What I Learned As a Green Beret: The Importance of Building Rapport

The real point of distinction for Green Berets versus their largely door-kicking brethren is the ability to work by, with, and through foreign fighters. Candidates are selected (or, more often, not selected) based in part on their ability to build rapport with both their foreign partners and their team members.

Many an SF candidate has made it through the physical and mental rigors only to learn that their ‘social’ skills – playing as a member of a team and acting mindfully towards partner forces – aren’t good enough to make the cut. It sounds a little harsh to non-select a guy because he’s a bit of a jerk, but one wrong word spoken to the wrong guy at the wrong time can get you – or your team – killed. What better security than a widespread network of loyal friends, with their ears to th