Introductions V

Good Evening Gentlemen,

I'm a crack head.

[Patrin]

Good day, gents...

It's come to my attention that I need to re-introduce myself.

Years previous I had another username / account that began in 2006...profile and introduction completed at the time.

Something I'll label as a 'computer gremlin' occurred around 11/2012 and I could not log back on or have the site recognize the account. I started a new account under the current username, filled in my profile, but neglected to re-introduce.

I want to start by saying, to all our members in uniform, past and present, thank you for your service.

You men (and women) are in my thoughts daily and always present in my prayers.

I found this site via Socnet.com back in the day while searching for information regarding Special Forces and other Special Operations units.

I am a college graduate, former Fed LEO and now work in the private sector. I wish only to spend my time here researching topics of interest, increasing my knowledge, and, as always, only asking a question if I have exhausted the search function or that of Google.

Over the years, I have found endless amounts of information and look to the opinions of QP's on world events, history, politics, tactics and armaments.

Your site is very useful and thank you very much for the resources that are provided here, and allowing me a presence on your board.

Patrin.

[USMC_0302]

Gentlemen, thank you for the time and effort you all put into making this site a current and valuable resource for members of the profession around the world.

I am a USMC infantry officer, currently serving as a theater security cooperation team leader focused on west Africa, and formally a Marine rifle platoon commander. VMI Grad, 2013, with a B.A. in International Studies and a focus on national security and grand strategy.

I keep an eye on this forum constantly because I feel very strongly that the conventional forces can learn a great deal from the special operations community to be more effective and more relevant in the modern world.

Thank you again for your continued service; keep fighting the good fight wherever duty takes you.

[96JMP]

Hello to All,

I am almost 20 years old, nearing the end of my freshman year of college in San Antonio, Texas. I have been working with a recruiter and am planning to sign an 18X contract after I finish this semester (May 2016).

I hope that it is okay that I am providing a bit of background beyond the basics. My goal is to provide additional insight into my goals and reasons for joining the site. So, to make a long story short…

My grandfather, who despite being orphaned at the age of 12, finished school and joined the military at 18. He promoted through the enlisted ranks, completed OCS and eventually retired as an O-5. At his funeral at ANC, one of his friends told me “Your grandfather was a warrior most of his life, but a gentleman for it all. Don’t ever forget that.” My grandfather rarely spoke of his service unless he was giving me one of his life lessons on “for God and Country,” and even then he often communicated more by what he didn’t say than by what he did. These lessons left an indelible mark on me and I can no longer quiet within me the call to serve.

The “bar” set by my grandfather, those who served before him, and all of the Quiet Professionals on this site has been set very high, and I can only hope to one day be able to say that I did what was needed to measure-up.

My free time has been spent preparing physically and mentally (as best possible) for the steep challenge that lies ahead. I appreciate in advance any support, advice, and information that I might glean from the Quiet Professionals on the site.

JMP

[RAGE]

I am a prior service sergeant that has picked up an 18x contract. I am finally leaving Fort Benning next week for student company. I have learned a lot from Professional Soldiers to help me prepare.

[larryb51]

I am a Echo out of tenth group. Been there since 07. Currently in 110. I have to say this site has provided some valuable resources over the several years I've been on. A sincere thank you to the admins that make the site possible.

[t75Palmer]

My name is Tommy and I have been with the 2/19th SFG(A) DET 1 Team for a little under 8 months now. Was on track to attend SFAS in January but due to a labral tear in my hip had to recover and am repeating the train up cycle with the intent of going to SFAS in September. I have been following this site for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy and appreciate all the tips, advice, and knowledge that can be found here.

[recon4adventure]

Introductions.
Gents, jumped on board to attempt to reconnect with some old Q contacts. As a young Recon Marine attended the Q in 1982, broke ankle on final jump at McCall, drove on with the 12 mile ruck and into second phase Engineer. (two weeks latter),,As the Officer class joined us on the range, short mortar rounds caused us to run for the bunker, Officers take a lot of space in bunker, jumped in a ditch, upon all clear, Cadre noticed my limp...busted..Curse those heavy weapons guys...lol....anyone who knows how the Corps is, there are no recycle options, one shot only...Liaison at JFK determined a slot would remain for next class...long of it was Graduated ???Feb-Mar 1983??? Funny how some details seem clear and others like dates and names fade...recall the Somali Lt that drowned in mud on Phase 3 Infill...we had several foriegn officers in our class...somali, israeli, jordanian, pakastani...Bad Bob was Camp Commandant...,,,...am i ringing any bells for anyone?????HIT ME BACK...

[glebo]

r4a,

I was in that class, well the one you started out in. The guy drowned in my class at PHIII as you stated. That class graduated ion Nov 82

Welcome aboard...

[SSG_P]

I created a Professionalsoldiers account in 2006 while deployed with a conventional unit. I used this site as a resource prior to SFAS then again during the 18D course. Been with 19th SFG since 2009 after graduation from the SFQC. Never had anything to add as I have always been soaking up lessons learned from those that came before me. Thank you to the gentlemen that provided the information that got me through it.

[EricV]

Greetings,
Me: 64 y.o. white male, never in military, nobody special. At the risk of sounding like some sorta wanna be, I've always been interested in COIN, and SF due to what was going on growing up. I've lived a bit of an active life style as a civvie over the years. Ran into some SF & SOF types in self defense classes 40+ years ago and always enjoyed tossing and getting tossed around. I've been lurking here for awhile and decided to finally post an intro as I'd like to post a book title. Thanks for reading.

[bobsmith123]

I'm Bob...
- National Guard
- Officer
- Late thirties

This forum is a truly great resource. Well done to the people who manage it. I'm sorry I don't have time to be on it very often.

[HoosierWelder27]

Gentlemen,

I was an 11B for a few years before going to SFAS. I spent 08-09 in Mosul, Iraq. Selected with SFAS class 01-13. Diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease after completing CLT. I went through the MEB process for the next year while my classmates continued and graduated. I'm now medically retired and keeping up with my friends. Thank you all for the sacrifices you have made to provide the blanket of freedom that this nation lays under... no matter how unappreciative and greedy it becomes.

[6thPatriarch]

To whom it may concern,
My name is Cullin. Born and bred of Nuevo México.
I'm well traveled and a fan of new cultural experiences.
I have just picked up a 35T active duty contract with option 4, leaving for basic training in May. I look forward to the experience and the challenge.
I am enlisting because, first and foremost, working full time and attending school with no direction was not something I was satisfied doing. I will very much prefer this path and the ability to give back to my country.
For years I have wanted to go 18x and see if I have what it takes to serve among the best America has to offer. Army SF is an unparalleled organization with a focus on so much more than DA.
I grew up during the GWOT, which vastly impacted my perspective as an American youth with the opportunity to spend a year in Europe in 2005.
The information regarding the approach of SF (force multiplying, hearts and minds, etc.) struck me immediately. Understanding your enemy is a key to successfully defeating them.
I digress. I will simply add that I very much hope to pursue a slot at SFAS in my Army career and that I appreciate all the information I have found here.
Many thanks.
PFC Coyle

[987654321]

I'm a 28 y/o male. I joined the Army in 2006 at 17 under the split-ops program during my junior year of high school. After the 11th grade I went to basic during the summer, came back, finished 12th, then went off to AIT in the summer of 2007. I went through the 68W course then went to airborne school after ( never went to an airborne unit. I'm only a 5 jump chump). I was stationed at "The Great Place" Fort Hood. I had the pleasure of serving with the 8th EN BN/ 36th EN BDE ( specifically HHC and 59th MAC). I did one deployment in Afghanistan. I ETSd from AD Army in 2012 and went the Nasty Girl route while I attended college in Texas. I recently graduated from my undergraduate in DEC 2015 and will soon be applying to P.A. school. I hope to be starting classes by early to mid next year. I also recently fulfilled my NG contract and got out to really focus on P.A. school. When I finish P.A. school I want to go back in the guard and go to SFAS. I have a lot of time to go before SFAS even becomes my "25 meter target", so in the mean time I hope to take the most from this as much as possible. I may not be able to help too much, in regards to SF stuff but if anyone needs help with RA Stuff, NG Stuff, college, or PA school applications, feel free to PM. Looking forward to learning from anyone willing to provides knowledge unknown to me. For all prior service gals and guys, Thank you for your service.