Greetings
 

Good afternoon,
First and foremost I want to thank all of the members in the Special Forces community for putting together and/or contributing to this forum as it is has become an invaluable resource to many 18x's including myself.

About myself, I am a 21 year old living in California. I chose to enlist in the Army and more specifically the 18x pipeline because I feel that I have this calling to prove myself worthy to serve among the worlds finest, and having my part in history someday is where I will find my glory.

My ship date is 20130805

Thank you gentlemen for your time,
D. Wilson

I served with the early Force Recon in '65.

I worked on what we called the "Green Side," meaning, I worked off the special ops submarine Tunny, and made a lot of maps of beaches. At that time, they reserved the direct action "Black Side" for invitees, only (things have changed since then).

Got a commission and flew helicopters until '74.

Presently fly a DOD contract in Alaska (Ft Greeley). Please look me up if you come here. I'll buy you a cup of coffee. :)

I joined this forum because an internet search led me to posts by knife-makers Bill Harsey and Les George, and I wanted to respond to their posts.

I have a long interest in the psychology of self-defense and violence, and special interests in left and right handedness, body movement and body organization, and methods of instruction.

I acknowledge my mind set doesn't fit this forum, but, nonetheless, I hugely respect the values and knowledge expressed here, and I will do my best to behave accordingly.

Hello
 

Hello Everyone,

I'm currently stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. "Rock of the Marne" I'm very interested in becoming a SF soldier mentally and physical. I've been want this since I graduated high school, evermore since I've joined the army. The only thing that is hold me back is that I have a P3 for hearing by army's standards. I would really appericate if anyone can giving me clarification on if this would stop me attending SFAS and further processing through to a team if I was to become selected. Thanks, and "STAY LOW AND COVER YOUR SIX"

Welcome all!

I don't think we are waiving that right now, but a recruiter would be the one to answer that question officially.

Frankly, as we have said on so many other threads, you would be jeopardizing he other members of your team, and that is reason enough, IMHO.

People who take the initiative to search and read are the people we are looking for, and tend to have much better long term prospects here.

BTW, I think you meant "CANDIDATE", and since you aren't SF yet, what would you like for a new user name?

TR

Intoduction
 

I am retired Army with a son in the Q Course. If things go as planned he will graduate this summer, and I'm considering a tomahawk for a graduation gift.

I would appreciate your feedback on the following questions:

1. do you consider a tomahawk to be a practical and necessary tool for the job ahead?

2. would it permissible or advisable to have the SF crest or a quote engraved on it?

I have read the previous threads on graduation gifts, but my question was not addressed.

Any guidance you can give on this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Welcome All,, Use the search function and read the message.
Search for Garcia, by The Reaper..

Rob Pls repost your question in the edge weapons area..

I have been in the Air Force for 5 years as Security Forces, deployed to Kandahar, Balad, and now currently at Bagram. I have always wanted to do the more High Speed things in my current Job but never had the opportunity because those are rare spots in my large career field. I was lucky to do OPFOR for some ODA's in Jordan last year and I was very impressed with what I saw. I have always yearned to go for TACP or similar type jobs. My contract is up at the end of this year and I think that NGSF is the right fit for me. I look forward to starting the process.

ahlan wa sahlan
 

Cheers,

X-ray candidate waiting for a ship date out early fall. Finished college, studied Arabic & traveled throughout the region extensively. Looking forward to applying the language and seeing the culture from a different angle.

Ideally, would like to land a medic slot within the 10th. Been studying Swahili heavily and looking to move on to French before the training begins.

Any advice/encouragement is greatly appreciated..


-Ru

Hello and Thank You!
 

Hello,

My name is Todd S. I am a "Cold War Vet" MP/95-B 1979-82 & a Military Brat of my fathers 23 yrs Active Army CWO. Some duty of my duty assignments & posts: Ft McClellan-Basic & MP School. Ft Meade-519th MP BN, Wash D.C. Security Detail, Pres. Reagan Innauguration,Riot Control,White Hat Duty etc.. Ft Story/Littlecreek,Va-Naval Amphib School. Ft Indiantown Gap,Pa-1980 Cuban Refugee Crisis (what a mess that was) This is an example of 1: We were ordered from Carter Admin. No firearms (45's-M16 etc). Use of Riot Bataans only!! Thats when many a Cubano started climbing over the 10-12' foot fence enclosure w/minimal Barbed Wire atop. Shortly after that I was given orders B-Batt 2/56 ADA 32nd AADCOM USAREUR.
Physical Security "TowerRat" Detach Nike-Herc Site in Landau,W. Germany 1981-83.
Experiences there were "Life Changing" some good, some not. 1983 ETS'd Ft Dix,Nj
Began College,joined MP Reserve unit & later a Nat'l Guard Co.

But I am here primarily regarding my fathers career and hopefully to find others on this site who may of crossed paths w/him. His Timeline snapshot- began in 1952 Korea-Ended -1975 Retired. He wore many hats during his career. Starting with 101st - then Artillery-Engineers-Spanish Instructor (La Paz, Bolivia '65-67)-Warrant Officer School-2 tours SE Asia- Ended - AIT Engineer Instructor Ft Belvoir,Va..
Enough for now!
Thanx to all. Cheers!

18x
 

Hello,
I just enlisted last week as an 18X shipping out on September 9th. I just graduated 2 weeks ago from Penn State with a degree in Criminal Justice and an extensive Arabic course load. I hope to learn as much as possible in order to prepare myself both mentally and physically for the challenges that await. Any help would be extremely grateful

Thank You
Gerry McGowan

Hello

I was a 37F (Psyop SGT) and my 3 man team supported an ODA in OEF/OIF 03......it was an unbelievable experience for me as a young man and I learned a lot in a short amount of time with those guys. Currently I am living the easy life as a financial crimes investigator in the private sector and I stumbled upon this site while investigating getting back in via the Guard. Mostly I will just lurk this site waxing nostalgia...interested in reading stories and I guess hopeful I might find out what some of those 5th group guys I was with may be doing these days (shot in the dark)....thanks

New Guy
 

Hello my name is SGT Brown. I am currently preparing to attend SFAS upon my return from deployment. I really should have attended after my last deployment. The desire to be challenged and serve the Army on a higher scale drives me daily to work hard as I can to achieve the honor and privladge of becoming a Green Beret. It is nice to know there is a site like this out there to reference also individuals who are working to reach the same goal. Thanks for sharing all this knowledge and advice.

I am a long time lurker of these boards; great information here. A little bit about myself. I've been in the Army for 6 years, 4 active and currently in the guard. Deployed for OEF IX with 1ID as an 11B. Currently in transition to another career field to do bigger and better things and hope to one day work with some of you.

Hello
 

I have lurked here for a few months until I noticed that the loss of an old friend was not posted. So I decided to sign up to do just that. Since then and with the 72 hr wait, I have surfed much more of this site and am going to be here for a while. I mostly read and listen so won't post much, unless I have something relevant to add. I am retired SF, 13 yrs in the 5th SFG(A) 1990-2003.

Hello all. I'm mostly just browsing looking for good advice for selection... got off active duty about a year ago and am going stir crazy.

Not SF and do not plan to be but I respect the line of work and value the knowledge that can be gathered from the vast collective experience available on the board. Thank you all for service.

Introduction
 

Professional Soldiers,

I am active duty currently stationed in Ft. Lewis but OCONUS at the moment. I have in roughly 2.5 years. I been on the fast track with my career due to the great NCOs that have been bestowed upon me. Civilian educational wise I studied at La Roche College for 2 year majoring in International Affairs and Minoring in Spanish. Military wise I am a air assault, combatives instructor and some other things. My current goal is to prepare myself physically and mentally for the challenges SFAS has for me.


Thank you for you time.

G'day from Downunder
 

Hey Y'all,

I'm Aussie from Downunder. Am a current Officer in the Australian Army Reserve. I'm training for Commando Selection here, which is similiar to your SFAS. We don't have such a forum in Oz, and there is some great advice to be found on this site (similar course).

I've read "Get Selected for SF", I've also memorised the Ranger Creed! Not bad for an Aussie hey? Good mental preparation.

My biggest hurdle will be passing selection at my ripe old age of 41. I have done the AIT here in Oz and been in training now for 2 years, as well as being an officer for 8, so I'm not fresh off the street. Reaper, yes, I've read your comments and opinion of older guys going for selection. I still think I can add value and give back another 15 - 20 years if selected.

In terms of fitness, I would currently score 290 for my age group on your APFT (82 PU, 100 SU and 2 mile in 14:00min).

De oppreso Liber !

Hello
 

Being a member of PS for almost 2 years now and just now realizing I did not make an introduction yet. So far I have enjoyed the in depth discussions and topics covered by very experienced professionals. And I look forward to many more insightful and informative threads.

Introduction for username Champagne.
 

I retired from the Army on 1 January 2011 after 21 years of active duty and some reserve time.

I will always be very proud of my three year tour of duty at Fort Bragg with USASOC. It was an honor and a privilege to serve with the Professional Soldiers in the USASOC building from July 1997 through July 2000. It was an honor and a privilege to work with them, and conduct airborne training operations with them.

I will never forget their professionalism and quiet, selfless devotion to duty.

hello
 

good morning my name is mike, I have been lurking on your website for a couple of months.

I currently work as a truck driver hauling high security loads (nothing classified) for the U.S. Government.

I just want to let all of the Quiet Professionals know that your service is much appreciated, along with the education I have learned about the sacrifice made by hero's such as M/Sgt Roy Benavidez.


Respectfully,
Mm597

Hello
 

Hi,

My name is Del. I recently graduated from college and after thinking about it for quite some time, reading much of the information on this site and elsewhere I have decided that SF is what I want to do. Try to do anyway. I signed my 18x contract and swore in just yesterday. I want to thank all of the QP's who make this site what it is.

Respectfully,
Del

Intro
 

Hello,

I'm an AD Soldier with 9 years in. I have my eyes set on SFAS in the near future and am here to gather knowledge. Thanks to all for the infinite wisdom and advice I have come across.
-Mase

Greetings
 

Hey,

I'm a 20 - year old IT student. I am from an EUFOR country called Slovenia. I'm hoping to pass Officer school selection after college and after serving in our infantry regiments for a year, trying out for our Special Operations Forces or recon units (light infantry unit, vaguely similiar to Rangers). I have until the age of 30 to achieve all of these goals.

I have a strong urge to become my own man and I believe even trying to compete in an event such as the special forces selection will, even in case of failure, prepare me for future challenges, whatever they may be. I'm very interested in martial arts, firearms, technology and board games such as chess. I'm also an apprentice hunter.

I am honored to be able to read thoughts of accomplished men on these forums and can only hope to come even remotely close to that. Thank you for the opportunity.

I have included a photograph to this post. 19.th SFG training with our Special Operations Unit (ESD - Enota za Specialno Delovanje).

Hello all,

I'm a younger fella. 20 years old & in the USAF as ops intel. It has always been my dream to be a part of the SF family. I'm working on gearing my career towards going to pre-ranger school and earning my jump wings so that I may be able to entrench with some of you gentlemen in the future. Perhaps from there more opportunities will open up. I've had my eye on these forums for a little bit of time now and seeing the wealth of knowledge available here I decided this forum was something I wanted to be a part of.

Here's to one day working with some of you & thank you gentlemen for everything you do.

-Andy

Introduction
 

Hello everyone,

Thank you all for your service and for this great site. Currently I’m a civilian in the process of obtaining a Rep63 contract. I am 29 years old and live in Vermont. The reasons for pursuing Special Forces over other paths are the unconventional warfare and warrior diplomat aspects. I’m looking forward to a chance to do my best. Thanks for all the great advice and info.

Respectfully,
Excelsior

Intro
 

Good afternoon everyone. I joined the site back in 2008 and have enjoyed a lot of the information and discussion here. I am a prior service Forward Observer, and now I am an Armor Officer waiting to attend SFAS later this year. Hope everyone is doing well.

Hey guys,

I was in the 160th SOAR(A) in the late 90s. I have worked with quite a few SF guys and have nothing but respect for the quality of human beings that wear/have worn the green beret.

A buddy over on Socnet told me to check this site out. Looks like a great place to laugh and learn. Thanks for having me, I will try not to run my mouth as I realize I do not have protected status like on Socnet. :D

It's been quite awhile since I been on here and I honestly don't remember if I posted an introduction or if the older intro thread was deleted, so I will just introduce myself again.

I'm a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the Navy, I served as a corpsman for 3rd Light Armor Reconnaissance Company and also 4th Force Reconnaissance company. I'm here because I want to learn as much as I can and make the transition over to 19th Group. Thanks for having me here.

Intro
 

Intro- I am an SF Major currently serving at US Army North. Previously from 7th SFG(A) and SWC. Looks like a great site and I look forward to the discussions.

Intro
 

27 years active duty, vast majority in SF units/assignments. Entered SF in 1970 and retired in 2006. Spent 10 years in business after retirement including many years supporting SF operations.

Introduction
 

Hi, I'm a eighteen year old kid who is doing Army ROTC at the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets this upcoming fall. My current goal is to transfer to USMA after a year at VTech. My long term goal is to join the ranks of the "Quiet Professionals" as a 18A.

Hello all. My name is David and I'm an aspiring 18A. Currently AD LT stationed at Ft. Stewart. I look forward to studying and reviewing the knowledge in these forums.

Hello, my name is Zach and currently I'm serving in the VANG as an infantryman. My goal is to attend the SFRE in MD later this year.

Introductions
 

Good morning All, I am 29 yr old MP stationed at fort bragg for about a year now. I have been in the Army for little over 9 yrs now and have been stationed at Fort hood and USAG Yongsan as well. I have decide to fulfill my dream of becoming selected at SFAS and moving on to Q- course. I look forward to learning from everyone involved in this website. And think you for your time and serve to our country

Intro
 

My name is Patrick, I'm a SSG 11B currently at Fort Knox, KY in 1-26IN 3/1 IBCT. I am here to find out more about becoming a member of a SOT-A. I reenlisted for the BEAR program for 35P (Arabic) but HRC and EFMP royally screwed me 30 days out from my PCS and deleted me. I am still fully qualified.

I'm still trying to get my BEAR contract honored. If anyone is interested in giving my issue a look I'd appreciate any help you could offer and would be glad to send it via official email.

My hope is to go to a SOT-A in any group. If I'm going to the support side, I want to support the best. I worked with SFODAs in Zabul Province (2006-2007) and Baghlan Province (2011-2012), Afghanistan and I admire and respect the work you guys do. I know if I get the 35P AD done I won't be a Professional Soldier but if I can help you guys get the mission done that's more than enough for me.

Intro
 

New here,
I'm from Texas moving up to Fayetteville next fall to attend the University of Arkansas and will be starting Army ROTC. Great info on the site, I have already gathered a lot of knowledge and notes from reading through all these forums over the past few days and plan on continuing to do so.

Introduction
 

Hello, My name is Zach Jensen and I am currently Active Duty Navy stationed in Hawaii. I attended college for 3 years before enlisting in 2009 and am currently working towards finishing my bachelors in Financial Management. I am currently CTR (35N equivalent) and stationed at NIOC Hawaii in May 2010. I went IA to Afghanistan from May 2011 - June 2012 and loved my experience with the Army unit I was attached to and have decided that I will be leaving the Navy in May 2014 and will be joining the National Guard out of North Carolina in hopes to do SF.

I thank all of you for the information that you post, it has been very helpful especially in regards to rucking and prep work to get ready for SFRE and SFAS.

Intro From a Low-Speed High-Drag Weenie-REMF-Staff Puke-Strap Hanger-POG
 

...
...
Team Sergeant: this is golf hotel papa 95134; permission to enter the net; over.

----

I'm a former Army Brat (and proud of that!), born at Ft. Benning, GA. [My father was 505 PIR, 77th SFG, 1st SFG, 6th SFG, 5th SFG, Training Group -- with some Leg Time in between.] So, I spent my childhood all over the US ... and Thailand (68-70).

Retired Army 03E with about 6.5 years enlisted time.
Merit badges: OCS (2-80), EIB (1980); Ranger (14-80), Airborne (Dec 1980), Air Assault (19-81); accompanying the former, an All-Weenie Salad is displayed on my ribbon stack.

20 years service and no combat (1974 - 1994) -- I was always at the wrong place at the wrong time.

USAF. I spent 4 years 8 mo in the USAF and came out as SGT - E4.
Graduated: Survival Training Course SV80A (SERE) 7 Oct 74; Aircraft Loadmaster Course (C-5) A60770A-4, 10 Dec 74; Water Survival Training Course SV86A, 16 Jan 75. Medically pulled from flight status before I could keep my crew wings permanently.

US Army
I spent the balance of my 20 years in the Army -- and primarily in TDA or Staff Weenie assignments; I think today they're called POGs .... we called 'em REMFs. I retired in October 1994 from Camp Zama, Japan.

Present

• Federal Civil Service - NASA-Ames Research Center since 1995.
• GS-13 Admin Officer (position description similar to S1 ... I'm not a rocket scientist -- but I work with them.)

All in all, I was low-speed and hi-drag; but I did enjoy my military service.

-----
ghp95134, out.

First Post
 

Hey everyone. My name is Dan Cox and I am currently deployed in a low key no combat zone with a national guard unit at the moment. Ill be here till early next year then going back home. I have some down time around here so i try to get as much running/ high intensity workouts in as possible :lifter . Ive only been here for 2 weeks so far and i didnt know people actually live in this heat :D . I brought my ruck with me and found a 6mile course around the camp i can ruck on. I also have the book "GET SELECTED" and found some really useful stuff in there.

About 2 years ago I attended 19th SFG weekend pre-selection and got my face dragged through the dirt. Ive never been though something that tough before. Needless to say, i didnt make the cut. Since then, I have been training the way we operated on the training team. I have gained about 15-20 lbs of muscle and made plans to go back to the training team this year. Seeing that I got pulled for a deployment, my SF dreams are put on hold utill I get back home. Id like to thank everyone for the tips and advice and all the stories about your SF ventures.

Very respectfully,
Dcox
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War is not won from a swivel chair