[2ndTry]

Hi, there everyone. I have been reading the site for some time now.

I am currently in the army. I have passed slection, SUT and Language. I was injured during one of the six week evaluations of the IODA's. After this I was moved back to the 82nd and eventually ETS (6 months). I chose a spot in a Reserve Civil Affairs unit, which allowed me to use my language skills. I can honestly say that the level of professionalism and drive even among the other students in my classes at the Q course has been hard to duplicate, outside of the special operations community.

I am currently in Afghanistan with that Civil affairs battalion since my leaving the course and I am trying desperately to make my way back to the school house. Seeing Afghanistan from the rebuilding effort was an interesting experience, but I feel as though I am missing out on an oppurtunity to get back to a place where I can truly challenge myself, and those who do more and push themselves are not looked upon as wierd.

I am looking for an added resource to stay current of event trends in the areas of Africa and the middle east. I mostly hope to discuss these aspects among others on a more professional forum instead of the usual bickering and mind numbing discourse where everybody is an expert reguardless of past experiences.

I have all verification of course completions, and I look forward to learning from the information posted here.

Taylor