First Post

[The Hate Ape]

I have been a member since 2011; there are a few on this forum who have witnessed my growth as both a Marine and a civilized human being, some of which I attribute this to. My previous two of three deployments have been under MARSOC in Afghanistan and most recently Iraq where I have served in a team, company, and SOF LNO capacity with a foreign SOF community as an 8071/SOCS-C. As I approach the end of my tour (only five years are allotted in this community to non-0372s) I have been given a very unique and rare opportunity to attend Assessment and Selection in August 2016 which could never have been accomplished without the input of my former team commander, my former XO/previous team commander, Operations Chief and multiple other personal who hold weight in this community.

I admire those who I have served with and those who have lost their lives during a peak in their greatness. I love this community, I admire and continue to aspire to our ethos, and I want nothing more than to be permanently placed here doing what I love. I have endured personal sacrifice during an extended growth period and have learned much while only wanting to offer that much more to the community and mission as a permanent member, brother, and teammate.

During my last deployment, I discussed personally with one member on the site about the possibilities of moving over to 1st Force Reconnaissance, others have approached me about SMUs in my area, and I've explored avenues outside the Marine Corps in the private sector. This situation with A&S literally fell on my lap and I have decided to run with it.

I am hopeful that my best effort is recognized as a selectable and trainable member of the SOF community in August and from there I will re-enlist to move onto ITC. Should I not be selected I will be happy that I had my chance and move forward with my life. Quitting isn't really an option; I will never get this chance again. I am currently preparing as eagerly as possible physically with the tools and advice available in the community to include the 10 week A&S preparation program.

Regardless of the available tools that are unique to my situation, I will seek a mentor on this forum. I love you guys.

Respectfully,

Rich

 

[bobbyadair960]

Hello Everyone,

I found this thread while looking for information on ways to prepare for SFAS and immediately created an account. I would love to have a mentor. I'm a 25 year old male Paramedic student. I work security and also work part time as a volunteer firefighter/EMT-B. I love working with a team and try to learn something out of any situation I am in. I've had a desire to join the military since I was young (My dad was a Marine in Vietnam and I've always admired that). I've always wanted to do more with my life, and was happy when an Army recruiter told me about the 18x program. I plan on enlisting in September (2016) and am trying to do everything I can to prepare. I've read a lot of good posts on here to prepare as well as ordered the Get Selected book, relentless forward progress, 5 years to freedom, as well as the Get selected DVD from the guys over at Fieldcraft LLC. I also ruck, run, and workout (my routine will be modified per input from a mentor or the books I read). My goal is to be 18D. I have a passion for emergency medicine, and work best in a high stress, fast paced environment. I have a wife and want to do everything I can to be successful in my career choice with the Army.

Thank you all for this thread.

 

[Mor13]

Good afternoon everyone,

I really have one reason as to why I want to be apart of such a community that I see different from most people I talk to. I want to do my part. I've always been the guy that wants to do his part. I don't like being behind the scenes, not saying I want recognition, I want to feel like I'm making an impact. I enjoy being useful and being the person people ask to do something. I do believe everyone has an important role in the military, but I like to see my work done. I like progress and visual success. I worked at a warehouse and due to this attitude I was able to get promoted within 2 months with the only thought in my head when I went to work being "I wonder how much I can get rid of by the end of the night".
Sadly I've had a bit of a setback coming to my unit, getting passed up on unit dets and getting passed up on the last deployment in March of 2015 until our next in 2018(I checked in July of 2014). I decided I was over the military, it wasn't what I thought.
Until, I went to the MARSOC brief. It sparked the interest I had as a teenager, it was a feeling of excitement and opportunity I haven't felt since I hit the fleet, to finally do my part. After hearing I can put my package in as a Lance(I'm picking up in a few months) I figured it's time to see what I have and move on from my first experience in the Marine Corps. I love the Marine Corps, but the wing isn't what I had in mind and this was it.
So here I am, doing all of my medical screenings, getting ready with the much appreciated help of a Sergeant that recently went through A&S and hopefully I'll be there in April of 2017.
Not the most attractive statement but I believe in honesty.
Thanks for reading.

 

[Marcus]

My name's Marcus/24/Madison, WI

Honestly I don't know why I'm drawn to SOF over anything else. But it's what keeps me up at night. It's what I think about when I'm working out/alone/bored. I drive my girlfriend crazy talking about it with her. Being 24 and almost done with my FF/Paramedic internship I feel like I should be excited about getting a career fire/medic job, but for reasons I can't explain all I can think about is how upset that department would be if I told them I'm going into the military. I'm just drawn too it like a magnet. That's the best way I can put it.

As stated in other posts, I love being a medic but feel unchallenged with civilian EMS. If/when I join I know I would want to be a medic in whatever branch or MOS.

I'll be reading the site seeking advice on everything from SOF medic options out there to back up plans for if all goes wrong. I'll be honest and say my biggest hesitation is ending up in an MOS that I can't stand, something that doesn't advance the skills I have already gained (NREMT-P etc.)

Thank you for having me,

Marcus

 

[x SF med]

@Marcus...

Now is the time to use the search function on the site for research purposes. There is a lot of information to help you reach a decision in where you want to take your life. SOF is a small, very tight community, you'll see that here... remember your chances of making it into any SOF unit are low, just due to the volume of candidates and the stringency of the selection/training process. Every job in the military is important, and every job needs to be treated that way - no matter what MOS you finally get, excellence is minimum for which you aspire, and keeping your outlook up and focused is going to allow you to achieve goals over the course of your military career... a great job in any MOS will allow your command to feel confident about sending you to another unit in the SOF community, because it makes them look good. Keep in shape - physically, mentally, emotionally, financially and spitirually - you'll need them all throughout your life anywhere.

Good luck, go do PT, and read, research, and plan your goals.

 

[Marcus]

@x SF med Thank you, I appreciate your response.

Marcus

 

[rcg10]

Serving has been the biggest factor in my decisions growing up. The desire of serving others led me into joining the USCG, and after 6 years of active duty I have decided to serve in a different capacity. My time in the USCG, experiences, and the lessons I learned were pivotal in my development into the person I am today. After a few months of research, I came across the opportunity to serve in Special Forces within the National Guard. With my end of enlistment in mid 2017, I have begun preparations for applying and attending a SFRE/SFAD with the 19th Group.


Why Special Forces? Before my fiancé fully supported my decision to pursue this, she asked why I was willing to sacrifice so much for a highly slim chance at succeeding. The missions, opportunities to serve in the highest capacity of the armed forces, and the Green Beret all appealed to me. However, the Brotherhood stood out the most. Earning my spot to become a part of this group is what I strive for. This will be the toughest and most challenging path I have set for myself.


25M - PT with objective on maxing out APFT

50M - Complete application and attend SFRE

100M – Successfully finish my enlistment in the USCG and begin process to enlist in the National Guard.

-R

 

[keenan&kel]

Hello I'm Oliver, 23. I am interested in becoming a TACP airman for quite some time now. Ive been preparing for several months by doing the PAST exercises weekly and I've managed to go from struggling on everything besides pushups to now exceeding all of it by comfortable margin. Ive scoured the web for every bit of info I can get relating to this career field and I feel that the only way I can learn more is to commit to it and my first step would be to join the mentoring group. This is something I want to do, but like many commitments I need all the information I can get. My dream of becoming a TACP airman has led me to take summer classes at my local college and major in info systems, which I really enjoy. I plan on getting an IT industry certification by fall. I have experience in electrical assembly and in the process of getting a technician job at a telecommunications company. I also have a lot of volunteering experience within my community, namely working at neighborhood center that serves the refugee community. I also can speak some farsi. Sorry if this is seems like a lot of unorganized information, but I am just so eager to join this group that making my statement "count" has made me quite anxious. Thank you for your consideration.

 

[CDG]

This is something I want to do, but like many commitments I need all the information I can get.

Just like any other job in the military with a high attrition rate, you don't need anything but a contract and the intestinal fortitude to complete the training.

 

[keenan&kel]

Just like any other job in the military with a high attrition rate, you don't need anything but a contract and the intestinal fortitude to complete the training.

Of all things I failed to articulate, that is the most important. Thank you for holding me accountable for my poor choice of words. I'll say this, I would appreciate the incite of subject matter expertise which being a member of this group will provide.

 

[Scholar]

I've been a member of SS for a little over a year now mostly reading and using the search function. Had a stupid, useless post a while back that got squashed by a mod for good reason, and overall I think I've learned a lot from exploring the forums. My desire to be in SOF has been reinforced as well and after I graduate college I plan to make the dream happen. During highschool my plan was to enlist with an Op. 40 contract rather than going to college, however, as I neared graduation, I felt that considering the scholarship opportunities I thought it would be dumb not to continue school. While the 75th still sounds like something I want to pursue ( who doesn't want to break stuff right?), I've also become interested in SF. I've had the opportunity to travel internationally quiet a bit and have spent time in a variety of foreign cultures. I really enjoy learning about how government, business, and life in general are conducted in these cultures and some of the best experiences of my life have occurred while living with families in third world countries far from my own. My hope is that as I begin my sophomore year of college I can seek the guidance of Mentors here to figure out what exactly I should pursue. I currently train 4-5 days a week since that's what I've found to work best for my body. I run, do PT, lift, and usually program for myself based on what my strengths and weaknesses are at a given time. Day's when I'm not training I usually work in swimming, hiking, or occasionally free diving at a local abandoned quarry. My training will have to pick up in the future as I get closer to finishing school, but currently my goal is to not get hurt, and keep myself fast and strong.

25m: Keep scholarships, stay fit, don't get hurt.
50m: Finish college, enlist.
100m: Get selected.

Thanks, Scholar.

 

[aequus]

I've always had a chip on my shoulder. Everyone knows that life is unfair, that doesn't stop us from refusing to accept it. It's in our very nature to not only understand why something happens, but to want to control it. It took a while for me to accept this, and sometimes I still have trouble, but life is less about whether or not you deserve something and rather how you are able to react and adapt to it.

Currently I'm on a break from attending university and I'm fully prepared to withdraw in order to pursue an 18X contract. The most common question that I receive from all my friends and family in addition the underlying subtext of their concern is why I would be willing to throw away all the opportunities I currently have while I'm in the peak of my youth. I find it funny because I feel myself on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of perspective. My entire life I've been told what to do, when to do it, and why. If I follow the formula of achieving top grades and participating in extracurriculars, then it doesn't matter if you have passion for it because you'll achieve success in life with a stable career and most important money, which apparently means a fulfilling life.

I've followed that long enough to know that a certain point, you can't keep telling yourself that delayed gratification is how you'll achieve fulfillment in life. It's an important principle but there's a marked difference between putting off simple pleasures for a greater purpose, and doing what you've been told because you don't know any better. No one should have live a life where you're devoid of purpose becoming an empty shell of a man.

(Skip ahead to here if my backstory/rambling doesn't appeal to you)
​

Why do I want to join the Green Berets? There are plenty of SOF communities that are equally commendable and they all fulfill their own unique roles; however, the fact that part of the Green Berets mission is Foreign Internal Defense particularly stands out to me. Growing up I aspired to be a diplomat or an ambassador to a foreign nation so that I could help those in need, and sometimes blowing things up isn't the best way to solve a problem. There is a quote I once heard, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Whether or not life is fair, whether or not people get what they deserve, I want to be willing to make a positive impact, and I believe this is the best way to do it.

"I'd rather die on my feet, than live on my knees."

It's about time I take responsibility for my life.

 

[BlakeH]

Greetings all,

This is my first post in a reply to a thread, so I hope I'm doing this correctly.

Some people say they have wanted to SOF their whole lives and it's been a drive in them since a child. While I wish I could say this about myself, that is not the case. I'm entering into my last year of highschool, and I have really struggled with finding out "my calling" in life. I learned about Pararescue in CAP when I was around 13 and thought it was really cool, but I didn't have a passion to go into the military to do that. Originally, my goals were dead-set on being a fighter pilot, but that soon fizzled out and I was left going through school with no end-goal driving me. I have bounced around planning on many different civilian jobs mainly just so I had something to say when people asked me, but nothing really stuck. That all changed once my brother enlisted.

He went into the Army on an 18X program to go straight into SF. He ended up self-eliminating in SOPC because he felt he wasn't ready, but he trained for a couple years in Alaska, becoming a scout and getting his sniper tab, and returned to selection. The whole while, I thought it was really cool what he was doing, but I honestly didn't really think he would make it into Special Forces, I mean, those are the guys the awesome movies are about! It seemed bizarre that someone I had grown up with would be able to go on and do that. However, he made it. As he was going through the Q course, he would call me and we would talk about what he was doing and I thought it was the coolest thing. He would ask me if I was looking into SOF (mainly PJ's because that's the only thing I had expressed interest in) and I would say not really because I had a girlfriend and since we were definitely getting married (sarcasm intended) and she didn't want to be married to that lifestyle, I decided I couldn't do SOF, even though it was starting to really appeal to me. (Horrible mistake). Long story short, we broke up. Pretty much the week after we broke up I started looking into SOF and felt like I was discovering a whole new world! It was so amazing to learn about all the different facets of America's elite and how the different branches would help each other to create an unstoppable team. I began talking to my brother more and more and I began training harder than I had before to begin getting myself ready (this was probably a year ago). My passion for SOF became real when my family and I went to Fort Bragg for my brother's graduation from the Q course. During the graduation ceremony, the head officer of the class said something that really resonated with me. He said, "It's not that you are doing the job that others couldn't do, your doing the job other's wouldn't do." When he said that, it hit me hard. I realized what type of job SOF is, the sacrifice that you are promising, the difficulties you are agreeing to, because you were the one that rose to the occasion when other's wouldn't. At that moment, I knew deep down that it was what I wanted to do: who I wanted to become. It is incredibly hard to put my passion into words, but I suppose I just feel like it's my calling.

After that, I began extensively looking into the different missions of the SOF groups to find out which one was the best fit. As I looked into AFSOC, I learned about Combat Controllers. I thought it was amazing how they were so well rounded that they could deploy with any SOF group for support, and the ATC/JTAC mission seemed like a good fit. Thus, my goal became CCT. However, when I got my ACT scores back, my parents told me with that score, I could most likely get a full ride to whichever school I wanted to attend. The problem is I have no desire to go to college, I feel like it wouldn't challenge me how I would like and I ultimately wouldn't get much out of it other than a piece of paper. So then I started looking into the Air Force Academy. It looks like it will be a great challenging environment and I will get a lot out of going there. I then began to readjust my SOF goal, and I found Special Tactics Officers. They were the officer counterpart to the CCT, which is exactly what I was looking for. The only problem is they are very difficult to find info on, not many people know about them and so there really isn't anything on the internet or any books detailing what they do that I could find. The best I've come up with is the outline of their mission on Military.com. I plan to find out more info on the STO career field to ensure I would be a good fit there. So, I am applying to the Academy as well as looking into schools (I have enough college credits I could go into college as a junior. I figured if I went, I could just grit my teeth for two years, and that way I have the option of either enlisting for CCT or going to an OTS course for STO) and I'm trying to find as much info on STOs and CCTs before I make a decision on which route I take.

I hope this hasn't been too long-winded, I can be rather extensive at times. But this about sums it up.

Cheers!
Blake

 

[JAG2]

Hey everyone. I'm going to keep this short and sweet, but feel free to request elaboration.

MY SPECIFIC SOF GOALS:
I am planning to enlist as a 35M with Airborne and possibly DLI. College grad so I'd go in as an E-4. I am passionate about HUMINT (Source Ops) and am very intent on deploying to support SOF and becoming an SOF enabler. Depending on my experiences, I may decide to submit a packet for CA, 35L, or switch over to the 18-series, but enlisting as a 35M is a definite and there's a good chance I'll want to stick with HUMINT all the way if certain opportunities come my way.

Goal also includes upping my PT score to a more competitive level (especially in running. I'm thin as a stick but I suck at it).

I want to break into the SOF community because I truly believe that despite everything, the United States is the "last, best hope of Earth" as Lincoln said, and I want to do something with my life to contribute to its interests and security. Don't care about money. Don't care about fame. I'd happily live in a shoebox and die a nobody if I was able to help out my country. Learning as much as I can about intel and unconventional warfare is what keeps me up and animated at night, so that is naturally the direction I'd want to go in.

THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ON THESE GOALS:
Countless hours spent researching the IC, -INTS (HUMINT especially), collection/analysis tradecraft, writing/briefing standards and skills, the SOF community, COIN, CT, and complex security situations worldwide. I know how HUMINT isn't nearly as glamorous as many people think it is, and I know that it's 90% paperwork that's more often than not in reference to a source who walks in the door and turns out to be a waste of time. But that's not a turn-off for me, and well worth it to have a shot at performing more valuable intel support activities further down the line. Research is never finished, and I'm sure I have only scratch the surface. Constantly looking for more sources and feedback.

More specific research tailored to my near-goals include what exactly a 35M does and doesn't do, opportunities for 35Ms at every level, the schools I should aim for, PT standards, basic Army knowledge, as well as info about requirements and deadlines re: 35L/CA/SF and how to meet them, and what these MOS's do and do not do. I have researched some info about PT training, but intend to research much more on good practices and strategies that provide results.

THE STEPS I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN TO MEET THEM:
Starting to come up with an effective routine to up my PT score. Spoke with a recruiter and incredibly helpful people on this site about my goals. Researched (and continue to research) everything I can about the MOS's I am interested in and the MOS's they work with.

CURRENT PLAN OF ACTION:
Work on improving myself physically over the next few months to reach a competitive standard. In the mean time, continue gathering as much information as I can to clarify my path, enhance my competitiveness, and provide perspective to succeed in my work and be a valuable asset to my future unit. Plan on enlisting a few months down the road barring any surprises.

Thanks for reading, this community has been a great help already and I'm looking forward to the rest of my interactions. Feel free to PM or reply if I don't find you first.

-JAG2

 

[MidasMouse]

Hi everyone.
My name is Cody, I am 20 years old and just enlisted under an 18x contract. I figured a little background about myself is in order so here it is. I wrestled in High School and it absolutely changed my life. I went from a couch potato and video game junkie to team captain, best team mate, most dedicated, mr.hustle, all conference, state placer, etc. When I graduated I went straight into doing MMA, coaching wrestling, and attending college for my gen ed credits. After two years of fighting I started getting pretty good and realized it was the best thing I had going for me. I was still attending school, working a job that paid $28/hr, and coaching as well, but just the thought of not having some form of combat and competition in life seemed ridiculous. At the same time the thought of combat being my entire life sounded like a dream come true.
At that time I began talking to my stepdad about his time in the Army (17 years in, mostly 10th mtn) and asked him a thousand questions. Having come from a strongly rooted military family, I always looked up to my stepdad, grandpa, uncles, and cousins that served, they were my heroes. So after talking to a few of them I went to my local recruiter's office and started up some conversations. I spoke to the offices of the Marines, Army, and Air Force before I ultimately had my options narrowed down to 18x or Opt 40 with the Army, and TACP or CCT with the Air Force. Once I spoke with my cousin who was in Ranger batt we discussed all the options. Eventually him and my stepdad (the two opinions that mattered most), concluded that SF would be the best fit for me and agreed I was competent for the process. So I headed into the office and got things rolling.
So I guess my reasons for enlisting as 18x would be; To follow in many of my heroes footsteps, to serve and do something that mattered (not construction), continue this combat (for a lack of a better term) lifestyle while taking it another step, to challenge myself everyday, experiences I cannot find anywhere else, and let's be honest, to do some cool testosterone filled activities. I don't mean to toot my own horn here, but overall I have always applied myself entirely to whatever task I had at hand and excelled at it. So as SF I feel I would be among many like minded dudes that would force me to push my limits daily.
With that being said, I took my PT test Monday and got a 300, scored a 85 on my ASVAB (130 GT), started rucking, and am enjoying some of my free time before I ship to Basic October 25th. I am super stoked to start this next chapter of my life, and I hope to one day join the ranks of all you selfless bad-asses!

A huge thank you to all of you, SOF or not. You are all something I strive to be.
Best,
-Cody

 

[BoomBam]

Hello everybody,
I found this website after repeatedly googling questions about preparing for A&S. I always knew I wanted to join the military so when I enlisted it was the biggest sense of accomplishment I had felt in a long time. I felt like I belonged and I felt like it was exactly where I was suppose to be. A few years went by and I started to get a feeling that I needed to do something something else. Something where I would have more of a direct impact on the bigger mission. I was at Corporals Course when I received a MARSOC brief and realized that this was my opportunity. I got sent on deployment and put a package in for A&S and I am currently slated for A&S class 17-01. I grabbed my ILBE pack, put my boots on and started using my free time to ruck and swim.
I am looking forward to soaking up all of the information and advice from everyone on this site and hopefully join you one day.

 

[Michael Finley]

I barely touched on anything in my introduction, but I felt as though this was the more appropriate post to comment with the intricate details of my future (and information on my past). As I mentioned in my introduction, I'm in the US Navy on Active Duty. I am going to switch over to the Army for 18x upon expiration of my contract. I have put in a DD Form 368 for Conditional Release. I've been in the Navy for almost 8 years now, currently an E-5 Master At Arms, which is supposed to be the Navy's version of MP. Either way, I've wanted to do something more this pace, but put it off in the Navy for years to be with my family and work on my marriage. One divorce later, and I find out I have just enough time to put in for Army SF. I have wanted this for so long, and now that I have the opportunity to capitalize on it, I will be taking advantage of every opportunity I get. I would like to get with someone in Orange County/ LA areas of California and train. I have a pretty solid base level of fitness, but I'm not delusional in assuming I'm in even close enough shape to be prepared for SF. I'm able and more than willing to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve my goals and become a member of this elite group. Thank you, and God Bless in advance.

 

[DFeast]

Hey guys, my name is Austin and I am looking to be a CRO once I commission from ROTC. Some of this may be a repeat from my intro but I'll assume no one here read that.

I'm 22 years old and am finishing up my undergrad in Physics this year, after which I will be receiving my commission as long as nothing goes terribly wrong. I am in my fifth year in AFROTC and have done everything I initially set out to do in college. I went to the CRO Assessment (Phase I & II) and was selected to begin the pipeline upon graduation as a CRO candidate. I've been in love with the rescue mission ever since I found out about it and want more than anything to be on a team helping bring guys home. I like to think that I have done my fair share of research but two things I want to clear up are 1) I don't claim to be an expert on anything. I am here to be a sponge and to get point of views from as many SOF guys as possible. CRO is such a young career field that I feel like the information on how they are being used changes every 2-3 years. 2) I understand that I have completed very little training compared to the entire pipeline for CRO/PJ.

I want to make the most out of my potential SOF career and want to know how I can do so. Most of the contacts I have right now are all in various parts of the training pipeline or just haven't been able to answer questions that I've had so I was hoping to get into a mentorship circle that can help me.

I appreciate the blunt feedback and professionalism that I've seen from you guys. It's great to know that there are resources like this site available. Cheers.

 

[Red Flag 1]

If=

 

[Ohge]

Hey!

I just celebrated my fourteenth year in Active Duty Air Force, all of it as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. I'm in love with the team mindset, supervising young Airmen/NCOs, and getting the mission done.

I feel like I've given everything I could to the AF EOD career field (outside of FDM/CFM, thanks but no thanks), and I am planning to commission next year and apply for STO. I think my skill sets acquired as enlisted EOD will be highly applicable, and it will provide me the opportunity to give everything I have to the AF Special Operations community.

So far I have read through the applicable AFIs and the AFOCD and browsed through various sites regarding the mission set as well as CCT/PJ/TACP/SOWT history. I have been progressing through the PAST standards and doing a good mix of lifting, cals, yoga, and rucking. I definitely need more pool time, so I am picking up a membership at a local rehab center this week (no other pools nearby).

I truly appreciate the opportunity to talk with those of you who have served or continue to serve, and I look forward to meeting you all!