Mentality of the SF Soldier
 

Hello Everyone,

I'm considering a future in the special operations forces community. But, I haven't been able to decide which branch would be more suitable. In particular, I'm considering either the SEALs or Special Forces. I'm aware of the general differences between the two groups' operations. As I understand it, SEALs are typically more involved in direct action missions, whereas Special Forces take on the role of teachers behind enemy lines. I realize it is not your responsibility to determine which route would be best for me and that, from a civilian, this may be a premature inquiry. Also, given the high attrition rate of both programs, it may be a moot concern. But, can you tell me whether there are any distinct differences between someone more suited to be a SEAL and someone more suited to be a Special Forces soldier based upon their mentality ? I attempt to read as much as I can about both groups, but this tells little regarding the type of individual best suited for one or the other. I hope it does not appear as though I'm attempting to cause trouble with this inquiry, as I know on other sites the discussion quickly turns to the "superiority" of one group or the other.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

LJ19,

Get a copy of "Get Selected",read it.....If you think you can cut the mustard that may be helpful in you decision.......

Big Teddy :munchin

There's definitely a difference in mentalities that you'll easily be able to tell by conversing with a few from each service. You might also want to read about what the SF missions are on our home page located under the "Tasks" section and view various videos located there as well.

My advice is that you must remember that, while your intentions are SF or SEAL, you are joining two very different services with a wealth of opportunities and history in each. So, you also need to research the two services and decide whether you want to be a sailor or a soldier foremost, in case things don't go the way you planned and also to motivate through all of the regular service BS we still put up with. I knew I wanted to be in the Army before I even decided on Special Forces.

Thank you for your responses.

Head was right-on.
My addition to his thoughts:
1) When you join the Army, your rank will be private: in the Navy you will be called a seaman. Do you really want to be called "seaman" which sounds a lot like "semen"?
2)Worst-case scenario: If you are on a Navy ship, get attacked, and sunk, you won't be able to swim across the ocean, so you drown or become shark crap. If you are in the Army and get overrun, you can run away.

Are we just standing around waiting for the drugs to take effect? Since when is this an introduction? And his profile. Please add a little meat to this"
About LJ19
Location
Northeast
Served in the following units.
Civilian
Interests
Reading
How did you hear about Professional Soldiers?
online search

And as for this question How about; 1) The search button is your friend or
2) Search more post less, or
3) Usually we wait a few posts before we start a thread.

Jeeze you guys. Are you all really sure he's a really pretty girl?

Dozer,Dozer,just when I thought you were starting to mellow..........:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Big Teddy :munchin

Holding you breath, were ya? :D
Seriously come 'mon guys. This is Special Forces questions. As in 'bring your questions to the 'mountain top" not "Ohhhhh, can I wear your hat?"stuff.

LJ,
Really you can do better. Come on! Try the search button, seems this SF vs alien (I mean SEAL) gets trotted out ALL THE time. Bottom line? In the "what do I want to be when I grow up" world only "I" can decide. Find (not ask for) facts, consider the alternatives, make a decision, execute, reassess. CM.

This you, LJ? :confused:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxwJ_k1jG8E

What Dozer said.

Richard's $.02 :munchin

Richard,

I don't know how you find these little jewels,but they sure do hit the spot......;)

Big Teddy :munchin

You may be over thinking this LJ.

and
This is a Special Forces sight. Discussions on the superiority of other units would be pointless.
And inaccurate.
Duh.

Why would inquiring whether a certain personality or mindset is more appropriate for one group, rather than the other, be overthinking ?


I wrote that because I knew, from searching the site, that such a question might be seen as an attempt to cause trouble.

You're actually thinking of basing a decision on the mindset or personality of an MOS rather than your desire to be part of that unit?
Look a at the mission of SF. If you think that's what you want to dedicate your life to, then go for it. There are all types of personalities in SF.

An odd way to put it. Either you want SF or you don't. Do some research on what SF is and does. The decision should be simple.

Thank you for your response.

Here's a method LJ19
 

Go out side on a very cold and rainy day and stand there until the rain stops.....Close your eyes and follow the force..:munchin

Let me read you in on reality.
No one cares a bit what you are "considering" or what you "decide" especially if it's to determine "suitability"according to you.
Reality is: Should you step up to the plate, SOF will decide your future and your suitability.
"Consider" is sort of like "try". As Yoda said, "Do or do not, there is no 'try'". As Nike ads say, "Just Do It." You'll find out real fast how much you want it.

You post, so I suppose you read the replys, So . . . when are you going to flesh out that profile? FTFSI? it's in yellow. Watch Richard's video again. Better be glad it's SHOT week.

I'm back. You now have my attention.

I agree with Dozer's comments.

My mentality is fine. Yours, I am not so sure about.

From what I have read here (which is all you have given us to work with), you definitely strike me as SEAL material. Go for it. Or we can start a thread and have a poll on what you should do.

And do as you were instructed with your profile before you post again.

Have a very SF day.

TR

LJ19, I'm sure you have already begun to see some differences. Try to be patient, and most patient with yourself. The answers will come, but only by deeper reflection.

WD

p.s., personally, I joined the SF community because I heard it was easy.

I really don't like deep water!!!! It has bad things in it!!! :D

My father was in the 1st Cav in Korea. My tradition is Army.

Other people are welcome to be proud of what they are and I give them respect for what they did, but I am what I am and pleased and HONORED to be what I am.
If you can't say that then you need to go elsewhere.

Lol, OK, I can't resist WD... :) When I read that line all I thought was Hmm, he missed soemthing here, so I'll revise it for you. LJ, "Try to be patient, most patient with yourself, be nice to it, pet it from time to time, and it will come. Yes my son, stroke it and all wisdom will flow. Also Grasshopper, staring at Goats helps to draw the wisdom, from the unison of all of earths little beautiful creatures...rofl. Here is another idear.. LJ, get in a pool, and swim till you puke, then the next day put on some boots, and run with a 50 lb. ruck, till you puke. See which puke session you enjoyed more, and go with it.

Buck

LMAO...coffee...keyboard...you get the picture.

I havn't got a goat handy, but our roommate has a pet parakeet and a small cute Maltese dog....will either of these do? :D

I've done the puking during swimming thing while training with a bunch of Seal Chellenge guys. The major variable here with the swim puke thing is that after you've puked it kinda floats around, and if the officer training you is a nasty bastard he'll make you all swim through it.

SF = 1
SEALS = 0

Also SF has The Duke
Seals has Charlie Sheen

SF = 10
SEALS = -5

Scimitar

...and don't forget Demi Moore.

I betcha Demi Moore could beat the sit out of Charlie...... :rolleyes: Do you remember her one hand push ups,that wasn't no stunt double doing them.......;)

Big Teddy :munchin

Charlie's wife beat the stuffing out of Charlie, no wait, that was Tiger's wife.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

I'm a bad person. This is going to become my signature .
(I GOT mine now you get YOURS):D

I've wondered about her mentality ever since she hooked up with that Aston Kutcher goober.
:rolleyes:

It could be, haha. Nice video.

Maybe the SEALs or Russian Special Forces or...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKtdT...-video-display

ive Read "Get Selected" its opened my eyes a lot. It seems Very Helpful to me and my preparation for SF.

If you have to ask, you should go with the SEALs.

Or continue playing airsoft with your friends on the weekend and argue who has a more highspeed kit.

.

Read both of Dick Couch's books, Chosen Soldier and The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228. Not only does he dwell on almost every facet of training for both, he gives insight on the overall mission of both SF and Seals. I read both about 2 years ago when I was in my "OMG I love SOF, but which one is more awesomer!?!?" phase. Don't base your entire decision on this though. Think about it long and hard. You have to live with either for at least 5 years.

Another thing to consider, fail SFAS and you become an 11X.
Fail BUD/s and you're swabbin decks, Seaman.:boohoo

Good luck on whatever path you choose.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Seamen
 

LJ19

If you enter the Navy as an E-1 you will be a lowly Seaman Recruit, when you make E-2, a Seaman Apprentice, It will not be until you make E-3 that you will be a full Seaman. You can look forward to at least 2 years of being called "Seaman"...

MVP