve.

About the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) at Fort Bragg, N.C., is one of the Army's premier education institutions, managing and resourcing professional growth for Soldiers in the Army's three distinct special operations branches: Special Forces, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations. The Soldiers educated through USAJFKSWCS programs are using cultural expertise and unconventional techniques to serve their country in far-flung areas across the globe. More than anything, these Soldiers bring integrity, adaptability and regional expertise to their assignments.

On any given day, approximately 3,100 students are enrolled in USAJFKSWCS training programs. Courses range from entry-level training to advanced warfighter skills for seasoned officers and NCOs.

The 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) qualifies Soldiers to enter the special operations community, and teaches them advanced tactical skills as they progress through their careers.

The 2nd Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) develops and enables the Nation’s most adaptive problem solvers by delivering the right mission-viable and relevant capabilities necessary to meet both the current and future challenges of the operational force.

The Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, operating under the auspices of the Special Warfare Medical Group, is the central training facility for Department of Defense special operations combat medics.

Furthermore, USAJFKSWCS leads efforts to professionalize the Army's entire special operations force through the Special Forces Warrant Officer Institute and the David K. Thuma Noncommissioned Officer Academy.

While most courses are conducted at Fort Bragg, USAJFKSWCS enhances its training by maintaining facilities, and relationships with outside institutions, across the country. In all, USAJFKSWCS offers 41 unique courses that give Soldiers the skills they need to survive and succeed on the battlefield.

ARSOF CORE ATTRIBUTES

These attributes will be used as a benchmark in the selection of special operations Soldiers. All Soldiers entering training at USAJFKSWCS will be briefed on the attributes. Their initial counseling will be based on the attributes, and the attributes' importance will be stressed throughout training.

Integrity

Being trustworthy and honest; acting with honor and unwavering adherence to ethical standards.

Courage

Acting on own convictions despite consequences; is willing to sacrifice for a larger cause; not paralyzed by fear of failure.

Perseverance

Working toward an end; has commitment; physical or mental resolve; motivated; gives effort to the cause; does not quit.

Personal Responsibility

Being self-motivated and an autonomous self-starter; anticipates tasks and acts accordingly; takes accountability for his actions.

Professionalism

Behaving as a standard-bearer for the regiment; has a professional image, to include a level of maturity and judgment mixed with confidence and humility; forms sound opinions and makes own decisions; stands behind his sensible decisions based on his experiences.

Adaptability

Possessing the ability to maintain composure while responding to or adjusting one's own thinking and actions to fit a changing environment; the ability to think and solve problems in unconventional ways; the ability to recognize, understand and navigate within multiple social networks; the ability to proactively shape the environment or circumstances in anticipation of desired outcomes.

Team Player

Possessing the ability to work on a team for a greater purpose than himself; dependable and loyal; works selflessly with a sense of duty; respects others and recognizes diversity.

Capability

Maintaining physical fitness, to include strength and agility; has operational knowledge; able to plan and communicate effectively.

Pineland Underground Podcast

The premier podcast from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School — the Army's Special Operations Center of Excellence — at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Join us as we explore critical topics to forge a holistic understanding of Special Warfare, and the role of Army Special Operations Forces of the past, present and in the future of our National Defense.

Pineland Underground available on your favorite streaming platforms:

Pineland Underground on Simplecast