View Full Version : Which book did you (would you) bring?
DaddyWilk
06-02-2007, 18:47
Per the SFAS packing list, a candidate is allowed to bring the Bible, the Ranger HB, or a novel to Camp M.
Which did you take with you, would you take with you, or plan to take with you? And why.
I think I'd take Stephen King's "The Stand." I never finished it when I was a kid and have always meant to. My dad has always been a King fan, and in the process of encouraging me to read at a young age, he introduced me to SK's works. I read a few of SK's books and started "The Stand" but moved on to other things (like baseball and girls) before I got very deep in. Now that my dad is 75 and very sick, I want to be near him. Because duty calls, I can't. So, instead, I'm finding myself revisiting everything we've done together over the years. Reading old SK books is one way to keep him close to me right now.
The point is I'd select a book that reminded me of the strongest person I’ve ever known. I think I could a little inspiration in that. How about you?
The Reaper
06-02-2007, 18:59
Ranger Handbook, but I would be more concerned with being ready for patrolling than finishing a novel in my spare time.
But that is just me, you bring whatever you please.
TR
Warrior-Mentor
06-03-2007, 02:08
TR's pragmatism is admirable.
I found Ranger Handbook too dry for reading at SFAS ...
especially when trying to stay awake during non-sleeping down time.
Recommend something that will be interesting (not put you to sleep),
that you can pick-up and put-down at a moments notice,
AND that guys will be willing to trade with you when you finish...
King, Clancy...something other than a romance novel... ;)
Bring a small paperback, like a pocketbook. Something interesting. Make sure it can fit in your cargo pocket for when you're just sitting between events (and even then thats really just for before you leave to CMK. Once you're in the sticks you can usually find other more productive things to do, i.e. you can never do enough route planning practice, and your ruck is never packed tight enough.
Just my opinion though.
Time to read! I never had time to read. That's probably because during teamweek my team was out until 0400 trying to complete the days mission. Needless to say, some of the team wasn't on the same page. However, I would suggest a Bible because if you haven't taken the time to train properly, you'll want to be well versed in prayers. :D
x SF med
06-06-2007, 16:04
Time to read! I never had time to read. That's probably because during teamweek my team was out until 0400 trying to complete the days mission. Needless to say, some of the team wasn't on the same page. However, I would suggest a Bible because if you haven't taken the time to train properly, you'll want to be well versed in prayers. :D
The question to ask now is... Did YOU get selected?
I did get selected. It was the most difficult thing I've done mentally and physically, to date, because I know that will soon change. Time for some rehab now and some more language practice. Can't wait to be among the ranks of the Elite. Thanks for the advice you gave me in the past also, or lack of. The best thing you ever said was to quit looking for reassurance and accomplish what was in front of me at the time to the best of my ability. That kept me going.
FearMonkey
06-06-2007, 17:22
I took The Da Vinci Code... it was popular at the time and after I finished it was a hot commodity for trading purposes.
Any SOG book is always a good bet, though. That way, if (god forbid) someone there doesn't know the history of SOG you can square them the _____ away.
...and after I finished it was a hot commodity for trading purposes.you may be an 18E, but within you beats the heart of an 18C...:D
mixmatch
06-06-2007, 21:00
"Reflections of a Warrior" by Franklin D. Miller. I worked with his son in Germany before going to selection. it was interesting to see some of the values he passed on to his son.
"Pillars of the Earth" By Kevin Follet. That way you won't have to worry about trading! :D
I took The Da Vinci Code... it was popular at the time and after I finished it was a hot commodity for trading purposes.
If you're looking for "trading purposes", get yourself 4-5 copies of Penthouse Forums, tape them together, down their spins with some 100mph tape, and I'll venture to guess....you'd be a God among men, when it comes time to trade for that, Chicken al King. :D
The Reaper
06-10-2007, 12:53
If you're looking for "trading purposes", get yourself 4-5 copies of Penthouse Forums, tape them together, down their spins with some 100mph tape, and I'll venture to guess....you'd be a God among men, when it comes time to trade for that, Chicken al King. :D
You are in rare form today. Now some idiot will probably try this.
The next time you offer advice on an SF topic will be your last.
Trust me, I know things.
TR
When I went through Phase 1, ALL reading material was confiscated from us...never had enough free time to read anything other than course materials.
Firewolf
01-04-2008, 17:42
The Count of Monte Cristo- abridged version. Something about his perfect planning and effort kept me warm at night.
I'd recommend a shorter read, and something popular enough to trade.
miller0331
01-04-2008, 19:22
Well... I know, this is an SF or SF Candidate thread but I had to throw my two cents in here... For books to take to the field, I usually packed something unusual that usually got a lot of comments or caused some of the SNCOs give me the "Eyeball"... Things that get attention are "The Communist Manifesto" (I enlisted during the waning days of the Evil Empire), Che's biography, The Koran (I actually had a guy want to discuss the merits of Islam while sitting in a fighting hole during DS/DS), poetry books (nothing feeds the soul like a little Sasoon, Kipling, or Owen... Gents that a troop can relate to)... I think the best one was while on my first float, sitting off the coast of Liberia, "The Sexual Politics of Meat"... A nice book extolling the virtues of feminism and that meat eaters supported the oppression of all womanhood... Interestingly, my Gunney, suggested that I talk to Chaplain Charlie about my issues... Most of the time I was usually studying my MCIs or getting ready for the next promotion.
Ahh, good times curled up in a nice, wet hole in the ground with a good book and great company... ;)
Anyway, hopefully I didn't offend anyone by hijacking the thread to put out a rare thought from a Jarhead...
SF
Scott
Snaquebite
01-04-2008, 19:32
Well... I know, this is an SF or SF Candidate thread but I had to throw my two cents in here...
Anyway, hopefully I didn't offend anyone by hijacking the thread
It appears that you did not read this entire thread or you wouldn't have posted.
Three posts above yours TR said:
The next time you offer advice on an SF topic will be your last.
Trust me, I know things.
I will attest to that.
miller0331
01-04-2008, 19:42
Point taken Snaquebite...
Ambush Master
01-04-2008, 20:05
Point taken Snaquebite...
I highly recommend that you "Observe The Warnings" of QPs!! Else you will earn yourself the FTFSI Title!!!!:munchin
Later
Martin
gun_bunny
01-04-2008, 22:27
I'm taking Five Years to Freedom by Colonel Rowe. I was told that if I read that and quit I should kill myself.
brownapple
01-05-2008, 04:01
I'm taking Five Years to Freedom by Colonel Rowe. I was told that if I read that and quit I should kill myself.
That's a pretty good choice.
I can't even remember what book I brought to SFAS. I do remember bringing extra tobacco products and being the center of attention in the last week of SFAS:D
I didn't bring a book. I spent "free time" talking and getting to know the guys I would be in the Q-Course with & it was time well spent. I did my fair share of people watching too. Over the few weeks there I got pretty good at spotting "that look" in a guy just before he would quit. SFAS was extremely reflective for me as well. Especially the land-nav portions... dang the things that would go through my head while skirting draws.
I think Group should extend the opportunity to tabbed guys to go back to Camp Mackall (and not a Phase-2 cadre either...) to wander around in the woods for a few weeks with a ruck on their back. A sorta GB sabbatical if you will. I know I could sure use one...
Books... it's only three-ish weeks. :cool:
Ranger Handbook, but I would be more concerned with being ready for patrolling than finishing a novel in my spare time.
But that is just me, you bring whatever you please.
TR
That may be "just you" but it's excellent advice. When Chuck went through it was called Pre-Phase not SFAS and he says it was way different. Maybe so but I'm sure the level of professionalism is the same and you guys will be going on to future schools and more extensive training.
I asked him what he took with him and he doesn't recall the exact book except that it was something educational and that it was not anything escapism, like a novel for instance. That's just him, however, he seems to do fairly well in his chosen field.
I think Group should extend the opportunity to tabbed guys to go back to Camp Mackall (and not a Phase-2 cadre either...) to wander around in the woods for a few weeks with a ruck on their back. A sorta GB sabbatical if you will. I know I could sure use one...
I'm sorry and don't mean to hijack the thread but prior to current deployments didn't team guys do a recertification thing that sometimes took place at Camp Mackall? I do understand about GWOT and time constraints but it seems to me those recerts were kind of a big deal.
Surely I am misunderstanding what you mean, yes?
If it had nothing too do with passing...I didn't take it! Reading a novel was waaaaay down on my "to do list.".:cool:
Stay safe.
Team Sergeant
01-10-2008, 08:05
If it had nothing too do with passing...I didn't take it! Reading a novel was waaaaay down on my "to do list.".:cool:
Stay safe.
Yeah, what Guy said.
I am surprised at the lack of focus some have when attending the course.
If the Special Warfare Center (SWC) pulled the "get ready", "get ready" and "get ready" courses and placed all the candidates straight into Phase One like they used to do, trust me when I say you would not have time to read.
TS
I brought a book, but I can't even remember what it was as I never read one word out of it. I was too busy fixing my feet, caring for and preparing my gear or maximizing the 4 hours of sleep we were allowed.
gun_bunny
01-10-2008, 20:08
I leave on Monday, and from what I'm told the only time you are going to try and "kill" time is during inprocessing. I can't imagine running on less the four hours of sleep, all burnt up and tired wanting to curl up around an MRE heater and a woobie wanting to read a good book.
FearMonkey
01-10-2008, 21:12
I can't imagine running on less the four hours of sleep, all burnt up and tired wanting to curl up around an MRE heater and a woobie wanting to read a good book.
You won't have to. ;)
Good luck on Monday. :lifter
gottaTRI
01-25-2008, 15:49
I brout the Devil's Guard with me; an extremely interesting and eye opening book regarding Nazi SS soldiers who joined the Foreign Legion. Another guy brought I Hope they Serve Beer in Hell and it helped keep us entertained while we were just sitting around in the huts. I do recommend bringing pleanty of ample reading material in your personal bag, however. I'm not sure how things are run now, but the last 4-5 days of boredom that followed the trek were mind numbing trying to pass the time.