Mentality of the SF Soldier

LJ19 · 01-21-2010, 15:47

Hello Everyone,

I'm considering a future in the special operations forces community. But, I haven't been able to decide which branch would be more suitable. In particular, I'm considering either the SEALs or Special Forces. I'm aware of the general differences between the two groups' operations. As I understand it, SEALs are typically more involved in direct action missions, whereas Special Forces take on the role of teachers behind enemy lines. I realize it is not your responsibility to determine which route would be best for me and that, from a civilian, this may be a premature inquiry. Also, given the high attrition rate of both programs, it may be a moot concern. But, can you tell me whether there are any distinct differences between someone more suited to be a SEAL and someone more suited to be a Special Forces soldier based upon their mentality ? I attempt to read as much as I can about both groups, but this tells little regarding the type of individual best suited for one or the other. I hope it does not appear as though I'm attempting to cause trouble with this inquiry, as I know on other sites the discussion quickly turns to the "superiority" of one group or the other.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

greenberetTFS · 01-21-2010, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJ19

Hello Everyone,

I'm considering a future in the special operations forces community. But, I haven't been able to decide which branch would be more suitable. In particular, I'm considering either the SEALs or Special Forces. I'm aware of the general differences between the two groups' operations. As I understand it, SEALs are typically more involved in direct action missions, whereas Special Forces take on the role of teachers behind enemy lines. I realize it is not your responsibility to determine which route would be best for me and that, from a civilian, this may be a premature inquiry. Also, given the high attrition rate of both programs, it may be a moot concern. But, can you tell me whether there are any distinct differences between someone more suited to be a SEAL and someone more suited to be a Special Forces soldier based upon their mentality ? I attempt to read as much as I can about both groups, but this tells little regarding the type of individual best suited for one or the other. I hope it does not appear as though I'm attempting to cause trouble with this inquiry, as I know on other sites the discussion quickly turns to the "superiority" of one group or the other.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

LJ19,

Get a copy of "Get Selected",read it.....If you think you can cut the mustard that may be helpful in you decision.......

Big Teddy

**Dan** · 01-21-2010, 19:20

There's definitely a difference in mentalities that you'll easily be able to tell by conversing with a few from each service. You might also want to read about what the SF missions are on our home page located under the "Tasks" section and view various videos located there as well.

head · 01-21-2010, 19:50

My advice is that you must remember that, while your intentions are SF or SEAL, you are joining two very different services with a wealth of opportunities and history in each. So, you also need to research the two services and decide whether you want to be a sailor or a soldier foremost, in case things don't go the way you planned and also to motivate through all of the regular service BS we still put up with. I knew I wanted to be in the Army before I even decided on Special Forces.

LJ19 · 01-21-2010, 20:11

Thank you for your responses.

craigepo · 01-21-2010, 22:09

Head was right-on.
My addition to his thoughts:
1) When you join the Army, your rank will be private: in the Navy you will be called a seaman. Do you really want to be called "seaman" which sounds a lot like "semen"?
2)Worst-case scenario: If you are on a Navy ship, get attacked, and sunk, you won't be able to swim across the ocean, so you drown or become shark crap. If you are in the Army and get overrun, you can run away.

Mistery · 02-10-2010, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenberetTFS

LJ19,

Get a copy of "Get Selected",read it.....If you think you can cut the mustard that may be helpful in you decision.......

Big Teddy

ive Read "Get Selected" its opened my eyes a lot. It seems Very Helpful to me and my preparation for SF.

mark46th · 03-19-2010, 20:53

If you have to ask, you should go with the SEALs.

Koa18B · 03-19-2010, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark46th

If you have to ask, you should go with the SEALs.

Or continue playing airsoft with your friends on the weekend and argue who has a more highspeed kit.

Riott_Earp · 03-21-2010, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJ19
Hello Everyone,

I'm considering a future in the special operations forces community. But, I haven't been able to decide which branch would be more suitable. In particular, I'm considering either the SEALs or Special Forces. I'm aware of the general differences between the two groups' operations. As I understand it, SEALs are typically more involved in direct action missions, whereas Special Forces take on the role of teachers behind enemy lines. I realize it is not your responsibility to determine which route would be best for me and that, from a civilian, this may be a premature inquiry. Also, given the high attrition rate of both programs, it may be a moot concern. But, can you tell me whether there are any distinct differences between someone more suited to be a SEAL and someone more suited to be a Special Forces soldier based upon their mentality ? I attempt to read as much as I can about both groups, but this tells little regarding the type of individual best suited for one or the other. I hope it does not appear as though I'm attempting to cause trouble with this inquiry, as I know on other sites the discussion quickly turns to the "superiority" of one group or the other.

Thank you in advance for your answers

.

Read both of Dick Couch's books, Chosen Soldier and The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228. Not only does he dwell on almost every facet of training for both, he gives insight on the overall mission of both SF and Seals. I read both about 2 years ago when I was in my "OMG I love SOF, but which one is more awesomer!?!?" phase. Don't base your entire decision on this though. Think about it long and hard. You have to live with either for at least 5 years.

Another thing to consider, fail SFAS and you become an 11X.
Fail BUD/s and you're swabbin decks, Seaman.

Good luck on whatever path you choose.

Dozer523 · 01-23-2010, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJ19

Hello Everyone,

I'm considering a future in the special operations forces community. But, I haven't been able to decide which branch would be more suitable. In particular, I'm considering either the SEALs or Special Forces.

Let me read you in on reality.
No one cares a bit what you are "considering" or what you "decide" especially if it's to determine "suitability"according to you.
Reality is: Should you step up to the plate, SOF will decide your future and your suitability.
"Consider" is sort of like "try". As Yoda said, "Do or do not, there is no 'try'". As Nike ads say, "Just Do It." You'll find out real fast how much you want it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJ19

Why would inquiring whether a certain personality or mindset is more appropriate for one group, rather than the other, be overthinking ?
I wrote that because I knew, from searching the site, that such a question might be seen as an attempt to cause trouble.

You post, so I suppose you read the replys, So . . . when are you going to flesh out that profile? FTFSI? it's in yellow. Watch Richard's video again. Better be glad it's SHOT week.

**The Reaper** · 01-24-2010, 16:57

I'm back. You now have my attention.

I agree with Dozer's comments.

My mentality is fine. Yours, I am not so sure about.

From what I have read here (which is all you have given us to work with), you definitely strike me as SEAL material. Go for it. Or we can start a thread and have a poll on what you should do.

And do as you were instructed with your profile before you post again.

Have a very SF day.

TR

Dozer523 · 01-25-2010, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

I agree with Dozer's comments.
Have a very SF day.

TR

I'm a bad person. This is going to become my signature .
(I GOT mine now you get YOURS)

01-24-2010, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJ19

Hello Everyone,

I'm considering a future in the special operations forces community. But, I haven't been able to decide which branch would be more suitable. In particular, I'm considering either the SEALs or Special Forces. I'm aware of the general differences between the two groups' operations. As I understand it, SEALs are typically more involved in direct action missions, whereas Special Forces take on the role of teachers behind enemy lines. I realize it is not your responsibility to determine which route would be best for me and that, from a civilian, this may be a premature inquiry. Also, given the high attrition rate of both programs, it may be a moot concern. But, can you tell me whether there are any distinct differences between someone more suited to be a SEAL and someone more suited to be a Special Forces soldier based upon their mentality ? I attempt to read as much as I can about both groups, but this tells little regarding the type of individual best suited for one or the other. I hope it does not appear as though I'm attempting to cause trouble with this inquiry, as I know on other sites the discussion quickly turns to the "superiority" of one group or the other.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

LJ19, I'm sure you have already begun to see some differences. Try to be patient, and most patient with yourself. The answers will come, but only by deeper reflection.

WD

p.s., personally, I joined the SF community because I heard it was easy.

Buffalobob · 01-24-2010, 18:22

Quote:

become shark crap

I really don't like deep water!!!! It has bad things in it!!!

My father was in the 1st Cav in Korea. My tradition is Army.

Other people are welcome to be proud of what they are and I give them respect for what they did, but I am what I am and pleased and HONORED to be what I am.
If you can't say that then you need to go elsewhere.