[The Reaper]

Gents, this question continues to recur, sort of like the whether you can bring your HSLD boots, socks, etc. to SFAS. The rules are pretty clear.

Classes have had guys removed from training who said that they had used Creatine, or Ephedra. Guys have had severe complications here which are almost certainly attributable to drug and supplement use and abuse. We are very sensitive to it and do not need or want any more of them.

Anyone who admits to having used creatine in the recent past will be denied attendance at SFAS. Ephedra has recently been banned as well. Lying is not an acceptable alternative.

We don't need people with supplement induced med problems in our program. We don't want people to do it, and lie about the use either. We are looking for people who are smart, strong, flexible, adaptive, motivated, educated, morally and ethically sound, able to work well alone with minimal supervision or as members of a group, as either good leaders or good followers, and who will never, ever give up. Your performance enhancing supplements are not part of our program.

I am aware of the research, and the possible benefits to the tiny percentage of the population who are in a performance zone where they will benefit from these supplements. Most of you who are not professional athletes are not there. We have at least one poster here who is a former NFL starting player. He may choose to elaborate on this at his desire. No, I am not going to tell you who he is.

Guys who are using lots of drugs and supplements are frequently the same SFAS candidates I see at Camp Mackall in the DFAC getting double chili cheese dogs and chili fries for lunch, with cake and ice cream on the side.

Our society is rife with immediate gratification junkies who want to lay on the sofa and play XBox, and just take a pill instead of a workout. The magic pill will make you stronger, the magic pill will cause you to lose weight, the magic pill will make you a millionaire. People, that is not how those of us who wear the beret got here, nor is it how those who are going to replace us will get here. Hard work and dedication is the magic pill.

We are evaluating soldiers, not performance enhancing chemicals. Get bigger, stronger, and faster the old fashioned way, by working out hard and often. There are no shortcuts or magic pills. Assistance is best limited to proper diet and improved work-out techniques or motivation. You don't have the motivation to get yourself into shape, all of the supplements in the world are not going to get you through the SF Course.

Supplements are not the route for the people we are looking for. Be smart, don't put yourself, or your future in SF at stake.

Good luck, and have a very SF Day.

TR