ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE BULGARIAN SPECIAL FORCES

Currently, Bulgarian Special Operations Forces (BUSOF) has no effective practice in the process of Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) of its personnel. Additionally, no investigation has been performed to assess the link between the admission process and the quality of the BUSOF operators. This thesis confirms the urgent need for a custom-tailored SFAS for Bulgarian Joint Special Operations Command (BJSOCOM) by describing the Special Forces missions and the history of SFAS, and analyzing the current admission process for the BUSOF. The study first examines the experience of the United States and other NATO SOF in developing and conducting their respective SFAS processes, to help in defining the profile of prospective Special Forces personnel and developing a new SFAS process for the BJSOCOM. In addition to the literature review, the study includes results from responses to a questionnaire, provided in advance of interviews with senior U.S. and other NATO SOF representatives at the United States Special Operational Command (USSOCOM). The study concludes that there are significant differences in the admission processes—including screening and selection standards—of Bulgarian SOF and the rest of the NATO SOF units. Based on the findings of the research, the study recommends that the BJSOCOM should focus on improving the process of recruitment, screening, and assessment and selection of future SF operators.http://archive.org/details/assessmentandsel1094564090Captain, Bulgarian Special Operations Forces BrigadeApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited