Special Forces are experts in conducting operations that don't call for conventional military operations. A Special Forces Officer is responsible for what is typically organized as a 12-man team, known as an Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA).

Responsibilities of a Special Forces Captain may include:

• Commanding and controlling Special Forces operations in the missions stated above
• Coordinating employment of Special Forces Soldiers at all levels of command, from ODA to group level and beyond, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
• Developing doctrine, organizations and equipment for unique Unconventional Warfare missions.
• Providing instruction on Special Forces processes, systems and equipment at service schools and intelligence training centers.
• Serving as Unconventional Warfare advisor to other Special Operations units in other armed services.