Intro
 

Hello,

I'm a civilian. Career computer geek. Long-time student of military history. These days if I'm not at work I'm with my horses, in the shop working on some project or out with my ruck hunting and hiking in the mountains around my house.

Introductory post. I am a LT in the Navy stationed at NAS JAX flying the P-8. It's decision time on my current career path and many things are pointing me in the SF direction, namely the UW mission among others. If anyone has any advice for a Navy officer aspiring to transfer into your profession, I would greatly appreciate the inputs.

Intro
 

Hello all,

I'm currently working on my masters degree and am simply researching a few different careers and deciding which path to take. Thank you all for providing such a vast and useful resource.

Introduction
 

Hello everyone, thanks for having me on the forums. I'm an active duty soldier going to Selection in a few months. I've been browsing the forums for a while and finally decided to register.

There's a fantastic amount of information on this site and I'm thankful to everyone who's shared their insight.

Hi to everyone,

thx for being here. It´s a really good information and a source of good and reliable information.Found already a lot of answeres to my questions. My Name is Chris im 31. I´m serving in german army. My wife (she´s US) and me decided to move to states and i love the military life. So im looking here for Intel wich opportunites i´ve got to keep that what i need ;);)

Hello,
I am a former active duty Infantry and Special Forces Soldier. I have also served in the National Guard. I served in Germany, Korea (AD) and Afghanistan (NG). I have served at Ft Benning, Ft Bragg and Ft Campbell.
I've been looking in here over the past year and recently decided I might have something or two to contribute so I picked a letter of the alphabet and a number and here I am. DOL

Hello,
I am a former active duty Infantry and Special Forces Soldier. I have also served in the National Guard. I served in Germany, Korea (AD) and Afghanistan (NG). I have served at Ft Benning, Ft Bragg and Ft Campbell.
I've been looking in here over the past year and recently decided I might have something or two to contribute so I picked a letter of the alphabet and a number and here I am. DOL

Welcome all. Some of you newbies might want to follow instructions and fill out your profiles before posting further.

hello
 

I'll keep it simple. I've been poking around doing lots of reading on this forum, trying to get all my info before I start asking questions. My life consist of school, workouts, and when I have time food/water. I'm working towards scorings high on the ASVAB, getting all the right things in my contract, and what ever else I'll need to get me started in the right direction. I'm looking forward to be amongst the best and the brightest someday in the future. That is all.

Quick Introduction
 

I've been a lurker for years, came here the first time to look up information on a poser. Pretty much spend my time at Ammo Talk, Early Bird and General Discussion Forums. It's not that I don't have an interest in SF subjects in detail, it's just that I'm an old fart now and have to limit my avenues of enthusiasm.

I met quite a few SF soldiers in my career and to a man, they were of the best examples of soldier I've ever seen. In fact, it's because of an SF soldier that I missed out as Honor Graduate at BNCOC...had to settle for Leadership Graduate because I couldn't beat his PT score. He was a friggin' beast. I almost coughed out a lung on the run trying to keep up with that bastard.

Joined in 1973 as a radio operator and worked through to radio repairman and commo chief. Switched to tanks in the early 80's and retired right after Desert Storm.

Introduction
 

I am a twenty-six year old attorney, who is currently preparing to enlist, in hopes of one day becoming a QP. I would be happy to further explain my drastic change in career via personal message, but for here, suffice it to say that if I stick with my current career, I fear I will live a life of regret. I want to live my life with purpose and to do something I believe in -- rather than following a path that was chosen for me, going through the motions just to earn a paycheck.

Anyway, for the past few months I have been training through a program run by a former PJ (with assistance from former SF guys and others from the SOF community). Mentally and physically I believe I am ready; however, before I sign on the dotted line, I need to decide whether to join National Guard or active duty.

Though somewhat arbitrary, I am leaning towards NG because I have had better experience with the recruiter and have heard good things from current QPs in NG. My only concern is being able to pay the bills if there is down-time between training and deployments. I doubt I will be able to continue working as an attorney if I earn the tab, so I am afraid of earning only part-time pay if, for example, I have to wait a month between OSUT and Airborne School. My contacts have not been able to be too helpful with this question, so hopefully I can find a thread on here that addresses my concern. Other than that, I'm ready to roll, and I hope to be posting my shipping date soon!

Before I wrap this up, I just want to thank all the QPs who contribute to this site. The information you provide has been invaluable.

Introduction
 

Hello my name is Chris. I am 28 years old and have been reading forums on this site for about 2-3 months. I joined the CAANG in October of 2012 as a 68W. I am currently waiting to sign an 18x contract. Prior to joining the military I was a business consultant in the automotive industry. I would like to thank everyone who has made this site what it is today.

Introduction
 

I am 29 years old with a wife and daughter. I've been a cowboy on ranches all over the West since highschool and a couple years of college, enjoy studying foriegn languages, speak French and Spanish well enough to have a crude conversation, and am familiar with Russian, German, and Arabic. If every goes as planned, I am hoping to sign an 18X contract soon. I've been lurking here for a while trying to glean every useful detail I can from any source possible. Thanks for all of the help already received from this site.

Introduction
 

Gents, Have been a member of the Professional Soldiers community for quite some time, but I am just now posting my introduction. Sometimes it is best to just stay silent for a bit. I am currently the Company Log NCO for A Co 20th GSB, which for most of you this GSB concept is new but quite an asset in supporting the operations and high optempo we operate off of. I have been a member of the Special Operations community for a while now and had many great experiences with the 20th. There are so many things I have learned and gotten a chance to be a part of since I became a member of the Special Operations community. I can't say enough great things about the guys from My first ODB, and all of the ODA's I worked with who made my move to the Battalion level possible. Here's to many more years and great times, and a salute to all of the Operators who make my job as support possible, De Oppresso Liber.

I've been around since 09, been on a hiatus, looking to contribute what I can.

Hi,

I grew up as a world traveller, Navy Civilian, speak 2.5 languages, meet minimum PT requirements, love playing with guns, love being out in the woods with a pack, love teaching, love interacting with strangers, love my God who first loved me.

Dreams of being a Quiet Professional at Glen Arm, but distracted by quirks of civilian life and fearing to fail at something that has defined my values all of my life.
^^^(:boohoo)^^^

Peace.

Hi,

I've dreamed of being a Green Beret since I joined the Army 12 years ago. I just went to SFAS for my second time and got selected. I can't wait to start the training pipeline. One thing I've learned in my small experience with SF is that the men who undertake this endeavor want to be there, and most are really great guys.

-Ravioli

Introduction
 

Hello to everyone,

I'ld like to present myself. I'm a student in criminology. Outside of my studies, I'm incredibly passionate about the military history, and more particularly the early stages of the Operation Iraqi Freedom.

When I have some time, I like focusing on a particular event that happened during OIF and make a detailed article about this. Just consider me as an amateur historian ;) This time, I chose to focus on Special Forces operations in Northern Iraq in March and April 2003. I guess some of you were deployed in Iraq at that time. I hope I'll have the opportunity to learn some on this forum. By the way, if some of you have informations and pictures you can share that I could use for my article, that would be much appreciated ! :o

However, I have to admit I'm not familiar with the OPSEC rules as I'm not a soldier, so I don't know if this is still applicable for the beginning of the Iraq war (I mean, the war is over now, and in a few days, that'll be the 11st birthday of the beginning of the war :eek:) ? If someone can clear my ignorance about it, that'ld be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading !

Hey Guys,

I am 23 years old and currently contemplating an 18X contract. I graduated from college in 2012 and immediately entered the workforce, finding myself in the finance field. I did not plan on being in finance/business for too long, but today, I am still here. I have recently been contemplating an 18X contract for several reasons. Most importantly, I want to be in a profession where I can help out and give back to those who are less fortunate than I have been. In addition to this, I want to experience the world first hand. There is only so much information you can gain from books and stories. I believe that the experience makes the man. As far as life goes, I wish to be the best. In order to be the best, I must be selected by the best. That being US Special Forces. This is my main goal and mission at this point in life.

I have been doing a great deal of research on my own and have joined this site in order to gain even more knowledge. I look forward to learning from all of you.


Very Respectfully,

SV

Intro
 

Good Evening Everyone,

Im a current 18X contract, I head to Fort Benning May 28th. This Website/Forum has been essential to my preparations. Thanks for all the advice and guidance! Back to ruckin and runnin..

-Ace

Intro
 

Good Evening,

My name is Ben. Currently a Medic stationed at wonderful Fort Lost in the Woods. Heading to SFAS in a couple weeks and I am very excited. I joined the Army after a few years working as a full time Firefighter/EMT-I and have loved the last 4 years. I found your website while on Google and can't believe the amount of information on here. Every time I have a question I seem to be able to find the answer. Thank you for allowing me to join the site and sharing all the knowledge.

Ben

Greetings
 

Good Afternoon,

My name is Paul, I am 19 years old and attend North Eastern University in the pursuit of a business degree. I've spent some time sifting through the forums over the past few years and thought it was about time to introduce myself to this fine community.

I have great interest in the military, it's SOF units, and the intel community. I've been lucky enough to have met a few people from these various communities and it's always been a pleasant and enlightening experience.

If you're wondering what the "YM" in my name stands for, that was from a few years back when I spent a good chunk of my time in the Young Marines program. It's comparable to JROTC and it opened my eyes to the military in a very new way.

I look forward to the further exploration of this site and into joining in the great conversations and debates that happen here.

Thank you for your time and your service.

Be well and stay safe,
Paul Cating.

Introduction
 

Howdy,

For the purposes of this site, I will go by Rick. I am 24 years young and graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2012 with a B.S. in Legal Studies (Minor in Criminal Justice). Currently, I am working at a law firm as a Legal Assistant and it is boring as hell.

I signed my 18X contract earlier this month. Ship up to Ft. Benning at the end of May and begin OSUT the first week of June. Airborne begins in September, then off to Ft. Bragg.

I am very excited to begin training (officially) and join this elite brotherhood upon completion of the SF pipeline.

Thank you for all the invaluable information and advice made available to all who are interested, and more importantly, thank you all for your service.

Best,
Rick

Intro
 

Hello everybody,
I've been reading through posts on this forum in preparation for SFAS. Im a 24 year old civilian from good ol' Southern Maryland, currently working in excavation. Thank you for sharing this site, your knowledge, and experiences. I wish the best to everyone.
-G.I.434

Hi all,

Thank you for this very important and informative forum. I'm not SF, I'm AV - retired. I've turned into sort of an informal recruiter, as many kids in my area seek me for advice on joining the service. I am being asked about Special Operations more and more than even my own branch lately, so I've come here to learn what to tell them.

Plus, Aviators need heroes too.

Cheers,

HHH

INTRO
 

GOING ON 15YEARS OF SERVICE
WITH A MEDEVAC UNIT.
NOT SF BUT HAVE WORKED WITH AND LEARNED A FEW THINGS....
THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HAVE SERVED AND ARE STILL SERVING.

Hello all.

25 year old infantry platoon leader. Dropping my ARSOF packet, hoping to be picked up for SF. Currently preparing for SFAS and Ranger School. Thanks for all the quality information found on this forum.

Introduction
 

My name is Rob and I am a senior at Trinity College, CT right now. I am the captain of the Varsity Rowing Team and I am finishing up my History major. I have wanted to serve in the military for awhile and since I am about to graduate I have been looking more specifically at what I want to do. Special Forces is something I have been looking at very seriously because of the reputation and impact they have across the globe.

Finally I just want to say thank you to the guys who set up this site both because it has helped me immensely and for your service. I haven't had the chance to serve yet and I will always owe a debt of gratitude to those who have.

My name is Mike. Spent some time in 1/75 in the late 70's. Had a break in service and was a Miami Cop for a few years. Got recalled back to active duty and spent time in 2/7, SWC, 2/7 and 3/7 as an NCO and an officer. Did my last 2 years in the 82nd after CGSC and retired in '06. Earned my PharmD in'11 and work in the ED at an Army hospital.

Greetings,

This is Dean Jarvis AKA Short Round. I was doing a little web surfing and came across this Professional Soldiers site. I served on active duty between June of 1969 to April '72. After graduating from SF training in July '70 I was assigned to
6th SFG. I volunteered for Vietnam and served with UITG at B-36 on A-363 from July '71 to April '72.

I look forward to finding some old friends and possibly making some new ones.

My name is Ed, I am a 28 and have decided that I would like to give back to those that allowed me to enjoy the relatively easy life I have had so far.

I look forward to using this site and those who contribute to it to help further my knowledge prior to shipping out on an 18x contact.

Thanks again to all those who have served and are willing to help out those who are looking to serve.

Caretaker Introduction
 

Hello Silent Professionals. As you can see I have chosen to be known by the name Caretaker. It’s a moniker that resulted from accidently referring to myself as a caretaker rather than a caregiver while serving that role for my grandmother in hospice. Since I feel I got more from the experience than I gave, the name seemed appropriate. I am a financial professional in the twilight of my career. I am looking to learn whatever you’re willing to share. Thank you for the opportunity.

back after a long absence
 

Hi, all,

I'm a NC author who has posted here in the past and previously posted on the old special-ops forums. I see a few familiar names here but wanted to follow protocol and re-introduce myself.

Several of my recurring characters are SF soldiers. My dad was in the Army and fought in the Korean Conflict. I suspect growing up observing the friendships he formed with fellow soldiers and how strong they were throughout his life informs my work and has a lot to do with the characters I create.

Right now I'm in need of some info on retirement - specifically avg. age of retirement from elite units as well as from the Army itself. And a ballpark range of what a career SF'er would get in retirement income. I won't be using exact numbers but want to have an understanding of what might be a "norm."

PMs are fine and if no one responds from this message I'll post the questions in General Discussion.

Thanks for all you do.

billie

Hi everyone,

I've been on this forum since 2009. More of a reader than contributor.
I figured it would be a good idea to reintroduce myself.
I am 25 years old. I worked at SWC from 2009-2010, G6/NCOA. That was a pretty awesome experience.

Recently I joined the ARNG in NC. I am shipping to BCT in July, followed by OCS.
Wearing the long tab is one of my goals and what I am working towards. :lifter


So far this community and contributions have given me great insight, and I have learned a bit. As time progresses, I think this forum will become more relevant/pertinent to me, in order to prepare for one of my biggest challenges/goals.

Introduction
 

Gents —

I've been a member here for a number of years, but don't believe I ever got around to posting an introduction or anything else. So, here it is:

SFTG — '67-'68

3rd SFGA — '68

5th SFGA — '68-'69'-'70

Last assignment — Det. A-362 (2nd Bn), B-36 (III CTZ Mike Force); I was the battalion medic and one of its company commanders.


— Jim Sorensen

Introduction
 

Brothers,
Started my SF career in 20th Group in Mississippi National Guard in '88.
Selection in Nov-Dec '88.
The Q in Aug '89 and graduated in Apr '90 as a 18C.
20th Group got activated for Desert Storm in Jan '91
Applied for AD and came on in Jun '91.
Assigned to ODA 352 , B/2/3 SFG from '91 to '98.
Moved to A/1/3 SFG from '98 to '03.
Went back to B/2/3 from '03 to '05.
Assigned to 18C Committee 4/1 SWTG.
Committee Chief there from '05 to '08.
Assigned back to 1/3 SFG from '08 to '10.
Retired with 22 years from 3rd in 2010.
Working on the 18C Committee as an instructor ever since.
Kinda detailed hope I did go to far into the weeds.

xdude...you got and mail, BTW fill out your profile.

xdude18cw3
 

Welcome aboard my man. Hope all is well.

Be seein' ya around..

Hello,

I'm a 22 y/o soon to be college graduate. I'm starting graduate school this fall where I will be enrolling in ROTC and plan to commission as a 2LT in two years time.

I plan on using these next few years to learn how to be the best officer I can be and prepare to submit my packet to SFAS when the time comes.

I've been reading through everything on this site and I will continue to do so for years to come.

Intro
 

Good morning,

I am a college student in NYC and I am looking into SOF after I graduate. I'll be searching the forum to find info on SF and I can guarantee that I won't start many threads. Just livin the life of a lurker!