NG SF Contract

[JrodBones]

Hello gents,

Here is a little bit about my background.
I have just hit my 6 year mark this month in my contract with the Marine Corps Reserve, I have not been able to deploy but have tried to further my career every other way possible, and I come from an engineering MOS.

I have always had a desire to do something more and want to get into a special operations field. Wish I would have known I could have done it before I enlisted (guess that's my fault for walking into the Marine recruiter and saying "sign me up"). I have looked at options in Marine Recon but many things about the Army SF appeal to me more.

I have contacted the National Guard Special Forces recruiting department twice, but haven't received anything back. I finally got to "chat" with someone online through the general recruiting department. He told me that the National Guard is not currently accepting 18x contracts for prior service.
Is this correct?

He told me that I would have to "try out" with the CA unit (the one I'd drill out of since I'm in AZ) and if I pass they will agree to send me through SFQC. He said I would enlist at a DIFFERENT unit under another MOS, they would be told that I wouldn't actually be going there, I would then attempt A&S, and carry on from there.

I am just a little skeptical about the process. I want to ensure that I will not be getting stuck in a contract with an MOS that I do not want or have the unit that I actually contract with not release me.

Any help, advise, or tips are appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[fox1371]

Hello gents,

Here is a little bit about my background.
I have just hit my 6 year mark this month in my contract with the Marine Corps Reserve, I have not been able to deploy but have tried to further my career every other way possible, and I come from an engineering MOS.
Why haven't you been able to deploy? What MOS are you? Don't take this the wrong way, but 6 years during a time of war, with no deployments is something that's pretty rare. Almost to the point to where you had to work at it...

I have always had a desire to do something more and want to get into a special operations field. Wish I would have known I could have done it before I enlisted (guess that's my fault for walking into the Marine recruiter and saying "sign me up"). I have looked at options in Marine Recon but many things about the Army SF appeal to me more.
You haven't really experienced the conventional side yet. What about SF appeals to you more then the Marine Corps?

I have contacted the National Guard Special Forces recruiting department twice, but haven't received anything back. I finally got to "chat" with someone online through the general recruiting department. He told me that the National Guard is not currently accepting 18x contracts for prior service.
Is this correct?
Speak with your local recruiter, not the online one.

He told me that I would have to "try out" with the CA unit (the one I'd drill out of since I'm in AZ) and if I pass they will agree to send me through SFQC. He said I would enlist at a DIFFERENT unit under another MOS, they would be told that I wouldn't actually be going there, I would then attempt A&S, and carry on from there.

I am just a little skeptical about the process. I want to ensure that I will not be getting stuck in a contract with an MOS that I do not want or have the unit that I actually contract with not release me.

Any help, advise, or tips are appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Karoshi]

Here's a little information from the California National Guard page for A/5-19th SFG(A), "Next SFRE is Nov 30th - Dec 2nd 2012 @ Camp SLO (San Luis Obispo)". One piece of advise, I would do a little bit more research and preparation for this next possible step of your military career as opposed to your initial. All the information posted was readily accessible with a simply search for "California Special Forces" in Google. Hope this helps get you started, some of the POCs might actually be represented on this forum for all I know:

Requirements for SF
1. Company A, the sole Special Forces unit in California, will accept applications from prospective Special Forces candidates.Priority for candidate application is as follows:
· 18 MOS series qualified. Note: All 18 Series MOS qualified personnel do not have to participate in the SFRE. Only an interview (via phone or e-mail) with the Company SGM or the CO. *Last 4 NCOER's required.
· Ranger qualified and/or Airborne qualified personnel
· Current CAARNG or prior-service members with demonstrated competence and commitment
· Those with limited service are advised to acquire at least 2 years experience in a CAARNG unit: IN, MI, FA, CAV, etc.After this period of demonstrated competence and commitment the soldier may apply as a prospective Special Forces candidate.
2. Prospective candidates must be able to satisfy the following criteria:
· Achieve a minimum GT score of 110 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
· SPC and above w/ 2+ yrs in military
· Possess a current SECRET security clearance, or qualify to receive a SECRET security clearance
· Possess an exemplary character and a professional demeanor
· Achieve a passing grade in all aspects of the Special Forces Readiness Evaluation
· Minimum 20 years of age

3. The Special Forces Readiness Evaluation consists of the following:
· Standard Army Physical Fitness Test, scored in the 17-21 year old category, with a minimum score of 81 points in each event (PU 57, SU 66, RUN 14:24)
· Swim Test (50 meters wearing BDU and boots)
· Airborne standard pull-up test (7 repetitions)
· Road march carrying a minimum 55 lb. military rucksack for an undisclosed distance

4. Special Forces Training Det NCOIC is SSG Juan F. Ontiverossoto at (650) 369-2082.

Preparing for the SFRE and SFAS
The Special Forces Readiness Evaluation (SFRE) is a one-day event that will test your physical readiness to attend the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) and continue into the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). Events include an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), a 50-meter swim, a timed ruck march, and an obstacle course (depending on location). It is mandatory for unit accession.
Upcoming SFRE.ppt (PRINT AND BRNG WITH YOU)
The document linked below is a standard guide for those preparing to attend SFAS, and as such is also an excellent guideline for preparing to attend the SFRE.
Preparing for the SFRE and SFAS
SFRE Standards
A minimum score of 81 points per event on the APFT:
Push Ups 57
Sit-Ups 66
2-Mile Run 14:24

The 50-meter swim is to be completed in uniform and boots. You will need another complete dry set in order to continue on to the ruck march.
The distance and time of the ruck march are undisclosed. Ruck weight is 55 lbs.
Civilians ARE authorized (prior service personnel) and encouraged to participate in the SFRE, however you will be required to complete a liability waiver upon arrival.
Passing all of the physical events does not guarantee that you will be chosen. Although they play a significant role in your evaluation, you are being judged based on a "whole man" philosophy.

Additional criteria for accession are viewable by visiting the Requirements for SF page.
Packing List
SFRE Packing List .doc (PRINT AND BRNG WITH YOU)
- Overnight gear (you will be sleeping in barracks the night prior to the event)
SFRE Candidate Application Form.doc (FILL OUT, PRINT AND BRNG WITH YOU)
- Completed potential candidate application form and resume and bring to SFRE
Meals will be provided; no one is allowed to bring personal meal replenishments. It is recommended to consume a nutritional meal the night prior and begin your hydration process.
Consult a unit recruiter with any further questions.

Points of Contact
Company Commander:
MAJ Karl L. Johnson
-----
Company Sergeant Major:
SGM Brian J. Beetham
-----
Company Operations:
CW2 Michael T. Lyons
MSG Jeff R. McCloud
-----
Special Forces Recruiting:
SFC Edgar Alonso
(650) 670-7271
-----
Special Forces Locations:
A/5-19th SFG(A)
4203 Saratoga Ave. Suite 115
JFTB Los Alamitos, CA 90720-5162
Office: (562) 795-2363
Detachment 1, A/5-19th SFG(A)
939 Valota Road
Redwood City, CA 94061-1445
Office: (650) 369-2082

 

[Hillclimb]

You haven't applied for any IMA billets? Or just no luck on those to? My friend was coming up on his 6th year in the reserves and wanted to get one more deployment in, so he applied for a bunch and got picked up for a-stan next spring. Just an idea, but I figure you're probably past trying to deploy in the USMC-R and aiming for NG SF now.

 

[Texas_Medic]

Hello gents,



I have contacted the National Guard Special Forces recruiting department twice, but haven't received anything back. I finally got to "chat" with someone online through the general recruiting department. He told me that the National Guard is not currently accepting 18x contracts for prior service.
Is this correct?

He told me that I would have to "try out" with the CA unit (the one I'd drill out of since I'm in AZ) and if I pass they will agree to send me through SFQC. He said I would enlist at a DIFFERENT unit under another MOS, they would be told that I wouldn't actually be going there, I would then attempt A&S, and carry on from there.

I am just a little skeptical about the process. I want to ensure that I will not be getting stuck in a contract with an MOS that I do not want or have the unit that I actually contract with not release me.

Any help, advise, or tips are appreciated.
Thanks.

The Army National Guard doesn't have 18x contracts, if I recall correctly, they have what is called a Rep63 contract which is enlisting with another MOS and unit and once MOS qualified then you go to the SFAS depending upon if you were "pre-selected" from an SFRE (Special Forces Readiness Evaluation) or SFAD (Special Forces Assessment Drill). The two are essentially the same thing. Either way y0u need to talk with the specific SF unit, typically there is an accessions team that handles the questions and SFAS dates, that you are wishing to join. You don't "have" to go to California's unit, if you want to go to TX you can but you will have to make what is called an IST (Inter-state Transfer) before TX would send you to the SFAS and only if you passed SFAD.

It can be a bit confusing but if you really what this do some research and talk to both recruiters, preferably one with a long tab already, and the SF unit.

Bon Chance!

 

[JrodBones]

Hello gents,


Why haven't you been able to deploy? What MOS are you? Don't take this the wrong way, but 6 years during a time of war, with no deployments is something that's pretty rare. Almost to the point to where you had to work at it...
When I initially checked into my unit I was TNPQ for about 8 months due to stress fractures in both of my shins. During that time frame I missed out on two groups going to Iraq and one to Africa. Since that point, our unit has sent out about 3 or 4 sticks to Afghanistan and I have put my name on each list. My unit is the biggest company in the Marine Corps so we do not deploy as an entire unit; they take some here and there from different platoons. So I was in no way trying to work at not deploying, in fact, it was the opposite. Our unit runs on pretty much a volunteer deployment list and the few times that I have been selected, orders were pulled and we ended up not going. Since I haven't been able to deploy I have tried to advance in every other way possible. I've worked on PT, civilian education, military education, earning a black belt in the MCMAP program, and volunteering for funeral details. I am also a 1391, sexy bulk fueler.

You haven't really experienced the conventional side yet. What about SF appeals to you more then the Marine Corps?
I have always been drawn to the special operations filed; however, when I enlisted I was told that if I wanted the reserves in AZ I had one option. I now know that I could have just went to another unit and made the commute every month which I would have been more than willing to do.

There are many things that appeal to me about the SF field, although, this is from what I've read and heard from third parties (books, sites like this, friends) because as you've mentioned, I haven't experienced it myself yet. The thing that appeals the most to me is the professionalism and the reputation. I want to work with and be part of a unit with individuals that do not just settle for a minimum requirement. They put in the time, dedication, work, and the blood and sweat to become the best at what they do. The missions are also something that I would love to do ranging anywhere from FID, SR, DA, etc. Marine Recon focuses primarily on....reconnaissance. Which I know is necessary, but I want to be more hands on.

Speak with your local recruiter, not the online one.
I talked with a local recruiter last week and it seemed like he had no idea what he was talking about. He kept telling me there was no SF here in AZ. I mentioned a few times, I understand that, but there is one in UT, CA, and TX and I will travel each month. He said, "let me check, yeah, I think they may not have those, you'll have to go to UT."

This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and a decision I am not taking lightly. I am not just thinking "hey I want to go and shoot a bunch of bad guys and be an SF bad ass.." I understand the dedication and commitment needed. I just want to make sure that I'm receiving good info so I know what exactly it is that I have to do to set myself up for success.

Thank you very much for the response. I appreciate it.

 

[JrodBones]

You haven't applied for any IMA billets? Or just no luck on those to? My friend was coming up on his 6th year in the reserves and wanted to get one more deployment in, so he applied for a bunch and got picked up for a-stan next spring. Just an idea, but I figure you're probably past trying to deploy in the USMC-R and aiming for NG SF now.

I have applied for quite a few IMA billets through MARFORRES. At this point in time, there are no deployments to Afghan that I qualify for (rank and MOS); however, being determined, I still sent the Afghan POC a few emails with my qualifications and asked for any opportunities. I did receive one opportunity to go and do base security in 4th MARDIV HQ in LA for about a month, but this was during a time where my unit was suppose to be sending myself and a hand-full of others to Afghan so I declined...the deployment fell through.

In all honestly, I would MUCH rather deploy before I switch to either another unit or to another branch. I think the deployment and experience will help me out a lot. However, I do not want to hold on to a possibility of deploying and put my career and goals off if it may not happen.

If anybody has any POCs or routes for a way to Afghan I'm all ears though.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[JrodBones]

The Army National Guard doesn't have 18x contracts, if I recall correctly, they have what is called a Rep63 contract which is enlisting with another MOS and unit and once MOS qualified then you go to the SFAS depending upon if you were "pre-selected" from an SFRE (Special Forces Readiness Evaluation) or SFAD (Special Forces Assessment Drill). The two are essentially the same thing. Either way y0u need to talk with the specific SF unit, typically there is an accessions team that handles the questions and SFAS dates, that you are wishing to join. You don't "have" to go to California's unit, if you want to go to TX you can but you will have to make what is called an IST (Inter-state Transfer) before TX would send you to the SFAS and only if you passed SFAD.

It can be a bit confusing but if you really what this do some research and talk to both recruiters, preferably one with a long tab already, and the SF unit.

Bon Chance!

Thank you very much for the feedback.

That is what I gathered after talking with the online recruiter. Basically, I would have to enlist in another MOS and then would get a chance to go to SFQC if I passed the SFRE with the unit. I would prefer to go to the CA unit as it is about half the distance than the TX unit. Either way, I would continue to live in AZ and make the commute to whichever unit I was contracted with.

 

[JrodBones]

Here's a little information from the California National Guard page for A/5-19th SFG(A), "Next SFRE is Nov 30th - Dec 2nd 2012 @ Camp SLO (San Luis Obispo)". One piece of advise, I would do a little bit more research and preparation for this next possible step of your military career as opposed to your initial. All the information posted was readily accessible with a simply search for "California Special Forces" in Google. Hope this helps get you started, some of the POCs might actually be represented on this forum for all I know:

Thank you for all of this. I have had a chance to look some of this stuff over before, but the PPT is new info for me. I have a POC that I was given by the online recruiter. I just wanted to ensure I was receiving correct info on the enlistment process...you know how those recruiters can be

After receiving all of this info my plan is to contact the unit and get direct info on the SFRE that will run after this November. Unfortunately, I may be in Camp Lejune for a martial arts instructors course during the time frame of this upcoming one.

Thank you again.

 

[fox1371]

I'm assuming that you're completely opposed to going active duty? IME, Recon Marines as of lately, aren't doing nearly as much Recon work as they'd like to be in Afghanistan. Now whether that's due to them being poorly utilized, or the fact that so many other tools are being utilized for reconnaissance missions, I don't know. MARSOC does the stuff that you're looking to do as well.

I'm pretty sure that we have some 19th Group guys floating around on the board, however I'm not sure if they're still around or not. I'll wait for one to chime in if there is.

Sounds like your local recruiter is inexperienced in recruiting for SF. Whichever unit you'd like to work with, I'd pull up their web page and call the unit and ask for a recruiter. They should be able to put you in touch with somebody.

I was pursuing the same route that you're looking at now, and then I decided to go a different route for awhile. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[JrodBones]

Yeah I can't really go active right now. Single dad with two little girls. I was looking into MARSOC as well before I got divorced. So at this point, I'm looking to stay guard or reserve so be able to pursue my goals and be able to be around my girls as well. My other option was looking into the Marine Recon Reserve units in CA or NM. I've touched base with someone from the NG SF unit via PM on here.

Thanks you. Whichever route I do decide to go, I understand it's going to be a kick in the nuts. Trying to prepare for it as much as I can.

 

[Hillclimb]

I have applied for quite a few IMA billets through MARFORRES. At this point in time, there are no deployments to Afghan that I qualify for (rank and MOS); however, being determined, I still sent the Afghan POC a few emails with my qualifications and asked for any opportunities. I did receive one opportunity to go and do base security in 4th MARDIV HQ in LA for about a month, but this was during a time where my unit was suppose to be sending myself and a hand-full of others to Afghan so I declined...the deployment fell through.

In all honestly, I would MUCH rather deploy before I switch to either another unit or to another branch. I think the deployment and experience will help me out a lot. However, I do not want to hold on to a possibility of deploying and put my career and goals off if it may not happen.

If anybody has any POCs or routes for a way to Afghan I'm all ears though.

Thank you for the advice.

If SF NG is what you want, I would suggest you to set your sights on that target, and focus everything you got onto it. A deployment with the USMC-R may be detrimental to your goals, as policies may change and window shopping/being indecisive may cost you time. I may know a Ssgt. who used to be recon, but went the SF NG route and I remember him saying it was a lengthy process. I don't know his situation, but I can contact him and see if he'd drop you an email.

Just my .02

edited: For irrelevant information.

 

[Worldweaver]

Yeah I can't really go active right now. Single dad with two little girls. I was looking into MARSOC as well before I got divorced. So at this point, I'm looking to stay guard or reserve so be able to pursue my goals and be able to be around my girls as well. My other option was looking into the Marine Recon Reserve units in CA or NM. I've touched base with someone from the NG SF unit via PM on here.

Thanks you. Whichever route I do decide to go, I understand it's going to be a kick in the nuts. Trying to prepare for it as much as I can.

Jrod, you understand that if selected for the Q-course you would be gone for at least 18 months right? What will your two children do during this time? Who will care for them? I'm not trying to get into your personal business but you said you wanted to be around your daughters more and this would not facilitate that, not initially at least. I would think long and hard before you pull the trigger on this one.

Also trying to figure out why you're attempting to get to Afghanistan if you're a single parent and not able to go active?

 

[JrodBones]

Jrod, you understand that if selected for the Q-course you would be gone for at least 18 months right? What will your two children do during this time? Who will care for them? I'm not trying to get into your personal business but you said you wanted to be around your daughters more and this would not facilitate that, not initially at least. I would think long and hard before you pull the trigger on this one.

Also trying to figure out why you're attempting to get to Afghanistan if you're a single parent and not able to go active?

Worldweaver,

Thank you for your response. I do understand that I would be gone for about 18 months and potentially more if selected for 18D. I am a single father; however, during training; schools; or deployments they can stay with their mother (we have joint custody). From what I have gathered about active duty special operations components, they are on a constant rotation of training, work ups, deployments, and a few months of down time. I know that my obligation to the NG SF unit will be a lot more that what I have become accustomed to with the Marine Corps reserves; however, I feel it is the only way to really get a balance.

Also, the main thing is that being active duty comes the potential of a PCS. Not only would I have more training, but I would have to live in another state (doubt I'd get their mom to agree to move to another state with me :ehh:). If there was an option to stay in AZ and pursue something in that field then I would do it. Since there is not, I am trying to find a way to stay in state for my girls and travel to my duty station for drills.

This is something that I am/have been thinking about long and hard. That is one of the many reasons that I turned to the individuals on this site. Everyone here has BTDT and can give first hand knowledge, experience, and advice. Not to mention nobody here pulls back or sugar coats anything. Therefore, I take all of the advice I receive on this site to heart.