Are many SF soldiers former Recon Marines?

[kollkash]

Here's .02c from a relatively recent SF Q'course grad and SF member--I agree with many of the sentiments above. I believe that the combination of Will and Character (positive personality traits) ultimately determines if one could or couldn't do SF. Some have more of one than the other, but if he has both, then he's "golden." It sounds like your son has the physical ability; now, it's just up to his mindset.

Do you currently-serving (or previously serving) Quiet Professional's have a lot of former Recon Marines (or Marines in general) serving in your ODA's?

In regards to the above, I personally didn't see "a lot" of Marines, whether Recon or not. Obviously, I served with a few and came across a few more. Conversely, I echo what others have said: I haven't personally heard of any SF warrior make a move to the Marines...

[PRB]

As the former SW Tng Gp CSM I will tell you that no prior service group/element has a statistical success rate of 96%...not even close...I served in that capacity from 95 thru 98 but had a SWC briefing in '09 that had abt the same stats as I experienced during my tenure....no element, Ranger, Marine etc exceeds 40 %...

Originally Posted by ReconDad

Hello Gentlemen,

Just finished my "Intro Post" a few minutes ago. My military background is four (4) years active-duty Air Force from 1978-1982.

My oldest son is currently an active-duty Recon Marine. He scores a "300" on the Marine Corps PFT (23 pull-ups, 110 crunches and a 17:43 3-mile run). He was also the 2nd-fastest swimmer in his BRC (Recon) class. He loves Recon, the nature of the work and the guys he works with. He is also very intelligent (scored a 91 AFQT on the ASVAB and a GT score of 130).

The reason for my post is this:

Many of the Recon Marines my son works with are saying they are "going Army SF when their 4-year enlistment is completed in the Corps". They are also saying, "we're tired of getting crappy, 2nd-rate equipment to use, plus garrison life in the Corps sucks when we're not in the field or deployed....."

My question is: Do you currently-serving (or previously serving) Quiet Professional's have a lot of former Recon Marines (or Marines in general) serving in your ODA's?

I read a post in another forum from the Army SF Monitor who said the following"

"The primary reason the Army continues to accept prior-service members into the 18-X program is this: Recon Marines. Historical records indicate that former Recon Marines have a 96% success-rate making it thru Selection and the "Q" Course".

Any feedback, suggestions or recommendations you gentlemen may have for my son (if he should ever show an interest in SF), would be most appreciated!!

Thank all of you Quiet Professional's for your service, past and present!

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by PRB

As the former SW Tng Gp CSM I will tell you that no prior service group/element has a statistical success rate of 96%...not even close...I served in that capacity from 95 thru 98 but had a SWC briefing in '09 that had abt the same stats as I experienced during my tenure....no element, Ranger, Marine etc exceeds 40 %...

During my 4 years at SWCS, the only group I saw approach those numbers was an all 18X class that hit better than 85%.

No other course or service runs the long land nav program that we do, and many people just don't get it.

TR