The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) at Fort Liberty, 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.
Re-established in 2024, the PSYWAR School is the original name for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School, and trains and qualifies U.S. Army Psychological Operations (PO) personnel for the missions to conduct worldwide Special Operations.
The Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center, operating under the auspices of the Special Warfare Medical Group (Airborne), 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 Liberty, USAJFKSWCS enhances its training by maintaining facilities, and relationships with outside institutions, across the country. In all, USAJFKSWCS offers over 40 unique courses that give Soldiers the skills they need to survive and succeed on the battlefield.