Thank you to all involved in running this site. I'm a NG 11B and recently got my conditional release and my 18x contract. I leave in 11 weeks and look forward to this new chapter of my life!

Introduction
 

I am a 27 year old Army Reserve Civil Affairs Medic serving with the 448th Civil Affairs Battalion out of JBLM, WA. I'm trying to transfer components to the Regular Army and hopefully, business rules permitting, I'll be fortunate enough to attend SFAS and eventually earn the right and privilege to wear the Green Beret and "Long Tab."

Hey im Charlie. Currently E4 with 7-17 Cav at Ft. Campbell fixing helicopters. Currently training up to go to Selection and awaiting the dates for fiscal year 2014 to come out. Hope to meet some good guys and increase my knowledge!

Introduction
 

Hello everyone, my name is Joshua and I am currently in the process of acquiring a REP63 contract out of Fort Carson, CO. I come from a military family and I have brothers in the Marine Corps, Airforce, and Army ROTC. I have wanted to join the ranks ever since my oldest brother left for bootcamp.

I plan on using this hub for information about the pipeline and anything that will help prepare me for my journey.

I am not claiming any titles, but I am very excited to get this ball rolling.

Thank you everyone for your service (present or past). It's truly an honor.

Feel free to message me, or reply, if you have any questions.

Hey Guys
 

Landed in B/1/5 in late 83 until mid 86
.....then did some contract work, blew my money by opening a bar.
Returned to 5th from 91-95
.....Have been in the Contractor world since.

The 5th Group thread took me back to some great memories, arrived at B Co just as Joe D. was leaving for 1st Bn CSM.

Tiny Y. and Don "BFD" R. made sure I knew how to carry myself.

Glad to be here and I am looking forward to following the threads.

From Utah
 

Originally for Florida, I am now living in Utah with hopes to join the 19th.

My intro
 

The Mentalist

men·tal·ist noun \ˈmen-tə-list\

Definition of MENTALIST

: mind reader
First Known Use of MENTALIST

1909
men·tal·ist noun \ˈment-əl-əst\ (Medical Dictionary)
Medical Definition of MENTALIST

: an adherent or advocate of a mentalistic school of psychology or psychiatry

First and foremost I want to make absolutely clear and will use caps not to scream but to emphasize...I AM NOT, NEVER HAVE BEEN AND WILL NEVER CLAIM TO BE SPECIAL FORCES, SEAL OR ANY OTHER SUCH SERVICE MEMBER OR ANY KIND OF "DOOR KICKER"

Although a member of 1SOCOM (before it was turned into JSOC) it was only because they couldn't figure out where else to put our kind of unconventional warfare unit. I was a member of the 9th Bn, 4th PSYOP group, Ft Bragg. By MOS, I was a 97E Interpreter, Interrogator, Translator cross trained in a few inks, but assigned as the team NCOIC of the propaganda development team. In other words, we sat around reading intel reports, studied demographics and wrote commercials. We were fortunate enough to get to spend a little time in the woods with the real door kickers but were ourselves nothing more than a glorified intel asset. I have the utmost respect for all that have qualified for the green beret or the "equivalent" in other branches to include the black beret of the rangers. (Before it was bastardized by a left wing wuss that was jealous of them).

Other training included NBC NCO school and a bunch of irrelevant stuff that does no one any good. Activities were primarily TDY assignments doing demographic research, intel research and analysis or command post exercises playing war games from behind a desk.

Proudest moments in service. I actually have 2 things I am most proud of. #2 is working at the USDAO at the embassy in Tokyo where I worked on a research project that was later used for the '86 economic summit as a basis for security operations at e embassy and for Pres. Reagan. That was 2 months of going through intel files and collating them into a useable format, reporting on data gained from that intel and making that more concise information available in a useable format to those agencies that needed them for their security operations. Most people don't realize just how much was going on in the pacific theater at that time.

My #1 proudest moment actually was over an extended period. This was not due to any achievement of mine, but the performance of others. My unit was tasked with providing interrogation assets for the SERE course. So, throughout 1986-1987 every few weeks (unless on another TDY assignment) I had the HONOR of conducting interrogations for the final phase of SERE. After my first shift, I had decided that I could not continue to do this. It was voluntary duty. Those of you that have been through it know what my duties entailed and can understand why I would feel this. The students were our guys and not the enemy. I did have to remain through the end of that class and that is when things changed. The final formation. Graduates of the program know how that goes. When I observed the reactions when the U.S. flag went up and the national anthem played, that did it for me. Afterward, an E6 student approached me and thanked me. This person broke during an interrogation. He told me he appreciated what I had done and it would make him stronger if the situation ever arose that he actually had to use the training. After that, I had my proudest moment over and over again at each and every final formation. I thank the students for that. They showed true patriotism, love of country, pride and professionalism. All these years later, I can still see it in my mind and feel just as proud of them as I did on those occasions.

Members of the groups would on occasion conduct training classes for us. 1 class in particular was OPFOR weapons training. A few times we would cross paths on field exercises. I have always respected them and this respect only grew with each time we crossed paths. I also had the brief pleasure of joining the Green Beret Sport Parachute Club. Got my first 5 jumps in, went to Benning for my wings and got dropped due to injury. My biggest regret was not sucking it up and driving on. So, I stayed a super leg. Never jumped again, even civilian jumps. I do miss it.

Now, I drive a semi around the country delivering all that we need. I still live by my oath to the Constitution. I regret not being physically strong enough to have become one of you but am still proud of what service I did provide. I thank the rangers, SF, pilots and all the others that went through SERE and taught me true patriotism.

ETA: forgot to mention, my name is Floyd

Welcome to all the new guys and gals on the site.

I would strongly suggest you spend a lot of time READING and learning the SEARCH function.

As a starter, Find The Reaper's post: " A Message to Garcia "

Read until you understand the concept..


Also: I would advise all to understand the definition of OPSEC and PERSEC. This site like most has search spiders running all the time. Yahoo, Google, and persons of dubious distinction are always happy to collect YOUR information.. Nuff Said??

Mike Charlie. Ready the next WARNORD.

18x prospect
 

I have been a long time lurker here. I figured I should finally post an intro. I have been an MP in the Reserves for 3 years. I am just finally reclassing for active duty with an 18x contract. The Army decided to send me back through a partial BCT and AIT for infantry. I finish next tuesday and head to Airborne.

Prior Service Marine, SF hopeful
 

Hello all and a big thank you to the gentlemen running this site and all who contribute so much knowledge for others seeking it. I have only been searching these forums for a week or so, and have already found tons of great information I did not have prior.

I am here to learn and prepare myself as best I can for the possibility of SF selection. Here is my background and my current situation.

I am a 28 yr old Marine. I EASed in 2009 as a Sgt. I was a UAV mechanic and deployed to Iraq as such. Though I did my job well, I did not enjoy it much, other than spending time with my brothers. My last year in service, I did not deploy (what would have been my 5th deployment) because I was not sure if I would re-up, or get out. So I was sent to the Range as a Marksmanship Coach for a year. During my time there, I met quite a few grunts and recon Marines and found a new calling. I trained hard for most of my last year, and made some great improvements in my fitness and swimming ability (basically had to teach myself how to swim).
When time came to decide to stay in or get out, I got out. Though I knew I wanted Recon, I wanted a break more I guess. I knew that my life would be basically training and deploying, and I wanted to live as a civilian for a bit before I started down that path. So I got out, and kept training. Long story short, I ended up going through a rough divorce, and time just flew by. I ended up in NY, became a personal trainer, met someone else, and started a family. About 2 years ago, I met a Capt. in the AF who was a CCT. He was former Recon, and sold me on the CCT dream. So I set my sights on that, and started working with an AF recruiter. After a long time of preparing and jumping through every hoop imaginable, (the AF are serious sticklers for paper work apparently), I had secured the last slot of 9 for CCT prior service for the nation. Hurricane Sandy and the holidays kept my papers from being sent for approval at the Pentagon, and by the time they were ready, the other 8 PS candidates had shipped and failed. Then, though I met the requirements and was pretty strong in most areas, my swim time was not competitive enough, and I lost my spot.

I have never learned freestyle, and it wasn't required for Recon. I swam the 500 with sidestroke in 11 min. Not stellar, I know. In any case, I was passed up for the next best Candidate. I was told I would have to wait for FY 2014 for another possible slot, though the PS program for AF is so small, I could possibly not even get a chance again. So after some thought, I walked into an Army Recruiter office and started working towards an 18xray contract.

Then a week later, the Sequester happened. I could not believe my luck. Everything came to a screeching halt. I watched as NG guys who just signed for 18x so they could quit before they even got to SFAS, ship out and do just that. I am still working with my Recruiter, and hes been awesome and patient, but I have been hearing less and less from him. The last major hurdle was getting an exemption letter, since I got out as an E-5, and they will not give a grade reduction to get in. Then I got a call saying they got the letter, and we would go to MEPS a day later to try to get a slot for 18x, because the ROC and MEPS would not tell them over the phone if there was an opening or not. Next day I find out we cant go because there's yet another problem. I'm told they'll call me when they know more. A month goes by, and no news. I call, and find out there was a problem in procedure between two offices. The office that is supposed to assign me a pay grade determination said it can't until I have been assigned an MOS. The office that determines the MOS cant until I have been assigned a pay grade. SMH. SO this past week, my papers were re-submitted, with detailed instructions, or so I'm told. I have been following up with my recruiter every few days, but no word yet.
I am at a complete loss. I know the process can be long and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. I have been preparing and putting my life on hold for the hopes of fulfilling a greater calling. Since I started researching more about the SF, I can't remember what it was about CCT that had me so blind to other opportunities. I just hope I haven't missed my chance. This is truly something I keep thinking of, dreaming of. I told my wife the week we started dating that I'm going back into service for a role in special ops (Then wasn't sure where yet). I run 1.5 mi in 9:20, 3mi in 20:30 (running was never easy for me, and that took a lot of work to get to thus far, but am still improving), I currently max at 18 Pull ups (overhand), 70 Pushups (still improving, but hit a wall for some reason), and 100 sit ups in 2 min. I can do most drown proofing exercises, but have not done a lot of fin work yet. I also need to start rucking, as I tried with a backpack I have and lost feeling in my arms during the ruck. not a great start. I need an Alice pack.
I am still hopeful I will get my chance, but have started exploring the option of trying out for SF through the NG. Only problem now is figuring out a plan of action for the rest of life if I go that route. This is the main reason I have joined this site. To get some intel, if at all possible, on re-enlisting for prior service guys into AD SF, and to learn more about what I can do with my life if I can get into NG SF. Now that I have a family, I need to have some plan of action.

Any road, thank you if you have read this long boring introduction of mine. I am still actively searching forums for answers and guidance, but welcome any and all insight form the community. I know it has taken me a while to get to this point, but as long as I can, I will try. When ever someone asks me why I want to get into SF, I can think of tons of reasons, but sum it up by saying they are who I look up to. They are who I admire. I want to become that which I admire.

A big thank you for all that you gentlemen do and have done. This site is amazing, and its nice to know when I have exhausted all search engine words and phrases for my goals, I can still find amazing insight and wisdom from men who have been there and are there.

Sincerely,
Rich

Hello
 

I have been in the Army just over 22 years, and have been in 1st SFG(A) and now SOCPAC since graduating the SFQC. I'm looking forward to finding some old friends on here.

Intro
 

I have been a Canadian Mountie (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) located in the lower mainland of British Columbia for the last 5 years.

Prior to my mid life crisis (I was 42 when I joined) I was a social service executive in a non profit agency that supported adults with intellectual disabilities (Down Syndrome, Autism etc) and had worked in that field for 17 years.

I always wanted to be a CEO and reached that goal when I was 36. After a couple of years I began questioning WTF I was going to do for the next 25 years. I thought maybe joining the Canadian Infantry Reserve would scratch an itch I had when I was a kid when I wanted to be a cop or soldier. After a year and a half of that, I found the training system wasn't set up for an older adult with a full time job (Reserves in Canada are perfect for the College/University student) and separated from the Unit.

My wife started kicking around the idea of joining the RCMP and so we got ourselves out of debt and joined up.

Don't regret it one bit.

I have worked Patrol, Mental Health and Crime Reduction so far and am probably returning to Patrol in the fall.

Thanks for hosting the site and allowing non SF, like myself, to lurk around and get some insight into your world.

I am 27 year old North Carolinian, and I am neither a soldier nor spook -- I just do my best to be a quiet patriot. Thanks to all those who make this site possible!

Very Respectfully,
Mr. Breeze

Hello,

I am a 24 year old from Chicago. I recently relocated to Colorado and am finally in a place in life that I could pursue my dream of being in Special Forces. I recently signed an 18x contract and will be shipping on 20131104. I've been reading this forum for several years and it has been a great help in my daily life and in helping me prepare for the challenges ahead. Thank you all for your service and for creating this website as a great resource for us to utilize.

Thank you,
Zaetrix

Hi.

24 years old. Joined at 18, one month after High School graduation, 4 years in 2/75 as an intel nerd. Came to Monterey, California as a 35P, met a few 18 series and came to realize that intel in the regiment was nothing like intel in the army. Intending and training for SFAS, and everyone I know is telling me I should be an 18D, which after 2 years of language training in Arabic, is extremely unappealing but I meet the needs the of the SOF community. Short tabbed.

OIF once, OEF thrice, love the military, can't imagine a job worth doing with less on the line, think direct action has a time and place but think that UCW is far more critical. I've read a "Message to Garcia", and it guides my command style and how I treat my guys.

Here to provide what I've been training with as a SFAS hopeful, and to learn. Mostly to learn.

I am 22 and a SPC in the Ohio Army National Guard for just over 3 years now. I want to learn as much as I can about SF and if possible attend Selections and serve in any way. I have immense respect for the Quiet Professionals and would be honored to carry on in the shadows of those who made the "Green Beret" the standard of perfection it is today.

Intro
 

deleted

23 years old, 15T. Kicking around the idea of going to Selection, always been something I have wanted to do, either I go through the pipeline and get an 18 series job or I get out.

Been religiously hitting a Gym Jones regiment - once I am pushing comfortably past 300 I'll talk to a recruiter. Until then, just going to lurk around here self educating, already read How to Get Selected a few times. :lifter

Deployed soldier mostly here to just read, learn and kill time.

Intro
 

I'm now 54, started off in the US Army, 80-92, basics at Fort Dix and AIT at Fort Huachuca.
'93 got the opportunity to provide support in NE Africa, relocated to New Mexico in '94.
'94-'13 spent mostly with LE, a variety of the alphabet agencies and some aspects of special forces, both Army and Marines.

INTRODUCTION
 

GREETING: THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO COME ON BOARD.
I AM GOING TO COLLEGE OCCUPATIONAL THEREPIST, HAVE TO
ATTEND FRESHMEN YEAR PETITIONING ENROLLMENT.
I AM CURIOUS ABOUT SPORTS MEDICINE WITH THE ARMY.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, WEIGHING MY OPTIONS.

Disengage cap locks!

Intro
 

First and foremost, I would like to give a special thanks and salute the brave and courageous Green Berets on this site, the ones down range, the ones still in group, the retirees, and the fallen comrades who gave their lives for this nation and their love for the brotherhood.

My name is James M. and I am a guest on this forum, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to engage in some of these threads with you guys as well as having the opportunity to soak in as much information as I can before I join the Army. I am currently finishing my associates degree in Information Systems Security in which I am learning to set up networks, routing, installing operating systems and even a decent bit of hacking tactics. After me and my brother finish our degrees this fall, we both fully intend on joining the Army with an 18x contract. Our grandfather was in SF in Vietnam, and our father was in 5th group for about 6 years, then spent 11 years as a 1st SFOD-D operator, then spent his last 4 years as an 18E instructor at SWC. Becoming a Green Beret has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. It's in my blood. I've definitely come to realize that I have really big shoes to fill, and I am more than motivated to take on the task and become a part of this sacred brotherhood. I look forward to communicating with you guys. Be safe and God bless.

Introduction
 

Hello all. My name is Parker an I'd like to start off by thanking any military vets (including the silent professionals obviously) for their service. As for me, I am currently a college student and am looking deeply into a possible 18x contract once I finish my schooling. I am on here to learn and to further educate myself about the Army Special Forces and hopefully becoming one in the process.

Happy 4th of July everyone! I am not now, nor have I ever been, in the military. However, I am a huge supporter and I appreciate all that our soldiers do and the sacrifices made by you and your families. I am here to hear another perspective on issue affecting our country that you don't hear anywhere else. I have a varied background in the business world, and my specialty is privacy. Thanks for allowing me to be here.

Happy Fourth to everyone! My name is Alex, I'm a prior service 18x candidate. I spent 2 and a half years at the US Military Academy before moving on to my goal of trying out for SF. I reside in Houston, Texas, and ship in 40 days. I'm looking to gain as much knowledge as I can from those who have "been there" and "done that" before I start the trek myself

Hello everyone, I was born and raised in Amarillo, TX and just recently signed my 18x contract. This site is rich with knowledge and I truly appreciate all of the QP's and other informed guests for their time.

Happy 4th, back to PT

Introduction
 

I am an American who is tired of our constitution being completely disregarded by the domestic enemies within the United States. I have come here to learn and utilize any information I obtain to restore and uphold the constitution and defend the USA to the best of my ability. It is obvious I am amongst professionals and it is an honor to be able to dialogue with men who have dedicated their lives in defense of the constitution. For me the second amendment is not negotiable and never will be. May God be with you all.

Hello, I’ve been lurking on this forum over the last 3 years or so and finally decided to register last week. I’m Korean-American, but grew up in Argentina; and currently in the USAR. I had the privilege of working for two retired SF SGM (both from 7th Group) on my civilian job. Thank you for your service!

v/r

mike

Intro
 

First off, thanks to the people who take the time to operate and maintain this site. The fact that actual members of the Special Forces can edit info and give insight makes this site unique compared to many other forums. I have found some very useful information here over the past couple years, and finally decided to register.

Anyway, as for an introduction, my name is Bill and I've always wanted to serve in the military. Just about two years ago I started looking into Army Special Forces and decided I would like to pursue this path. I'm currently headed to college as a history major, but I am starting to think why wait? I want this more, and serving 4-5 years in an infantry unit before going to SFAS seems like a more viable path to SF than going to college and signing an 18x contract after.

Introduction
 

My name is Sean and I am stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. I have been in the military for 20 years with my last 16 years being at Fort Bragg. I am at the crossroads on whether to retire or continue on. I am finishing up my B.S. in Homeland Security in December and will begin working on my Masters in January. I have been married for 16 years and we have one son.

Intro
 

My name is Corey I'm 24 and re-enlisting in 2/19th SFG in WV. I am 11b qualified as well as 42a. I went to OEF 2009-2010 in Kunduz. I am reclassing to supply to help with whatever the unit needs and to learn and stay humble until I get a chance for SFAS. Thanks for affording me the privilege of learning from you all. Thanks and Godspeed to those deployed. Keep up the good fight.

Selected!
 

First and foremost thank you to those that have served before me, with me, and to those that will serve in the future. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten.
Second my name is Erik. I am currently an 11C SGT stationed at Fort Campbell. I have been in the Army for about 4.5 years and I recently was selected class 09-13. I was selected to be an 18D. I am excited to continue my training and hopefully one day be able to work among all of the Quiet Professionals here. I am not sure yet when I will be attending Airborne school and then SOCM but I am hoping for the end of this year. This has always been a dream of mine and I am beyond motivated to accomplish this. I look forward to participating in these forums and learning as much as I can before I leave as well as helping other out that I can. Thanks for being accepting and again thanks for all that you Quiet Professionals do.
De Oppresso Liber!

Hello all. I'm a 24 year old SPC. Been in three years now. 35M and PF linguist. Trying to get some experience before I put in my packet or SF. I figure if I'm gonna do this job, do it right and do it with the best, if they let me.

Welcome all! Enjoy the website.

Team Sergeant

Hello, I am currently an E-4. I was on the site before I joined the army about a year ago, but I let my profile fall away. I was selected in February 13. I am an 18B student now. Just finished SUT, im now in sere hold. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience on this site that i hope to utilize and learn from.

I'm currently an e-4 stationed at bragg and finishing my 3rd yr of active duty.

Intro
 

Good morning,
I am active duty USCG with 18 years. I spent the first 10 yrs enlisted then completed OCS. I joined PS because my 20 y/o son leaves in 3 wks for Army basic and i want to educate myself on the vast role of SF. He enlisted as an 18-Xray.
Good preparation and God bless.
RMfromCA

Glad to be here.

I graduated from the Q Course in December 1989 and went to 5th Group where I spent time on 551, 552, and 554. Got injured in a HAHO accident and was medically retired in April 1993.

Robert (Bob) XXXXX

Edited by Richard