FA or Infantry officer?
 

I am currently an ROTC cadet about to go to LDAC this summer and will soon have to make the critical decision of branching. I am stuck between Field Artillery and Infantry. I was curious to see if anyone had any insight as to which would better transition to SF. I would assume Infantry would, but we all know what happens when you assume.

Jack Maroney and I had a conversation about this and while I did not agree with him, I did not continue to discuss my opinion being as he was far more knowledgeable about the subject than I.

You can go and search about three year or four years back.

Jack Maroney and I had a conversation about this and while I did not agree with him, I did not continue to discuss my opinion being as he was far more knowledgeable about the subject than I./quote/Buffalobob

No one I know had more moxie when it came to most military questions than Jack Maroney,he even forgot more about hockey than I'll ever know,that was for sure....He was one hell of a guy.......:D;):D

Big Teddy :munchin

I recommend wearing out the 'search' function on this forum before I even asked a single question.

This is why we need to stop new members from starting threads for a while.

Maybe someone will learn how to use the Search button or do some reading while they are waiting.

TR

Apologies
 

I did use the search, but to little avail. A lot of what I found was not what I was looking for. I did come across Jack Moroney's "Building an 18A" thread and found it helpful, but unable to fully answer my question. I thought posting a thread would give me some solid feedback from those who know and have experience. I apologize if I did inconvience you. I will search longer and harder before asking a question.

Ask Major C to put you in touch with one of the SF soldiers he know. This particular guy will be happy to drink on your tab and tell stories. He happens to like the Stagger Inn very much (second choice is Laurie's).

Small World
 

Oddly enough, MAJ C was the one who first put the idea of SF in my head. Before I had always thought of it as an unattainable thing, but he talked to me about it and is always willing to help and made it seem more realistic and appealing. I will deffinitely talk to him more when he gets back from CLS next week.

Thanks

I saw officers come to SF from nearly all combat arms branches - individual ability, a positive attitude, common sense, and trainability were important qualifiers for overcoming most entry level shortcomings.

IMO - your basic branch should be the one in which you have the greatest aptitude and personal desire to serve as it will provide you the greatest chance to succeed and, if you find the SF option is out of reach, a branch in which you can offer the most for the overall good of the service.

Remember, you're considering entering a higher level of personal commitment and selflessness - your choice - just be honest with yourself and your country.

Richard :munchin

Read and Heed
 

I reread the Stickys again and want to make known that I am not planning on being an 18A. I want to be an officer to lead soldiers, not look cool or impress people. SF is not my career "plan" but more of an interest and something I thought I would explore sooner rather than later. Positive and helpful feedback is appreciated and I will continue to read through posts and only ask questions when I cannot find the answers in previous threads.

Thanks to those who help.

Richard - Thanks for the heads up. I do plan to go into the branch I feel I would be happiest and most successful (success measure by the quality of my work, not the speed of promotion).

Leading is leading wherever you choose to do it.
Anyone on this site with an SF Tab will tell you Infantry is the way to go...there are only so many ways you can cock a cannon.
If you want a continual challange with the variables constantly changing then go Infantry.
I also suggest you check the asfab scores for the enlisted folks in both CMF's...might give you a clue as to your audience.

I like blue.;)

Sir,

Maybe we could create a specific thread for SF related questions so it can at least be isolated? Maybe block it from the "new posts" search feature so it doesn't clog up the board. Maybe I just had a visit from the good idea fairy.

Sgt Fonzy

Colonel Arthur "Bull" Simons was originally commissioned in the Field Artillary. It didn't hurt his career much!

Maybe it should've been the reading comprehension fairy or the think about what you're doing before posting fairy! :rolleyes:

And what did you think this forum was?

Special Forces Questions
Ask your questions about Special Forces here. OPSEC Violaters will be hanged!

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/...splay.php?f=95

And so it goes...

Richard :munchin