Introductions

[ElJaguar]

Good Afternoon,

I'm a 37F E5 in the reserves who is leaving in 3 weeks for AD 18X. Perused the forums for a few years, and joined recently after signing my AD contract. I'm beyond excited to finally get this path started, and I am beyond appreciative for the wealth of info and support on this site. I look forward to continuously utilizing this resource, and hopefully becoming a valuable contributor myself someday.

Cheers Gentlemen,
El Jaguar

 

[Bougie55]

Good Evening,

Im a 24 year old Paramedic and ER tech. Currently, I work for Childrens Dallas as an ER tech and Acadian Ambulance as a new Paramedic. I am officially NREMT and Texas State certified Paramedic as of this month. I have a Bachelors in International Business and a minor in German. While I was in college, I worked as an EMT-Intermediate and Volunteer Firefighter for almost 3 years. Before I got into EMS I played collegiate Rugby for two years. Now that Im back home in Texas, I wish to pursue an 18x contract. Im not sure if I am what this community is looking for but, I hope to use the wealth of knowledge the mentors have point me in the right direction.

 

[sgtcoxjb]

Good evening gentlemen,

First of all thank you for having me. I am a prior Marine (0311), I had broken service but served for 8 years from 01-05 and 07-11. I have deployed to Afghanistan twice and Iraq once in 08. My last 15 months in 09 I took the indoc for STA plt and was accepted and served as a scout in Marjah Afghanistan in 2010 and throughout until I separated from the Marines. I always wanted to pursue the SOF community but I basically allowed some life events get in the way as well as sold myself short and didn't pursue it, needless to say it's been my biggest regret. Then back in 2018 I decided that was it, I was going back into the military to pursue it. At first I thought I was too old but after much research (from what I've read) it doesn't appear that my age (I'll be 37 in April) is an issue as long as I can perform. In October 2018 I joined the National Guard for 68W, while at MEPS I was informed my GT score was 2 points too low and was given the option to go ahead and join under 19D with the option of reclassing to 68W. For whatever reason it took my unit 10 months to get me on the roster so I didn't attend my first drill until last September. I'm currently waiting for word from my command on when I can go retake the asvab and will then attend AIT from there. I have done a lot of research which has answered a lot of my preliminary questions but with every question answered I seem to come up with more follow on questions. I wise man once told me "whatever it is you want, find someone who has accomplished it and have them mentor you." That's why I'm here. I'm in relatively good shape physically (but nowhere near where I need to be) and currently training. According to nationalguardsf.com I have to be in my MOS for a year before attending a SFRE and I truly believe I can get where I need to be within that time frame. Again, thank you gentlemen for having me and I look forward to all the guidance you are willing to provide.

 

[DZ]

Good evening gentlemen,

First of all thank you for having me. I am a prior Marine (0311), I had broken service but served for 8 years from 01-05 and 07-11. I have deployed to Afghanistan twice and Iraq once in 08. My last 15 months in 09 I took the indoc for STA plt and was accepted and served as a scout in Marjah Afghanistan in 2010 and throughout until I separated from the Marines. I always wanted to pursue the SOF community but I basically allowed some life events get in the way as well as sold myself short and didn't pursue it, needless to say it's been my biggest regret. Then back in 2018 I decided that was it, I was going back into the military to pursue it. At first I thought I was too old but after much research (from what I've read) it doesn't appear that my age (I'll be 37 in April) is an issue as long as I can perform. In October 2018 I joined the National Guard for 68W, while at MEPS I was informed my GT score was 2 points too low and was given the option to go ahead and join under 19D with the option of reclassing to 68W. For whatever reason it took my unit 10 months to get me on the roster so I didn't attend my first drill until last September. I'm currently waiting for word from my command on when I can go retake the asvab and will then attend AIT from there. I have done a lot of research which has answered a lot of my preliminary questions but with every question answered I seem to come up with more follow on questions. I wise man once told me "whatever it is you want, find someone who has accomplished it and have them mentor you." That's why I'm here. I'm in relatively good shape physically (but nowhere near where I need to be) and currently training. According to nationalguardsf.com I have to be in my MOS for a year before attending a SFRE and I truly believe I can get where I need to be within that time frame. Again, thank you gentlemen for having me and I look forward to all the guidance you are willing to provide.

Why are you trying to reclass to a medic if your goal is SF? Seems like wasted time attending AIT if you just want to do an SFRE and SFAS.

Not every state is going to require a year in your current MOS before you can do an SFRE.

Get your GT score up and get to an SFRE.

 

[sgtcoxjb]

Why are you trying to reclass to a medic if your goal is SF? Seems like wasted time attending AIT if you just want to do an SFRE and SFAS.

Not every state is going to require a year in your current MOS before you can do an SFRE.

Get your GT score up and get to an SFRE.

I'm technically not classified as anything at the moment, I'm a 19D on paper but enlisted as a 68W, I'll still have to attend AIT for either one, but my GT score is under 110 currently so it also provides me the opportunity to go ahead and get that taken care of as well. Good to hear the one year thing may not be required though, that's just what was listed on their site is where I was getting that. I also just got to my unit a couple months ago, I assume I would probably need to get my feet wet with the unit for a bit before they'd sign off on me going to a SFRE no? I've talked to some SSGs in my unit about my aspirations and they seemed to be under the impression our command may not be so willing to support my endeavors due to numbers in our unit. So that's one possible concern, also I'm learning quite quickly that the Army is a little more different than the Marines than I anticipated lol. Needless to say I'm learning as I go. From where I've been out of the game I'm having to brush back up on the perishables such as land nav etc. Also just so you guys know where I'm at, physical training has suffered over the last year due to my mother having cancer, she passed a couple months ago. Ultimately the fact that it hindered my training I know is my fault and my responsibility alone, but it is a fact. I'm past that now though and starting to ramp my training back up, but honestly I've got some work to do in that arena as well. Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.

 

[DZ]

I'm technically not classified as anything at the moment, I'm a 19D on paper but enlisted as a 68W, I'll still have to attend AIT for either one, but my GT score is under 110 currently so it also provides me the opportunity to go ahead and get that taken care of as well. Good to hear the one year thing may not be required though, that's just what was listed on their site is where I was getting that. I also just got to my unit a couple months ago, I assume I would probably need to get my feet wet with the unit for a bit before they'd sign off on me going to a SFRE no? I've talked to some SSGs in my unit about my aspirations and they seemed to be under the impression our command may not be so willing to support my endeavors due to numbers in our unit. So that's one possible concern, also I'm learning quite quickly that the Army is a little more different than the Marines than I anticipated lol. Needless to say I'm learning as I go. From where I've been out of the game I'm having to brush back up on the perishables such as land nav etc. Also just so you guys know where I'm at, physical training has suffered over the last year due to my mother having cancer, she passed a couple months ago. Ultimately the fact that it hindered my training I know is my fault and my responsibility alone, but it is a fact. I'm past that now though and starting to ramp my training back up, but honestly I've got some work to do in that arena as well. Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.

I will PM you so this thread can stay focused on introductions.

 

[Snuffy33]

Hello, 30-year-old male. Prior service 6 years Air Force. Currently working on getting a contract to get into the Army and go to SFAS. Early last September I gave myself a PT test of sorts to just see where I was after 5 years of college and laziness and it wasn't awful but I knew I needed to get my ass in gear if I was going to make this a reality. I have a good friend that recently separated from active duty SF that I've been getting help from. I look forward to sharing my journey with y'all.

 

[Fenix]

Hello everyone,
I am 27 years old and an aspiring SF candidate. I initially joined the Army in 2012 aiming to be 11B. I ended up getting stress fractures in my leg, and was chaptered out after several months of rehab. I currently work as a Paramedic for a trauma center. After a very long waiver process, I have been cleared to go back through basic training again in May, then proceeding to AIT as a 68W for the National Guard. I want to become an 18D with NG SF in the 19th SFG, and am going to start preparing for SFRE when I am back in my home state from AIT. I have a very supportive wife who is backing my goals in doing this. I primarily am doing NG so I can keep my civilian job, as well as let my wife stay with her family support system here while I am gone.

 

[ItachiTX]

Good morning everyone,

I am currently working with a recruiter from the 19th Group on an 18X contract. I have no prior military experience. I am a college senior at UT - Dallas, and despite the recent medical crisis I will finish this May.
Service in any form has always been important to me, but I am particularly drawn to the Special Forces mission due to the impact they make on the local communities they work with as well as on a global scale. Moreover, the multifaceted knowledge required of team members appeals to me.

Although at this time I am moving towards an ARNG enlistment, I have recently been considering and AD contract. I hope that through this forum and other resources, I can make this decision before officially signing any paperwork.

 

[SavingRyansPrivates]

Hello everyone my name is Jeremiah I am currently a Specialist 11B, with about 2 years in. I’ve wanted to go Special Forces as long as I can remember. I’ve been training hard these last couple months. I consider myself to be in good shape, I have no problem rucking and exceeding the standards in the PT test at around a 293. My main weak point in fitness however is my running and I’m looking to do some solid work into that before I leave.
Can’t wait to work with the people on this forum and get some solid advice from the guys that have been through it all.

 

[9Toes]

Hello everyone my name is Jeremiah I am currently a Specialist 11B, with about 2 years in. I’ve wanted to go Special Forces as long as I can remember. I’ve been training hard these last couple months. I consider myself to be in good shape, I have no problem rucking and exceeding the standards in the PT test at around a 293. My main weak point in fitness however is my running and I’m looking to do some solid work into that before I leave.
Can’t wait to work with the people on this forum and get some solid advice from the guys that have been through it all.

Hey Jeremiah, just curious, why didn’t you go 18x route?

 

[SavingRyansPrivates]

Hey Jeremiah, just curious, why didn’t you go 18x route?

I didn’t want to wait till I was 21 to join, I also wanted to go to RASP then go for SF but sadly couldn’t get it guaranteed in my contract due to a waiver and I couldn’t get it at basic training because I never got the opportunity.

 

[Lowkeyx]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a 24 year old college grad (finance, 3.35GPA) who has always been an athlete (recruited D1, didn't play due to poor timing of injuries).

PRs:
1 mile: 5:55
Pullups (Strict): 22
Pullups Weighted (Strict): 155 x 2
Bench Flat/Incline: 260/235
Barbell Rows: 355 x 3

Stats:
6'6'' 210

Long story short, I've looked into the 11x Option 40 route and the 18x route extensively. While I love the combat-leading mission of the Rangers, the humanitarian mission of Special Forces resonates with me on a "this could be my next 10-20 years" level. That being said, I'm fully prepared to commit to 18x after proving that I can endure and sustain the training commitment necessary to succeed.

The purpose of this post:
1. I'm hoping to find a mentor to receive direct advice from. Additionally, another goal of mine is to receive more tailored feedback on my training goals and timeline as to avoid overtraining. (Twice in my life I have overtrained to the point of stress fractures. I'm trying to avoid that outcome this time.)

2. I'm also looking for someone in the LA area to train alongside. Preferably this would be someone who has experience in training for special ops in ways that are intense, yet safe. If anyone here knows of somebody who might be willing to run me into the ground, I'd really appreciate it. I don't expect to keep up initially, but I fully expect to quickly improve.

Please PM me if you want to talk. Thanks for reading.

Lowkeyx

 

[e8f8d9]

Hello,

I'm 34 years old, non-prior service. Never served because I was obese, but I lost 110lbs pound and want to pull the trigger before I age out. SF is my goal, but I wouldn't turn down SF Support. I've got my sights set on the 19th SFG out of Utah. I work in Corrections.

 

[Cev2468]

Hello y’all! My name is Charles I am currently in high school and plan to go to college and go through the ROTC program there. I am a Police Explorer and run cross country and track. My objective is to become a 18A. I love to learn and am willing to get advice from anyone. If you ever need me I’m here.
Thanks!

 

[MJG]

Hello everyone,

My name is Michael, and I am 22 year old recent college graduate. As I come to my next chapter in life, my heart is set on enlisting with an 18X contract. I hope to absorb as much information as possible from everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read this!

 

[Coastie313]

Hello all,



I am a current 35M Russian linguist with the WAARNG with over 7 years in service. I am currently looking to transfer to active duty on an 18x contract to finally achieve my dream of being on an SF ODA. I spent some time in the Coast Guard prior to switching to the ARNG and was originally interested in putting in for 19th group, but now I know that I want to be active I'd rather transfer now and get an 18x contract than take a 19th slot from somebody when I know I want to transfer as soon as possible anyway. I am currently working on my BA in Intelligence Studies and working as a security contractor for the DoE. Since I transferred in as an E-5 I still have to go to BLC (which I'm slotted for in OCT) before I can transfer to AD so I don't lose my rank. From the research I've done it looks like I'll still be eligible for an 18x as a prior service SGT, but my backup is taking the best 11x contract I can get and volunteering for SFAS in OSUT.

 

[Griff]

Hey guys,

My name's Griffin, I'm 17 (thus ineligible for 18x) so I am working towards enlisting as an 11b Option 4 in order to build the skillset and fitness that will enable me to meet and exceed the standards expected of me in SFAS and beyond. I'm really looking forward to learning from you guys. Thanks!

 

[Poet-Philosopher]

Greetings everyone,
I am a prior Marine 0431 that transitioned this July looking into an 18X career after I earn my degree. As of now I am going through an IT training program to earn IT certificates (more tools in the tool box). While my preference in MOS is 18D, I am happy with just being able to serve with America's most mentally and physically toughest community and family.

Targets
25M: IT schooling, mental/physical training, rucking (with moderation)

100M: College and participating in endurance events whenever the world allows it.

300M: Bachelor's degree, 18X contract/pipeline and a new military adventure

500M: Retire and build a home wherever the wife wants

My interests are skydiving, traveling, helping people, Logistics, and Ultramarathons/endurance events with the goal of one day finishing Badwater 135 prior to enlistment. I am also vegetarian with an interest in a plant based diet.

I look forward to learning from everyone here!

 

[Gunplumber]

Hello all,

I am a prior service Army 91F going for re enlistment as 18X. I have had some pitfalls but finally getting it together and chasing my dream. I grew up next to FT. Lewis so I had a lot of family friends in 1st Group and 2/75 so I was influenced early on. I had gotten myself ready on active duty then had some issues and a motorcycle accident and let myself go. I have to give this another shot or I will regret it forever. I’m here for the advice and guidance as well as accountability along my journey.

I am currently training with 5x5 strong lifts and endurance/ rucking and working on my 5 mile time. I trained like this on my deployment and saw pretty good results. That was also 8 years ago. Any input is greatly appreciated. I also am only about 1.5 months into this program.