Considering my situation, which is the best path for SF?

Adrianthebear · 08-04-2015, 21:12

Hello All! Let me thank you in advance for taking your time to lend a helping hand to a highly motivated individual. Just a heads up, the post is not the shortest but i have come here as a last resort to post something. I have researched this topic extensively for years now and after days of reading threads on here I have come to the conclusion that I must ask my question directly without leaving important information for the best possible feedback from professional soldiers and retirees.

Goal: My main military career goal is to be SF. No doubt in my mind. I also want to be an Infantry Officer but my sights are set for an SF career first.
Possible routes available to me: (1) Finish college (which I am currently enrolled with close to 60 credits) and finish the Army ROTC at my school (which I have taken 1 year of in addition to 4 years of JROTC). Then go through the necessary years of service before applying for SF selection. (2) Stop taking classes and enlist under a 4 year contract as a 11x with option 4 (Airborne) and request to be stationed with an Airborne Infantry unit and stay there for a few years (2-4 years) to gain experience and then work on getting my SF packet together and request to go to selection.

Background on me: 20 year old male. Thank God, no medical records or disabilities. Very athletic and speak, read and write fluently: English, Spanish and Portuguese.

My questions: (1) Out of the two routes I have found to be my only routes (I do not qualify for 18x contract), which one do YOU believe will bring me higher chances for making it? (And by chances, I mean which route will give me the necessary experience and knowledge that would make me a more appealing candidate.) (2) I still want to finish my degree if I do go with the second option, so will I have time to work on online and on base classes during those 2-4 years of preparation as a 11x? I understand it will be harder during field training week and deployment but that's deployment and FTXs' so I will plan that accordingly.

Worries: (1) I know the Army is downsizing and with that comes less and less slots for ROTC cadets to gain an active slot. So there's that, and according to my research, ROTC cadets are not guaranteed their first option branch (also, I've read that infantry is the hardest to get for ROTC cadets, if anyone knows differently please share your knowledge).

--Thank You again for taking your time to read and reply to this thread!
V/R,

Adrian the bear

sinjefe · 08-04-2015, 21:17

Failure to follow instructions. Not a good start.

Old Dog New Trick · 08-04-2015, 21:19

Well, the first thing I'd do is go back read the rules and then fill out your profile in the "Introductions" thread.

Then go be an outstanding Infantry officer and successfully pass Ranger School.

glebo · 08-05-2015, 04:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Dog New Trick

Well, the first thing I'd do is go back read the rules and then fill out your profile in the "Introductions" thread.

Then go be an outstanding Infantry officer and successfully pass Ranger School.

It should be a breaze now....with wimmens....

Adrianthebear · 08-05-2015, 09:50

Thank you for directing me to the rules and introduction. I took the steps necessary to continue in this fine forum.

Now back to the question, Old dog new trick: so from what you said, you recommend going through the uncertainty of ROTC, hopefully commission as an active duty officer and then go to Ranger school? Because the way I see it, if I take option 2 everything is in my hands. Ranging from the MOS I want and securing active duty to having to wait until I am a E-4 rather than a O-3 or promotable to O-3. (I will be coming in as an E-3 due to college credits so the wait time is shorter)

SF_BHT · 08-05-2015, 10:13

Fill out your profile also.

**Team Sergeant** · 08-05-2015, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by SF_BHT

Fill out your profile also.

The reason to fill out some info in the profile.....

We want to know if we're talking to a 16 year old or a 22 year old. It assists in creating a well thought out answer.

Old Dog New Trick · 08-05-2015, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrianthebear

Thank you for directing me to the rules and introduction. I took the steps necessary to continue in this fine forum.

Now back to the question, Old dog new trick: so from what you said, you recommend going through the uncertainty of ROTC, hopefully commission as an active duty officer and then go to Ranger school? Because the way I see it, if I take option 2 everything is in my hands. Ranging from the MOS I want and securing active duty to having to wait until I am a E-4 rather than a O-3 or promotable to O-3. (I will be coming in as an E-3 due to college credits so the wait time is shorter)

I really have no idea what challenges you will face between your opinions. Sit down with the ROTC Commandant and or go find an SF Recruiter and navigate your best path forward. SF guys overcome obstacles in their path and succeed where others quit.

Ask yourself if you want to be an 18A-Team Leader or an Enlisted 18 series Team member? Once you answer that question, follow your passion. Each COA will take hard work and a goal to remain focused on. Stay focused.

Adrianthebear · 08-05-2015, 11:24

Team SGT and SF BHT: Thank you for the tip. I filled out my profile as directed.

Old dog new tricks: The challenges I will be facing through ROTC is the uncertainty off not gaining an Active-duty commission and in the scenario I do get it, I could be branched to a branch that is not combat arms. Which, in my eyes, would set me back on preparing for infantry related tasks in SF or at least infantry related tasks in selection and training . Additionally, I wouldn't be facing many challenges or uncertainties if I do enlist rather than finishing ROTC (of course, that is without considering the immense challenge(s) that come with selection and whatnot). I have sat down with my ROTC Professors, recruiters and advisors; and they each tell me there's uncertainty written all over. And that is what I want, to eliminate as much uncertainty as possible and simply prepare myself for the challenges ahead.

And about being 18A or 18 series team member. I would like to be both if possible given the timeframe of being elegible for OCS and selection ( is this even a possibility?). But in all honesty, 18 series team member is my primary goal.

NOTE: Thank you for your feedback everyone!