Dealing with a recruiter - Becoming an 18A
 

Good afternoon,

I've been a member of this site for quite some time and have searched the forums for an answer to my question, though I haven't found it. Though it may sound rather generic, it's subtle in its uniqueness.

I'm currently dealing with a recruiter. My lifelong goal has been to become an 18A officer. I've recently graduated from college with a 3.2 and a double major. I've studied abroad multiple times and speak French fluently. I'm qualified to be an officer.

From my own research, I've learned that to become an 18A, one's best shot is to become an infantry officer and subsequently put in a packet for SFAS.

I've been told this is false and that I don't stand a chance.

My recruiter tells me that most people without 3.5 as a GPA aren't getting accepted, and that I wouldn't have a shot, with 95% certainty. He tells me that my best chance is to go in enlisted as an 18xray, do my time, and then put in a packet for OCS once I've made it to an ODA. He says the majority of 18As were once enlisted men.

I don't know if he's being honest or not, or if his suggested route is the best one.

I'd prefer to be an officer first. I know I'm qualified and I trust and believe in myself.

Should I find another recruiter, is he being honest with me regarding my OCS chances, and is his recommended path to becoming an 18A truly the best one?

Thanks, I appreciate it.

-Jim

I have my own opinions on it...but I'd ask these guys if I was you.

http://www.bragg.army.mil/sorb/

Richard :munchin

He is dead wrong and apparently either has no idea what he's talking about on this point or is blowing smoke up your ass.

Short answer...he's trying to fill his enlisted numbers and not his officer numbers.

Long answer...there are many paths to becoming an SF Soldier, whether enlisted or officer. However, in my not so humble opinion if you want to be an 18A, I think you would be best served by doing your time first as a combat arms officer. Infantry, Artillery, Armor,...did I mention Infantry?

If you enlist, whether as an 18X or underwater messkit repairmen, you will do your time in Basic, AIT, Jumpschool, etc. Time in your unit, then apply to OCS, then go to OCS if selected, then you'll be a 2LT in the regular Army, Infantry, Artillery, Armor, Finance, Messkit Repair whatever (I did say Infantry...right?) and once you've done your time there you can put in a packet for SFAS.

Here's what your recruiter may not be telling you...Officers get one...maybe two chances to make it through.

Good luck to you.

See this is what happens when I'm getting long winded...everyone else jumps in line.

Blah...blah...blah...:D

Richard :munchin

I think you forgot to mention the bit about Infantry..

:munchin

...Infantry? Never heard of that...does it involve saving babies when they waywardly climb up trees? Because that sounds like a sexy job that the ladies would definitely be into. :rolleyes:

My recruiter definitely smells like a herring, I'd been suspicious of his motives and experience.

I'll get in contact with SORB and gather further information and resolve the issue on my own, be it finding a new recruiter or speaking with my current recruiter's CO.

Thanks for the help, much appreciated, I hope to one day see you out there after I finish my time as a renaissance messkit-repair-infantryman.

-Jim

You aren't going to become eligible to try out for an 18A position for a while, and I am tired of hearing people who have not even been commissioned yet planning on it.

If you get a commission, and do an exceptional job, you MIGHT get a shot.

Otherwise, the question is moot and has been asked before. Search for some variant of SF officer versus enlisted.

How bad do you want it? Badly enough to do your homework?

TR

I want it more than anything, and I know I'll get where I want to be if I keep my mind on my task and never hesitate. I also know that if I don't take my best shot, I'll miss, so I intend to plan my move before I act.

There are many ways to do homework. I have done mine, and have read books on SF and forum posts, but the only way for me to find out the current state of affairs was to directly ask those who are the most knowledgeable.

Thanks again.

-Jim

A very unscientific comparison with published statistics and knowledge of T.O.E.:

More men have stood on top of Mount Everest than have ever commanded a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha for three or more years.

To be entrusted with the command of a Special Forces A Team is much like being selected to be a member of the Blue Angels, or the Golden Knights. It is a once in a lifetime achievement. Many are called and few are chosen. Actual command time is limited, and variations in the great Mandela of Life and Mother Army sometimes means that men with excellent qualifications and desire are non-selected.

Any member of this board ... or any recruiter ... who says "do this, and do that ... and you will be selected at SFAS, complete the Q course to be awarded MOS 18A, and be in command of an A Team," IS LYING TO YOU.

If you seek Special Forces, you must embark on a lifetime of service to your country and to the United States Army. You may seek, but you might not find what you desire. It is your honest, diligent service that is required of you. It may be that your path leads to a Q course and a Green Beret, but your path may lead elsewhere, through no fault of your own. Your service is needed, and if you have the ability please give your country your best efforts in any position for which you are qualified.

Not Yet. You may be eligable to be an officer, as almost everyone on an ODA is also, but you're not there yet.

Jim - I wasn't going to chime in, given these are Officer questions, better answered by officers. The fact is, I'm not an officer and neither are you, but since my SF NCO brothers have already begun, I'll throw in my $0.02

"What is it you want to do?" Don't answer that, you already have. I'm just digging a little deeper, for if you are going to lead one of my beloved ODAs, I feel I have a few qualifications that allows me to know a potential SF officer when I see him.

Get in the officer ranks by best means possible, or just sign up enlisted. You might find yourself in the 82nd, a Ranger Batt., or the Old Guard Arlington National Cemetery.

Here is a little secret, so be sure not to tell anyone, this is just between you and I. Us NCO types are known to get things done, in fact, it's well known that we take care of our officers too. All you have to do, is serve, serve well, do well in all assignments.

We will find you. Now make the decision to apply for OCS or enlist, be decisive, but make it quick.

Dusty, that's just cold, (knuckle bump)! How are you these days?

Cold, Bro. And it's snowing again. The Caribou are moving in.:D