First Post

[TLDR20]

Coyote in regards to your post to being abused. That is a good motivator, however most SOF selections have a psychological test. Your prior problems could be a problem there. Be aware. If you have any Q's PM
Me offline.

 

[Coyote]

Coyote in regards to your post to being abused. That is a good motivator, however most SOF selections have a psychological test. Your prior problems could be a problem there. Be aware. If you have any Q's PM
Me offline.

The abuse I received wasn't so serious that I would be crippled or anything, it was mostly just being smacked around every so often and being put down almost every single day which lowered my self esteem. It has taught me to suck it the fuck up, keep my head up and keep on going no matter what happens. That lesson has so far really helped me in a number of different scenarios. It hasn't made me weaker, just stronger as a person in the aspect of never backing down and taking failure as not an option. I'll PM you for sure if any concerns come up, sir.

I can say, that more than that, you need something at the front of your mind at all times that will push you through the suck. You need to have something that, when all else has failed and you're completely broken, you can think on that and bang out 1 more push up, run/ruck the last 1/4 mile with your head up, kick a little harder for the last 10o meters of a swim, etc.

I know what you mean sir. I can assure you and myself that I have other personal drive/motivations that keep the fire burning inside - however those are the ones I wouldn't prefer to discuss on public forums. Only way to find out if these motivations are strong enough is when I go through selection.

 

[Marauder06]

I've never actually thought about doing international business for the military. But now that I think about it, that sounds like a pretty good route for either back up plan, or after I retire from AFSOF.

Lukas, you misunderstood me slightly. In the scenario I outlined earlier, you don't leave the military short of retirement. There are several ways to get advanced degrees while in the service, but there is a service commitment attached to all of them. Usually, it's a three-to-one commitment; every year of school is a three-year active duty service commitment, or ADSO. So a two-year MBA gets you 6 years added on. For many, that six years on top of what you normally have to put in to get considered for ACS in the first place puts them over the ten-year mark, which is kind of a break point for whether or not you stay in for the full 20.

There are lots of great options for advanced civil schooling, if you're a high performer and if you're willing to work your ass off, both on the job and in your free time. I'm at Yale right now getting an MA on the Army's dime, it took a looong time to get here but it's worth it.

That said, it's really important to focus on the short-term goals first. Take some time and think about what it is you really want to do- we're talking weeks if not months of consideration here- then get back to us. Chances are, no matter what it is you want to do in the military one of us have done it or know someone who has. Good luck!

 

[pardus]

The mods/admins/vetted guys don't say "read more, post less" to be ass holes.

No? Dammit!

 

[amlove21]

You certainly sound like an honorable and principled man, and I respect that. A couple of things stood out in your post that I wanted to address. I stay out of SOF threads, as I prefer to stay in my lane, but what I'm going to ask isn't SOF-specific.

You're interested in the PJs due to their CSAR mission. The first letter stands for combat. PJs save lives, which appears to be your calling. But PJs also kill people. Have you considered the reality that if selected and deployed, you will have to take life in order to preserve life? This is the lot of any combat medic, be they conventional or SOF.

If i could like this more than once I could. PM, I was actually writing a response exactly like the one you wrote before I read the rest of the thread and came across yours. It seems pretty moot now, though, seeing as Jay already enlisted in the Navy as an HM.

Lukas, I dont even know what you want. If you want to talk about AFSOC, let me know, and I will help where I can, but I dont think you even know what you want.

 

[Polar Bear]

Alright then. I had been talking about it because people were questioning my back-up plan, but you have a point.

Leukoplakia, Please read more post less. You are pissing off people. First and last warning do not get stupid with an anrgy response I will just ban you. There is a wealth of knowledge here, read it and absorb it.

Have a Very PB day

 

[AKkeith]

Had a well thought out first post but the revamp erased it. Ill try to recreate it.

I played soccer my whole life and wrestled 7 years. Joined the Marine Corps days after my 18th birthday and got married soon after. Ive been in over 2 years now. I put my packet in for MarSOC close to a year ago and have been soaking up all the info I can about it since. Im on week 6 of the prep guide and have been exceeding the set goals. I should be attending the April selections but my commands been giving me a real hard time. Due to the B billet manning shortage and how qualified I am in varies jobs they arent too happy with me looking to leave. They have me running in circles with paper work saying I cant leave and keep me real busy so I dont have time to train as much as I would like to. To the question why do I deserve to be your team mate? As for now, the answer is I dont. You can call it a "cop out" but I have always strived the be the best. Where I see kids that have the same goal as me fail is they arent has driven as I am and dont have a strong enough mind. Im very driven to make it through selections, ITC and join their team and theres something telling me if I train and really set myself to this like I have been I cant fail. Im here looking for more information and maybe a mentor, someone whos been in my shoes and made it into the MarSOC community. Also hopefully someone thats married that as some more insight on married life in MSOB. Thanks

Not as good as my first one, but the best I can do at the moment

 

[The Hate Ape]

This program was kinda my idea for all you wannabes to have a direct forum to ask questions to SOF guys to only be responded to by SOF guys. If you are a wannabe SOF guy I expect that there be an introduction that explains why you want to come to SOF. More than just "I want to be the best", that is a cop out. Why you want to be my teammate, why you think you deserve to be here. Once you have posted this, in here for at least me to see you can begin asking questions. I don't want answers to be posted by people who have not lived the lifestyle, and therefore really shouldn't have an opinion about it. That is all I have for now, this could be a great sub-forum or a horrible one, that is completely up to you all.

Well I wouldn't defend that I "deserve" to do anything really. What I can say is that this is my decision, my dream, and my desire. Its more of a what I can achieve with a very small, closely knit group of individuals that I've once never imagined possible. This isn't because I want to be the "best" but because I want to be part of something with a higher purpose so to say. So much infact that a failure to be selected would be far less upsetting than not attending in the first place.

Honestly, I'm drawn to this and always have been - I don't brag and talk shit, nor have I openly complained to anyone/everyone about my profession. The military is an honorable lifestyle and does fine work of the individuals who come into it with an open mind and are willing to work. Personally, I'm not satisified, I want more and I want to be part of this organization. I'm fully accepting of the challenges that are ahead and am more than willing, as I have been doing already, to prepare myself both mentally and physically in order to achieve such goals.

 

[TLDR20]

^Cool keep working hard. Dont quit!

 

[Hillclimb]

This program was kinda my idea for all you wannabes to have a direct forum to ask questions to SOF guys to only be responded to by SOF guys. If you are a wannabe SOF guy I expect that there be an introduction that explains why you want to come to SOF. More than just "I want to be the best", that is a cop out. Why you want to be my teammate, why you think you deserve to be here. Once you have posted this, in here for at least me to see you can begin asking questions. I don't want answers to be posted by people who have not lived the lifestyle, and therefore really shouldn't have an opinion about it. That is all I have for now, this could be a great sub-forum or a horrible one, that is completely up to you all.

I could sit here and write "why I want to be your teammate" or "why I'm a wannabe SOF guy," but the only real way I'll be able to prove either of those is to let my results speak for my actions, not my words. I want a job that is challenging, rewarding, and requires a great deal of discipline and commitment.

-Put a post here https://shadowspear.com/vb/threads/first-post.9518/page-2 describing your specific SOF goals, the research you have done on those goals, the steps you have already taken to meet them, and what you see as your current plan of action.

As far as research and goals.. I've tried to become completely absorbed in any information regarding SOF and training by reading and searching the internet. My plans are to understand the training standards and expectations, and do my best to show up prepared. I would not want to waste anyones time, whether it be the cadre or someone else who deserved to fill my spot.

Edit: reducing the wall-o-text

 

[ManBearPig]

A little about myself. I grew up in a suburb in Northern California, which I've called home for the past 20 years now. I am currently attending college and in my second year. Through my life I played pretty much every sport imaginable (Soccer, Baseball, Waterpolo, Lacrosse, Football, etc...). I take teamwork into account in pretty much anything I do. I expect others to do there jobs, and for me to do mine. The military has always been a factor in my life. My Great Grandfathers fought in WWI and WWII, my Grandfather fought in WWII on Omaha beach with the 29th Infantry Division. Currently I have a few family members who are both serving this country. Throughout life I've always had a fascination with the military. And in High School, Special Operations in particular. Over the last few years I've done extensive research and have taken a look at what I thought would fit me. I fell upon Army Special Forces, and in particular becoming an SF Medical Sergeant. Honestly -- I just want to blow things up. But I also want to help others, and have come to find it that the 18 - Deltas in particular are the best guys out there at their job. I dread the idea of sitting in a cubical pushing papers... After speaking with a few former Operators myself, I know that this is for me. I want nothing else in life.

So in closing, that is why I came to this forum. So I could gain knowledge that I otherwise could not easily find elsewhere. Thanks.

 

[Dillinger]

Hi, my name is Dillinger and I want to jump out of planes, kick in doors, pull all the triggers, and generally ruin other people's day. Just like any story here, mine is convoluted with twists and turns and enough emotional break throughs/shit situations to make a witty, mildly successful rom-com. To spare all of you all the heartache of this, I leave you with the rotten tomatoes version:

-Enlisted in the Marine Corps fresh out of high school (18 years old). I enlisted cause I had nothing else going for me in life and I needed to do something (insert lost puppy complex here).
-Married a woman that was inadvertently holding me back, now divorcing after 4 years (goodbye deployment money).
-Served an uneventful first tour with no deployments. On my second tour and first deployment. 6 years in the Corps - 1 deployment, I have the job every sissy pants child fresh out of high school wants.

Meat and Potatoes. I'm at the ass end of my deployment and realizing I'm on the wrong side of the fence. I've spent the better part of the year behind my desk, dealing with detainee processing, LOAC (Law of Armed Conflict) violations, SROE (Standing Rules of Engagement) issues, command directed investigations, and a slew of other issues. It's satisfying to know I played a critical role in putting away some very bad individuals, but if you've ever deployed and/or had any role in the process, you'd know the individuals we put away aren't gone forever. My position within my command makes me privy to information generally unknown to the public. It's infuriating how the system works and I'm tired of watching the pawns get caught while the big ticket targets walk away untouched. Hearts and minds, my ass. I say put two rounds in each and call it a day. Enter stage left - MARSOC.

25M Target: Unfucking my PT platform. My time is limited and I have to make as much progress as possible physically and mentally. As cliché as it sounds, after I redeploy, everything becomes my 25m target. Rucking, running, swimming, strength, stamina, land nav, foot care, shit tolerance, nutrition, and everything else in between. I have a basic level of knowledge and experience with all of these things, but not enough to give me a stable footing for A&S.

 

[WittyName]

My first post -
I was directed here by "libraryLady" and I figured I might as well participate, but some posts in this section have left me iffy as to whether or not this section is orientated towards me as a junior in high school, so if that's the case then so be it, I'll head on back to lurking.

As I mentioned before, I'm in the 11th grade. I currently have my eyes set on the Ranger regiment as they have been for a good while now, but for all I know I may have a revelation in the next few hours causing me to realize my true calling of managing spread sheets, as that tends to happen to kids my age.
Why SOF? Well shoot, that's about as easy to answer as the meaning of life. I could go on for a good while about the "philosophical" aspects and what not, and everything from the desire for the camaraderie and pushing myself, to wanting to be a hardass when I get to aging like my great-grandfather . But in the end it just "feels" right I suppose.
What I know about the path to the Rangers so far. Also a difficult answer, as my knowledge is a collective hump of things acquired through reading a few books, and the always "reliable" internet. In short I believe I have to go to a recruiter (which I plan to do early October as I hear that's when things become available, when I'm 19, giving myself a good year to prepare myself to the best of my ability for what is to come) and semi request/semi demand an 11x option 40 contract. And then to be ready for Basic, Airborne school, RASP, Ranger school in that order and possibly things such as SERE later in my career, "if" I make it that far.
I'm pretty glad I was directed here as I was able to read the "25m" post, which confirmed my belief that I was being a dummy for assuming that Basic will be a walk in the park after looking at the "grand scheme" of things too much.
Voila, I hope whomever's the judge finds it to be an acceptable first.

 

[CDG]

and semi request/semi demand an 11x option 40 contract.

Don't request. You have every right to tell the recruiter that you want 11x and if he won't give it to you, you'll go somewhere else. Be respectful, but be adamant and don't take something you don't want just because some dude in a uniform pressures you. Good luck.

 

[WittyName]

Don't request. You have every right to tell the recruiter that you want 11x and if he won't give it to you, you'll go somewhere else. Be respectful, but be adamant and don't take something you don't want just because some dude in a uniform pressures you. Good luck.

Gotchya. Thanks.
I'm under the assumption that what you're saying means that in the event of being denied at a recruiting station, there's nothing stopping one from just going to another?

 

[CDG]

Gotchya. Thanks.
I'm under the assumption that what you're saying means that in the event of being denied at a recruiting station, there's nothing stopping one from just going to another?

Pretty much. It's not like school districts where if you live within certain boundaries you have to go to one recruiting station or another. And you'd be surprised at how things can open up to you when you tell the recruiter no thanks, you'll just try the next office.

 

[Tropicana98]

Gotchya. Thanks.
I'm under the assumption that what you're saying means that in the event of being denied at a recruiting station, there's nothing stopping one from just going to another?

CDG beat me to it nvm.

 

[pardus]

Gotchya. Thanks.
I'm under the assumption that what you're saying means that in the event of being denied at a recruiting station, there's nothing stopping one from just going to another?

Correct.
If they give you the line "that option is available now" Tell you them you'll keep coming back until it does because that is the only thing you want and will except.
It was a little easier when the economy was good but you still have someone who needs to meet numbers.
The biggest mistake people make I think is when they are going through the recruitment process, they take things they don't really want, get talked into others then spend the next 4-6-8 years pissed that they are doing something they didn't want.

Remember two things,

If it isn't on paper at MEPS you WILL NOT get it despite what the recruiter says.

The recruiter is not your friend, he is doing his job which is putting people where the Army wants them not where they want to go.

 

[WittyName]

Snip

Snip

Understood. The economy/Defense cuts were slightly worrying me but I suppose there will always be a need for new guys regardless of what happens.
Thanks everyone. I haven't even been a member for an entire day and I'm already really enjoying it.

 

[pardus]

Thanks everyone. I haven't even been a member for an entire day and I'm already really enjoying it.

We are waiting until tomorrow before we crush your soul

;)