In a powerful display of tradition, discipline, and deep purpose, 168 Soldiers officially earned their place among the nations special operations warriors during a Special Forces graduation ceremony coined the Regimental First Formation, Class 340, held at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, N.C. on Aug. 28. "You dont just graduate, you join a legacy, said Lt. Col. Luke Self, commander of 4th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne). From this day forward, you carry more than a weapon. You carry the weight of those who came before you, and the responsibility to lead those who will follow. You are not chosen because it was easy, you are chosen because you earned it." As the 168 newest Special Forces Soldiers walked into the coliseum to take their seats in preparation for the commencement, each step they took represented the completion of one of the most rigorous and selective military training programs in the world. They were tested on physical endurance, mental toughness, intellect, character, and tactical skills that prepared them to join Special Forces units tasked with the most sensitive and high-risk missions. Theyve demonstrated their perseverance throughout this course by walking hundreds of miles with a rucksack weighing no less than 50 pounds but oftentimes far more, Self said, during his remarks at the graduation ceremony. Doing their best to evade capture at SERE school by training to master their individual specialties before coming together as a team to train by learning to successfully operate in highly ambiguous environments and, finally, by deploying a deliberate timeline as part of their culminating exercise known as Robin Sage, they were specially selected and well-trained warriors. Class 340 began the Special Forces Qualification Course six to 12 months ago with the oldest candidate being 36 and the youngest 22 years old. Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew O. Williams, Medal of Honor recipient and previous command sergeant major for 4th Battalion, delivered remarks as the ceremonys keynote speaker. I wanted to begin by saying what a tremendous honor it is to be here with you today, Williams said. Standing before the newest generation of Green Berets, these men have endured one of the most demanding courses the U.S. military has to offer. He added that the Green Beret that you will wear is not a reward but a responsibility. It represents sacrifice, discipline, and quiet professionalism. After the speeches, the new Green Berets donned their berets and stood proudly, ready to continue their journey as highly trained soldiers capable of handling the worlds most complex and dangerous missions. They also celebrated the legacy they now carry, one rooted in the valor of those who have worn the beret before them.