Fort Carson hosts Special Operations Forces career fair
Parachuting, helicopter operations and bomb disposal are all part of the military’s Special Operations Forces.
And Tuesday, those interested in “trying out” a new career field got some unique insight.
Fort Carson held a career fair focused on Special Operations Forces (SOF), bringing representatives from many different areas to explain to soldiers what the job entails, what a “day in the life” is like, and answer any questions.
Special Operations recruiter Joshua Bainbridge said the fair was very important in recruiting the next generation of SOF members.
“It’s a really great way to deal with everyone’s busy schedule by having all sorts of recruiters in one place,” Bainbridge said.
From Psychological Operations to Explosive Ordinance Disposal to Civil Affairs, there was something for everyone there.
“We also brought our Family Resource Group so spouses can figure out what is the life like married to someone in Special Operations,” Bainbridge said. “It’s definitely a family decision to get involved.”
In addition, organizers brought in civilian companies that had CEOs or employees that used to be in Special Operations.
Bruce Parkman with the Main Nerve was one of them. He credited his time with Special Operations Forces being the key to his success.
“When you get dropped off in the middle of a country with 11 other guys and all you get is a verbal mission statement: ‘We’ll see you in six months,’ you make things happen,” Parkman said. “You know when you leave the military there’s nothing you can’t do.”
Specialist Chase Koether has been in the Army for two years and has been wanting to get involved with SOF.
“I’ve always been curious about Special Operations,” he said. “My brothers always told me they are the greatest. He was actually contracted to go, but shattered his ankle during basic so he couldn’t.”
Now, Koether may fulfill his brother’s dream.
“I would like to become a crew chief or a Blackhawk,” he said.
Career fair organizers were hoping to see about 500-750 people Tuesday. Of those people, they said they hope that turns into about 25-50 new jobs.
