Whats your backup plan?

The hard part for me is that there isn't really anything else that I want to do in the Air Force other than AFSOF. If I fail I'll probably try and find another MOS, possibly Security Forces and just keep training until I feel like I can attempt the pipeline again. If AFSOF just won't happen, then I'll try to transfer to the Army and go airborne.

So, basically, you just have no clue what you want to do except it has to be something 'cool'. You'll end up wandering around clueless your entire enlistment, because anything you do will not be good enough for you when you fail multiple pipelines for lack of motivation and focus.
 
I'm not going for "coolness" when looking for an MOS. That's just silly. Besides Security Forces really aren't that cool. If I didn't have motivation I wouldn't work out three times a day and constantly push myself to do better and better every day. I have a proud family history in airborne, so that's where my idea for being an airborne comes from. I'm not too keen on being a pilot, so Security Forces is one of the only options that I know of that's a more foot soldier MOS.
 
Also, this is a backup plan. A worst scenario plan. I will do every single thing in my power to make it through the pipeline. I'm determined no matter what anyone else says.
 
I'm not going for "coolness" when looking for an MOS. That's just silly. Besides Security Forces really aren't that cool. If I didn't have motivation I wouldn't work out three times a day and constantly push myself to do better and better every day. I have a proud family history in airborne, so that's where my idea for being an airborne comes from. I'm not too keen on being a pilot, so Security Forces is one of the only options that I know of that's a more foot soldier MOS.

3 x a day... Impressive.
What's your work out program?
What are your run times, push up, sit up, pull up counts etc...?
 
I'm not going for "coolness" when looking for an MOS. That's just silly. Besides Security Forces really aren't that cool. If I didn't have motivation I wouldn't work out three times a day and constantly push myself to do better and better every day. I have a proud family history in airborne, so that's where my idea for being an airborne comes from. I'm not too keen on being a pilot, so Security Forces is one of the only options that I know of that's a more foot soldier MOS.

Also, this is a backup plan. A worst scenario plan. I will do every single thing in my power to make it through the pipeline. I'm determined no matter what anyone else says.

You love to argue don't you? Go back and read everything you've posted with a neutral eye... it's all about cool... CMSG... this equates to um, nothing. You are a 16 year old in a Military Boarding School, which usually means your family thought you needed some discipline, like my little brother who went to a Catholic Military Boarding School, for just that reason.

The senior members and staff will try to make those who choose to join the mentor program think about their choices, motivations, preparedness, and goals... the whys, what-ifs, perceptions they are putting out and their attitude. So far, your entitled attitude, and propensities for argument and self aggrandizement show you have a ton of maturing and thinking to get accomplished... which is true of all 16 year olds.

What is behind your motivation to be in AFSOF, and which part... there are multiple jobs to choose from CCT, PJ, SOWT, etc... each with their own vagaries. And then, you state if AFSOF doesn't happen, then I'll go Army Airborne. Son, this is the day of demobilization and draw down... you better know what you want before you attempt to enlist, and have everything ready, standards are going up and numbers are going down. I'm giving you a reality check... you better have multiple backup plans, and well formulated ones at that, or you will get steamrolled.

Think about how what you say and how you respond is perceived by others, especially those who have volunteered to help mentor you. Be a sponge, soak up information, and remember... those with experience aren't always going to think you are the best thing ever, even though that's what you've been told by society. Be quiet, prove yourself by action, be humble and give a little instead of taking... and don't argue with those who are trying to help you do a self awareness and perception check.
 
I actually had to beg my parents to send me to Valley Forge. My teachers and family friends say I act more like an adult than a teenager

But, SF med, I greatly appreciate your critizism. I don't know a quarter of the stuff that you know and that's why I joined this site. I really want to learn from people with experience to help prepare me for my journey. I understand that the airborne units are starting to size down, but I don't know when or by how much.

My run time is a 7 flat (having major hip problems and seeing a doctor). My push up numbers are 90 on a good day, 80 or so on a bad. Sit ups are in the hundreds, and pull ups are about 20.

Sorry for the multiple responses, I'm writing them as I come across a point that I'd like to discuss. I realize that being a CMSG means absolutely nothing and I have no intentions to try to throw that around. I just included that in my intro to show that I've worked hard here. I also apologize if any of what I'm saying comes across as argueing ir being disrespectful, that is not the intention by any means. I do need to work on being more humble. I let too many things go to my head and make me feel like I'm special. I work on that constantly because I know that it can be the downfall of a candidate. Thank you for your time.
 
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Just read more and post less @Dtdomination3. Whether you are right or wrong normally isn't the point. You should know the way it works in the military if you are at Valley Forge. When someone in a position of authority says you are wrong, you are fucking wrong. There is no explaining to be done, no apologies are needed. Change what was wrong and move the fuck on smartly. This advice is something that is important because in SOF no one cares that you are "working on the problem" people want you to fix yourself quietly and then for whatever the problem was to be fixed. So just read more and post less for a week or so, see how the board works. Honestly boards like these have a lot to offer to someone in your shoes. I was there just 11 years ago, I was a 16 year old contemplating a career in SOF. I came on a board, put on cleats and proceeded to straight up stomp all over my dick. So I understand. Heed my words. Shut your face and read.
 
Well, if I didn't make it, I would hopefully get lucky, stay in the Air Force, and get the chance to try again. However, with the reduction in force, there is the chance I'll be kicked out, which if that happened I would hope to get an reenlistment code and try again. If that doesn't happen, well shit, I guess I'd have to move on, as much as I would hate it. I don't have any idea where I would go from there, if that happened, to be honest.
 
I may be resurecting this thread from the dead, and to be honest did not read through most of it because I know a lot of people on here were probably just like me before I joined, "Why need a back up plan if I plan to make it?". I just want to impart some knowledge and tell you that's stupid, immature in a sense of real world thinking, and being very very unprepared for if it happens.

In my case it did happen and I was not prepared. I joined the Corps under a Recon option contract, and figured "Well hell, even if I dont make it I'll be filtered into an infantry unit like my recruiter told me and try again when I'm more prepared." Negative. For any of you who stumble into this thread and havent enlisted/commissioned yet, and are gung-ho "I'm going to be SF!!", you really need to do research on what could happen to you should you not make it. And nothing against recruiters, but for the love of god do not soak up all their bullshit like a sponge, most of them will not tell you that should you not make it in your training for whatever reason you are now at the beck and whim of the branch you joined on where you go next, and could like me end up getting sent to Supply.

Take it from a guy that it actually happened too, have a back up a plan, find people who have made it and use and abuse their knowledge to help you out, and take a real look at just how ready you think you are and then honestly and truthfully run it by one of them. Because regardless of how motivated and 'never quit' attitude you have, how physically fit you are, until your feet are placed to the fire you dont have the slightest idea of what you're in for.

I still remember to this day what one of my MART instructors said about the pool, "I don't care how confident in the water you are, you could be Michael Phelps, what we do here is made to make you uncomfortable and we are going to make you uncomfortable, it is meant to be that way so when the moment arises that shit hits the fan while you're in it, you aren't caught with your head between your legs."

To all of you motivators who are going to try I wish you the absolute best of luck, and I hope you take some of what I said to heart and really set up a solid back up plan for if things go wrong. Always be prepared.

-Nick
 
Question and I'm gonna read through the thread to see if it was answered with the 10 pages but if I'm already in the Army as a 68w and fail out of Q course would I go back to being a 68w I feel like going Special operations in your initial enlistment isn't always the best thing
 
Question and I'm gonna read through the thread to see if it was answered with the 10 pages but if I'm already in the Army as a 68w and fail out of Q course would I go back to being a 68w I feel like going Special operations in your initial enlistment isn't always the best thing

1. Your command of the English language is atrocious. Grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization are very important for multiple reasons - comprehension by others, proof of attention to detail, proof of maturity and proof of professionalism. If you ask questions of professionals, it is a sure thing you will NOT be taken seriously with soup sandwich level construction and logical structure as evidenced by the post quoted.

2. You did not ask a question (as I'm assuming that was your intent based on the first word of your post) you made statements.

3. Every statement you made, albeit they were jammed together into that horrible run on drivel you posted, is fully addressed here on the site in multiple places. STFU and read, use the search button to qualify your queries and get answers, then if something is unclear - qualify and distill your information needs into coherent packages and present them in a professional and concise manner. (see point 1 for further reasoning)

4. Your focus at this point should be getting qualified to join the military - good PT scores, communication ability, maturity, professionalism and drive. You haven't told us anything but that you are 22 and have 3 kids - that, does not speak to maturity - just to your inability to keep it in your pants. Will you be able to be separated from your family for long periods of time, relying on your wife to take care of family business without your help? Will you be comfortable giving your wife Power of Attorney over all of your property and money while you are away?

5. You need to give us some information to allow us to define how to respond to your future questions/statements - so you do not get hammered by a bunch of experienced military/SOF guys for being the idiot you appear to be at the moment.

6. Realize that what you think you know and what you really know at this point are so far apart they are in different universes.

7. Focus on each 25 meter target as it presents, overcome it and then move to the next while gaining an awareness of the next further target. Your targets right now are: figuring out if your family situation lends itself to your joining the military without imploding or exploding; figuring out what you want as an initial MOS and whether you are qualified to attempt it; making the hard decision as to whether you are suited to any of the SOF units; getting prepared to meet entry requirements; and finally actually joining the military.

8. If you are not selected at SFAS as an 18x, you go to the needs of the Army as an 11B. If you are MOS qualified in another specialty, you go back to your unit. If you are selected and subsequently fail/are removed from the Q Course, you will be open for assignment at the needs of the Army in the MOS you are most qualified to fill.

Side note - enlisting at 22, with a wife and 3 kids is going to be excruciatingly hard until you get to SSG - which could be as far out as 7-10 years. Although this is wholly demeaning and hard to say, the truth needs to be told- As an E1 to E4, your family will probably be on assistance (WIC or Welfare) if your wife does not work or does not have a good job. This kills many marriages. Know what you are getting in to - the military is not for everybody and will not treat you like a civilian employer - especially if you are in training or deployed. It is not a fall back for a bad civilian job market, it is new way of life, a different world that you can even imagine right now.

Chew on this, do your research and come back after reading with some relevant and well formed questions, you might get some more help.

Final Note - your post is in the wrong place.
 
...your post...

Your post should have read: "Roger that. Thanks."

I would like you and others who post to know a few things:

(1) I (and others on here) really want folks to succeed.
(2) I (and others on here) really don't take pleasure in criticism. (Not all the time).
(3) A simple one line response is better than many. Concise brevity is special.
(4) "let's get a few things squared away"...just isn't a good conversation starter.
(5) you'll be getting other feedback shortly.
 
Sir lets get a few things squared away
LOL wow. Fun thought experiment-

A brand new guy at your MMA gym walks in and steps all over his dick with one of the black belts that runs the gym. The black belt replies and tries to get the young guy to see the error of his ways, because that's how that community runs itself.

The new guy starts his reply with, "Hold on bro, let's get some shit straight." How do you think that would go? How about, what if you were the black belt?

Either way-

stewart.gif
 
Lol
LOL wow. Fun thought experiment-

A brand new guy at your MMA gym walks in and steps all over his dick with one of the black belts that runs the gym. The black belt replies and tries to get the young guy to see the error of his ways, because that's how that community runs itself.

The new guy starts his reply with, "Hold on bro, let's get some shit straight." How do you think that would go? How about, what if you were the black belt?

Either way-

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Lol I follow you won't happen again, I'll just make sure not to type like an idiot
 
@JAX61192

Were I you, I would reassess everything you said in your rebuttal post. Especially in light of the egregious grammar usage and punctuation errors. Professionalism on the internet is espoused by a strict attention to detail, writing like you truly understand the English language, and knowing your audience.

Had you read this entire thread, and a few others in the SOF specific area, you would have seen others verbally body slammed for the same writing style (text speak).

None of the information in your rebuttal post explains anything, it is a "Why are you picking on me, I'm great, I know everything", post. Except maybe points 7 and 8. In regard to point 8, only you know if you want to attempt a selection course, the odds are great that you will not be chosen - there are myriad reasons for being a non-select, and in my reading of your posts, you show attributes for non-selection.

BTW, you need to realize that any branch you choose, an instructor for the SOF pipeline is here, and most of them read the posts for hopefuls. A couple of true idiots have been turned back essentially at the gates of the compound by dint of this.

It's your choice in how this progresses. You are nothing but a hopeful here, you need to earn acceptance.
 
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@JAX61192

Were I you, I would reassess everything you said in your rebuttal post. Especially in light of the egregious grammar usage and punctuation errors. Professionalism on the internet is espoused by a strict attention to detail, writing like you truly understand the English language, and knowing your audience.

Had you read this entire thread, and a few others in the SOF specific area, you would have seen others verbally body slammed for the same writing style (text speak).

None of the information in your rebuttal post explains anything, it is a "Why are you picking on me, I'm great, I know everything", post. Except maybe points 7 and 8. In regard to point 8, only you know if you want to attempt a selection course, the odds are great that you will not be chosen - there are myriad reasons for being a non-select, and in my reading of your posts, you show attributes for non-selection.

BTW, you need to realize that any branch you choose, an instructor for the SOF pipeline is here, and most of them read the posts for hopefuls. A couple of true idiots have been turned back essentially at the gates of the compound by dint of this.

It's your choice in how this progresses. You are nothing but a hopeful here, you need to earn acceptance.

Roger
 
If for some reason I do not make it my plan B is to try and get a Pilot slot with AFSOC or an Intel job in the Air Force. The reason for these decisions is because if I can not be an Operator I want to help them get their missions done and provide all the support I can to directly to ST teams.
 
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