Yet, I always felt I wasn't doing what I should have been doing. In 2021 I finally realized I had lost the passion and fulfillment I once had. My job is all about helping others, serving others, and I love that. But the way in which I was doing it was no longer satisfactory.
Like many have stated, very nice resume, and congratulations on your accomplishments thus far.
I really sympathize with what I think you're feeling. The itch does not go away. I was in the Marines for an enlistment, completed MARSOC A&S, but was not selected. That was heart breaking, but after reflecting on it for the last 5 years, it's become clear that my maturity was not where it needed to be. Got out, earned a B.S. in physics, and now have an engineering job as a DoD contractor. The pay is very nice, the work is intellectually stimulating, and I still get to support the warfighter in putting warheads on foreheads.. but it does not provide the fulfillment that I suspect both of us are seeking.
I was really hoping the itch would go away, but it's just not.. and the clock is ticking.
Brill, I appreciate you sharing all of that. I finally figured out the path I'm going to take to get to where I want to be. I've decided to pursue the Army officer route through OCS application. It's the right decision for me. It'll give me time to get experience, learn the Army, improve, and make the decision to go out for SOF at first lieutenant promotable. I still have a long way to go in terms of being in shape and prepared. But, I'm excited for the process.
-Have you thought about what you'll try to branch as? I've been debating this route, attempt to branch infantry (obviously no guarantees here), then look at SOF. Downside, you're likely only looking at a few years in an operational capacity on the commissioned side (someone can correct me if this is an inaccurate assessment). It is also a very indirect route to SOF with many break points along the road.
-This has me leaning SF Guard enlisted (get to keep my civilian job, so that's a bonus). I broke out the ol ruck for some runs recently, and DAMN there are some new pains that didn't exist 5 years ago. I finally got my times within standards (still much room for improvement), but aging is a painful mean b*tch. It really gave me a new found admiration and respect for the older guys that have been ground pounders for a decade or more and still crushing it. Truly admirable.
-Army aviation then 160th is also a current front runner and I already have my PPL. But again, this is a very indirect route to SOF with even more break points.
Good luck in your endeavors, keep us updated, and happy grinding.
