Special Forces Culture Question

[ryno762]

So I'm an 18x hopeful.

I have a question about the special forces culture. I don't drink, I have a few times socially and if it were required of me on a mission I would. I'm not morally opposed to it, I just don't. This isn't something atmosphere or peer pressure will change. So my question is... If I don't share beers with the guys will I have trouble fitting in?

 

[buzzkill.0621]

I'm not an SF operator, but a MARSOC SOCS-C.

First off I'll say this as a fair warning before others jump on you about it. You'll want to capitalize Special Forces and any other designation for military jobs/branches.

Secondly, I personally wouldn't see it as a huge deal if one of the guys on my team didn't want to drink. My biggest concern with a team member is if they are competent in their MOS. As long as you're not some killjoy at the bar I would say that you're fine.

 

[ryno762]

That's fair they are proper nouns, and titles that deserve respect. I typed that out quite fast and didn't catch it.

Thanks for the quick response. That's a relief, I'm not a kill joy at all.

 

[Viper1]

So I'm an 18x hopeful.

I have a question about the special forces culture. I don't drink, I have a few times socially and if it were required of me on a mission I would. I'm not morally opposed to it, I just don't. This isn't something atmosphere or peer pressure will change. So my question is... If I don't share beers with the guys will I have trouble fitting in?

I've known multiple SF officers and NCOs who didn't drink. Some don't due to previous alcohol abuse and resolved themselves to abstinence thereafter. Others never had a drop of alcohol in there lives and don't intend to start. From my experience, team members are respectful of each other's idiosyncrasies. You may take some good-natured ribbing for it but that's it. First things first, though. Train hard, have fun, stay out of trouble and make it through the training.

Worry about it once you step inside of a team room...and since the team room is a Green Beret's safe haven, you shouldn't have to worry at all.

 

[x SF med]

Most Team Guys don't Dip or smoke, your choices are your choices toward alcohol or tobacco, I had LDS guys on training teams/ops... we have a whole mess of SF guys in SLC Utah... do your job, do it well, remember if you do get to a Team, you are the new guy and your learning is just beginning.

 

[ryno762]

Thanks for the replies guys. That's the sort of answer I was hoping for. Other than the need for copious amounts of caffeine, I don't have any of those vices. I guess that's my second question, will there be access to coffee during q course? I'm worked several hard manual labor 24 hour shifts at my job, like anything it gets easier as you get used to it. I'm always attached to a huge thermos of coffee though. I plan to cycle off before enlisting... but it would always be nice to have that boost.

 

[Viper1]

Thanks for the replies guys. That's the sort of answer I was hoping for. Other than the need for copious amounts of caffeine, I don't have any of those vices. I guess that's my second question, will there be access to coffee during q course? I'm worked several hard manual labor 24 hour shifts at my job, like anything it gets easier as you get used to it. I'm always attached to a huge thermos of coffee though. I plan to cycle off before enlisting... but it would always be nice to have that boost.

The off cycle is recommended. Look forward to having it at meals.