Million Dollar Response
 

Sign Me Up,
I'm about to give you the answers to all your questions. Quick talking, start listening, and begin doing! The words of wisdom that you seek will 1: Never be told to you by those that have already been through the arduous task of earning the Green Beret, simply because no one gave them a leg up, and 2: No one's experiences will be anything like the ones that you will face if you decide that the SF life is something that you would like to try and attain. I made the mistakes that you are making now. I showed up to this site and began asking all the questions that I thought would make my life easier and inputting my sense of humor that I thought was rather funny and it was quickly pointed out to me that this is not the place for that. I know that it is called a forum, but think of it as more of an encyclopedia. Does an encyclopedia tell you all you want to know when you ask? No, you must do the research and apply the things you read to see if it will work for you. These guys may seem rough and act as if they have no sense of humor, but trust me, if you make it through the trial, you will earn these guy's respect and you will see another dimension to the Army's Best. I am, by far, no where finished with my path to the Tab, but I feel it's best that you learn from someone else's mistakes like mine, as Ambush Master said, rather than babble on and have to apologize. There are no apologies here, just solutions. In short, if this is something you truly want, expect nothing and prepare for everything. Let there be no surprises. Good Luck

If this is what you actually believe is the reason for making people try to find answers to their questions before asking, then you're still missing the point, even at your stage of training.

Razor,
In a round about way yes. I believe that the experience becomes more personal when a person has to wrestle through the battles and figure things out on there own. I know the QP's want people that can act and think quickly for themselves, so this type of learning can lead to a person's SA. Selection is about the "Whole Man" experience and any person going through this first phase will have to rely on that. Team building comes later on once a person has proved that they have the will and capability.

Then you missed the point entirely and should probably not give advice on subjects that you don't entirely understand.

The point was, that one wanting to join the ranks of self motivated Professional Soldiers should seek, first, to find the answers to their questions then after having exhausted other options ask others. This shows initiative, which is one of the many things candidates are graded on at SFAS and the rest of the SFQC. Once you are selected doesn't mean assessment stops. There are plenty of situations during SFAS/SFQC that will both bring to the surface someones true character and build upon it. There are places to suffer, rest assured.

There is no need in fighting and/or suffering thru things that can be prevented with a lil research or question asking. I am sure somewhere along the way someone has given you advice on boot/sock selection, proper foot care, packing your ruck, etc... None of the aforementioned advice or that any which is found within this BBS is G2 or provides a candidate with a "leg up" on the SFQC anymore than asking recommendations from any instructor.

Crip

Ok, given your explanation I can see what you're trying to say. However, that doesn't mirror your original post very well, in that it seemed to say that the SF guys here take a "we didn't have any assistance, so we won't give you any, either" attitude. While that may pertain to some aspects of training (for good reasons--prior knowledge degrades the training objective), I think the very existance of this board, compounded by the advice regularly and freely given by men with decades of experience in this profession, proves the "I got mine--screw you" idea completely false.

Allow me to add that assessments continue long into whatever career path you choose. Even now, almost 20 years after the Q-Course...my reputation continues to be built, and the results of my interactions with others are factored into that reputation. Small community, big consequences (good and bad).
It works both ways though...such is the lifestyle of the QP.
Every day is an assessment. Every day is a test. Or at least it is personally viewed that way (and welcomed) for those who are successful.
We are not "protectors of the tab". There are plenty of redoubts in place for that through the training channels. In sharp and distinct contrast, we welcome those who make it through the training and afford them the respect they have shown they deserve until they demonstrate otherwise.

Eagle

Thanks to all the QP's for their candor and helping me along the way. I better finish packing. Hope to see everyone in the end. 2 years to go! :lifter