Personally I don't think you know what you want.
The job has to want you as much as you want it. And it needs to be your desire to do a specific job that directs you, not just be in a Unit or wear a specific color hat.
I came into SF because I want to do UW. I didn't get into doing UW because I am in SF. If the Rangers did UW I would be a Ranger. If being a high-speed CSAR guy was what appealed to me (it did somewhat at a much younger age) I would have looked into PJ's... or if freezing my ass off in cold water and having surfer hair appealed to me I would have looked into the SEALs, etc, etc... You get the picture.
And no, "the basics" arent the same regardless they are where you begin realizing there are differences in specific SOF or conventional units.
My apologies, I know the specific SOF units and conventional units have differences, and that these go straight to the core of training. I meant the basics about physical preparation, having the never quit mindset, pushing when you think you can't push anymore, and learning everything you can at all times.
My indecisiveness has arisen from a twofold desire: wanting to do UW, and also a deep rooted need to save people. Having said this, I am well aware that CSAR is the place I belong. But CSAR does more of the latter and less of the former to the best of my knowledge. I want to experience both. My intent
HAD been to crosstrain to CCT for a tour, then cross to PJ ultimately. There are other influences now that are pushing me to consider changing branches, influences I do not care to discuss on the site. So, because I have looked at leaving this branch, I have been trying to find what would instead be something to set my sights on. If I go Navy, medical will still be something I deem as critical to become proficient in, if I decide Army, same thing. Long story short, some recent upheaval in my life has left me needing to focus solidly on one path again, which I readily admit I currently am not, and I agree with you. I assure you the hat, or the name of the unit by no means is my motivation.
I know the Navy has a PJ-similar/equivalent rate. But that puts me right back at not getting involved in UW. I don't care about glory, I certainly don't try to make my name known. But there are things that I want, and two very different directions no matter what. I have racked my brain trying to come up with the best path possible to meet all my goals. I've tossed the idea of getting a commission.
Lost my train of thought and feel like I was starting an argument, which is not my intent, I was trying to clarify to an extent.