View Full Version : Path to SF?
24-7Soldier
07-01-2007, 15:58
Hello,
I've been in the Army for just about a year now (I've already made the required introductory post). Recently I've become more and more interested in Special Forces. The main reasons why I want SF is because I love the Special Forces mission, and because I want to work with soldiers who have integrity, maturity, and actually exert themselves mentally to understand their mission (not much exertion, really, and that's the sad part).
It isn't clear to me how much time you must have left in your enlistment contract before going to SFAS. The earliest I would go would probably be in 9-12 months, when I would have just 2 years left in my contract. I will absolutely re-enlist, no matter what; I just don't want to have to spend several additional years in the conventional Army.
I've heard some people say that you should go Ranger before attempting SF. Is that a good idea? I'm currently 25 years old; I don't want to have to wait until I'm 35 or so. Even though it's not uncommon for soldiers to go through SFAS in their 30's.
jevo1976
07-01-2007, 16:09
Brother everything you want to know about SF and SFAS that doesn't violate Opsec is most likely found somewhere on this forum. Try using the SEARCH function. It's your friend.
Kyobanim
07-01-2007, 16:18
24-7soldier
Everything you're asking has been answered on this forum already.
The search button is your friend. Become one with it.
Prepare for incomming . . .
24-7soldier
Everything you're asking has been answered on this forum already.
The search button is your friend. Become one with it.
Prepare for incomming . . .
I'm currently co-located with the young lad, should I walk the rounds in and conduct BDA, or let the mind wander?? :munchin
24-7Soldier
07-01-2007, 18:32
I am well aware of the rule to search for info on the forums before asking about it. However, after many days of searching for it, I continued to be unsuccessful. So I thought I would ask.
I want to know if I have to re-enlist before going to SFAS.
Can some at least point me in the right direction, i.e., what search parameters will get me the info desired, other than enlistment, enlist, re-enlist, SFAS, etc.?
triguy18e
07-01-2007, 18:47
If you want legitimate answers go directly to the source. Call the SF recruiter at Ft Bragg.
http://www.bragg.army.mil/specialforces/contact.htm
If you are worried about reenlistment obligations, SF is probably not for you.
Have a nice day,
M
24-7Soldier
07-01-2007, 19:03
I am going to re-enlist no matter what - multiple times. I will be a career soldier. I just want to know if I have to wait a few years before applying for SF because of the need to re-enlist before doing so.
Never mind. I'll just make sure that I only post comments (if any) in the future, since one more bad question will get me kicked out, as per the rules.
Kyobanim
07-01-2007, 19:05
Here's a thread you need to read, including the attachments and add on links.
http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5376
Let me ask you a question. When you fail the Course you will need to spend the rest of your enlistment in the regular Army. Are you prepaired for that?
Notice I said when you fail, not if. I said when because it seems to me that you want someone to do your work for you. You've been here what, a week? You haven't been here long enough to properly research your question. Did you even bother to contact the SF recruiter? You need to be just a little bit more resourceful.
Why don't you spend the next 3 weeks researching this question and post your findings here so the next poor soul doesn't have to go through this. If, at the end of 3 weeks you can't find the answer, I will get it for you.
I changed my mind. I just spent 2 minutes searching and found your answer. I think you could have done this if you would have applied yourself to the task at hand. Think about it.
http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11808&highlight=time+remaining+enlistment
24-7Soldier
07-01-2007, 19:25
I actually read that thread before I joined. I've actually been visiting this website daily for the last 2.5 weeks, not just 1 (even though that still is only a short time).
I will take you up on your offer and research it for an additional three more weeks. Although I will take special care not to ask a single question when I report back.
Am I prepared to spend the rest of my enlistment in the conventional Army? Absolutely. I plan on staying in the military for decades, not just for a single enlistment. It would be foolish for anyone to expect to complete SFAS, let alone the Q-course, too. The odds are distinctively not in anyone's favor.
It seems pointless to contact a SF recruiter when I won't be applying for SF for another year, at the minimum (more like 2 or 3). You might then wonder why in the world am I asking for? Well, I just wanted to know.
Kyobanim
07-01-2007, 19:27
What thread? This thread? http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11808&highlight=time+remaining+enlistment
I actually read that thread before I joined. I've actually been visiting this website daily for the last 2.5 weeks, not just 1 (even though that still is only a short time).
I will take you up on your offer and research it for an additional three more weeks. Although I will take special care not to ask a single question when I report back.
Am I prepared to spend the rest of my enlistment in the conventional Army? Absolutely. I plan on staying in the military for decades, not just for a single enlistment. It would be foolish for anyone to expect to complete SFAS, let alone the Q-course, too. The odds are distinctively not in anyone's favor.
It seems pointless to contact a SF recruiter when I won't be applying for SF for another year, at the minimum (more like 2 or 3). You might then wonder why in the world am I asking for? Well, I just wanted to know.
It is never too early to start familiarizing your self with the standards that are expected of you in SFAS or any other training. Walk in there blind, the cadre have got theirs.
If you can't apply for another year fine, you can still talk with a recruiter and get yourself in shape. Trust me bubba, I've seen the attitude and PT done here at the unit level, you are not even close. For a 98 Chuck, you are really not utilizing your brain much. Keep it up.....you are not going to get anywhere.
I will tell you based on your short life here that you've not displayed a common theme that I've witnessed among the Quiet Professionals and that is maturity.
SSG B out
The Reaper
07-01-2007, 19:50
24-7:
You are coming across as argumentative and lazy or lacking in motivation. That thread should have taken you only moments to find, especially for someone who has been here for weeks. Aren't you supposed to be an Intel soldier?
If you wait to try, you may be injured or unable to hack it by the time you do. Put in your packet, and if you get selected, reenlist and be done with it. If not, do as you wish. You will not get anywhere sitting around and wondering.
I have to be concerned by a potential soldier who would solicit info or advice from someone on the internet he does not even know, but is afraid to visit the SF recruiter, who will guarantee his answer and put it in writing. It will not cost you anything to ask him, and it is his job to give you the right answer.
Be man enough to cowboy up and find out. Do it, or quit talking about it.
TR
24-7Soldier
07-02-2007, 18:35
Hello,
I first would like to apologize. As the thread evolved, I exhibited unprofessional behavior and wrongfully allowed my emotions to influence my actions. Being in the Army has actually helped me a great deal in reducing my unprofessionalism, and as you can see, there is still more work to be done.
I also apologize for not finding the thread on my own. That was impatience, which is my biggest mental fault.
Despite my behavior, thank you for helping me to understand the true situation. But I could have figured it out on my own - and should have.
The reason I haven't contacted a recruiter is because I have a different viewpoint. I didn't visit an Army recruiter until i had 100% decided to join the Army. I'm the kind of person who strongly prefers to do all the research on their own (despite strong evidence to the contrary). I wasn't planning on hooking up with a SF recruiter until I was ready. Also, when I will be ready, I will be on a different continent. Maybe it's wrong, but I view recruiters more as access points to the system.
Well, that's enough from me. I will now shift back to a spectator on this site (and go run 4.5 miles in a few minutes).
mffjm8509
07-02-2007, 20:26
Sign this Red Card..
Priceless!
I miss those days.......
mp
x SF med
07-03-2007, 11:10
Coffee and donuts in the TAC Shack, all you need to do is sign 7624U's nice little red card to get some. you really don't want to be out there wandering in the woods in the cold rain all night, do you?:cool: :D
Coffee and donuts in the TAC Shack, all you need to do is sign 7624U's nice little red card to get some. you really don't want to be out there wandering in the woods in the cold rain all night, do you?:cool: :D
This is phase II :p they have no choice eather suck it up or quit!
3 Negative Red Cards you get 1 Observation report.
3 Observation report we will review you for a admin drop, :boohoo.
Coffee and donuts are over at the Selection Hut ...
The Reaper
07-03-2007, 17:25
Coffee and donuts in the TAC Shack, all you need to do is sign 7624U's nice little red card to get some. you really don't want to be out there wandering in the woods in the cold rain all night, do you?:cool: :D
Unsportsmanlike Conduct for piling on.
15 yard penalty and loss of down.
Next.
TR
Go For Broke
07-03-2007, 18:43
The reason I haven't contacted a recruiter is because I have a different viewpoint. I didn't visit an Army recruiter until i had 100% decided to join the Army. I'm the kind of person who strongly prefers to do all the research on their own (despite strong evidence to the contrary). I wasn't planning on hooking up with a SF recruiter until I was ready. Also, when I will be ready, I will be on a different continent. Maybe it's wrong, but I view recruiters more as access points to the system.
24/7,
FWIW, I would recommend talking with an SF recruiter. Not sure if you had a bad experience with recuiters in the past, however SF recruiters are a somewhat different breed.
1. They are professionals
2. The majority are SF-qualified quys who either got sucked into it (because any time off an A-Team sucks), or in at least one instance I know of - was allowed to work recruiting, so he could remain at the post and recover from injuries - this allowed a healthy guy to remain on a team
3. Because they are SF-qualified, they have a vested interest in making sure that Regiment is filled with quality personnel - they may have to work with you in the future
4. They have been there...they have walked the walk, and can talk the talk. They are not the normal 11H recruiter trying to fill 97E slots. They CAN answer your questions.
5. Because they are "access points to the system", they have the latest information. The information you find in your other research methods (magazines, books, websites, various blogs, your non-SF qualified buddy, etc...) may be dated or wrong.
6. You are on a different continent - they will be able to keep in touch, or put you into contact with people who can provide you information e.g., whose signatures do I need on this waiver? Bn Cdr or will my Cpy Cdr suffice?
7. Along with keeping in touch, you are at least known to the recruiter - they will have a file on you. They will be able to assist you (do not confuse this with holding your hand). Remember, the core of SF is the A-Team, not the individual.
8. You may not realize it...but in this thread you have already conversed with at least 7 "recruiters"
Just my humble $0.02
V/R,