Been reading this site for a few years now, learned a couple things so far. Recently went to SFAS and I'll be starting the SFQC in June. Up to this point I've been a 11B, and I look forward to the challenges that are ahead.

Introduction
 

I'm a 62-year-old retired guy living in a rural area of the Northwest. I spent 13 years in the US Army, six of which was in the 5th SFG (Eng. Sgt.). I also spent time as a tanker in Germany, and as an EOD Response Team Leader. I ETS-ed intending to go back to school, get married, and reinlist after I graduated. Didn't work out that way. I spent a career in civilian Federal service instead.

Now, I work around our farm, head to the woods whenever possible, and do a bit of consulting work.

I was very pleased to find this forum. I'm looking forward to exchanging ideas, maybe learning some field craft tricks, and catching up on the current nature of the profession.

I would like to thank those guys that are still active. We appreaciate youall being out there.

WARNING: Huge wall of text to follow. This is a pretty long intro about myself. I blame it on part boredom and part missing the military life.

I was born and raised mostly in Utah, spent a few years in different places as a kid like Puerto Rico, Mexico and Argentina. Was a runner in High School and got a scholarship to run in college which was a great way to pay for a degree. Got my teaching credentials and was in my 1st year teaching High School Spanish in Colorado when 9/11 happened. It rocked my world and I knew I had to do something different with my life than try to baby-sit other people's kids and teach them how to say, "Donde esta el baño?" and "Otra cerveza porfavor."

I had always wanted to join the military during college, but figured since school was already paid for I should stick it out and get my degree, and that there would always be time for that sort of thing later. Well, that fateful and tragic morning was my wake up call. I got online and did quite a bit of research into what I was going to do. As I saw the footage on the news of the Rangers waddling up a ramp in all their gear getting ready for a jump into A-stan in October '01, it clicked that I wanted to go Airborne. So I looked up all the different ways to be Airborne. I came across SOCNET.com, registered and was inundated with tons of info from the guys on there. (I'm Stampee on those forums btw).

It didn't take long before I found exactly what I wanted to do, I was going to be an SF Medic, that job had everything I wanted. I contacted the local recruiter for the 5/19th, he hooked me up with a REP-63, I drilled with the REC out at Watkins for several months while still teaching, and then marched off to start the long road to earning my place on the teams.

The next few years were awesome. I made some great friends along the way. Had a blast through every phase of training. My favorite was by far Selection. Guys were dropping like flies, and every time someone would tap out, it was like a big boost of endorphins and adrenaline to me. I would get more excited and motivated knowing that I was going to make it. I had a close call in Phase II during the final day of testing, I broke my ankle when I stepped on a log that gave way while being the RTO and deciding it would be a good idea to throw a downed battle buddy over my heavy ass ruck full of radio equipment and breaking contact. Because I had already passed, they let me move on to the Phase III on crutches since we would be spending most of the time sitting on our posteriors being tortured by power points and rectal exams. I enjoyed that year of medical training, and to this day, think it's the best high speed medical training in all the world. Robin Sage, oh man, good times. In retrospect, the highlight had to be leading patrols and figuring out some unconventional ways to pull off some pretty silly missions and earning the praise of the cadre for thinking outside the box. As a huge fan of cold war era spy stories and Tom Clancy novels, I lucked out and got to learn русский язык during language training. Just too bad I didn't get to use it all that much and now have forgotten 90% of what I learned. SERE...ugh, that was some crazy stuff, but man did those tears pour as Old Glory stood there and the music blared.

Anyway, I was supposed to head back to 5/19th, but had no job prospects that interested me. My biggest grief with the Q-course at that time, was that even with all my cool medical training, I didn't have any civilian credentials except for a worthless EMT-B certification to use. My options were to go back to teaching, or go back to school. But I didn't want to teach. So I chose to work my way into getting into PA school. In order to do so, I needed to move back closer to family, so I went back to Utah and transferred to 1/19th.

The unit had just come back from A-stan I think about a year before I joined them. I got placed on a great team as a new junior medic and we hit it off. Spent some time in Thailand and Bangladesh for some JCET action. Got accepted to the UofU PA program and at the same time found out our unit was getting deployed to the Philippines. Thankfully the program allowed me to put PA school off a year and saved a spot for me in the next year's class. Although the PI deployment was technically considered part of OEF and it was pretty cool, and we did some great work there, I was still hungering for what I had signed up for, taking the fight to those that did us harm. I wanted A-stan. After we got back, I finished PA school and started working full time. That's when things started to wind down. We kept hearing empty promises of us going to A-stan, and I wanted to stay with my team, not strap-hang with other units to get there. One postponement after another and finally they said, if we really wanted to, we could join another unit to go to Iraq as it was winding down. By this time, I have a great full-time job with ever-expanding responsibilities, a wife and 4 kids to support, and I realized I wasn't a kid anymore and wasn't going to be able to go gallivanting off to exotic places to fight bad guys anymore. So after some subtle pressure from the little lady, I ETS'd in '11.

I look back with fond memories of team life, had a blast, did some amazing training, and even had a little bit of action. But there's a little bit of an empty feeling too.

For those of you still on the teams, enjoy your experiences, there is nothing else like it in all the world.

SFgrunt----Great post. Thanks for your service.

De Oppresso Liber!

Greetings
 

I am a 26 year old, recently separated Marine who held the MOS of 0321 (Reconnaissance) for the bulk of my 8 year career. I love the Recon community and was fortunate enough to serve with the best men I have ever known. However, serving in a non-SOF asset has its obvious limitations and I am currently looking for ways to enter a SOF asset, with a large priority given to the SF community. I am currently looking at A/5/19 in California along with a look (now or eventual) at active duty options. I thank all the moderators for the content and look forward to learning more and more every day.

Intro
 

I am former SF from Vietnam. I found this site from a web search and am glad the unit is still in good hands. I was privileged to serve with some of the finest men I have ever met and am glad to see the tradition still exists.

Introduction
 

Hi, first I would like to say thanks for your courage and great service to our country. My father was James Askine who served in Vietnam in 1967 with the 5th Special Forces Group. Dad never said much about Vietnam. He died in 2003. I am trying to piece together what he did in Vietnam (I am the unofficial family Genealogist). I suspect that he did some great things, but we just don't know. I have begun reading about Project Sigma. I am pretty sure he was the B-33 XO in September 1967 and also a member of B-56 (Sigma). If anyone served with dad, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks
Chuck Askine

Chuck,

My father was the B-33 S-1 then RF/PF advisor to Maj. Phong from 09/01/66 to 01/02/67; looks like he left before your father got there.

Your father was XO:

Askine James W CPT 09/03/67 02/04/68 DET XO

SOURCE

Their base was Camp Widder, An Loc/Hon Quan. An Loc was about 75 miles north west of Saigon, and about 15km from the Cambodian border.

--ghp

Introduction
 

Future 18X candidate counting down the days till I graduate with (another) degree. I currently hold an Associates in Criminal Justice, and will shortly have a B.S. in Political Science with my concentration in International Relations in the Middle East/North Africa and Latin America.

I am currently an IET soldier nearing the end of the long 35P pipeline. I am a few weeks from graduating the Arabic course at DLI and have orders for 3rd SFG. This is the assignment I was hoping for and am very excited to have the opportunity to work in this community.

Introduction
 

Hey everyone my name is Dave and I am a soon to be college graduate from western NY. There has always been a strong desire inside of me to join the army since I was a little kid. I dont know what it is specifically but I feel that its a lifestyle I want to be a part of and I want to do it at the highest level. Being a Green Beret is something that I have been looking into a lot lately ever since I have thought about what Im going to do after I graduate. I think I have a lot of unique skills that would allow me to be successful in a high intensity, team-oriented organization such as Special Forces. I have always played sports and am a competitor and I understand the dynamics and importance of teamwork.

I have been doing a lot of research into the whole selection process, reading blogs, trying to find former SF operators and current military personnel to talk to and get a real, hands-on account of what military life is like. I have been reading this book "Chosen Soldier" by Dick Couch and I cant put it down. Every step of the SFAS and Q-Course intrigue me so much. I hope that I can get some different perspectives from this blog as I know there are some really knowledgeable people on here (hoping TR doesnt find anything wrong with this introduction). Anyways, I hope to engage in some dialogue with members on this board. If anyone would like to talk I hope you can direct message me from here. Thanks for reading this and I look forward to future posts.

Thanks for the opportunity to join your family. I served with A Company 1st Battalion 7th Group in the early 70’s as an 11 Bravo. While there, I had the privilege to walk in the shadows of some of the greatest soldiers of our time. What an awe inspiring opportunity for a young Buck Sargent! Several members of the Special Forces Association have spoken highly of this site so I thought I would give it a try. I am hopeful that I will be able to reunite with some long lost friends and perhaps make some new acquaintances in the process.

Former AD Navy MP, currently in the Navy reserves for now. Currently a US Marshal in Miami, Fl. I have gleaned a huge amount of information just by sitting back and reading through this site and appreciate all the knowledge on here. I don't intend to ask too many questions as, for now, the majority of them have been answered. I have a certain set of goals in mind for the recent future but figure its not my time to ask just yet until things become more concrete. Thanks for this site.


- Nick

Special Forces hopeful
 

I am currently a student at a Community College in Texas. I am in an EMS program to become EMT and Paramedic certified to be Special Forces and medic qualified like my Uncle. He was a medic in Vietnam and after he got back became a Green Beret.

Introduction
 

Hello. I am a prior service NG soldier who misses the daily grind of military life. I truly believe that I have what it takes to become a Special Forces Soldier now I just have to convince my wife that this decision is the best for our family. I appreciate the readily available information on this forum and all the advice given. Thank you for your service and God Bless

Introduction
 

Hello all, I will be leaving for Basic in the summer and active duty OCS thereafter, I am non prior service. I am 26 with a BS in Bio and a BA in Spanish as well as an MA in Spanish. I have been a firefighter/medic for the past 5 years while in school. The OCS application process took a bit longer than expected but I stuck it out and it all worked out in the end. I am hoping to branch infantry, do my best as a 2nd Lt. and bust my butt physically before applying to SF whenever packets for my yeargroup are being accepted.

I'm not trying to put the cart before the horse by investigating SF but that is my goal and I figure a longterm gameplan can't hurt.

I rock climb, race triathlons (half-iron is my favorite distance), train in MMA, and I have begun rucking a bit to toughen up my feet. I'm also one jump away from my skydiving A license.

I plan on gleaning as much information as I can from this site in the next few years before I apply for SF as an officer.

Thank you all for running this site and for your service.

Introduction
 

Evening gentlemen,

I'm 20, hailing from Virginia. I signed an 18x contract that takes effect next month as I begin OSUT. I have a year and a half of college experience and am now pursing the opportunity to earn title of a Special Forces soldier.

Thank you gentleman for all the advise and knowledge posted as well as your service.

Sincerely,
futuresoldier14

Hello all
 

Stumbled across this site a few years ago, and it has been an invaluable training and research tool. Thank you, QP's for putting together this site and for sharing your knowledge with us "regular joes."

About me: I'm a Specialist in the SC National Guard, and I put in my transfer request for active duty a few months ago and it should be coming through any day now. I've been in constant contact with my active duty recruiter and should be headed to MEPS soon after this transfer goes through for an 18X contract.

It's been my dream since I was a kid to be Special Forces, and it looks like it's finally going to become a reality (with some hard work, attention to detail and no small amount of luck). I just got my copy of Get Selected! and started the workout program today.

That's all I have, other than thanks for letting me in to your house to have a look at the library.

Update: I leave for OSUT in July, finally got my 18X contract!

I am 24 years old stationed at Charleston AFB. I've been in the AF for a little over 5 years and have aspirations of switching services and become a "Green Beret". I have a football/weightlifter background and for the last year I have been slowly making process into CrossFit and gaining more endurance. I have been researching for a little over a year (this site and the book SELECTED have been a huge help in finding info and learning more). I am looking forward to learning more from y'all.


:lifter

I am a California National Guardsman and began my career in 2008 with B Co 1-184 INF (light). I joined with aspirations to attend SFRE at the old redwood city detachment but had to cancel those plans due to family matters. Here I am again, hoping to be able to reserve a seat for the march SFRE and am looking forward to meeting some of you on here that are from 19th SFG. I am a personal fitness trainer in the Bay Area and am attending college (social/behavior sci). My interest is within the 18D pipeline and 18B due to personal interests, activities, personality, and current skill sets. As a fitness trainer, PT is more of a passion than a task. I've always enjoyed a good ruck run in the rain, and am fairly practiced at getting out to various locations for road marches. If anybody is looking for a training partner, please feel free to pm me.

It's been quite interesting observing you all off and on for the last six years and hope to continue to be welcomed to your forum.

Hello Professional Solider's Community,

My name is Brian and I'm an active duty Air Force E-5 who is voluntarily separating in hopes of obtaining a 18X contract. These forums have been a wealth of information and I'm extremely grateful to have you all as a resource through this process.

Respectfully,

- Tsircou

Introduction
 

Gentlemen,

I have been lurking on this site for some time reading, learning, and soaking up as much knowledge and information as I can. Figured that it would be about time that I should post an introduction. A bit about myself: I am currently serving in the PAARNG as a 13F since 2011. I am also wrapping up my undergrad studies in Government/Political Affairs.

I enjoy reading and learning about SF as I have a few friends who have been attached to SFODA's, work with SF on a daily basis, and who are currently in/have been SF.

Thank you for having me and thank you for your service to our country!

Very Respectfully,
Hornet

Gentlemen,

I am a US Army Sergeant serving within CMF 35. My intent for use of these forums is to learn more about various fields, from fieldcraft, to OpenSource Intelligence tools (analytical techniques, information resources, etc) and possibly ask questions.

I've noticed your forums in the past but didn't ever get involved, however a friend of mine found a good post on a thread about PowerPoint. After taking the time to read the entire thread, I started browsing the forums and determined this would be a good tool and resource to utilize moving forward.

Thread located here: http://professionalsoldiers.com/foru...p/t-24286.html

Hopefully I can be a valuable member of this community moving forward.

Very Respectfully,
Intel NCO

Hello, my name is Cody and I am a soon to be graduating college student. I intend to enlist under the 18x program.

Hi my name is Tom I am an Australian, I have had a fascination with guns and all related gear since I can remember. I’m currently working in the security industry (mall cop) not the bad ass pmc type :(

My dream that im working on is to become a US or UK special forces operator specifically as a sniper, but I’ll be quite happy just to get in and get started.

I follow alot of the former Special Forces types and gun/knife/gear manufacturers on Facebook and Youtube. I'am a big believer in the 2nd amendment right of the US constitution as the right to protect oneself and their family was stripped away by the paranoid Australian government after reacting to a mass shooting (Martin Bryant). Pretty sure some of you CCW boys could of stopped him if you were there!

I look forward to learning as much as possible as I believe this is probably the best "tactical" forum I have found.

Intro (#2)
 

I am a 27 y.o Active Duty Marine Infantryman stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. I am currently OCONUS in the HOA area.
While researching Army SF information, I kept getting sites from this site so I decided to look in to it. I have came across a lot of good intel on here.

re-intro
 

Hello, former 1st grouper here. Just coming here to re-introduce myself and just wanted to talk to any former SF guys who are now police officers, as this is the field i am trying to get in.

Introduction
 

Name is John. Retired, 25 years. Spent most of it assigned to Fort Bragg, NC. Started as a 11B with B/2/75 in 1984. Selection and "Q" Course in 1996. Graduated as a newly forged 18C. Served my entire SF career on a single team, SFODA 742. Put out to pasture at SWTC. Retired 18F4VW3QB in 2009.

intro
 

hey guys, thanks for everything y'all do/have done. I'm Cristhian, 25, stationed at Eglin AFB and have been in the AF almost 6 years. I plan on going blue to green here soon, and either go infantry or 18x.

Hello everyone,

Name is Randy. Served in 25th ID, 2-27 IN BN for two deployments to Iraq in '06 and again in '08. I went to SFAS back in '07 but got med dropped, then made the unfortunate mistake of ETSing to "try something new". Have been in the reserves ever since, waiting for the business rules to open for my cross over, now that they have I will be headed to selection soon again as soon as the CG signs my 368.

I know this is a little bit more than just an intro, but SF is something I live and breathe. I train and do research day in and day out...it's just one of those things for me, I wanted it back when I first tried out, but now it's a different animal for me. Special Forces is just my passion, plain and simple.

I look forward to becoming a part of the brotherhood, and I look forward to learning as much as I can from the community here.

(On a side note: My username Alpha254 is no badass nickname or call sign. It was my basic training company on Sand Hill back in '05.)

Intro
 

Just an ordinary registered nurse with a fancy for firearms that wandered in your door accidentally via the internet. Have been very glad to read and learn and hope to continue doing so. Thank you for allowing me access.

intro
 

Hello, my name is MJ and I've been a lurker on PS.com for some time now. I will shipping off soon for BCT as an 18X. I am looking forward to the journey that is ahead of me.

Hello everyone. I am 32 years old and live in Richmond, TX. I am happily married and we have a beauitiful 3 year old daughter. I currently work in Law Enforcement and have been for the last 7 years.

I joined the Army in 2003 and served with the 82nd as an 11B. My unit deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2006. I was honorbly discharged in 2007 as an E-5.

It has always been my dream to join the SF community. I recently learned from a friend I served with there's a NG SF group located in San Antonio. He has already completed the Q course and is assigned to that unit.

I will be joining a NG Airborne unit soon and start preparing for SFAS. This forum has given me a wealth of knowledge and I would like to thank you for it.

intro
 

Hello Gentlemen.

Thank you all for your service. I am a 32 year old prior service member seeking information to help me choose a direction in which to travel for the next segment of my life.


I will now resign myself to a reading only status until I have exhausted every topic of interest pertaining to the path that I am seeking.

Respectfully,
InThorsHonor

Ship to BCT March 11 2014
 

Hello my name is SPC Hausclarke ive been in the reserves as a 68w for 5 1/2 years. I got my conditional release signed and signed my 18X active duty contract a few weeks ago.

I was really excited to hear that I get to attend BCT again which i ship to on march 10 and then OSUT, Airborne, SOPC, and then on to SFAS! and after all that the goal is to continue on to the Q Coarse.

I cant wait to prove that I have what it takes to join one of the greatest brotherhoods in the world.

I'm not SF but I did watch "The Unit" soooo THAT should count for something right?
Just an old Marine Radio Communications REMF who has rediscovered the importance of being prepared. I have chosen this fine community as one of the ways to re-educate myself on 1st thru 3rd line gear and sustainability. What better community than SF to learn from for this. I fear this country and our society is heading into the sh*tter and I need to be ready for it. That's my job and my wife, children and grandchildren depend on me to do my job well.

Thanks for having me and Semper Fi.

Intro
 

Checking in..

I am an Army Retiree that had a decent career, but not as a SF guy. I current work in the Defense industry as a contractor, closest thing I could find to being around troops.

Intro
 

Hi all, I'm PFC Peacock. I've been in the CAANG for almost 2 years. Looking to learn as much as possible on this site. (eyes and ears open, mouth shut). Looking forward to getting promoted to E-4 so I can do SFRE.

Good afternoon gentleman,

I am a 23 year old MH60 crew chief in the 160th. Did some time in the regular army before crossing over and looking to never go back! I've always enjoyed my time working with SF and someday hope to go to SFAS. My next goal in life and career wise is either go to SFAS or A&S for another aviation unit. Thanks for letting me join the site and I look forward to learning more and more about Special Forces

NSDQ!

Greetings and salutations-

I am a former 18D with 19th Group. Graduated the Q-course in 1995 and went to Thai language school. Am no longer in. I'm looking forward to participating any way I can in promoting this forum.