I ran into a young SPC today at Waller Hall during my outprocessing from Ft. Lewis. After seeing my uniform, he (the E-4) looked at me (the CPT) and said:
"Yo man-I'm goin Special Forces too-on my way to jump school and the Q course right now".
"Really?", I mused..."Congradualtions on passing SFAS. Tell me, how far do you think you are going to get addressing folks senior to you by saying "Yo Man""?
He stared at me rather blankly...like my dog does when he doesn't understand what I am telling him what to do and he cocks his head to one side...
"Sir?" he says totally confused..."but I'm going to be SF-we're all on the same team...there is no rank structure in SF...everyone is equal, all the same
"
I explained to him that his perception wasn't quite on track. What was somewhat amazing were his OTHER perceptions regarding his slotted profession...18D.
From his account, he was told these things at SFAS by various cadre. Please allow me to clear them a bit, as many of them have to do with a transition to PA school or other medical specialty.
1. After 18D, he was gauranteed selction to PA school.-
FALSE
2. If he so desired within 2 years of graduation from the 18D course-he was authorized to CHALLENGE the National PA certification exam and didn't have to even go to PA school.
FALSE
3. 18 Active Duty 18D's are gauranteed slots in PA school every year.
FALSE
4. 18D graduates need only 2 years of additional training to become a Veterinarian
FALSE
5. 18D grads can work in any hospital in the United States in the capacity of an RN or PA based on their 18D credentials
FALSE
There were more, but he was most adamant with these issues, even had them writtne in his little notebook that he brought out of his bag to argue his points.
Guys, if you want to be a PA, Nurse, or a Vet...go to school for those things. If you want to be an SF Medical Provider-attend the training, learn good things so you can do GREAT things.
Want to be an 18D? Then BE the best 18D that ever threw a stitch, floated teeth, or rolled the bones.
Eagle