FA or Infantry officer?

[DRock310]

I searched for any thread on the Field Artillery and Infantry branches as they relate to becoming an 18A but could find nothing. If anyone knows of some helpful threads on this topic and could direct my attention in that direction it would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[Dusty]

[The Reaper]

I would wager that until you have searched the combinations of "ROTC", "Infantry", and "Branch", and read all of them, you have not done your homework.

And read "A Message to Garcia" while you are at it.

If you are a 13A, as you indicate, it would seem that your die is already cast.

TR

Originally Posted by The Reaper

This is why we need to stop new members from starting threads for a while.

Maybe someone will learn how to use the Search button or do some reading while they are waiting.

TR

I propose a required reading list, and a 30 day probationary period. Before the "posting a thread switch" is flipped, one must also pass a written, (online test) with 80% or better score.

Sample Question:

What is the quickest way into Special Forces, (enlisted / NCO)?

A. Serve in Infantry, be it, Airborne, straight leg, Ranger Regiment or Airmobile.
B. Serve in Field Artillery, Signal, or QuarterMaster units.
C. Serve in the Medical Field.
D. Serve in Syops, Intell - Public Affairs, Legal.
E. Complete College with degree in Art History, or Women's Studies.
F. A, B and C
G. D and E only
H. All the above, with the exception of D (legal), or B (water treatment, quartmaster duties). We don't need lawyers or water, wait Davis could use a lawyer right now.
I. Go Navy first, but only as a machinist mate 3rd class diver.
J. None of the above, you can now buy SF tabs at the local Army Navy store.
K. Serve in a foreign army first, join the US Army to gain citizenship, brach transfer.
L. "__________________________". (write your own answer).
Strongly suggested text to read, "After much research, it is of my opinion that there are many ways into Special Forces. It is of my opinion, that if I serve well in all assignments, Special Forces will find me".

---------------BT----------------

What is the quickest way into Special Forces, (Officer)?

There is no answer, it's a Vegas CRAP shoot. The real question should read, "How do I stay on an ODA for more than 3 years?"

A. Get Selected
B. Attend "Q" course - either 18B, 18C, 18D, or 18E
C. Graduate "Q".
D. Get to first ODA quickly, serve well.
E. Attend NCO development courses.
F. Attend SSI courses when available.
G. Serve well in all assignments.
H. All the above.

-------------------

But that's just me.

Better yet, read all posts (the many 1000's) by the late Col.

------------BT -------------

As for our young ROTC prospect, I will add - regardless of branch, serve well in all assignments. If you have what we're looking for, we'll ask you.

[1stindoor]

Originally Posted by wet dog

As for our young ROTC prospect, I will add - regardless of branch, serve well in all assignments. If you have what we're looking for, we'll ask you.

Figures you'd give away the first answer right off the bat...some folks are just naturally altruistic.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by Aloring001

Oddly enough, MAJ C was the one who first put the idea of SF in my head.

That speaks highly of you.
I look forward to meeting you, unless I already have at Drill. (And if I have and you posted anyway . . . you got some 'splainin to do.)

[DRock310]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

I would wager that until you have searched the combinations of "ROTC", "Infantry", and "Branch", and read all of them, you have not done your homework.

And read "A Message to Garcia" while you are at it.

If you are a 13A, as you indicate, it would seem that your die is already cast.

TR

Thanks for the tips. I already searched for "Infantry", "Field Artillery", and "Branch" though and couldn't find anything relevant. I did in fact find the "Message to Garcia" post, which has some awesome learning points for anyone.

The reason I asked my question is because I had already looked but to no avail. Maybe I'm just "search button" retarted with how I use it.

In any case, my question wasn't to find out what the quickest way to become SF is. I was wondering more on the usefullness of skillsets as it applies to the transition to 18A from say, Infantry as compared to other branches. Coming from an Infantry background of course would be ideal, but what would be the biggest hurdles for other branches making this transition as well as the expectations thereof? This is just FYSA. I'll see if I can overcome my search illiteracy in the meantime.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by DRock310

Thanks for the tips. Use pink when being sarcastic. I already searched for "Infantry", "Field Artillery", and "Branch" though and couldn't find anything relevant. So, you failed. I did in fact find the "Message to Garcia" post, which has some awesome learning points for anyone. Let's hope, including you.

The reason I asked my question is because I had already looked but to no avail. you already mentioned the failed part. Maybe I'm just "search button" retarted with how I use it. Maybe, whatever "retarted" is. And, on behalf of my niece and the family members of some here, I advise you "not go there". In any case, my question wasn't to find out what the quickest way to become SF is. Good cuz there is no quick way for an Officer to go SF I was wondering more on the usefullness of skillsets as it applies to the transition to 18A from say, Infantry as compared to other branches. That question was answered. Coming from an Infantry background of course would be ideal, COL Simmons and LTC Rowe, to name two, might disagreebut what would be the biggest hurdles for other branches making this transition as well as the expectations thereof? In your case your biggest hurdle will be your attitude.This is just FYSA. I'll see if I can overcome my search illiteracy in the meantime. Try working on the post illeracy, too.

Humility is a good trait to have as an aspiring SF Officer.

[DRock310]

Originally Posted by Dozer523

Humility is a good trait to have as an aspiring SF Officer.

Thanks for the input, though honestly I think you're reading too deeply into the post.

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by DRock310

I think you're reading too deeply into the post.

It may have something to do with your wordsmithing...

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by DRock310

Thanks for the input, though honestly I think you're reading too deeply into the post.

You are welcome. Thank you for your honesty. I may be reading to deeply; I take full responsibility for my actions, Lieutenant.

[Richard]

MOO - doesn't matter much what your Branch happens to be, however, as an Officer, knowing when to lead and when to follow is a highly desirable trait - and I would go so far as to say a 'critical' one for an 18A.

Richard

[DRock310]

Originally Posted by Dozer523

You are welcome. Thank you for your honesty. I may be reading to deeply; I take full responsibility for my actions, Lieutenant.

I had already owned up to and took responsibility for my fault in not using the search function to it's fullest potential. If all you have after that is ripping apart my post based on grammatical errors and the like then I'm done here.

Should you have any further points you would like to discuss concerning this situation then I encourage you to PM me so we can handle it "offline," so to speak.

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by DRock310

I had already owned up to and took responsibility for my fault in not using the search function to it's fullest potential. If all you have after that is ripping apart my post based on grammatical errors and the like then I'm done here.

Should you have any further points you would like to discuss concerning this situation then I encourage you to PM me so we can handle it "offline," so to speak.

Well, you've certainly got off to a splendid start. Wonder why that is? Because Dozer523 doesn't know what he's doing?

Nah.

If you wanna PM anybody about your inability to play well with others on this post, why don't you PM a mod?

[DRock310]

Originally Posted by Dusty

Well, you've certainly got off to a splendid start. Wonder why that is? Because Dozer523 doesn't know what he's doing?

Nah.

If you wanna PM anybody about your inability to play well with others on this post, why don't you PM a mod?

I have no qualms with anyone on here, and am not looking to make things worse. If I started things off on the wrong foot then I extend my apologies and I'll be sure to heed the advice given.