Introduction Post
 

Hi All,

First off, I would like to say thanks to those who administer this site and those QPs who contribute to these forums. For someone like me who is strongly considering pursuing a career in SF, this forum is a wealth of knowledge and extremely valuable.

I currently live in Northern California and graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Finance and a minor in International Relations. I have been working in the professional world for 5 years now. I am at a point in my life where I feel a duty to contribute to something much larger, something more meaningful and I have always felt a strong calling to serve my country.

I've decided that if I do choose to pursue a career in the Military, I want to earn the Green Beret. Across all the various branches and career fields in the military that I have researched, I believe in the mission of SF and see my values aligning well with their mission.

My main goal on this forum to be a sponge and gain insight from those QPs who might've made the jump to Special Forces from the post-college, civilian world and gain some perspective on what the transition was like and other helpful tips for preparing myself for the road ahead.

Thanks,
norcalgrk

thanks for the board
 

Hello all

I came to the site due to my strong interest in foreign policy and military affairs. I had the great privilege of lucking into the 10th SFG in an MI support role back in the 90s. Naturally, I gained a great respect and appreciation for 18 series. I want to thank the administrators as I've already learned a good bit just tooling around the site.

All the best

Introduction
 

Hello to all,

I do my best to research as much information as I can from the most effective sources available to me. I have found this site to be one of those sources. I have been researching and preparing for the 18 xray program for 3 years, preparing both my body and mind.
The reason I joined was to find answers and if those answers could not be found, to ask the questions. I appreciate the help, honesty and motivation that I find on this site from members of the Special Forces (both past and present) and others.
I have been, and will continue to do my best in my preparation. That is all that I can ask of myself. But every day I will increase what my best is. Thank you all and I hope to meet some of you one day down the road.

William

Intro
 

Hello all. First I want to thank all here that have served and are serving. I'm a 35 year old farm chemical warehouse forklift operator. I grew up in Monroe, LA. Close to the Duck Commander, little did I know then. I have not served in the military, but I have great respect for those who have. I can't stand to see the direction our country is heading, and the sacrifices made by you guys being thrown down the tubes. I have two kids, one is a teenage girl (God help me). I like riding ATVs, walking the fields behind my house, plinking and every once in a while I call myself varmint hunting. Mostly I only have time for honey dos and watching the kids various ball games. I'm sorta active on AR15Armory. I've lurked around here just a bit, hopefully I can contribute to the group, and maybe learn a few things myself.

New here, registered to browse a few years back, but am now considering Guard SF in Texas.

Been in the Air Force since 2006, in 2010 I crosstrained into CCT. I separate later this year, and I'll be moving to Texas from Bragg with my fiance.

I'm Chris and I've lived in Ohio for the past 7 years. For the past 10 years I've worked for a telecom company and am currently in a Project Manager position.

I retired from the Army in 2004 as an MSG/E-8, after 21 years of service. I started out in Signal, shifted to Aviation and ended up in Ordnance when I retired.

My bio has the list of units and years assigned. One notable assignment was when I was with the MMC in SOSCOM, USASOC from '96 to '00. During the latter part of the tour I was on the Jumpmaster team for HHC, USASOC and really enjoyed that experience.


Chris

Hello,

My name is Stephen. I served 6 years in the LA national guard as a 21B.

I served with 5th Group in Iraq and that was pretty much that start of my interest in the special forces community.

I finished my college degree program and now training to go active duty with the hopes of attending/completing the selection process.

I am new here so I will do a lot of reading.

Cheers

intro
 

My names Angel.

Going to selection in October of this year, busting my ass with PT, and trying to gather as much info/advice possible from here.

Been in the Army for 11 yrs active now, have always wanted to serve in/with SF ever since my first interaction with them in the early years of OIF and have finally decided to pull the plug.

I hope to learn as much as possible from the site, and to help out with whatever info I may be able to give in the future. Im pretty excited, just worried that I am not as physically able and young as I once was (I'm 29), and able to recover or bounce back as nimbly as before. PM me if you have any questions.

Recently got out of the Army and switched to NG, living in Summit County, CO taking paramedic classes while training for selection. Running, rucking and lifting at altitude while waiting for a SFRE date.

Hello all. My name is Nicholas, but please, just call me Vasos. US Army Reservist of 4 years, doing the whole "college thing", and will be for 4 more. Currently fighting like hell, and believe me, it's hell, to get active duty. I have unconditional respect, and admiration, for any active unit/member of any branch, as well as the special operations community. Lastly, I would like to say thank you to all who are serving, have served, and those who have given everything; the world needs more men/women like you.

-Vasos

YG '11 Officer
 

I am a YG '11 officer who was accessed into CA after the most recent ARSOF board. Have been wanting to go to SFAS for years, but understand that the Big Green Machine has a way of rolling. I still want the chance to attend SFAS but at this point I would need some help. If anyone knows a senior SF officer or NCO that would be willing to help or even to listen, please put me in contact.

Was a top 10% ROTC grad, commandant's list, Ranger/Jumpmaster, and been an infantry PL in the 82nd for 23 months where I've been top 10%. 348 on my last APFT, 1:04 on my last 10 mile run, 33:06 my last 5 mile run, 2:21 my last 12 mile ruck.

Will serve my country either way but doesn't mean I have to take no for an answer. Thanks for any help or advice.

Introduction
 

Greetings Gents,

I was told about this site a short time ago and am pleased to post my introduction here. I served as an 18D with B/3/10 from 82-84 and with B/3/7 from 85-87 after a short stint at DLI Monterrey. I spent my last two years in SWC with Phase 1 and Med Lab, got out in March of ’90.

I’ve recently returned from four years in Afghanistan and Iraq with the U.S. State Dept. Diplomatic Security Service and now work as an instructor at their Training Facility in Summit Point, WV. I look forward to reading the daily posts here and hopefully bump into a few guys I haven’t heard from in a while.

Introduction
 

QP's and board members,

I enlisted in the OHNG in 2010, was deployed in support of OEF 2011-2012. Currently an 11B in the Sniper section. I study finance at Ohio University and am currently in an internship on Park Avenue for an investment firm (NYC).
I've been a long time reader of the forums and greatly appreciate all the wisdom laced throughout these threads. I hope to begin training with the 19th group out of Columbus, OH in the near future and attend selection before graduating college.

A Thank you from a Soldiers Dad
 

I have been lurking on your sight since i found it back in September of 2013. I first want to thank all of you for your service, I was born on the 4th of July and bleed Red, White, and Blue.
Last year our son enlisted into the 18X program. He has always wanted to go into the service, but he completed college with honors, and after a year or so out of school he decided it was time.
Knowing very little about the options, I did my homework and it helped me have serious conversation with him as he was deciding on his contract. Most of what I learned came from this site.
I'm very happy to say that he has completed OSUT, Airborne at Fort Benning, and more recently was "Selected at Fort Bragg SFAS. He currently is in the "Q" Course and doing well.
I just wanted to say to all the parents who are searching for information, it is in here, use the search functions and you will find answers.

Thanks for all the help!

Returning after a break
 

Good Afternoon,
I hope this finds everyone in good spirits. I have taken some time off and thought I would reintroduce myself. I spent some time with Psychological Operations and the Infantry as well. I am currently in training for an opportunity to try out for a training team with the intent on earning a spot at SFAS when I have proven myself worthy. I am a LEO and enjoy studying and learning new things. This site is *outstanding* and is an amazing resource. I have always appreciated the information and the members here. Thanks for having me.

Very Respectfully,
Triman19

:lifter

Intro Post
 

Hello, I'm PFC Raysor. I'm an infantryman stationed out of Ft. Carson, and have the privilege of being less than a mile from the SF compound here. I have nothing but the utmost respect for SF, and would have gone with an 18x contract if I were old enough when I enlisted. I'm 19 now and plan to go to Selection next year after I turn 20 in May. I'm PTing almost three times everyday and study land nav and the Ranger Handbook religiously. I'm hoping that I'll be able to go for an EIB or Ranger School in the near future. My overall goal is to go 18D

Introduction
 

Hello,

I am 21 years of age and a senior in the Penn State Army ROTC program. I have been interested and researching the Special Forces community off and on for three years now and find a very strong motivation to become part of the community. I will be assigned a branch within the next year and start my service at either the end of 2015 or the beginning of 2016.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and discuss on this forum and I look forward to learning from the best.


"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

-JJ

Intro
 

22 years old. Finishing B.S. in construction management at Colorado State in May 2015. Being recruited as an 18X. Hoping to start my journey as soon as I graduate. Wrestler, Crossfit, Hunting/Fishing, SOF enthusiast.

Very Respectfully

Rising high school junior who hopes to enlist as an 18X after college.

Grüße! Introduction
 

Hello everyone. I am Darron. I hail from a farm in a small town just outside Kansas City. Yes, I am a huge Chiefs fan.

I am married to my beautiful wife Nicole. We do not have kids but do have 3 dogs and a Parrott.

I am a 14 year veteran of the Army. I am currently a SFC/E7 as a Satellite Communications Chief. I have served all over the world from South Korea to Mongolia to my current duty station in Germany. I have been a MOS instructor for AIT soldier (not the easiest job, but definitely one of the most rewarding). I have served combat tours in Iraq and the Southern Philippines (Counter Piracy). When I joined the Army after graduating High School, I mainly did so out of spite towards my mother because I did not want to go to the college she directed me to. So, I simply took charge of my life and made the best decision for me. I have since advanced through the ranks and learned what it means to truly love and serve our country. I wouldn't change my decision for anything.

I am currently enrolled in the University of Maryland University College. I am roughly four classes away from my BA in Small Business Management.

Growing up on a farm engrained the love of the outdoors. Naturally most of my hobbies are outdoors. I am a hunter/fisherman. I like hiking, running and almost any water sport from water skiing to SCUBA. My two main passions, though, are Skydiving and Sailing. Aside from my hobbies, I love spending time with my family and learning new things.

So the big question: Why did I join the site?
I sat down a few months ago and I did a deep evaluation of my career and where I wanted to be in the next 10-15 years. I decided that I was not ready to maintain a desk job, when my desire to serve the Army and the Country is at its greatest and most fulfilled when I am in field. So, I did what any NCO would do and started asking my mentors and various colleagues what they thought about what I was dealing with. One mentioned that I should look into Special Forces. I contacted a recruiter to confirm that I still qualify to join. The next step, as many of you know, is to get the physical and volunteer packet down. Now I will admit that I will that I was in mediocre shape. I have focused on getting back in to top shape. Recently I picked up the Book Get Selected. It mentioned this website as a tool to use to answer question and talk with members of the community. There are many people that consistently question me as to WHY,I want to join SF after so many years and at my age. My response is always: age is a only a number and my time in service will only end with the Army dragging me out kicking and screaming (in a good way). I am an active person, I see how the Army is changing and believe that I can learn from and contribute to the SF community. Long term, I want to complete 30 years in the Army. So, I see this as a beginning to a new chapter in my career. I attend SFAS in October.

I will continue to peruse this website and search my questions. I will also appreciate and advice, conversation or general friendship that may brood within.

Thank you all for your service and I look forward to talking with you

Take care,
Darron

Hello!
 

0

New post
 

Just found this website. Glad I found somewhere with professionals I can follow.

I have seen some of the posts here and have great admiration for the professionals on this site.

Just got out of the army awhile back and I am looking for my next move.

Thanks for allowing me on the site.

Intro
 

Hey,
My name is Will, I'm an echo up in North Carolina.
Have almost 10 years in the army.
Looking forward to learning and sharing different experiences (within opsec).
Ive seen a lot of good things from this page, exited to be apart of it.

Hello all. 28 year old that just enlisted as 18x, will be heading to Fort Benning in September. I have already gleaned a lot of useful information here, and look forward to continuing my reading of the various threads on this site.

Just a suggestion, but what does "DSC" actually relate to. It has a great meaning of honor and sacrifice here...

Do you have one??

Good Evening
 

Hello All,

I am a current National Guard Artillery Captain with about 7 years in (1.5 as a CH candidate, 5 active, and another seven months with the Guard). Ever since I was a kid I've wanted to be a part of the special operations community. More recently I was in Korea during an exercise when I read "Chosen Soldier" by Dick Couch. That's what started me on the path to explore SF. I asked more questions, got to know some people, and I have never felt a stronger call to do something. I have some basic information as to what I need in order to drop my packet but what I am looking for here is life stories and experiences, thoughts, and skills of the professionals that reside here. Probably some advice on navigating NG SF would be helpful but I'm sure as I explore the forums a bit more I'll find that. Being selected to lead SF soldiers as an 18A would be an absolute honor. Thanks for letting me join, and I look forward to learning from all of you.

28 years old, 8 years of Service, SSG, Commo. Served 5 months with in ODB in AFG as Commo Support. While deployed, I received orders to TRADOC where I have been since.

I think about going to SFAS every, single, day.

I know that is the wrong answer. You do not "think" about it. It has to be from within, without question, without doubt, nothing is more important. I know this. One reason why I haven't pulled the trigger yet is I intend on submitting a Green to Gold packet for FY15, and keep telling myself that I could then later on become an 18A, instead of the enlisted route. This may or may not be just me holding back and coming up with an excuse, over analyzing myself, self doubt, all those awful things.

Welcome all.

The odds of you being chosen to attend SFAS as an officer are tremendously lower than the odds of you making it by going to SFAS as an EM.

Many excellent CPTs have been non-selected by the 18A Board for an attempt at SFAS.

TR

Thank you for the reply TR, and further affirming that I am just committing the act self doubt. I will continue to PT my heart out and get my head right as I have 15 months left remaining on this generating force assignment.

Aaron, 32 years young, INF 8 yrs, now stationed at Ft. Couch PDRL, lived and worked with 3rd and 7th, time spent at Apache and Solidarity, Tombstone and Bastion. I have enough info on SO, joined the site in search of people with resources who enjoy exposing frauds and other opsec violations, there are an abundance of them in my neck of the woods. In my 3rd year on BA in history, have a keen interest in history and political discussions; I know operators can bring on the discussions.

Ah this is where my first post should've been!
Hey everyone, my name is Zach, I am from southern Louisiana, grew up in that heat most of my life. Went to college at Southeastern Louisiana University where I studied Psychology, I was also apart of Kappa Alpha Order. Enlisted as an 11B and recently went to SFAS, turned out well for me and was selected for the 18D course. Came to this forum to gather notes and educate myself on not only the courses ahead but also things I may see in the future.

Thanks,
Zach

First things first
 

Good day all, I am a SGT 68WM6 serving in the USAR since Oct 2009. I currently submitted my 368 & 4187 to be transferred into AD. Once it is returned & I attend MEPS, I will drop SF packet as soon as my new unit allows me to. As a SGT, 18x does not appear to be an option for me, therefore, this is my path. I accept it & have began rucking it. My target is 18D & to achieve it I know I must focus on first things first.

Hello All! Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this site. I have admired the Green Berets since I was younger. I would love to be an 18E, but it just isn't in my cards. I am a 94E SGT in the 28th ID.
I have 8 years in and 12 more to go. I have deployed to Iraq (OIF 09-11) and to Kuwait in support of OEF 2011-2012.

I was told about this page from a guy named Phil (18E) from 5th SFG during my OIF deployment. I even had an AIT DS that ran the electronics maint section of the 5th GSB and a friend of mine who was apart of the same section. Just here to help expand my electronics knowledge and follow the elite soldiers I have grown up admiring. Thank you for this opportunity.

[QUOTE=TheFrenchman;555857]Ah this is where my first post should've been!
Hey everyone, my name is Zach,...... I was also apart of Kappa Alpha Order.

Isn't that Gen. Lee's Fraternity

Civilian guest, no .mil service but did volunteer for the Navy right before the Tet Offensive. Failed the physical because of a small blind spot in left eye. Told the doctor that my NRA pistol classification was Master Class & insisted that shooting a pistol or rifle would not be an issue but he refused to pass me. I never thought something so insignificant would prevent me from serving.

Attended the University of Memphis with a major in Park Administration, became an Arkansas State Park Ranger (1976), attended the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy & shot a clean score on the qual course. Was appointed firearms instructor, worked with new Rangers and competed twice in the National Police Pistol Matches (a humbling experience). Was “promoted” to Park Manager, hated the job, left in 1982. Sold insurance & investments until 2002, then became self employed. My website at Precision-Gunsmithing.com describes the scope of work done in the shop.

Free time is spent riding the Harley Electra Glide with my wife, showing our 5 year old granddaughter how to shoot her pink camo .22 rifle and participating on Candlepower Forums or LightFighter.net.

An Army QP friend (who describes himself as a lurker) suggested I join this forum. My knowledge of SOF is very little & I want to learn more. The only contribution I can offer is that I modify Surefire flashlights (both hand held & WeaponLights) to accept high capacity rechargeable cells. These save money & offer extended runtimes while providing the same light output as CR123’s. Some soldiers use the E-series lights for low profile ops & like the idea of carrying fewer cells on extended missions.

I always observe OPSEC & PERSEC. This forum will greatly expand my SOF knowledge & I’m excited to read a lot & post only when appropriate.

Thank you to all service members both active duty & prior duty.

Intro
 

Hello everyone.
I am currently researching as much as I can about SF before signing the papers. I am currently 31 and have had a very loud voice in my heart screaming at me to start this path. I am single, no kids, no criminal record, no drugs and no major debt. Looks like I am going to have to go through the NG to avoid age waivers....but that's why I am here. To get all the info I can and not rely on my recruiter or anyone else.
Thanks in advance to everyone here!

Intro
 

Hello all,

My name is Aaron, I grew up at Ft Bragg and then moved to Roanoke, VA where I finished high school.

I am currently stationed on Oahu, HI as a Satellite Controller. I am married as of last year, after a very long visa process for my wife to get here from Ireland. I have a German Shepherd who gives me a steady pace for swimming and rucking up these steep island mountains.

After high school I worked with my father as a carpenter in VA, where I became more of his friend and felt like we were catching up after so many years of him being deployed throughout the years. At 19 I met a girl from NC, bought my first house in her hometown, and used the skills I learned in VA to make pretty decent cash for myself. Of course that chapter ends with the relationship not working out, and I write that period off as a learning experience.

I remember working on my house around that time, now single and the only 21 year old kid with a mortgage on block, thinking what the hell am I doing? If I learned anything in that time it was that having a steady job and having my own home doesn't mean I lived a relevant life.

Growing up at Bragg and then working with my father after school, I absorbed enough beliefs in all his conversations, and all the team guys were there enough to have been my uncles anyway.

Even at a very young age I remember thinking I was surrounded by guys I wanted to grow up to be like. They all had a sense of pride in what they did, all would always say they would do it again, and that sense of family I feel I could reach out to if needed is still there even with close to 2 decades having passed. I don't know anyone else like group, and to serve with them would be an honor I could cherish for the rest of my days.

I did join as an 18x but during my Airborne physical in the middle of 11b, my scars from chest tubes were found (again, after I had been cleared at MEPS and signed the 18x contract) from when I was 4 after spontaneous pneumothorax. I was allowed to finish 11b thanks to the Drills, who argued I performed better than most, and then was put in a non-combat job shortly after. I am on my second tour as a satellite controller, and I recently requested to remove my profile ( "211111" that states I may use an inhaler as needed, no limitation) so that I may attend SFAS. I had been told many times that pneumothorax was an instant no go for selection, but motivated to get my career back on a path more towards my original contract, a little research clearly explained otherwise as long as my lungs are tested and working normally.

In the meantime I will keep enjoying the views around here with a ruck, and the most important advice my father gave me years ago for SFAS was "make sure you have freakin Cadillacs for boots", so time to experiment with a few different pairs.

Hats off to all the long tabs, hopefully I will get my chance to serve soon.

Aaron

JW Intro
 

27yr old prior E5 Navy (Helo SAR swimmer/ 60 crewchief) and recent college grad. I was looking to go SF via the officer route (OCS), but the timeline to get there is much longer than what I would prefer to do. Hopefully my prior E5 wavier for enlistment goes through...atleast the 1SGT believes it will...we'll see.

Great site and I appreciate the information and any useful advice is welcomed.

darrylg Intro
 

Was part of 1/12 SFGA at Richards Gebaur AFB 1983. 4 years active duty with B Co 2/75 Ranger and C Co (Airborne) 4/23 Inf, Ft Rich, AK. ETS'd and asked local recruiter about area USAR units and was directed to 1/12 SFGA for interview. SGM Cline told me to get a haircut and shave and welcome. Worked in BN S2 for a year.

finally!
 

Ive been waiting for this.
Hey guys im Derek a 16 year old (17 in two hours) thats been intent on becoming a green beret since i was just about 6 years old. I find it my ultimate goal in life. Alot of family members of mine were in green berets early sog and larp so i really want to pass on the tradition (aside from being a master don juan but thats personal lol) i was only influenced by one video game which i can say proudly because every other kid is influenced by cod or some other bullshit. I was influenced by metal gear- metal gear solid series which was carried out by former green beret soldiers that would sabatoge a enemy base solo stealthily and with weapons and equipment OSP even though it is highly unlikely that theres a unit like pictured in metal gear so im over that but if there is a unit like that ill take it. Because the reality show special ops mission featured a soldier doing a several solo simulation missions.

But anyway ill stick to reality and better myself for the chalenges i will have to face once i am in spfs and training.