Introduction
 

I am a retired 18A, and heard about Quiet Professionals from a friend. It seems to be a good way to stay connected to the Special Forces community. Feel free to contact me.
De Oppresso Liber

Intro.
 

Hello, my name is Zach, and I am a 16 sophomore at Camden County High School in Southeast Georgia. I run cross-country and track and I am also on the swim team. I am considering going into the Army Special Forces, as well as considering the Rangers, and look forward to learning what I can here.

Hello from Southwest Virginia...
 

Thank you for allowing me access to your site. I've spent a few hours over the past 72 reading through several postings and getting to know the rules for posting and the role of a visitor like myself.

I am 50 years old and served in the U.S. Army from 1983-1994. I actually started my military service after high school when I went to Georgia Military College and was a cadet in the two year commissioning program. I graduated with an AS Degree in Engineering (mostly math and science courses) and was commissioned a 2LT. I then went to Florida State University for a year until my funds ran out. While in school that year, I served as an Infantry Platoon Leader in the Florida Army National Guard in Tallahassee, FL. A close friend of mine's Father was an Army recruiter and I discussed my options of entering on active duty, We discussed several options and I elected to sign a contract which would put me through 91B school, then Airborne school and enrollment in the SFQC for 18D. I graduated from 300-F1 in January of 85 and went to Fort Bragg to start MedLab and continue with the Q course. In between the end of studies at Fort Sam and arrival back at Bragg, I got married to an active duty 91B that was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. Got to Bragg, waited several months for an available MedLab slot with the rest of my group of trainees. We spent the "down time" doing PT, taking EMT and Trauma and Triage classes, doing Land Nav out near Texas Pond (and the porta potty dump site!), etc. I finally got to Med Lab and enjoyed every minute of it. Doing a necropsy on a goat, killing and eating our own chicken for lunch in the compound, and the various other fun times was fantastic. But...I made a decision that would haunt me for the rest of my time in service. After discussions with my new wife on many occasions, I decided to voluntarily withdraw from the Q course just prior to finishing Med Lab. I took a joint domicile assignment at Fort Hood, TX and was put into a Mechanized Infantry unit. This was the time frame when they had split 91B into 91A and 91B. I was an E4 at the time of arrival and was kept a 91B since I had taken the Special Operation Medical NCO Course. I got promoted to E5 in the secondary zone and was the only E4 91B on the list. I re-enlisted for duty stabilization at my home base and a very good bonus. That lasted a year before I got orders to go to the Sinai with the Multinational Force and Observers Logistical Support Unit as a Flight Medic. Served as the NCOIC for the flight medical detachment for a 12 month tour. I requested to be returned to Bragg and got orders to a FAST Team (which was a fairly new concept at the time). My orders got rescinded and I got extended an additional two months and got new orders to report to the Army School of Aviation Medicine at Fort Rucker, AL as an instructor. I had been before the promotion board while in the Sinai and got promoted to E6 (once again in the secondary zone and there were only 3 on the list that time) shortly after arriving in Alabama. I worked as an instructor in Aviation Medicine, went to the Air Force School for Hypo/Hyperbaric technicians as well. I took the FAST screening test and got a slot in Flight School and graduated in 1990 as a UH-1 pilot. I went directly to a UH-60 transition and was supposed to be assigned to a unit that was in Kuwait. Orders got changed and I was sent to Germany to a unit supporting the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. Flew a bunch of missions from Cyprus to Beirut for two years then came back to Fort Hood, TX and worked in airfield operations until time for me to leave the service. I got out in 1994, worked in the computer field for a year then took a job with the U.S Postal Service where I could add my military time to my new Federal job benefits. I'm currently a Postmaster in a small rural community.

My medical training in Fort Sam and Fort Bragg made me a much better medic than many of my contemporaries. To this day, I still remember quite a bit of it. My doctor asked me if I was a veterinarian or a nurse the first time he met me since I was so well versed in Anatomy & Physiology and diagnostic skills.

Although I never made it into the ranks of our outstanding "Quiet Professionals", I still to this day feel a bond with all of you. I applaud your service and dedication to our country. It's an honor to come back and read up on all the new things that have happened in the past 25+ years and bear witness to the best soldiers in the world doing what they do. Congratulations on an outstanding site!

Intro
 

Hello there,

I have been in the Army for nearly two years and I think it finally time to try for what I have always wanted deep down. When I originally joined the Army, the MOS choices that I wanted were not open, so I took something local in the Reserves until I could get my G.E.D. upgraded to a full diploma, as well as adding some college credits onto that. No more "profile" units where a good amount of lazy soldiers make it by on their profiles that they do not need. No more lax rules, no more non enforced discipline for my unit SOP. No more taking it easy....I want more.

I want to try something that I have always felt a calling for deep down. Not simply something that I wanted to do. This is something that I know I have to try out for. I've looked at many options in the Army before deciding to enlist as 18X, and I also have talked to many people as well. I have been to these forums quite often, and have read them many times even before creating my account here.

I have had several Special Operations men, and a former SF guy teach me some PT tricks...but I know that the ultimate success or failure lies within how much I am willing to push. So I have come forward to try this since this seems to be a calling for me. I was never satisfied elsewhere, but I feel satisfied now as an 18X. I'm mostly here to read, maybe ask a few questions, and then I only plan to come back and give advice IF I earn the right to do so.

Hey guys; My name is Daniel, and I am currently a senior in high school. I am seriously considering Special Forces as a career after college. I have always greatly admired the military and I hope to learn a lot here

Salutations from Wisconsin
 

Hi everybody. MJ from Wisconsin, extending my greetings to you all.

I'm a 25 year-old theology graduate student at a Catholic university here in Milwaukee. I studied philosophy and religion in my undergrad at a University of Wisconsin school. So this means, at the very least, I am book-smart ;) . I have an 18x contract already. My step-grandfather served in the Vietnam War as an Army Special Forces soldier; he was in MACV-SOG. So in some sense, I would like to carry the torch.

Physically, I'm a gym-rat who used to run cross-country and track in HS (and a year in college). Since running didn't really pan out I hit the weights. Despite that (I now weigh 190 lbs at 6' from 160 lbs), running was and always will be my strong suit. To give you all an idea, I was still able to break a 5-minute mile during the Army PT. I'm hoping this translates well into a good ruck! Still, I'm somewhat afraid that lifting too much weights will put me at a disadvantage at SFAS, though. I have something of an addiction to lifting weights for size. Then again, it's not all just for decoration; I've maxed the Army PT scores.

What else? Initially, I wanted to join Air Force pararescue, but I did not meet the vision requirements. My eyes are something like 20/200 and 20/100. I was surprised (pleasantly, so) to see that I could meet the Army Special Forces vision requirements. I never really thought of SF until recently; perhaps my aversion was due to the mystique and aura surrounding my grandfather that led me to unconsciously believe that SF was somehow "beyond me" or "superhuman." I put plenty of thought and prayer into it, and swore in with the 18x contract.

In the meanwhile I will be lurking and reading.

Actually, it doesn't. It just means you're a grad student.

Touché.

Bless me Father . . .
You can say Marquette. Don't be ashamed. Not everyone can go to Gonzaga. :D:p say three Hail Marys and the Act of Contrition. You'll be okay.

Intro
 

.

Introduction
 

Thank you QP's for all your service and this site. These forums are a goldmine for aspiring SF guys.

I'm 27 non-prior service and work in NYC working in sales for a technology start-up firm. I'm relentlessly pursuing a rep63 contract in a nearby state. I feel that serving your country, people and helping others to the highest capacity is my calling. I want to learn from and work with some of the best and brightest and SF is exactly this.

Gentlemen,

I am an 18 year old college student and ROTC cadet. I have read many times on these forums that "SF is a calling." I hear that calling and look forward to answering it.

Thank you in advance for all the knowledge bestowed; past, present, and future.

Very respectfully,

Riddance

Go ZAGs. Ranked #2 on both polls...

Hi, I am active duty Army currently assigned to 75th RGR STB. I joined the military in 2007 made my way over to Regiment in 2008 have been here ever since. I recently decided it was time for a change put in my request to leave and now im heading to 1st group to in a support role.

Hello everyone. My name is Nate.

I've been in the NG for a few years now. Being an Infantryman in the NG just wasn't cutting it for me personally. I saw an opportunity to go 18x, given that I was looking into active duty, and went for it. My conditional release has been approved, and I have a ship date.

All I have left to say is I'm grateful this site has been provided by members of the SF community, and I've already delved into the the wide array of wisdom it holds. I probably won't post much, but let my gratitude for America's fighting men be known.

Thanks again! :lifter

Introduction
 

Hello my names Keelan Oleary, based out of Wichita Ks. I am a prospective 18x cantidate awaiting my shipout date of May 28th.

Introduction
 

Howdy All,

I'm Rey, I graduate in may from Texas A&M, I've been in ROTC for 4 years and I am pursuing an 18x contract.

Thank you guys for the hard work in maintaining this site, because it really has been a tangible resource. It's taken me a whole year to decide to make an account after looking at y'alls threads and getting my questions answered by the people who have walked the path before me(most of the time incorrectly so).

Introduction
 

Came across the site while reading about SF posers.

I am a former 18D was stationed in Okinawa on ODA-124 and 113 1994-97. Before that I was an 11B at 1/75 Ranger Rgt. and then 124th MI (LRSD) 24th ID. 1988-1992.

Good to be among like minded folks.

Introduction
 

Hi,
I am a 25 year old social studies teacher and I have been interested in SF for a few months. I have used this site and got a lot out of it. I told my recruiter yesterday that I wanted to join 18x, and he informed me that the option is closed. I was kind of bummed, and he told me I need to join with opt 40 for RASP and then I should get my ranger tab and then apply for SFAS. Should I wait for a while and see if 18x opens up, or should I go the path my recruiter recommended? Thanks for any help.

BA

Seeing how people under 17 are discouraged to post, I plan on taking that advice and sticking to reading. I might as well make this introduction thoughtful though.

I am currently a Sophomore enrolled in a New england high school. I have a fulfilling social life and recreationally train in both Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu. While planning and prepping for SF aren’t my only pastimes, I feel it’s best for me to add some into my schedule so I have a better chance of competing against the standards.

When I read how some of the Quiet Professionals on here have had Special forces call to them, it really hits home with me. Since first grade, I’ve always wanted to serve in the Military, whenever we had to do a essay about what we wanted to do when we grew up, that’s what I would write about. I’ve been so blessed to be born into a family that’s done well for themselves financially. On the flipside of that, I’ve had everything in life handed to me, and that’s not the life I want to live. I’m sick of entitlement, no longer do I want to just receive, I want to sacrifice, earn, and give back to the country that has given me so much. My way is not the only way, others may want to not sacrifice, and I respect and understand their choice. I would be willing to sacrifice my life for them to have the freedom to follow their dreams. I want to endure for those who cannot and those who will not endure.

My only fear is not making the cut. I understand it is about the team, and not the individual, so I fear breaking at the worst possible time and letting those to my left and right down. I am by no means a special snowflake, I’m not the biggest guy, strongest, smartest, nor the toughest. However I’d be damned, and would never sleep right, if I did not pour all of my energy and heart into my goals and give it a shot.

In regards to mental preparedness, I've read “Message to Garcia”, “Art of war” (planning on re reading it later on in highschool, I dont have the intellectual capacity to grasp the concepts yet.) and “Warrior ethos”. I plan on getting “Get Selected!” and “Chosen Soldier”, after those two I’ll spend some more time lurking in the search box and see what else is recommended. I am hoping to find some suggestions and tips on how to mentally test myself before going in.

I realize I am still just a kid, I certainly have more than a handful of misconceptions, arrogance, and other flaws. However through my initiative and some criticisms from the QP’s I hope I can address all of it. I am very hopeful to be able to draw on some of the life experience of soldiers and older members.

My deepest thanks to all of you for your service.
Back to reading stickies.

Hello,

I came across this site when conducting research on the author of Fading Photographs of My Mind's Own Album (Namvet newsletter n.99) for my wife's bachelor's degree project. I'm spaniard and professionally dedicated to public relations and as a part time musician (rock and roll days are gone).


Kind regards,

Welcome...I suspect by your writing skills that you passed your drivers license test on the first go around.

Introduction
 

Hello;

I am a 21 year old and have done PSYOP since I enlisted. Ever since I finished training at Ft. Bragg I wanted to do SF, and was able to have the pleasure of supporting an ODA on my deployment. My time with that team only solidified my wanting to do something greater.

Currently, I'm planning to see myself at SFAS within a year. It's been a goal for me since 2009, and I want to properly prepare myself as best I can, both physically and mentally.

Thanks again for what y'all do.

Thank You !
 

To the Green Beret, I would like to Thank each and every one of you who signed . It makes me proud to be an American and it gives me hope that this land of the brave will always be the home of the Free. I am greatful to have many Patriot friends,the ones I know and the ones I will never know. I have family and friends who have served this Country. I have never liked how our Brave Warriors have been treated in the past and I would like to change that. I propose that all vets and active duty be treated at any hospital or docter that they choose and uncle sam will pay for it. I would like to honor your service by punishing those who steal your honor. I know some might not like the word hero applied to them,but you are America's Heros and without our brave men this country is doomed. De Oppresso Liber

Introduction
 

Hello to you all,
Been a member here for a little bit now, and have been soaking up everything this site has to offer. I would sincerely like to that all the QPs who have taken the time to put their thoughts and experiences down for all of us to utilize. This is really a tremendous resource for information on many topics. I really look forward to discovering more knowledge from those who have been there and done that.

chuystewy

Introduction
 

Hello all,

I am 25 years old. I am currently recovering from a sports related injury and plan on going 18x in the near future. I would have introduced myself earlier; but since I utilize the search button, I've never had to post anything. Thank you for establishing this site, I've learned a-lot since joining.

Introduction
 

Hey everyone,

I spent my years after high school in the Navy working on the now defunct HVBSS teams, as well as conducting small unit security missions and firearms training. After leaving the military I received a BA and BS in criminal justice and law enforcement from a university in Minnesota.

Currently I am finishing up a Masters degree in terrorism and security at King's College London in the UK where I will be writing my dissertation on the use of special operations forces in the war on terror.

I am also in the process of looking for jobs and I'm considering returning to the military as an officer, most likely with Army as I can't imagine myself working on a ship. Thank you for allowing me to use this forum and I look forward to future conversations.

Many a great Terrorologist have graduated from there. Welcome.

Well said.

Greetings all!

I'm a prior-service Marine and I'm training hard to prepare myself physically and mentally for SFAS. I've been doing a ton of reading here on PS and I would like to say thank you to all the current and former SOF personnel that are helping hopeful candidates like myself prepare for what may lie ahead. I know that until I earn the title, my job is to keep my mouth shut and listen to the advise given by those who have earned it. That being said, any and all advice or information anyone is willing to give is more than appreciated.

-Logan

Howdy


My name is Brent and I'm a former 13D with an ASI of L7. I did 4 years with 1/25 SBCT out of Wainwright with a deployment to Iraq in 08-09. My family has military in it in about every generation and that's why I chose to volunteer.

As for this board, my buddy informed me of its existence when he registered as a QP because he knew I was in and that I collect U.S. military items dating back to at least the Civil War. I'm currently in the process of collecting a lot of multicam uniforms/patches and theater made stuff, because once we're out of there, there wont be any more.

I'm hoping to learn a lot from the board, and to not ask stupid questions. Ya'll are truly America's finest, and I'm proud to be in your presence.


Brent

A quick intro
 

Charles here. I started out 11c and 11b with assignments in mech and rgr units. Q course graduation in 01 with service in 7th SFG and other USASOC units. Read about the collective resistance to the wave of gun control and wanted to add my name to the roster.
Sine Pari

My Intro
 

Hey all,

Jake here. I'm a military contractor/linguist here in Afghanistan. I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life when I'm done with this gig.

I’ve been blessed with a great job and great experiences for a young guy. It has put me in a place where I can now go do what I want—serve my country—without worrying about some of the sacrifices that might come along with it. I don’t know what avenue I’ll choose for my service, but I consider SF a great option and this website a great resource.

I've got loads of questions, but I’ve been reading posts on here for enough months to know that I had better not ask out on the forums for now. If my questions have been asked and I somehow missed it… the chewing follows without fail.

Introduction
 

Gents,

A great deal of knowledge here, glad to have found it.

I am an 18A, currently serving as an embedded adviser with a foreign SOF unit in Europe, previously having served with the 124th IN, 20th SFG, SOCCENT, and SOCEUR. I hope to both make deposits and withdraws in this repository of knowledge.

And there's no interest charge on the withdrawals .... Welcome.

(Not really true. Interest on withdrawals is collected from future contributions to the data base - paying it forward. You probably overlooked that because it's an understood part of a QP's duty description. ;) Peregrino)

Introduction
 

Hello and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this forum. I am a "middle aged" California attorney with a wife and kid in college. But in my prior life 1980' I was a medic 1/325 82nd. I spent my entire time at Bragg, no deployments :-(. What can I say, I was a "Reagan era soldier." I am privileged to be a part of this forum, because it was my dream to be an 18d. I was born to be a medic. I have been making first aid kits since I was 10 and I just turned 50. I enlisted from Florida with a friend I played HS FB with, on the "buddy program." Remember that, where they keep you together all through PP? Well, at the AFEES station in Jacksonville, we both took tests, and they told me they had one 18d slot. They offered the contract to me, not my buddy though.. Ultimately, I decided to stay with my bud and go 82d medic. Seemed like the fair thing since I talked him into joining with me in the 1st place, and hey 82nd Airborne -All The Way, and then some!! So, ultimately I never got to go after the 18d dream. But I spent 3-great years just down the street from delta and group and made plenty of medic friends in the 82nd who were ex-18d. All characters for sure. One just couldn't stay out of fights at the dragon club, and the other failed GLab. Thanks for keeping the dream alive through your posts . -Dave

Hi again
 

Hello,
Looks like my original introduction got lost. My name is TJ and I'm a 3rd Group 18A, post team time and currently working for NSOCC-A downrange. I was a prior Artillery guy and spent all my time in the 82nd. My language is Pashto and has been useful more times than I can count.

If there's anything else, just ask. Rarely will I post but I do enjoy taking in all the information here. If anyone else is here and wants to chat over a cigar let me know!

TJ

intro
 

Hello Gents,
My name is Rob, and I have been serving in the Army reserve as a medic (now as a 12N) for 4 years. At the beginning of my military career I was quite naive. After some time I realized that this was my career and if didn't take hold of it, it would be one joke of a career. Once I came to decision that the Army is what I loved, and that if I'm going to do this I'm going all the way. So Special Forces became my choice. Unfortunately being married and a father the decision was not just my own and had to be worked through to ease the stress off my family along with humps along the way. In that time I have missed the window for prior service to grab an 18x contract. So hear I am a year and half later posting for the first time hoping to find a solution.

On another note I'd like to thank all of you QP's past and present for your wisdom and generosity in allowing us the privilege to be apart such a forum.
Thank you.

Mike Jones
 

Greetings to all. My happiest days were serving with Special Forces. I started out in A Co. 1st Bn. 5th Gp at Bragg in 1972. Then spent a year in Thailand with USASFT on SF Tm 42 (FREEDOM RUNNER) and then SF Tm 44 (HALO) w/ CPT Mike Taylor and MSG Joel Schenckleberger and SFC Sammy Hernadez. Stayed until they deactivated us in March of '74. Best bunch of soldiers I served with in 24 years. Saw a bunch of really old timers last Summer at the 60th Anniversary here in Fayetteville. I am now a Retired LTC and presently serving as a GS type at FORSCOM HQ.