First Post

Here's my story:

I'm 27 years old. I've spent most of my life in California with a little stint in Washington. I joined the Reserves as an 0311 at 21 for a multitude of reasons, some that may not have been the best or most motivating reasons but mine none the less.

My reasons for applying myself towards MARSOC-

I've reached a plateau as an 0311. I feel that I've reached a point where I either need to step up my game or step out. Less than a month ago I was counting down the days to my EAS. It wasn't that I wanted out, or that I hated being a Marine, I just reached a point where I felt like I had given all the knowledge I could to my junior Marines. With the way training had been going lately, or lack thereof, I felt like I was letting these Marines down because I wasn't allowed to really show them the extent of what I knew or what I was taught. Field ops were becoming 4 days of sitting in a hole month after month or admin stand downs. I could rarely get the chance to even clean up their basic patrolling skills! It was frustrating. I'm very big on teamwork and everyone bringing themselves to the table and I wasn't getting the ability to do so and neither were my Marines. As I stated in my profile I am a hockey player and hockey fan and I relate this choice to what I believe the SF community is about. Every team may have a star player or the guy who always gets his 15 minutes, but the true fans know who the enforcers are that protect that star, the grinders who wear the other team down, the defenseman who eases the pressure on the goalie or the playmakers who get the assists. I need that tempo. I need to feel like I'm learning or teaching or using any skill I can.

Another Marine from my unit/friend of mine recently had passed selection and is currently in ITC. We've talked a lot since he left (nothing he shouldn't have said to me) and I'd always get the hints to get a package going. About 2 weeks ago my 1st Sgt made an announcement about MARSOC closing to reservists as of 2014. I had recently talked to him about attending preselection for 19th SFG and he suggested I research into it. I did and haven't looked back. I'm not looking to be Billy Badass, because I'm sure that it's not all, I just know my chapter of serving isn't closed yet. Everything I've done and have yet to do can be perfected and that is one thing I'm looking for from this. Bettering myself and bringing my skillsets and whatever weight they hold to a team that can change the momentum.

I'm looking for mentoring to have that guidance to reach my goals, mostly in my fitness portion, because I am definitely not where I'd like to be.

"Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

S/F
 
Newbs, take heed to this entire page of "stories".

If you want to get to know us, first we need to get to know you.

This page is a great example of how you do it. Punto. 8-)
 
Hey Everyone,

I'll start by introducing my self again. My name is Riley, I'm 21 and I have recently enlisted in the Air Force. I have about three more months until I ship out for Basic and if all goes smoothly then on to Pararescue Indoc.

I have sat here for awhile thinking about why I want to be part of the SOF community. For me it isn't any specific reason, it's a mix between multiple reasons, life events and a lot of soul searching that got to where I am today. Growing up I was a four sport athlete up until my Junior year in High School, where I decided that I'd had enough of sports and had "better things to do". Between battling with myself with trying to be perfect all the time and my immature attitude the challenge, the game and my teammates weren't worth it anymore. So that was the first time in my life I had ever quit and honestly at the time it felt good to be done, but looking back now I regret/miss every second of it.

Finally the day came when the light bulb turned on and lit a fire under my ass that was long overdue. I hated my n
 
Hey Everyone,

I'll start by introducing my self again. My name is Riley, I'm 21 and I have recently enlisted in the Air Force. I have about three more months until I ship out for Basic and if all goes smoothly then on to Pararescue Indoc.

I have sat here for awhile thinking about why I want to be part of the SOF community. For me it isn't any specific reason, it's a mix between multiple reasons, life events and a lot of soul searching that got to where I am today. Growing up I was a four sport athlete up until my Junior year in High School, where I decided that I'd had enough of sports and had "better things to do". Between battling with myself with trying to be perfect all the time and my immature attitude the challenge, the game and my teammates weren't worth it anymore. So that was the first time in my life I had ever quit and honestly at the time it felt good to be done, but looking back now I regret/miss every second of it.

Finally the day came when the light bulb turned on and lit a fire under my ass that was long overdue. I hated my n
Sorry about the incomplete post, I accidentally hit post I'm reposting my complete response.
 
Hey Everyone,

I'll start by introducing my self again. My name is Riley, I'm 21 and I have recently enlisted in the Air Force. I have about three more months until I ship out for Basic and if all goes smoothly then on to Pararescue Indoc.

I have sat here for awhile thinking about why I want to be part of the SOF community. For me it isn't any specific reason, it's a mix between multiple reasons, life events and a lot of soul searching that got to where I am today. Growing up I was a four sport athlete up until my Junior year in High School, where I decided that I'd had enough of sports and had "better things to do". Between battling with myself with trying to be perfect all the time and my immature attitude the challenge, the game and my teammates weren't worth it anymore. So that was the first time in my life I had ever quit and honestly at the time it felt good to be done, but looking back now I regret/miss every second of it.

Finally the day came when the light bulb turned on and lit a fire under my ass that was long overdue. I hated being normal and living a normal life I wanted to do something different, push myself everyday to be better than yesterday. The military had always interested me so I started to look around all the branches to see what they offered and the one career that stood out from the rest was Pararescue. This was the "different" I had been searching for. At first the high speed parts of the career sparked my interest. The more I learn about this career, the less it's about "cool guy stuff"(still awesome though). I admire and aspire to be the person people can count on to go the ends of the earth to save them when all hope looks to be gone. Not because I want to be someone's knight in shining armor, but because I want to give anyone who's in a life or death situation comfort in knowing that there is someone out there who is going to help me no matter how dangerous or difficult it may be. When I read about missions falling apart and the team still gets it done without falter or hesitation, I know I can live up to the trust and confidence they have in one another. The kind of discipline, character, and mindset these men have is more than inspiring and I have no problem giving all the blood sweat and tears it takes to prove myself worthy of being able to work with these men. I've been the guy looking back with regret on quitting, I know exactly what that feels like. I refuse to make that same mistake again.
 
Gentlemen,

I seem to have had a lot of positives on my intro so am now in the market for a mentor or mentors. I will do my best to describe my journey to this point here for you guys to critique.

I am prior service, having served five years in the USMC, attempting to make the Army Special Forces my new life. I have decided this sounds like the life I want to live for many reasons, one being brotherhood. I have been in team environments my whole life through sports from the time I could walk until the day I left for the corps.

My countless time in sports and years in the corps taught me probably my most important life lesson. The men to your left and to your right are just as, if not more important, than yourself. I have lived by this and will live by this until the day they lay me under. From the men I have been blessed to have talked to and the personal experiences I have read, I firmly believe that brotherhood and integrity are fully intact and of most importance in the special forces community. When every man in a group is willing to do his best, even give his life for the men around him, you are left with something special.

Now on to my training. I have spent the past year preparing my mind body and soul for this adventure and it has been paying off tremendously. I have always been a weight room junkie between football, baseball and power lifting, but the past year was spent making me more well rounded. I spend a lot of time on the ground a week between running, rucking and swimming, usually 4 or 5 days a week There is also two hours a day 7 days a week on the weights to keep my strength ever improving. The latest test I did on myself was a 3 mile run in 18:54, 20 pull ups and 100 full sit ups, not the marine corps crunches. I have yet to time a ruck or even remember my times since humping has always been one of my best friends. Being 6'4" with crazy strong legs has never seemed to do anything but benefit me with a pack on.

I finally seem to be ready to give this a shot and make it so I went to talk to a recruiter a month or two ago. My package has been approved needing zero waivers and am now waiting on my MEPS date for a physical, dlab test and swearing in. I have been studying the dlab prep guide from delta gear front to back with my wife every night and should not have too much of a problem with that. I was supposed to go to MEPS this week but they called and said next week so only gives me more time to prepare.

I'm very excited to get through OSUT and AIT then on to jump school. Then on to something I believe I have been looking forward to my whole life, special forces prep, selection and the Q. My wife is a military brat and 100% on board with all of this and so is the rest of my family. Having that support base and knowing how proud it will make all of them and myself will always be there to help. They will have to drag my dead body off that course before I surrender.

I went on and on for a little bit again but hope this gave some insight on my goals and prep for a future in special forces. I look forward to hearing from anyone with anything to say, I am a sponge with ears and eyeballs open to learn.

Galifinaster.
 
I thought about giving some long, detailed back story but none of that really matters. This is why I'm here: I'm an active duty Marine Corps infantryman. Special operations is my calling. I passionately feel like that's where I belong and I'm going to do whatever it takes to get there. My MARSOC screener clued me into this forum and I know there's a wealth of knowledge and experience here and I'm excited to hear anything those that have that knowledge and experience have to say. Thank you all for your time and consideration.
 
I thought about giving some long, detailed back story but none of that really matters. This is why I'm here: I'm an active duty Marine Corps infantryman. Special operations is my calling. I passionately feel like that's where I belong and I'm going to do whatever it takes to get there. My MARSOC screener clued me into this forum and I know there's a wealth of knowledge and experience here and I'm excited to hear anything those that have that knowledge and experience have to say. Thank you all for your time and consideration.

Once again welcome to the site. Check out the mentor forum. The Marines here are very active.
 
I thought about giving some long, detailed back story but none of that really matters. This is why I'm here: I'm an active duty Marine Corps infantryman. Special operations is my calling. I passionately feel like that's where I belong and I'm going to do whatever it takes to get there. My MARSOC screener clued me into this forum and I know there's a wealth of knowledge and experience here and I'm excited to hear anything those that have that knowledge and experience have to say. Thank you all for your time and consideration.

Also get vetted.
 
Hello all,

I have wanted to be a soldier for as long as I can remember, there was always something about the brotherhood that exists in the military that really appealed to me. I knew that I had to be a part of that. When I heard about the intense training that Special Forces soldiers go through to earn their Green Beret, and the brotherhood that is formed during training and combat, I was deeply drawn to that lifestyle. I crave the brotherhood that I see in Special Forces more than anything. When I see pictures of guys on ODAs with their faces blacked out, and how they rely completely on each other for everything, I yearn for those kinds of bonds. It's something I can't completely put into words, but I have never wanted to be a part of something more. I am the type of person that wants to push myself as hard as I can, and I want to be in a unit where I can reach my full potential. I believe that I am always capable of doing more, or doing better. I want to be in a unit with hard men, who do a hard job, and be able to trust the guy next to me with my life, and know he has the same trust in me. Also, I have always felt that I must serve this country in some capacity, and give back for all the freedoms I have been guaranteed by warriors from generations past. Special Forces has always been working quietly out of the spotlight to make a big difference. Their mission is unique and broad, and a Special Forces soldier is extremely intelligent, physically fit, and able to function in ambiguous situations. This is what I strive to become. I honestly believe that SF is my calling in life, and I am willing to work as hard as I can until I earn my place within the brotherhood.

I just finished Basic Training and am currently home on HBL. I'm training to be a Parachute Rigger and have a position in 19th Group. I am focussing hard on doing my best in AIT, and arriving to my unit as an asset. My plan is to spend some time supporting the SF mission as a Rigger, and then attending SFAS when I have more experience. Right now my 25 meter target is Airborne and AIT, but I will keep my SF goals in mind and remember what I am working towards.

Physically I am as follows:
5'11"
165#
71 PU
73 SU
12:15 2 mile

I am thankful for everyone who contributes to this site, and for all the information that has been posted. I don't post here often, but I check here daily. I am here to learn.
 
Greetings

I am a junior in high school looking to go into SF after college. To begin my introduction, I will first speak of how I decided to join the military. I first started looking into a career in the military when I entered high school. One of my friends was a Marine and after hearing him talk about the Marines I was interested in joining. However, as time went on I became more interested in special operations. Marine Recon was the first unit that I was interested in but after reading the book Gentlemen Bastards by Kevin Maurer I started to look into in SF. I did a lot of research and what struck me the most was the fact that SF is that only unit that is trained in UW and that they are a highly intelligent and motivated group. I was always unsure about what I wanted to do when I grew up and was never really sure about anything I did until I decided to look into the military. I like a fast paced job that is both challenging and fun. With that, I am now interested in pursuing a career in SF. I have been working on my PT ever since my interest started but progress has been slow. However slow the progress is it will always be there so I will dedicate myself to achieving my goals no matter how far off they seem. Therefore, I hope to learn much from the people on this site about how to properly train for SFAS. My current 25m goal is to finish school and achieve above-average physical fitness. I also hope to become more independent and not always ask stupid questions before I try to go out and find the answers for myself. Thank you.

Derek
 
To reiterate on my intro,

I'm 22 years old and I live in the Philadelphia area(Delaware County). I joined the PAARNG as an 88M in 2009 and I deployed to Afghanistan in 2010-2011. I'm now an E-5 in the PAARNG and a part-time Police Officer on the civilian side. The dream of getting into Special Forces started in AIT, when I read a few books on Special Forces from the PX. Since then, I have had the long term goal of becoming a Green Beret in the back of my mind. I am glad I waited a few years because I gained a lot of wisdom and common sense. I am attending my first drill with B. Co. 2nd Bn. 20th SFG(A) in February 2014. I am going to continue to be a "sponge" and soak up as much information as I can. My 25m target is to get my fitness back to where it was during my deployment, and to pass all of the events in my first Assessment Drill.

I am also a bit of a patriot, ever since the first day I put on the uniform, I knew I would serve proudly. I also began to realize I made the wrong decision for my MOS when I started enjoying everything we were learning in Basic Training. When I hit AIT, I knew I did not want to be a driver. After reading those books, I knew I would not get out without giving Selection my best shot. It is now that time, I have matured and I am in my prime. I hope to one day get back into the fight, whether it be Afghanistan or some other war zone. That is my motivation for joining Army Special Forces.
 
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Hello everyone,

I've been a lurker on this site for a little under 2 years. I'm a almost 22 years old USMC air winger reservist for the past 3 years, hoping to get in the MARSOC ASPOC class in August. I originally wanted to be a SEAL straight out of high school years ago after reading Lone survivor, but due to not being a citizen at the time I was denied that option for the mean time rather than wait at the urging of my parents I joined the USMCR instead of going active duty as I had wanted to so I could go to college and eventually try out as a SEAL officer in a few years. I went through boot, MCT, A and C school as an aircraft mechanic, and became a US citizen. Shortly I after I returned home from training after a year I enrolled in college and decided this wasn't for me at the time. I was pulling straight A's, but in the back of my head while sitting in class I would miss the buddies I had made in the corps and would hear stories from them about fleet life and Afghanistan deployments and found myself feeling like a shitbag while yearning for active duty. So I dropped out and went to my unit and asked for the forms to switch over to active recon, but was denied do to draw downs and at the time wasn't a Cpl so I couldn't apply for MARSOC. Undaunted I reverted back to my old dream of being a SEAL so I could deploy and hold my head up high I pt'd like an animal every week and eventually felt comfortable enough to pass and dominate the SEAL PST. I did pretty damn well and started getting the paperwork filled out and getting a conditional release. Then as everything was going well, I broke my foot like a dumbass while bouldering, after failing to have properly communicate to my spotter that I was dropping and he needed to move the crash pad under me he moved the pad halfheartedly and I missed half of the pad. The fault was mine really for not really checking and even doing something that could injure me before I shipped out again. So that killed my SEAL dreams for at least a year. Before this injury I had never had a break or serious injury that sidelined me for more than a few weeks. Like a dumbass I tried pt'ing before I was completely healed again injuring myself and setting me back even more. I then entered the I feel sorry for myself phase and was quite gloomy for a while and started putting on fat and started drinking for several months. Turns out I wasn't invincible like I had thought. After a while I realized this was small shit compared to the guys that were coming back fucked up from Afghanistan like a few buddies of mine. So I did everything I could to get better and started pt'ing again while being the best marine I could, surprisingly or maybe not once I quit being a shitbag and started giving everything a 110% I picked up Cpl. making me eligible for MARSOC selection ,which I'm aiming for the August class. I'm putting my package together and training as hard as I can while learning as much as I can to be the best candidate possible and eventually be selected to start ITC. The last few years have been nothing but humbling for me, but I feel I've matured and learned a lot during the process and that I've become a better person for it. I'd also like to thank all of the Shadowspear mentors for all of the times they give their words of wisdom while off duty, especially Uncle Petey for all of the time, work and effort he has put in to the MARSOC mentoring section. I've learned an incredible amount form all of his posts.

EAL92
 
I have read through this entire thread and feel like it is time to post:

My name is Chris and I just turned 28 years old. I had a desire to join the military when I was young and my heroes in life were my grandfather, who served on a destroyer in World War 2 (along with 6-7 of his brothers) and my great uncle, who flew helicopters during Vietnam and served in the Massachusetts National Guard. My mom always tells stories of when I was 6 or 7 and we were involved the Gulf War and how I would come down stairs every day and tell her and my dad to put on the news so I could find out what was happening in Baghdad. As I got older, I had a dream to become a fighter pilot. I am not sure what changed my mind, but as I got older I just remember not thinking about joining the military as much. I still read every military book I could get my hands on, but for some reason, joining the military was not on my mind. When I was 15, I started a business with father and uncle and become so involved in that, that the business and playing college basketball where my only goals. When I started college, I knew I had a strong desire to help people, so I decided to obtain a nursing degree. I worked 40-50 hours a week at my family's business and went to school at night. After two semesters, I realized I was not putting forth the effort into college because I was so involved in the family business and not focusing on nursing, so I switched to a business major and continued to take classes at night. I graduated with a business degree and planned on taking over the business for my family, which at the time was struggling mightily due to the Recession and other issues. I spent the next 4 years of my life trying to keep the company going, but it just did not work out and the company closed a few years ago. I got anther job right away, but immediately knew something was missing and nothing was challenging me. My best friend from college left a six figure job and joined the Army and became a Ranger and that had a profound impact on me.

After spending the summer with him, training as he prepared I began to realize that all I wanted to do was join the military. I had put everything aside in an attempt to help my family and that was gone. It took me a year of researching and talking things over with my wife before I met with an Air Force recruiter to talk to him about becoming a Pararescueman. Like I had stated earlier, I had always had a desire to help people and when I read the information on what a Pararescueman does, it just clicked. All the diving and jumping out planes appeals to me, but it really has more to do with being able to go in an save someone no matter what the conditions. Also, I love being pushed beyond my limits and the fact that no matter how good you are at something, someone is always pushing you to be better. That is something that I absolutely love.

I first met with the recruiter the week before my 27th birthday. I drove 2 hours to see a recruiter, because the office 10 minutes away from me would not discuss joining with the goal of being a Pararescueman because I was too old. I signed all the paperwork and started the process that day. I began training and after several months was able to pass the PAST. However, because of some significant debt I had accumulated, some paperwork was held up. I paid the debts off, but by the time everything was all set, my recruiter called and said they would not be able to get me to Basic before my 28th birthday. So two months ago, I had to change direction a little and decided to join the Air National Guard in New York, and become a Pararescueman with the 106th. I still have not taken a PAST or gone to MEPS in this year long journey, but I have kept my motivation and just keep working. I know this was a long post and I look forward to feedback/correction.
 
Good Afternoon gentlemen,



My name is Austin and I am currently a 22 year-old Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. I enlisted two months after I graduated high school. I joined the Corps because I wanted to make a difference and be a part of the Marine legacy. As almost every Marine will tell you I wanted to “run and gun” and do “Marine things”, but through my own naive attitude as a 18 year-old first generation military member I allowed myself to but put in an MOS that I did not truly desire to be in. That is neither here nor there but instead of being upset at the Corps I decided to make the best of it and become the best at my job. I still have a lingering urge to peruse my dream to become SOF.

When I came into the Corps I was only about 150 pounds soaking wet and I knew that there was a huge disadvantage being that small. I knew I had to grow in order to make it. Over the last four years I changed my diet and hit the gym pretty regularly and now I stand at 195 pounds. That, I believe will give me a much better base to build upon to reach my goal.

I love being a Marine and I could not think of joining the ranks of another branch, so if I want to be SOF then MARSOC is the way to go. I am currently deployed to Afghanistan on my second tour and I have just contacted the recruiter to see what, if anything, I can do while being deployed. I know I have to pass a Naval Special Warfare medical screening as well as and administrative package to even get an A&S date. As I have said I have been training pretty intensely to get ready for the selection process (minus swimming which is a huge part of the process). I am hoping to be able to complete my package while I am in country and have a date for A&S Phase 1 and eventually the actual selection course and when I return to the states and finish my preparation.

As for why I want to be a team member, the answer is simply summed up into one word: Brotherhood. There is nothing that I can imagine that is as satisfying as going into a dangerous situation and know for a 100% fact that the man to your left and your right has your back and would do anything for you and vice versa. The men I have met in the Corps will be some of my closest friends for the rest of my life, but there is an even tighter knit group that I desire to be a part of. I want to do intense training packages, learn survival skills, and go to exotic places, but most of all no matter where I go or what I do, I will have my brothers right next to me. Where ever they go, I will go. Whatever they do, I will do no matter what the danger or consequences. There is nothing more admirable in my eyes than being a team member.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

My name is Marco and I am currently finishing up my second semester in college. I will admit that my desire to serve came out of subsequent brainwashing through every shitty war movie that hollywood, even shittier video games that have all culminated in, and you guessed it; airsofting plus the proverbial phrase"it looks pretty easy, so why not?" Well that went away when I was looking into different avenues into finding a way to pay for college when an AFROTC pamphlet showed up to my door which got me interested in the military but weeks later, I got a Navy SWCC pamphlet which I thought looked much cooler.

Nowadays, I see it as my duty as an American to put something back into the system and give back to the freedom I have been taking for granted. I think college right now will pay dividends so I can expand my horizons and learn something useful for the future. So for the next four years, I will be studying and enjoying life just as it has been on this thread!

I have no service preference but I am very interested in becoming a SOF medic. After reading Battle Ready by Mark Donald, I knew it was the thing I wanted to do and the prospect of becoming a physician assistant also appealed to me. I think the only thing that could hold me back is my vision. I have 20/300 uncorrected in both eyes and I have to feel out which SOF units I could try out for.

I still have time and I hope to utilize the resources provided by this site to make an informed decision.
 
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