All,
First, thank you for volunteering to undertake the challenges associated with entry into military life or one of the SOF organizations. Many on this board can attest it is time, sweat, and tears well spent. The military brotherhood and SOF brotherhood is incredible and I would not trade it for anything in the world.
I am posting the article below as a reminder to all aspiring recruits and SOF candidates. I read this article with great joy, thinking back to long evenings and mornings of training, intent on being in peak physical condition for SFAS and the SFQC. The keys to success I and many of my peers used are in the article below. Take time to click the link and read the article. It's worth it.
One thing before reading: It is from an interview with a SEAL but the fundamentals apply to any SOF organization.
Grit and Resilience
Purpose and meaning gave me drive, persistence, and perseverance. I remember making it a game, counting down events or laughing with a buddy as we challenged each other under the log or ruck. (He's still a friend to this day). The confidence we gained from smiling at daily obstacles, accomplishing them, "embracing the suck" and celebrating the small victories was incredible. Preparation made me better every day. We always learned something new, helping one another and motivating each other, always going back to the purpose and meaning we held dearly. Many of those days I trained alone, and I learned more about myself every time.
When those small victories start rolling, you feel confident about success after acknowledging an event is actually going to be a straight-up-smoker. You look at a buddy and laugh, telling him to quit being a wuss while he tells you to ruck up and move out. You may realize you've gone through an arduous selection process with no injuries, no overwhelming soreness, and no blisters. You bust through a tough day when nothing worked in your favor and you felt like quitting for a few seconds, minutes, or hours. The momentum you get from moving forward. Those are moments you train for and benchmarks that make you feel great. It is addicting when you find out your true strength and you want to challenge yourself more, to find the true you that's been hiding for so long. But...those small victories, those benchmarks in training or A&S...they pale in comparison to the amazing moments you will have as a Green Beret, Ranger, SEAL, TACP, CCT, PJ, JTAC, MARSOC Operator, or member of a SOF organization. We still tell SFAS and Q-course stories but believe me when I say my time in SF stands alone as the best years of my life. Infantry platoon leader time during OIF is a close second.
I implore you, see the bigger picture. Assess why you really want to accomplish the challenges you've volunteered for. Assessment and Selection doesn't stop once you get to your unit. More challenges, more physical exertion, and more mental exhaustion lie ahead. It's an amazing experience that will change your life. You have the ability to do something amazing, and you have the responsibility to
yourself and your teammates to do it well. Accept that responsibility with a happy heart. Don't sell yourself short. You have the potential for greatness in you, and the units you aspire to be a part of have great futures ahead of them. There are men and women on this board who are bonafide war heroes, but many of the heroes remain unnamed and unknown.
One thing after the reading: The last portion about his entire SEAL class making it to a buddy's funeral is extremely appropriate. If that doesn't not explain the brotherhood you are about to join, I don't know what will. It is not some Hollywood hoax, it is
real. You may find a couple of members with banners marking them "deceased." Rest assured, many on this board traveled great distances and banded together to honor our fallen brothers, to comfort their loved ones, and to see them to their final resting place. Much has also been done for wounded members, more than can be described here.
Stay motivated, train hard, and have fun. Be good to those around you, the quiet professional. No SOF unit needs a jerk. Be good to your family, your friends, members on this board, and remain true to your goal. If your unit gives you a hard time, acknowledge the bridge going back to
xyz-unit is blown apart and keep moving forward. If your family is giving you a hard time, ensure they understand what
you and they are about to undertake. Educate and communicate with your spouse. Ask advice from board members and others who have gone before you. Read the article I posted and do some soul-searching or renewal of spirit.
Somewhere along the journey, you will reach a dark place when nothing is going right, everything hurts, and you want to give up. When the breaking point comes, acknowledge it and keep moving forward! I say again,
acknowledge it and keep moving forward!