[ender]

Why go SF, or in my case SOF?

First, it's the autonomy. Being in an infantry battalion, you're a very small cog. And what you do is directed by, not common sense, but by what is dictated from above. Just give me the Cdr's intent, or end-state. And let me do the job how I see fit.

Second, everyone is focused on doing the job. How often in a conventional unit as a junior nco, do you have to crack on privates to do the trivial bs? And it allways seems like the same troops are the first ones to get stuck in, with the same ones allways scamming. As a leader, I hate it. I just wish I could give the guys a task, check on the progress. And do a final check when it's done. Or even get in and help them. Sure they might do the job in the field, but it's the prep work, or low level garrison training that will make the difference.

Third, training. I want to freefall, fast-rope, call in fast-air, call in arty strikes. And fire so many live rounds, that i get calluses on my hands from my weapon.

Fourth, op-tempo. I didn't join the army to sit around battalion lines and watch the paint dry.

PT on my own is a nice thought too. Trying to do Pl PT in the mornings and stick to my own schedule in the evenings can be an annoyance.

My two cents.