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How a special forces officer can use AI, task by task

O*NET 55-1017.00: Special Forces Officers15 common activities

Lead elite teams that implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime. These activities include offensive raids, demolitions, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. In addition to their combat training, special forces officers often have specialized training in swimming, diving, parachuting, survival, emergency medicine, and foreign languages. Duties include directing advanced reconnaissance operations and evaluating intelligence information; recruiting, training, and equipping friendly forces; leading raids and invasions on enemy territories; training personnel to implement individual missions and contingency plans; performing strategic and tactical planning for politically sensitive missions; and operating sophisticated communications equipment.

How this page is built: O*NET doesn't publish task data for military occupations. This playbook is built from the closest civilian jobs: the work activities most of them share, classified the same way as every other task on the site. For a full task list, see First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, Emergency Management Directors, Detectives and Criminal Investigators.
Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: —.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 26%AI-assist 24%Stays human 50%

Share of the job's common activities across related occupations, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 4 AI-ready, 4 AI-assist and 7 human-led tasks out of 15. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Prepare investigation or incident reports.Write it up · Weekly
  2. Maintain operational records.Write it up · Monthly
  3. Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.Coordinate & message · Monthly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Direct criminal investigations.Lead people · Weekly
  2. Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.Hands-on work · Weekly
  3. Detain suspects or witnesses.Hands-on work · Monthly

AI can draft these 4

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare investigation or incident reports.

WeeklyIn 2 related jobs

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to prepare investigation or incident reports.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Incident: [what happened, when, where; no names]
Findings: [facts, evidence, actions taken]

Draft a factual report with timeline, findings and recommendations. Mark assumptions with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Incident or investigation report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare investigation or incident reports (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Findings] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact and time against your notes and evidence.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare investigation or incident reports..

Maintain operational records.

MonthlyIn 2 related jobs

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to maintain operational records.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Records: [orders, archives]
Needs: [retrieval, audit]

Draft a record format and filing scheme. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Operational record keeping

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain operational records.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain operational records..

Maintain knowledge of current developments in area of expertise.

Monthly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to maintain knowledge of current developments in area of expertise.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Area of expertise: [describe]
What's changed recently: [what you've heard]

Explain recent developments, quiz me, and list trustworthy sources. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Stay current

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain knowledge of current developments.
Step 2Fill in [Area of expertise] and [What's changed recently] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check one claim at an official source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain knowledge of current developments in area of expertise..

Develop emergency response plans or procedures.

A few times a year

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to develop emergency response plans or procedures.

Context: We use Scheduling software and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Operation: [warehouse, security, facility]
Hazards: [list]

Draft response procedures with roles and contacts. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Emergency response plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop emergency response plans or procedures.
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Hazards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop emergency response plans or procedures..

AI can help you prep these 4

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.

MonthlyIn 2 related jobs

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.

Context: We use Law enforcement information databases.
Case: [type]
Agency: [describe]

Draft a message within sharing rules. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Inter-agency information sharing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies.
Step 2Fill in [Case] and [Agency] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information..

Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

Context: We use Crime mapping software; the work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Incident: [what happened, systems or records involved]
Data available: [logs, transactions, images, records]

Propose a step-by-step forensic review: what to preserve first, what to look for in each data source, tools commonly used, and red flags. Remind me of chain-of-custody steps.

10-minute exercise: Forensic review plan

Step 1Take a closed incident you know the answer to.
Step 2Describe it in [Incident] and list sources in [Data available].
Step 3Did its plan lead toward the real cause? Use that to judge it on live cases.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities..

Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to interview people to gather information about criminal activities.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Case type: [fire, crime, incident]
Who to interview: [witness, owner, suspect]

Write an interview plan: order of people, open questions, follow-ups, and how to document statements. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

10-minute exercise: Witness interview plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you interview people (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Case type] and [Who to interview] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it with your agency's interview procedure.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Importance 4.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Interview people to gather information about criminal activities..

Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

Situation: [evidence, incident]
Recipient: [lab, examiner, attorney]

Draft a concise notification with key facts. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Situation report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you communicate situation details. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Recipient] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel..

These stay human 7

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

Direct criminal investigations.

WeeklyIn 2 related jobs

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to direct criminal investigations.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Case: [type, no names]
Team: [investigators]

Plan assignments, evidence priorities and review points. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Directing an investigation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct criminal investigations (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Case] and [Team] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Review the case file regularly against legal requirements.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Direct criminal investigations..

Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.

WeeklyIn 2 related jobs

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Evidence: [exhibits, property]
Rules: [chain of custody]

List logging and storage steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Evidence processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you process forensic or legal evidence (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Evidence] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures..

Detain suspects or witnesses.

MonthlyIn 2 related jobs

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to detain suspects or witnesses.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Situation: [arrest, detention for questioning]
Rules: [legal requirements, agency policy]

Summarize the steps, rights advisements, documentation and safety points as a study aid, with scenario questions.

10-minute exercise: Detention procedure refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you detain suspects or witnesses.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Verify every legal point against your agency's training material and legal counsel.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Detain suspects or witnesses..

Apprehend criminal suspects.

MonthlyIn 2 related jobs

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to apprehend criminal suspects.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Situation type: [trespasser, escapee, violator]
Policy: [your procedures]

Summarize safe approach, communication, legal limits and reporting as study notes with scenarios. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Apprehension procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apprehend criminal suspects.
Step 2Fill in [Situation type] and [Policy] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every point against your agency policy and training before relying on it.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Apprehend criminal suspects..

Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

A few times a yearIn 2 related jobs

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Proceeding: [court, hearing, legislative]
Topic: [findings, violations, investigation]

Help me prepare: key facts in order, likely questions including hostile ones, and how to answer calmly and only within my knowledge. Then cross-examine me.

10-minute exercise: Testimony prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Step 2Fill in [Proceeding] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Review with counsel and stick strictly to facts you can support. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Testify at legal or legislative proceedings..

Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.

Weekly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Who and what I observe: [students, players, staff, activity]
What I'm looking for: [behaviour, performance, rule compliance]

Create an observation checklist with clear behavioural indicators, a rating scale, and a notes template. Remind me how to keep notes objective.

10-minute exercise: Observation checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Who and what I observe] and [What I'm looking for].
Step 3Use it once and compare with your usual notes. Keep what helped.

Importance 4.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence..

Direct law enforcement activities.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a special forces officer. Part of my job is to direct law enforcement activities.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and psychology.
Unit: [describe]
Issue: [transfers, discipline, priorities]

Prepare the briefing or conversation. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Directing officers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct law enforcement activities.
Step 2Fill in [Unit] and [Issue] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Direct law enforcement activities..

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