The yuppie awakening
 

I'm a soldier in the NJARNG and currently at the beginning of the SF assessment process with the MDARNG. I deployed to Iraq twice; once as an 88M and again as an 11A. I have a degree in mechanical engineering but I work as a quantitative research associate for a New York hedge fund where I develop trading algorithms.

I've served with some terrific (and some not-so-terrific) soldiers and now that I'm approaching my ten-year mark I've decided that I have an obligation to do more if it's within my abilities. I'll leave that determination to the SF assessors.

Hello to All
 

My name is Jordan, I am 24 and reside in Pennsylvania. I have been lurking on this site for quite some time now; years actually. I took the first real step towards my goal of becoming an SF soldier last week by signing up for active duty 11b, shipping in January 2013. I was unable to get the 18x due to a med waiver, so I will have to come in through another door so to speak.

Hi all, my name is Tai I'm 18 years old and from Virginia. I've been interested in joining SF since I was 14. I plan on joining SF after college in 3 years and I want to go 18D. I've done a lot of research on SF and I am sure that that is what I want to do. I'll be 3rd generation Army Airborne so I feel like it is something I have to do as well. Through this forum I hope to get as much information and insight into Sf as possible to help me get where I want to be.

Thanks!

Hello, I’m a 23 year old college grad (Saint Louis University, Class of 2011). I enlisted with an 18X contract back in February and I’m waiting to ship out. I want to thank all the QPs for the wealth of knowledge on this site. I look forward to following in the footsteps of the great men that have gone before me.

I'm in the Illinois National Guard right now. I'm not seriously considering SF, but I have found this site to be a great resource for training tips for another Army program I am trying to join.

Hello all, I'm Mike and am an 18 x-ray awaiting to ship out to Benning in October. This site has been a great source of knowledge and inspiration and I look forward to interacting with the QP's and everyone else involved with the site in my remaining four months home.

Introduction.
 

I am retired from the military. I did not serve in the Special Forces, but have had many colleagues who did. They were always professional and highly competent in performing their duties. While I have an interest in the history and role of Special Forces, my primary goal is to gain a better understanding of the mental toughness, tenacity, and dedication to purpose required to become a "Quiet Professional."
So my interest is mainly academic. I am not going to write any papers or try to conduct any studies or surveys. I just appreciate the opportunity to quietly observe and learn.

My name is Thomas. I have worked in the EMS for 1/20th SFG(A) for about 5 years now. I just found this site on google so thought I would join.

My name is Whit. I just enlisted in the Colorado ARNG at age 30 looking forward to a rewarding career. Hoping to gain insights and advice on training and mindset as I push forward.

Hi all
 

Hi all, 1st SFG from 2000-2011 18B3W, good to find a forum like this, let me know if ya need any vetting answers or docs. Cheers.

Hello from Canberra, Australia
 

Hello to all members. I saw service in the Australian Regular Army in the 1980s, peacetime, and have always had an interest in military history.

I have written a novel which is to be published in the US next spring, earlier if possilble. The protagonist or hero in the novel is a former Special Forces operative from the fictional 4th Special Forces Group.

Apart from the interesting stories and other information here, I have joined your forum in the hope that I can develop some contacts which would be willing to review some aspects of my writing. I want to ensure that I portray the USSF in the very best possible light and for the descriptions of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq to be authentic.

Anyways, many Australians like me have great affection for the USA and the alliance we have developed with you over the years. If I am out of line in coming to your forum asking for assistance, then I respectfully apologise.

Certa cito

Not a problem. Several of us have critiqued Manuscripts before they were published and for the same reasons you stated.

Later
Martin

Help with novel
 

Well thanks for that Ambush Master.

The material is available, only 9,000 words.

I guess pm me if you can help. Men that have served in Afghanistan and Iraq preferred, but hey I am happy for anyone who has an interest in books and stories.

I will quietly have a look around, not here to make a noise on what isn't my forum.

regards to all

Bio Sketch
 

BIOGRAPHY OF RONALD (RON) A. SHACKLETON

TITLE: COLONEL (RET), U.S. ARMY

DATES OF SERVICE: 13 MAY 1952 – 31 JANUARY 1982

DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 12 JANUARY 1931 - NEWARK, N.J.

EDUCATION: 1948 – 1950 ST LOUIS UNIVERSITY, ST LOUIS, MO (BUSINESS)
1950 – 1952 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, STILLWATER, OK (BUSINESS MANAGEMENT)
1971 – 1972 GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, D.C. (MS INETRNATIONAL AFFAIRS)

MILITARY SCHOOLING

1952 - INFANTRY OFFICER BASIC COURSE, FT BENNING, GA
1952 - AIRBORNE SCHOOL, FT BENNING, GA
1953 - JUMPMASTER SCHOOL, FT BENNING, GA
1954 - CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCHOOL, ETA JIMA, JAPAN
1957 - RANGER SCHOOL, FT BENNING, GA
1957 - AIR/GROUND OPERATIONS, KEESLER AFB, MS
1959 - INFANTRY OFFICER ADVANCE COURSE, FT BENNING, GA
1961 - SPECIAL FORCES OFFICER COURSE, JFKSWC, FT BRAGG, N.C.
1963 - BRITISH COUNTER-TERRORIST SCHOOL, JUHARA BARU, MALAYSIA
1963 - USARPAC COUNTERINSURGENCY COURSE, OKINAWA
1965 - COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE, FT LEAVENWORTH, KS
1967 - INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE OF THE ARMED FORCES (CORRESPONDENCE)
1968 - COLD WEATHER AND MOUNTAIN SCHOOL, FT GREELY, AK
1968 - JUNGLE OPERATIONS SCHOOL, FT SHERMAN, PANAMA
1968 - SENIOR OFFICER PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE COURSE, FT KNOX, KY
1971 - AIR/GROUND OPERATIONS, RAMSTEIN AFB, GERMANY
1972 - NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE, FT MCNAIR, WASHINGTON D.C.
1977 - SECURITY ASSISTANCE MANAGEMENT COURSE, DEF INST SEC ASS, WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH
1977 - DEFENSE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT COURSE, FT LEE, VA
1977 - SECURITY ASSISTANCE MANAGEMENT COURSE, INSTITUTE MILITARY ASSISTANCE, FT BTAGG N.C.
1977 - INTERDEPARTMENTAL STUDIES, FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, ROSLYN, VA

DUTY ASSIGNMENTS

JAN 1953 - PLATOON LEADER/BN ADJUTANT, 325 AIRBORNE INFANTRY REGT, 82D ABN DIV, FT BRAGG, N.C.
JAN 1954 - EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMPANY B, 15TH INF REGT, 3D INF DIV, KOREA
OCT 1954 - COMMANDER, COMPANY L, 21ST INF REGT, 24TH INF DIV, KOREA
JUN 1955 - ASST PMS&T, GEORGIA STATE UNIUVERSITY, ATLANTA, GA
JUL 1959 - COMMANDER, COMPANY B, 2D MECH BN, 54TH INF, FT KNOX, KY
JUL 1960 - COMMANDER, 522D ARMORED ENGINEER COMPANY, 2D MECH BN, 54TH INF, FT KNOX, KY
JAN 1961 - S3, 2D MECHANIZED BN, 54TH INF, FT KNOX, KY
SEP 1961 - COMMANDER, SPECIAL FORCES A DETACHMENT, COMPANY A, 1ST SFG, OKINAWA
JAN 1962 - COMMANDER, SPECIAL FORCES DETACHMENT, CLASSIFIED MISSION TO VIETNAM (BUON ENAO)
SEP 1962 - ASST S3, 1ST SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, OKINAWA
JAN 1963 - INSTRUCTOR, USARPAC COUNTERINSURGENCY SCHOOL, OKINAWA
JUN 1963 - DEPUTY COMMANDANT, MATSUDA TRAINING/R&D FACILITY, 1ST SPECIAL FORCES GROUP OKINAWA
JAN 1964 - S3, COMBINED FORCES, EXERCISE AUMEE, TAIPEI, TAIWAN
JUN 1965 - OPERATIONS OFFICER, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, EMERGENCY COMMAND POST AFLOAT, NORFOLK, VA
JUN 1967 - S4, DEPARTMENT OF TACTICS, CORPS OF CADETS, WEST POINT, NY
JUL 1968 - COMMANDER, 1ST INF BN, 1ST INF REGT, WEST POINT, N.Y.
AUG 1969 - S1, 5TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, NHA TRANG, VIETNAM
OCT 1969 - COMMANDER, 3D BN, 5TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, DANANG, VIETNAM
SEP 1971 - ASSIST CHIEF OF STAFF, G4, 4TH ARMORED DIVISION, GOEPPENGEN, GERMANY
AUG 1972 - ASST CHIEF OF STAFF, G3, USAJFK CENTER, FT BRAGG, N.C.
MAR 1973 - COMMANDER, 7TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, FT BRAGG, N.C.
SEP 1974 - DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, G1, XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS AND FORT BRAGG, FT BRAGG, N.C.
JAN 1977 - DEPUTY COMMANDANT, DEFENSE INSTITUTE OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE, WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

SILVER STAR
LEGION OF MERIT (3 AWARDS)
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS BRONZE STAR W/V (5 AWARDS
BRONZE STAR (2 AWARDS)
PURPLE HEART
AIR MEDAL W/V (5 AWARDS)
AIR MEDAL (3 AWARDS)
DEFENSE MERITORIOUS MEDAL
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (2 AWARDS)
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMENDATION MEDAL
ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL (4 AWARDS)

SERVICE MEDALS

ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL W/STAR
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (2 AWARDS)
KOREAN SERVICE MEDAL
UNITED NATIONS SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL W/4 STARS
VIETNAMESE GALLANTRY CROSS W/SILVER STAR
VIETNAMESE HONOR MEDAL FIRST CLASS
VIETNAMESE MERITORIOUS MEDAL 2D CLASS
VIETNAMESE GALLANTRY CROSS W/PALM
VIETNAMESE CIVIL ACTION MEDAL
BRAZILIAN PEACE MEDAL

BADGES

COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE
EXPERT INFANTRY BADGE
SPECIAL FORCES TAB
MASTER PARACHUTE BADGE
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF BADGE
RANGER TAB
JUNGLE EXPERT PATCH
THAI PARACHUTE BADGE
VIETNAMESE PARACHUTE BADGE
REPUBLIC OF CHINA PARACHUTE BADGE
REPUBLIC OF KOREA PARACHUTE BADGE
CANADIAN PARACHUTE BADGE
BRAZILLIAN PARACHUTE BADGE

EMPLOYMENT

1982-1990 - DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL MISSILES, LTV AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE COMPANY, DALLAS TX
1990-1993 –DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, VOUGHT AIRCRAFT COMPANY, DALLAS, TX,

PUBLICATIONS

VILLAGE DEFENSE: INITIAL SPECIAL FORCES IN VIETNAM, PHOENIX PRESS, 1975

ORGANIZATIONS

OKLAHOMA STATE “O” CLUB, ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
SPECIAL FORCES DECADE ASSOCIATION
INDUCTED NEWARK, NEW JERSEY ATHLETC HALL OF FAME

/\/\/\/\

Welcome Sir....I think ya mighta scared some folks off with that Bio...

Job(s) well done..Nice to have ya board.

For some adult supervision at times...;)

Introduction
 

Hello everyone. I'm editing this post because my life has made some dramatic changes and it's been more than a year since I've returned to this forum. Today I am a 35P Arabic Crypto Linguist serving in the CA NG. I have spent the last 6 months doing everything I can to switch to Active Duty Army and on Friday May 17, my luck finally changed for the better. After a lot of drama over PRK surgery, I have finally cleared medical and will be enlisting with an 18X contract without a waiver, obviously, either this week or the next, so long as the contracts don't close. I have learned a lot being in my Guard unit. I've met many great NCO's. Most of them have been in either LRS or LRRP units. A handful have actually had the opportunity to serve as support for SOCOM and have worked along side Rangers and SF soldiers. They've taught me a lot about being a soldier, they helped me to become more humble and understanding of my place in this long food change of service members, and more than anything they've fed my dreams to become a Special Forces soldier. My wife has always been there to push me when it seems all the Administrative BS of being Prior Service is going to keep me down. I've suffered training injuries (I used to have a hard time knowing when to stop) and when I thought I was too young to have what it takes, she reminded me that I want it too bad to give up like such a punk. When I think of what being a soldier means I think of Special Forces. It's not that they're cooler. It's not their beards. It's not their gear. It's not their guns. It's not Call of Duty. It's their commitment. I've been blessed with chance encounters with NCO's from 19th SF and you can just see and hear that they are men who have gone and will continue to go above and beyond the usual. They serve with a kind of distinction that demands respect and acknowledgment that they don't really ask for from anyone else. That's been my experience and my plan is to one day inspire a young man the way I've been inspired by the SF soldiers I'VE met. I plan to one day have the honor of serving with the men who give more than need be for the sake of others. I will go through hell and back for this chance. And I know like many young men I'm here "talking the talk" and that begs the question, can I "walk the walk?" In all honesty I don't know. I train hard both mentally and physically. Every thing I do is aimed to make me a better candidate for SF. All I know is what I repeat to myself when I'm exhausted, "Cast or Tab Rivera. Cast or Tab." Thank you gentlemen. If it's alright with you, I hope to see you soon.

Scared is a huge f'n understatement.

Adult supervision required. ;)

awww crap, not this crap again....

The term is SOLDIER...ya wanna be an operator....go look up Lilly Tomlin....if ya even know who she is

Intro
 

Hello Everyone,

I am 26 and have been privileged to grow up in the mountains of Colorado. My pursuit of the outdoors, hunting, guiding, SAR and wilderness medicine has led me to this next step.

I recently signed my 18x contract and look forward to this opportunity to become an 18D.

Thank you to those who have gone before me. There is a lot of incredibly useful information here.

Hello all, I'm Lewis. I'm 23 and live in western North Carolina. I'm a mechanic by trade, been at it for almost 7 years now. Have had the calling for the SF life for sometime now and I'm finally in the spot to pursue what I feel is my destiny. I'm on here looking for training advice and some help with questions. I've been on here for a good while before I even posted my intro. I also want to thank all of the QP's on here for their dedication to what they do, and hope to be along side them one day.

I am newly minted 2LT branched Infantry.
22 years old, graduated from University of Texas with a degree in history.
I am airborne and air assault qualified and did SMP (simultaneous membership program- allows cadets to drill with local NG units) with an airborne unit and was put on jump status. I have 14 jumps completed with T10, T11, and MC-1.
I have my eyes set on ranger school for the time being. Not putting to much thought on the SF community until I have reached that point in time.

Here primarily to creep the boards, listen and learn from the best.

Post Deleted

Introduction
 

Hello, I am 28 and originally from Indiana. I entered the military at 17, enlisting into the Marines as a 0621 (Field Radio Operator). Only deployed once for the initial push into Iraq (I was with 1st MARDIV, Task Force Tarawa). I did a couple of things here and there while I was in, including getting my B.S. in CJ at Ball State, but EAS'ed in 2009. I have been a probation officer ever since, but working in the CIV environment where everyone is only out for themselves has been agonizing, to say the least.

I want nothing more than to be a part of something great and bigger than myself, and I've always had nothing but admiration for the professionals of SF. So I went to talk to a recruiter back in January, and enlisted under the 18x pipeline for SF. I've been working my butt off in my attempt to ready myself for what's to come, but I've come to the realization that I'll never be ready enough. I'm lucky to have the support of my wife and two boys in this endeavor, so letting them and myself down isn't an option. I ship 07302012, and couldn’t be more excited!

Intro...
 

Nimen Hao. My name is Will. I am an 18D from 1SFG(A).
I've been assigned to 3-1, 1-1, and the SORB. Currently on assignment to return to Fort Lewis in a bout a month...

Introduction
 

As a non-prior service civilian, I am here to learn and observe in order to make an informed decision about a career in Special Forces.

Thank you in advance for your time and the resources you provide for free.

Introduction
 

I'm a national guard soldier that is working to get a support position with 20th SFG (A) in FL. I have a MI backround and am currently a contactor. I want to work towards going to selection and eventually becoming an 18F. I will probably not post again after this as I'm here to read and learn. I've already learned a lot. I appreciate all of you sharing your wealth of knowledge.

A little about me.
 

Buon Giorno,
I have been viewing this site and looking over the forums for a while before I chose to try to gain permission to join this site. I found that this site has a wealth of knowledge then any others that are relating to Special Forces.
I am ReapingWolf and am an 18 X-ray, this took alot of time and struggle just to achieve this just to achieve this designation. Now I can't wait for the psychological games and pyschical challenges of the pipeline, to gain something that I have ever wanted. Until that day comes and even when it comes I'll remember to " keep eyes and ears open and mouth shut" and be like spunge and absorb the wealth of knowledge that is around me, decipher it, before making a decision.
I have been in Tae Kwon Do for 22 years and a head tournament instructor for 10 years, I'm also an avid drummer, and chef.
If anyone would like to know more about me, just ask.:p

Introduction
 

I have a total of almost 10 years in the Army. I spent the first 4 years and 8 months station at Ft. Myer in Virginia and Ft. McNair in D.C. While stationed there with "The Old Guard" I was a part of many ceremonies and funerals. At the time I didn't think it was that exciting, but the more i look back on it the more i realize what i was a part of. I also did a 8 month deployment to HOA which was...interesting. I've been in the reserves for over 5 years now and will be deploying to Afghanistan shortly. I've always been interested in the SF lifestyle, my Dad was SF from 70-72 so it's always a community which has held a special place in my heart.

Reubadoob Intro
 

Gents,
It's been sometime since I have visited the forum and my initial Intro was lost. But now I'm back and this time it's personal. Ha. Looking at attending SFAS this fall/winter timeframe and hoping to glean as much information from the community prior to stepping off. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to learn.

Gentlemen,
I was recently extended an 18X contract so I am here to learn. Thank you in advance.

Joining SF
 

Greetings everyone,

My name is JC. I am a former Marine who served with 1st Battalion 5th Marines in Afghanistan. I am interested in join Special Forces.

Sincerely,

JC

Edited by Richard

Rakk Head Intro
 

Gentlemen,
I have been In the Army for 8 years I have spent all of my time between 1-187 IN Fort Campbell and the Ranger Training Brigade. I plan on doing my time as a Ranger Instructor then going to SFAS. Thank You to all the QP's for your time and information.

joining Special Forces
 

Greetings,
My name is Scott i served with 1st Battalion 3rd Marines in iraq and afghanistan. I am interested in joining Special Forces.


Sincerely
Scott
Team Sergeant Edit, no last names required.

Second Intro Post
 

Hello, I've been reading on this forum for quite a while and enjoy all of it. I'm not a member of the military but I've always wanted to join. If I am able to someday I'm sure that that all the knowledge and motivation I've gained here will help. Currently I'm a firefighter/EMT and a Mechanical Engineer. I really like reading through all of the forums about SF medicine and hope to get my Paramedic cert someday. Thank you for allowing us civilians to join this forum.

I'm re-posting my Intro because it was lost awhile back.

Mack

A Reservist college student with SF aspirations.
 

Greetings all. Glad to have found this site. I was one of those kids who wanted to go straight for SF after high school. Dad, a former paratrooper, convinced me to go to college first. He cited the medical reasons he was forced to leave the service and advised that no matter how good I was or how well I performed, there was the chance that something beyond my control could end my career before I wanted it ended.

Basically, he told me I was young enough to prepare against it without giving up my dream of getting into the Special Forces. So, I went and joined the Army Reserves to pay for college and I'm currently halfway through my second year as a full-time student, studying Video Game Art and Design.

After college, my reservist contract should be nearly over and the plan is to re-enlist and get an active duty contract in a combat arms MOS and spend that time training to get back into shape (and studying land nav like crazy) My goal is to be in an SFAS cycle within three years of graduation. If I'm first time go, great. If I'm not, I'll go home, fix my issues, and come back.

Being a Special Forces soldier has been a goal of mine since I was very young and the more I've learned about it, the more I want to be a part of it. It's a pleasure to have access to the information and advice provided here.
Glad to be introducing myself.

I have done one of these before, but its not showing me on my profile. Looking to join the army, and hopefully reach sf. Currently work at Verizon, live in Alabama. 22 years old.

Former SF and RVN vet, spent about six months as 1-2 on RT Maine, TF2AE (prev CCC) Aug 71 - Jan 72. Have been out of the loop for a while until contacted last year about our static-line combat jump. Can't really complain- got out, went back to college, graduated from medical school, raised a family, etc., but when I went back to Ft. Bragg a few weeks ago for a little get-together and got to meet some of my heroes from back in the day, I realized for the first time in a long while how much I missed the brotherhood. People nowadays ask me how we could have done the things we did, and I have to just smile and shake my head, but when I'm around you guys, I know, and no one has to ask the question. Hope to meet more of you in the near future.

Intro
 

Hello,


My name is John I'm 23 years old, Finally worked up enough courage to start my enlistment process.I contacted a recruiter took the ASVAB, passed the backround check, I need a waiver for a few things once thats all settled, I hope to be squared away as soon as possible...

Love-everything the US Army Special Forces represent in my opinion SF is the best in the world, period. And one day Id be honored to earn my rite to serve among the best this country has to offer....



-John

Tudo Bem?

My name is Mate and I'm going through the process of signing up as we speak. I'll be going the 'Guard route. I'm 23, and will be 24 here soon. My goal is to ship out before the end of this year, November - December time frame. I already feel like I have no time and I'm trying to learn as much as possible. I've been spending a lot of time reading any pertinent material regarding SF, and trying to pick some brains. I'm here to learn, and I understand that the key to receiving the right answers is to ask the right questions. I really appreciate the guys that take the time to make this site run and to run well. If there's anything I've missed, then I apologize for my lack of SA, and will quickly square myself away.

Thanks,
Mate

First Post
 

I have been reading on some of the forums and getting orientated to the website. I've been in the PA National Guard as an infantryman for five years. I am currently a weapons squad leader. While I was in Iraq (08-09) my platoon ended up working with an a-team for a few weeks. It was one of the best learning experiences of my life. Since then I have been trying to learn all I can about Special Forces and strongly considered the option of going to selection. I decided to finish college and then look at my options. I have found more and better information on this site than any other I have looked at so I am looking forward to continueing to learn so that I can best make my decision.

All input is strongly encouraged so that I can decide how best to precede.