Foreign Special Forces looking for advice

Reading through a myriad of WSO forums, I’ve understood that military experience?(atleast US armed forces) is looked upon favorably in IB.

How would a Special Forces experience in a foreign military be regarded?

11 Comments
 

I think it depends where you’re from man. The average American doesn’t know the difference between a Dutch Marine and a British Royal Marine. People hear military and it’s just kind of a check in the box about working hard, being driven, etc. You still need to have the goods in terms of technical skills. At least that’s been my experience. I’d certainly put the term special forces on your resume and perhaps an American equivalent unit. Hope this helps.

 

I’m from one of the closets Allies of the US armed forces. Although I haven’t had combined training experience w the US yet, my superiors have been in combined training exercises with the US Delta Force.

I probably shouldn’t disclose the name of my unit but yeah haha

 

Yup! It’s just idk how I would put this on my resume or school apps as I can’t technically disclose it? Perhaps I should just put “ special forces” haha

 

While I won't tell you how to disclose it, there is nothing wrong with disclosing that you were a Special Forces Operator. Technically, that is your job. You are a member of a special forces unit. You don't need to disclose that you're a Navy SEAL assigned to the Navy Special Weapons Development Group, but you need to disclose that you're a SEAL. I'd talk to your CO about how to handle putting your unit and disclosing service on your civilian resume. I'd also be prepared in case people ask about it. Let's say you're a member of the 22nd SAS out of Hereford specializing in naval (SBS) warfare, I'd keep it simple and say you were the frogman. No one is going to know the difference in that regard unless you're interviewing with someone who has a military background. 

 

I get what you’re saying.

Most members of my unit don’t really try to work in the private sector after their service (unless it’s one of those “security gigs”). So my CO is not too familiar on what I can and cannot disclose regarding our unit.

It’s quite different for me as I plan to return back to the US after my service and crank out 2-3 years of my remaining undergraduate schooling.

Most of my peers are either in this for the long term or planning to work for the “White house” equivalent in my country.

 
Most Helpful

Does your CO know you plan to return to school? If he does, I'd ask if he knows anyone in command, that he's served with, or knows of other COs who have dealt with this (or can refer you to HR - god I hate suggesting that here, but this does fall something they should at least know how to address) that can help. And you bring up a good point. Most Special Forces Operators are lifers (whether they stay in service or transition to another area of government function), although I do know a retired SEAL who is running a distillery. Hell, he donates a portion of the proceeds of every bottle of Whiskey he sells to support veterans. I'd also look for veterans organizations that work to help transition Servicemen back to civilian life. They may have some good guidance for you as well. 

 

It’s only going to help you. Look at vet clubs at any MBA or undergrad and there’s always some South Korean soldiers, IDF, etc. Even though you’re from a different country, you’d have much more in common with a vet at a bank than they would have with most of their colleagues. If someone from an ally military reached out to me, I’d talk to them. You are probably still counted as diversity as well. 

 

Deleniti est et voluptates at. Quia velit perferendis nulla beatae fuga est. Sapiente quas mollitia aut voluptas. Aut odio eos vero qui. Quia molestias quos soluta.

Et et vitae voluptatem voluptate veritatis et voluptatibus. Reprehenderit quo quasi perferendis eligendi molestiae. Laboriosam dignissimos reprehenderit aut laborum at accusamus. Esse et unde dolores laudantium reiciendis ut labore. Sit explicabo voluptatem quas corrupti temporibus et commodi. Ipsam iste nesciunt blanditiis nam earum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”