Intro post
 

Greetings,

My name is Brian and it is great to be apart of this site! I have gained a lot of useful information from the QPs in many threads prior to going to SFQC in 2006 and throughout my attendance in the "Q" as a young 18E candidate. I have also returned many times to this site while deployed looking up great information on either MOS specific topics or relevant theater knowledge. It's been way to long to not be a member here!!

I graduated the "Q" in 2007 and was assigned to 1/10 SFG(A) as an 18E in late 2007. Since then I have served on multiple deployments across Eastern Europe, Africa and Afghanistan. It has been one hell of a ride with 10 years straight team time; serving on SFOD-As 0124, 0334,0316 and 0314-most of those years spent on MFF teams.

I am currently a 180A and serve as the TSD OIC for 10th SFG(A). I have 20 years of overall military service (also had a three year break in service before I came back in and went SF). Prior MOS's include; 11C, 88N, and of course 18E.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in some worthwhile conversations and lend some knowledge and experience as well as continue learning from others and adding to my toolbox-this is a great place to do both!

Love the job, love the brotherhood,

DOL!

Welcome aboard. You just missed me, I left the committee as a civ instructor in Sep 06 to go up to DOT-D. However I frequent the committee at least 2X a week All the Civ instructor gang are still there. Doing good things.

Keep on driving on... DOL

Welcome back to the site Chief.

Thanks, I've been back a few times to visit myself. The old compound is set up quite different now from when I attended the course. I wont forget all the damn p.t. we did out in those woods before class! :lifter

Thanks PRB! Ahhh, just kicking myself for waiting so long to become a member here!

Intro
 

Hey gents,

Infantry Officer in the USMC(R). Cop in my other life. Currently downrange and had an opportunity to spend a day with an ODA Tm for some down time training. Great group of guys. True professionals and incredibly generous with their time for my Marines.

Until now I knew basically zero about Army SF/ODA. Had no idea there was a reserve option through the NG. Was planning on getting out after this pump and focussing on civ life, but this experience has me reconsidering. I've been researching the USMC officer to NG SF enlisted process. As a grunt officer in a rifle company, you're spoiled by being given the best job up front (Plt Cmdr), and that time is coming to an end for me.

This site has been a tremendous resource. I've sent a request for info via the generic email addresses to the Rhode Island (19) and Massachusetts (20) units to find out about any upcoming SFREs when I get back home. Waiting to hear back. Email/WhatsApp is my only comm capability at the moment.

Shoot me a PM, I am from South Philadelphia and will be attending SFREs with NC (20th). There are a few this summer.

Introduction
 

Good afternoon,

I have been observing this forum as a guest since I began my train-up for SFAS about six months ago. I am thankful, and happy to say that all of my questions have been answered by those who have contributed to this wealth of knowledge in the past. I recently enlisted under a REP-63 contract with the Utah ARNG and as my ship date approaches (September) I plan on posting regularly to the "What are you currently doing to prepare for SFAS or SFRE" Thread as it is one of many that has helped me to train.

My name is Max and I am 22 years old. I speak Swedish and am currently working on French and Spanish. I am a certified EMT and a fabricator by trade. After trying to enlist for almost a year all I can say is that every day is a step forward and a chance to become stronger. This forum is a wonderful tool to help with that goal. I hope one day to be able to contribute to this forum as a QP but today I am thankful for the knowledge at hand.

Sincerely,

Max

Greetings all from Oz.
Need to be pardoned for using a wrong page.
I came here specifically to remember the SF ambiance; to try to find info about a former and eternal love.
As well I was hoping to connect with anyone who RnRd in Sydney, specifically at the Oceanic Hotel Coogee. My brother was the young manager there in late 60s and 70s. There were friendships made and lost. He is battling prostate cancer and we often talk about that wonderful time.Lots of you came back 3 and even 4 times.
Thought it might be a way to cheer him up as he is great at recognising names. He attended some of your weddings and generally hid you from JAG. I am his little sister and sat in awe and wonder listening to your stories.
Anyway. Nice to be here.
We just heard that our navy pilots were lasered by chinese "trawlers" in the south china seas. Who knows? Maybe you'll be back here some day to back up the 19000 marines stationed at Darwin!
Ciao ladies and gents...off for a surf.

Hello,

I was in the Army for a little under two years and was discharged for misconduct. After several recruiters and years of trying to get back in, last year I got a misconduct waiver approved and re-enlisted onto active duty. Though I passed at MEPS, I failed the hearing test at 30th AG and was medically discharged within a month. I am currently trying to re-enlist again, my goal is to become a Special Forces soldier. I came to this site to learn as much as I can and to seek a mentor.

iintc22,

You may want to ask yourself if a military career path is for you. Not trying to dissuade you from achieving your dream of going SF but from the past issues you listed it doesn't look like things are stacking up in your favor. I admire the never quit attitude and your lofty goals but some times you have to call it what it is...a spade is a spade type thing. However if you continue to pursue your military re-entry I wish you the best of luck. Your 25m target should just focus on getting back in the door-the SF path is still a 1000m shot. In the mean time you can learn a lot just from visiting the other forums and posts available in this site.

In response to your PM (not sure if you got my response there due to latency issues on my computer):

I served all my regular Army time before I went SF. I had a three year break in service and when I came back in on active duty they re-classed me from the Infantry to the Transportation Core. Umm, yeah that. I guess at the time the Transportation Core were getting blown up with IEDs causing a deficit in all MOSs. When I came back in my sole purpose was to go SF, the MOS change didn’t exempt me from attending SFAS…and the rest is history.

As for your question about how commands view guys going over to the SOF side of the house…depends on the command. In the Infantry I saw a lot of my peers get black listed by the units; platoon leadership would keep them busy with details as much as possible reducing their personal time to train up. This made some really late nights for most guys. However, this wasn’t the case for me, since I was re-classed to a soft skill MOS and being the only Infantry guy in the unit coupled with extreme motivation to not serve the rest of my career in that God forsaken MOS-I out performed everybody in the unit, won a bunch of awards for them and also became the lead master trainer for all BN Infantry skill level tasks/training. The latter put me in good graces with the BC and CSM, additionally I scored over 300 on the PT test extended scale allowing me to be able to conduct my own training during morning PT instead of doing unit exercises. So within less than a year in the unit I passed selection, while awaiting orders for SFQC the unit just basically left me alone. From what I’ve seen and heard my case wasn’t the norm. Most (defiantly not all) guys that try out for SF tend to be high unit performers and leaders. Senior NCOs and CMDRs don’t like to lose their talent or experienced guys so they make life a lot harder. Some are just jealous or emotional due to maybe having tried out themselves and getting non-selected, some feel you are betraying the unit by wanting to leave or possibly just being too afraid to even try out themselves (fear of failure).

Just to note; commanders cannot stop someone from attending SFAS unless they are deployed/deploying or have an extenuating circumstance. Once you get a go from an SF recruiter and get orders to attend SFAS the rest is on you. You can let the chain of command know what your intentions are out of curtesy but they can’t stop you just because they don’t want you to leave the unit. Again if this happens, it might be a battle and not an easy process to overcome with the unit but not impossible.

Lastly, when I came back in on active status an 18X program was not available for me as well. In hindsight this was a good thing. SOPC is a great course for physical conditioning-most guys that go through it are PT/ruck marching studs. I did know a few prior service guys that got into the program, but hated it being older more experienced guys with families because they were always under cadre control (resembling the basic training environment). For example, the after our class was selected and we got back to main post all the SOPC guys had to go back to the barracks and clean for a GI inspection while all the regular Army dudes got to go out and celebrate and smash beers together.

Anyway, wish you the best of luck on your journey through your own circumstances-just make wise, informed decisions.

New On Board
 

Greetings. I'm a retired support soldier who served in SF. My father was an original SF soldier, KIA in Vietnam. I look forward to learning some history and making connections.

Welcome. I am sure you will find some old friends.

Welcome aboard, Hank :lifter

Active duty from 08-14. Non selected in October-nov 2011 class. 257. Oef oif 15Q

Introduction
 

I graduated from SFTG in 1968.

Before that I spent three years majoring in electrical engineering and working offshore in the summers before dropping out and joining the Army. My father’s oilfield work moved us around a lot and along the way I’d learned to speak some Spanish.

I was recruited on graduation from basic at Ft. Polk, did 12B AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood followed by jump school at Benning and then SFTG as an 05B. I can still copy CW, though a lot more slowly than back then, and I still remember the GRC109 as well as how much that damned generator weighed in the field.

Then it was TDY to DLIEC at Ft. Myer where I improved my Spanish followed by assignment to the 8th Group at Gulick. Graduated from AFTSS there, along with the NCO Academy.

Looking back I have no idea why, but I volunteered for Nam and requested assignment to the 5th group. When I got to Bien Hoa the Army had other ideas. They assigned me to Co F, 75th Rangers as a LRRP team leader. Being smart people, the Rangers sent me to Recondo School in Nha Trang before they’d trust me with a team – a good thing.

After graduating from Recondo school I ran LRRP operations out of Cu Chi until ETS in 1970. I intended to go back to school when I got out, but college life looked like a bad fit so I went back to work offshore, another good thing.

When I came back to school a year later I had a better attitude and a very committed approach as well as a wife and the GI Bill. I worked part time while earning a BS in marketing and used the rest of the GI Bill to get my MBA.

I was a graduate assistant for a marketing professor while working on my masters, and the two of us started a Midwestern B to B ad agency & direct mail firm when I got out of school. Seventeen years later I sold out and returned to Louisiana where I started another ad agency, this time with a more industrial focus, and today I’m semi-retired, staying in decent shape for an old man and enjoying life.

I’m here to listen and learn about how much things have changed in the last 50 years, and to continue to be amazed at how much better trained, better equipped and more fit you all are than I was.

Thanks for reading this.

De Oppresso Liber

How’s it going gents? My name is Sean I am 21 years old, I have been on the website for a few years and haven’t logged in since 2017. I am currently on my second deployment and have been surrounded by some SF guys and they along with my squad leader going to SFAS in the fall have influenced me to look into going myself. I have 19 months left in the army and I am going to Ranger school in September then deploying again shortly after graduation. My intent is to re-enlist on deployment get the 6 month college deal, PRK and then eventually drop a packet for SFAS. I will school myself up with the multitude of information provided here.

Thanks,
Sean
RLTW <3>

Introduction
 

Hallo,

Appreciate your acceptance. Enlisted as an Infantryman in the TX ARNG and waiting to ship out. Came here to be quiet, learn and soak up as much information and wisdom possible.

Thanks

Hello,

An 18Xray currently in airborne school excited to go to selection. I’m a fairly fit individual but I can always get better. I made an account before I left for OSUT and been browsing this site for a few months before that. I’m getting relatively close to game day and want to post some on the site.

Cheers

Hello everyone,

I spent an enlistment in the National Guard as a 12N and worked my civilian job as a Law Enforcement Officer in Missouri. After my National Guard Contract ended I enlisted as an 18X in the Regular Army around Dec 2018.

I was selected in class 07-19 and am currently waiting to start the SFQC.

I have been lurking on this board for quite some time, thank you for this open source of valuable information.

Cheers /885

Introduction
 

Hello,

I'm a 25 year-old master's student based in Boston seriously considering joining after I graduate. REP-63/18X or bust.

Hopeful about the perspectives and advice I'd get here :D

I've been on here for a while, however just recently finished the course and will be staying in NC as an 18B. I am unsure what the vetting requirements are but I can provide whatever is needed.

I am mostly just reading, but I am interested in any input for a ~250 round, 25 meter flat range, rifle and pistol POI focused on intermediate level shooters. I'll make a post in the Bravo Training thread with what I have so far.

Introduction
 

Z

Welcome to all the FNG's

A small learning moment:
These two quotes are the antithesis of what to do and not do while a guest in our house.

DRS885 has posted once in two years and is now awaiting a Q date.

crocteeth93 posted 6 times in his 1st week and is now BANNED


My point??

Until such time as you have something worth saying, I would strongly suggest you spend a lot of time reading, searching and keeping YOUR MOUTH SHUT.

Hints:

• Find the Reaper's post "A Message to Garcia" read it, then read it again
• Use your google-foo and hunt for your answers, both here and on the web.
• Ask questions sparingly, there are no "new and improved" questions. Someone has already answered it. Just remember that color, date, temperature, and altitude are universal variables and don't alter the answer.

Did I tell you to find and use the SEARCH button??


Be advised, There are several titles you can earn while here.

• At the top of the list are those with Quiet Professional. They are vetted BTDT Special Forces qualified members..
  
• At the bottom are those with FTFSI & BANNED,, Don't be Carl and WIN either of these monikers.

Additionally, learn the use 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.. Proper names, addresses, unit locations....

This is a protective warning, Nuff Said??

For those that strive to become a QP, congratulation and good luck.

For the families, Thank you for your support. Your loved ones will need 110%.

For those on AD, Reserve, & Guard here for an education, Thank you for your service..

Intro
 

Hello all,

I am a 24 year old recent college grad from VA. I majored in Intelligence Analysis and minored in Middle Eastern Communities and Migrations. I've been in the VA Guard for nearly 6 years as a 15T.

I have been a long time lurker and I'm finally getting around to posting because I ETS from the Guard in about a month and hope to obtain an 18X slot as soon as that time comes. I'd like to be able to share any useful info I pick up through the process to other 18X hopefuls, if appropriate and allowed.


Thanks to all who run and contribute to this forum, it has been a tremendously helpful resource.

As JJ stated, welcome FNG's and good luck with your endeavors.

And yeah, take heed of JJ_BPK's advice

New Guy
 

Hello, my name is Alex. I'm a college student about to graduate in 20 or 21. I have wanted to be a soldier since age 8. Yet I didn't know what branch or job until I heard of Green Beret- US Army Special Forces. I don't come from a military family, my great grandfather fought in WWI, and my grandfathers served (Enlisted in last hours of WWII), they are the only member of the family who served. I heard this website from a book called Get Selected! for Special Forces: How to Successfully Train for and Complete Special Forces Assessment & Selection. I plan to go to officer candidate school and see I can get in 18x. My question is what the Green Berets job, is it remotely close to the movies Green Beret with John Wayne or The 12 Strong (I am aware they're movies, not a solid documentary). My second is what are officers to be expected is it more than leading your squad or platoon to battles? I would appreciate any response or critiques.

Introduction
 

Hey everyone! I've been a longtime lurker on this site and am just now getting around to posting this introduction.

I am a 20-year-old civilian. I earned my Associate's Degree back in the Fall of 2018 and have decided to put my education on hold in order to pursue a career in the Army Special Forces.

I am not yet sure whether I will enlist with an 18x contract or 11x. I know the Special Forces benefit from older and much more experienced men than I, so 11x seems like the right choice. However, I've also heard that if a career in Special Forces is definitely what I want, then why wait? It's something I will struggle with for a while, as I have A LOT of work to do on myself physically before I can even consider a career in the Regular Army.

I will continue to search on Google and this forum for any information that may help me answer the "am I too young and inexperienced for Special Forces?" question myself.

In the meantime, I'll go do PT.

Thanks for having me!

Hello From Southern California
 

Hey everyone,

I’m a 30 year old, married father of two. I have no previous military service. I earned a BA in Political Science back in 2011, but have worked in Behavioral Health (therapy for kids with autism) and public utilities (I work for a major natural gas provider in California as a Field Technician, trying to get into our Distribution department).

I’m currently seeking a Rep-63 Contract through Utah and the opportunity to enter the SF Pipeline. I have a load of questions regarding my particular situation (possibly commuting to and from Utah for drill, transferring to the CA Guard SF Battalion, etc), but those can wait. There’s a long journey ahead.

I have been going through the threads to soak up as much as possible and will do my best to adhere to the standards and do my own legwork in my pursuits. I’m glad and thankful to be here, to have access to the knowledge and wisdom of current and veteran Snake Eaters. I’m here to learn and to speak as little as possible. Thank you.

Introduction
 

Greetings,

First off I would like to thank all the Special Forces soldiers for their dedicated service and sacrifice for this country and their brothers in arms. Also thank you for your willingness to share your vast knowledge on this site to help others on their path to SF.

I am a 22 year old college student in my senior year of my engineering degree program. I am also a 13J in the Army National Guard. My goal is to go to SFAS in the spring of 2020, when I graduate college and my NG contract is up.

I have used this site since high school to learn and research about SF. I am very thankful for the QPs on this site for all the information I have gained over the years and have the upmost respect for the job you do.

Now back to PT.

Howdy from Texas
 

Hello all on Professional Soldiers,

I currently am a college sophomore going for a Civil Engineering major.
I plan on finishing out this semester and then shipping off with an 18X.

I have already met with my local recruiter the past few weeks and I am working on my paperwork to go to MEPS.

January is when I am aiming for a spot at 18X. So until then, I will be reading "Get Selected", along with other books recommended within Get Selected.

I have been physically preparing just for SF since this summer with Hard To Kill fitness programs.

Ever since I found out about SF I immediately knew I wanted to join.
Thanks to all of the Quiet Professionals and prospective Green Berets for imparting your knowledge to us!

How you guys doing today I'm so happy to find this forum... I'm a 38 male currently just got back in the New York national guard heading to ocs summer of 2020 I'm a Narcotics detective in the Bronx. Hopeing to branch infantry and put in a package to go to sfas after the required time in rank. Looking forward to learning about sf life and the pipeline.

Intro
 

Hey everyone,

I am a prior service Naval Aircrewman. Separated a few years ago and worked as a contractor while finishing my bachelor's degree. Now a few weeks away from completing my master's degree and in the meantime I ruck, run, and do calisthenics daily in preparation for the 18X route.

Thank you to all those who contribute to this community and to those that fight for the protection of my freedoms.

INTRO
 

Sup Brochachos,

I am a AD Marine. PCSing to 2nd Mar Div soon, wish I could have stayed at 1st Marines. Thinking about going 18E after this contract or doing an early sep towards the end.

Respect to everyone who serves.

INTRODUCTION
 

Hello, I am 27 and Prior Service Army. I joined the military when I was 19 in the Hopes of going to Special Forces and was never given the chance while on Active Duty...Ive never really had big issues in the PT aspects as I usually score in the low 300's (extended scales) while in and even now while i've been going to school using the G.I Bill... I've been working out/running/rucking on and off and staying active every single day while also reading and doing brain games, push-ups/sit-ups/ and many other workouts to improve my over all focus and memory skills while being fatigued. I am currently working with a local Recruiter to obtain a 18X contract in the hopes of getting a shot at selection this go around. I have been reading and Taking Notes from the GET SELECTED!!! book for a about a week now while also reading "The Ugly American" "masters of chaos" "chosen soldier" and studying hard to re-take the ASVAB while I am in the The Police Academy at a local C.C. My first go-around I only got a 98 GT score, so I got a private tutor at the local Community College helping me out and teaching me new test-taking techniques I had no idea even existed before to get my scores above 110. I found this site while researching the the SF Groups and their history and areas of operation around the globe. I am here to learn and study and take in as much helpful guidance as I can from the "Quite Professionals" and make sure I prepare the right way (smarter NOT harder) and can become an asset to a ODA some day, if I actually am Selected...

-Thank You All For Your Great Service, Sacrifices, And Commitment to Our Great Nation along with the Mentorship you Show those willing to attempt your unique way of life and the understanding of it...again thank you.

I’m currently serving in the Army at Ft Hood as a mechanic (91b), I plan on going through SFAS in April 2020 I’m excited but know I got to work hard before going. It’s a dream of mine I think about it constantly.

Good luck, if I can do it, you can also. I started out as a mechanic (63B). I also know several who have been mechanics as well.

Greetings fellas,

I have been a lurker on this board for sometime and have used it as a resource to prepare for the Army. I have been fortunate to obtain an 18x contract for next year and am ready to get after it. Currently I am 29 years old, work as a farmer, and grew up as a swimmer, wrestler, and lacrosse player. I have been using Atomic Athlete’s War Machine program for a few months now. I am thankful for this forum as a resource and the guys who dedicate time to help us out.

Thank you,
Rackem

Greetings!
 

I’m Andrew W. Currently active duty getting ready for my first PCS. Originally from California. Looking forward to some sound advice. Went to selection last November and came unprepared for land nav. Spent too much time focusing on the end goal and not enough on my 25m target.