[head]

To answer the other questions, when Couch was writing his book, there was no age limit. I signed up at 19 in 04, when I was 21 was on my first deployment, SF or not. I wasn't the youngest, but I don't remember anyone being under 20 by graduation.

Some might think I would be offended by everyone saying they wouldn't want someone that young on their team (Hell, I'm still too young at 24 by some of their standards), but I agree with them. You are at a Big disadvantage and must work hard to compensate for your lack of experience. However, this also applies to all 18X'rs, but the younger they are the less life experience, maturity, and learned skills they bring to the table. I had already lived abroad on my own and went to college by the time I enlisted, but some guys went straight out of highschool. I still look back sometimes and wonder what if I had started in an infantry unit, and I still seek to learn from the experiences that others had.

As far as having a "Oh shit what do I do?" reaction in combat, a lot of background comes into play - not just age. The type and quality of training would be a bigger influence IMO. Naturally an infantryman and other combat MOSs would have an edge, but not everyone in SF has that background - Xray or not.

Young or old, experienced or not, I believe a good SF soldier should always be trying to learn from everyone else - from the cherry FNG to the grizzled old team daddy.