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11Ber
08-29-2007, 07:26
Professional Soldiers:

My name is Dan and I am currently at Fort Drum with 10th Mtn. I am an 11B as my retarded name shows and I just got back in May from doing 16 months in Afghanistan. I am slotted to go the Sept SFAS class. While in Afghanistan I got a copy of Getting Selected for Special Forces after I made my mind up to go for it upon return. I have followed the training program in it as close as possible and feel I am about as ready as I am going to get. Reading the numerous threads on here has been a great help in my prep and I appreciate all the good information.

The Reaper
08-29-2007, 08:03
Professional Soldiers:

My name is Dan and I am currently at Fort Drum with 10th Mtn. I am an 11B as my retarded name shows and I just got back in May from doing 16 months in Afghanistan. I am slotted to go the Sept SFAS class. While in Afghanistan I got a copy of Getting Selected for Special Forces after I made my mind up to go for it upon return. I have followed the training program in it as close as possible and feel I am about as ready as I am going to get. Reading the numerous threads on here has been a great help in my prep and I appreciate all the good information.

Dan:

Do your reading between workouts, follow the PT program, and try to run in the sauna or something to simulate MacKall. :D

High temps here in Aug were record with several consecutive days at 107 actual or above, and only a few where the high was not at least 90.

Welcome all and best of luck.

TR

Slater
08-29-2007, 10:07
Hello. I'm a retired USAF Munitions Specialist (Ammo Troop). I have a general interest in military small arms and may time to time pose a question to the experts here, hopefully without sounding too dumb. Never worked with or supported SF but you guys have one of the toughest jobs (if not THE toughest) out there.

The Reaper
08-29-2007, 10:46
longsf@yahoo Hi, SGT.Long here reporting in. I,ve been off the net. long time. I,m looking for any of you guys from C/co 2/20 SFG Columbus Ms.days 86,87.91, Thank you PS.for allowing this post..:lifter :lifter

longsf:

Please review the rules you were sent and read the intros and stickies before posting again.

If you are SF we have instructions for that as well.

Closed till you comply.

TR

Pete
08-29-2007, 11:20
.. I'm a retired USAF Munitions Specialist (Ammo Troop). .... Never worked with or supported SF but you guys have one of the toughest jobs (if not THE toughest) out there.

Slater;

Never say never. I was with a friend of mine, retired AF Major - Munitions and we were chatting with an ex Army MP. Nice young kid but he really didn't know we were both retired.
Any how, the talk got around to Bosnia/Kosovo stuff and he was there during one of the flare-ups and he said he had some tanks coming at his position and they were trying to get some air support. The Major stopped him and asked if it had been on this date and the MP replied "Yes". The Major replied "It was A-10s that smoked the tanks, right?" "Yes" "Those A-10s were from my unit. We were the ones who uploaded them with their munitions."
The next 10 minutes were right interesting - we got to meet his whole family real quick.
In the circle of life you never know how your actions here impact somebody else over there.

Welcome - and welcome all - to the site

Pete

3SoldierDad
08-29-2007, 13:30
Slater;

Never say never. I was with a friend of mine, retired AF Major - Munitions and we were chatting with an ex Army MP. Nice young kid but he really didn't know we were both retired.
Any how, the talk got around to Bosnia/Kosovo stuff and he was there during one of the flare-ups and he said he had some tanks coming at his position and they were trying to get some air support. The Major stopped him and asked if it had been on this date and the MP replied "Yes". The Major replied "It was A-10s that smoked the tanks, right?" "Yes" "Those A-10s were from my unit. We were the ones who uploaded them with their munitions."
The next 10 minutes were right interesting - we got to meet his whole family real quick.
In the circle of life you never know how your actions here impact somebody else over there.

Welcome - and welcome all - to the site

Pete



Wow! Very cool story, Pete - All the dots do connect - and they connect all the time; we just don't see it...

Circle of life, indeed!


Three Soldier Dad...Chuck

NousDefionsDoc
08-29-2007, 18:13
Hi All,

I'm a new 18x recruit, and I ship Sept. 19. I've been reading the forums extensively for the last few weeks to better understand SF as I've just recently been introduced to it. After reading and researching I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to try to become a member of SF.

Until I make it to SFAS, I inted to continue my research. Thank you for this invaluable resource.

Regards
LOL - you were "just introduced to it" and you leave in a month? I like you!

crazyjake123
08-29-2007, 19:28
Just stopping in here to do my intro. I did four years in the Marine Corps Infantry, and during my second of three tours to Iraq I operated with an ODA from 5th group and I really liked working with them. I was the breacher on our Battalion Raid Force and the ODA guys gave me a battering ram to help. I couldn't of asked to work with better guys. Once I got out of the Corps I went to school, joined a SAR team and started bartending. Its almost been two years now and I have came to the realization of who I really am and what I want to do in life. So, in March I am heading (planning, haven't signed anything yet) out to your SFAS to see what I can do. I have too friends from my old company who are in the Q course and love it. I ran a marathon in April and I ruck often but I am training harder than ever. Love your guy's advice and I hope to learn a lot from your experience. Thank you for this great service, and have a good day...

J.N.

lksteve
08-29-2007, 19:56
\ Never worked with or supported SF...dunno about that...someone like you loaded bombs on planes that were dropped on my account...

NousDefionsDoc
08-29-2007, 20:19
Just stopping in here to do my intro. I did four years in the Marine Corps Infantry, and during my second of three tours to Iraq I operated with an ODA from 5th group and I really liked working with them. I was the breacher on our Battalion Raid Force and the ODA guys gave me a battering ram to help. I couldn't of asked to work with better guys. Once I got out of the Corps I went to school, joined a SAR team and started bartending. Its almost been two years now and I have came to the realization of who I really am and what I want to do in life. So, in March I am heading (planning, haven't signed anything yet) out to your SFAS to see what I can do. I have too friends from my old company who are in the Q course and love it. I ran a marathon in April and I ruck often but I am training harder than ever. Love your guy's advice and I hope to learn a lot from your experience. Thank you for this great service, and have a good day...

J.N.
Welcome aboard Jake.

Brett W
08-29-2007, 21:15
I'm Brett, a 30 year old, 18x potential. Will ship as soon as I get past a couple of obstacles.

Rambro
08-30-2007, 02:28
Gentlemen,

I’m currently in Germany on active duty for the Army, I started my career out in the Air Force. After freezing my ass off in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming flying around on Hueys and sitting in Humvee’s guarding things that go boom and turn countries into parking lots. I found myself being bored so I decided to pursue a career that would challenge me mentally. After being here for almost a year now and the desire of being elite, the desire of being the best of the best is setting in day after day now. So with that being said here I’m running and rucking starting the quest for my green beanie. I’ve only had little interaction with SF before the barb wire went up around the building and it was a great experience just to joke and talk with you guys.

Ammodawg
08-30-2007, 05:49
Hello. I'm a retired USAF Munitions Specialist (Ammo Troop). I have a general interest in military small arms and may time to time pose a question to the experts here, hopefully without sounding too dumb. Never worked with or supported SF but you guys have one of the toughest jobs (if not THE toughest) out there.

Welcome to the site, from an AD AMMO troop to a retired. I've been around a little over 10yrs now, we probably know some of the same people. Drop me a PM sometime. :D


Pete: Just for some clarification, we AMMO troops assemble the bombs and missiles and deliver them to the flightline, it is a different career field that actually loads them onto the airplanes. ;)

Snaquebite
08-30-2007, 10:58
:munchin Here we go with another one...WTH is happening lately with people who can't follow directions?

Kyobanim
08-30-2007, 11:50
It's the water

Jack Moroney (RIP)
08-30-2007, 12:51
commo check


ZWH

Team Sergeant
08-30-2007, 13:25
commo check

I always used to answer "I've got mine". Worked well in the joint environment....:D

Bill Harsey
08-30-2007, 15:02
All who are serving and have served, welcome aboard and Thank you!

Just reading the intros here gives me hope for this country.

new0deal
08-30-2007, 20:51
My name is Steve. I was in the Air Force and I fixed hospital equipment. I got out to do something that I felt made the world a better place. So I've been lurking around here. A wealth of information can be found if you shut up and listen ... or don't post and search.

baba85
08-30-2007, 23:01
Well in the "real" world my name is Patrick. I am 22 years old and live near Stuttgart, Germany. I am not in the army (not yet) but I´ll join when I´m done with my current job (travel agency).
I do have some good friends in different units of the German SOF and just don´t see myself in some office til the end of days. I admire the SF way of living and I guess I got the brains to make it; when it comes to the physical part I try to stay fit through jogging, marathon, different team sports and scuba diving when I´m on vacation. My dad has been a skydive-freak for decades and I might get into that in the near future, too. We´ll see.
Anyways, I already found some interesting threads and comments and I´m looking forward to participate whenever my knowledge allows me to. :)

Thanks for all the useful information and the amazing memories and stories shared by the silent professionals.

"Glück ab" guys!

Matta mile
08-31-2007, 06:40
Welcome aboard. Check your Profile and make sure it is filled out properly as per the stickies.
MM

infsoldier0441
08-31-2007, 07:20
I humbly introduce myself.

The Reaper
08-31-2007, 12:37
I humbly introduce myself.

Much better.

Welcome aboard all.

TR

tom kelly
08-31-2007, 13:18
Hello,my name is Tom Kelly and I joined Special Forces on Dec.5,1962 see my profile for details also Iam member of The Special Forces Association M-8740L,Chapter 1-18.

Roguish Lawyer
08-31-2007, 18:22
Hello,my name is Tom Kelly and I joined Special Forces on Dec.5,1962 see my profile for details also Iam member of The Special Forces Association M-8740L,Chapter 1-18.

Welcome! You will find a number of Philadelphians on the Board, as well as some guys nearby. Please feel free to search for cheese steaks and chime in!

sojourn
08-31-2007, 19:48
Hi I'm Phil and my favorite color is clear. I'm currently a senior in High School and looking at the army as a possible career. I have met a handful of SF guys at Bragg while my dad was stationed and thought that they had their stuff together.

Nate
09-01-2007, 05:59
It took a long time for me, but I have orders for Selection.

I have lurked here often and I thank everyone involved for the information that is shared, and the administrators for the 'slick' site.

Roguish Lawyer
09-01-2007, 08:19
It took a long time for me, but I have orders for Selection.

I have lurked here often and I thank everyone involved for the information that is shared, and the administrators for the 'slick' site.

Welcome, Counsel. Good luck!

infsoldier
09-01-2007, 11:22
Let me introduce myself again. I am a 25 year old male. I have spent 4 years in the infantry and now I have decided to re-enlist. I plan to go to Ranger school and hopefully get the honor of trying out for SF. I know it's gonna be hard but there is alot of great info on this site that I plan to use to better myself. Thanks for the great site!!

Surgicalcric
09-01-2007, 11:44
Welcome to PS.

There is a world of information here for Candidates if you so choose to use it. You would do well to become good friends with the Search button which is located in the upper right corner of the screen you are reading. Chances are if you have a question regarding SFAS or the SFQC it has been covered here before.

When you have an SFAS date let myself or one of the admins (highlighted in green) know.

Crip

Spiculum
09-01-2007, 12:18
Hi, I just enlisted as an 18x so my recruiter recommended this site. It looks like a great resource, thanks for putting it together.

salerio
09-01-2007, 15:21
LOL - you were "just introduced to it" and you leave in a month? I like you!

Hah. I laughed when I read this. Thanks for the support.

Sal

Thor23x
09-01-2007, 17:21
Hi, Names Andrew, I'm from Louisville, Ky. I'm a sophmore in High School. I like to lift weights, run, P.T in general, that's why i'm in JROTC, and on the P.T team for my JROTC. I found this site just surfing the internet, for militart stuff, and joined to get some insight into the military, and to talk with the people who have/are fighting for my freedom. :p

The Reaper
09-01-2007, 19:25
Welcome gents. Don't forget to fill out your profiles.

Those who are under age might review our stickies and instructions for underage members.

TR

NousDefionsDoc
09-01-2007, 19:43
Welcome, Counsel. Good luck!
Geezus...

Thor23x
09-01-2007, 21:10
Welcome gents. Don't forget to fill out your profiles.

Those who are under age might review our stickies and instructions for underage members.

TR

where could I find this sticky :confused:

Gypsy
09-01-2007, 21:18
where could I find this sticky :confused:

In the forum titled Board Rules. ;)

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3452


Welcome to all, my thanks to those of you who have or are serving.

Thor23x
09-01-2007, 21:28
In the forum titled Board Rules. ;)

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3452


Welcome to all, my thanks to those of you who have or are serving.

Ahh lol I read that but wasn't sure if he was talking about an actually sticky, and It's okay if I post as long as my post aren't idiotic?

The Reaper
09-01-2007, 21:43
Ahh lol I read that but wasn't sure if he was talking about an actually sticky, and It's okay if I post as long as my post aren't idiotic?

Too late.

There is an actual sticky and it says people of your age are not encouraged to post.

I will tell you now, do not post on this board again till you turn 17.

Next time you do, you had better be using a spelling and grammar checker.

Out.

TR

wbturner
09-01-2007, 22:01
Good evening Gentlemen, This is to introduce me to the forum: I am an OLD GUY. I enlisted with Co. E, 20th SFG(A) in Jackson Mississippi in October, 1965.
I went to BCT at Ft. Polk, LA; AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO; Jump School at Ft. Benning, GA; SF Training Group at Ft. Bragg, NC (T&T I, 05B4S, T&T II); then back to my home unit in Jackson, MS. I was one of only a handfull of "Training Group" Qualified troops in the unit at that time (We were still trying to become a complete Company) This was when a Company was what a Batallion is now.
I worked as a radio operator supervisor in the OA-C, Then Radio Operator Supervisor on one of the OD-B's, later I was the OP Sgt/Intel Sgt on an OD-A.
We had a good bunch of guys who were ready for pretty much anything. Most of our call ups came during "The Long Hot Summers" of the Civil Rights ERA. We were usually one of two units called up first. (The other one was an MP CO.) I got out in December 1971.
If I had it all to do over I would do pretty much the same things, only a very few embarrasings details would change.
Thanks for the fine work on the site. It's a fine effort and I only hope I can contribute in some small way.

mevrk
09-02-2007, 09:05
Greetings. My name is Richard and I live in Gothenburg, Sweden. Im currently a foward observer/signalist in the 41. RRBn. I look forward to read and post here.

Team Sergeant
09-02-2007, 10:51
It took a long time for me, but I have orders for Selection.

I have lurked here often and I thank everyone involved for the information that is shared, and the administrators for the 'slick' site.

Don't be surprised (if you pass the Q-Course) if the team makes you walk point all the time.;)


Team Sergeant

OMRomero
09-02-2007, 20:26
My name is Orlando Romero and I am 18 years old. I have just begun my journey into my goal of becoming Army Special Forces, protecting my country and the people in it. I hope during my duration on this board that I am able to take in and contribute as much information as possible.

Romero

Team Sergeant
09-03-2007, 08:55
My name is Orlando Romero and I am 18 years old. I have just begun my journey into my goal of becoming Army Special Forces, protecting my country and the people in it. I hope during my duration on this board that I am able to take in and contribute as much information as possible.

Romero

Romero,

If you decide to join your duty will be to defend the "Constitution of the United States".

Good luck young man.

Team Sergeant


"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

ReconDoc242
09-03-2007, 11:34
Hello everyone! I am interested in becoming an 18D. I am native of Ecuador, but I have served the 5yrs as a Recon and Hospital Corpsman in the U.S.Navy. During my time in the Navy served with Marine Recon and a FAST company. I was selected to attend 18D, but was unable to do so do to a training injury. At the end of my contract I worked as a military contractor. I returned stateside and tried working in the civilian world in the healthcare field, but I miss the comradery that I had with my fellow operators.
I will attempt to return to service as a member of the National Guard's 5th Bn, 19th SFG here in California. Unfortunately, I missed tryouts, so I am concentrating on preparing for the next set of tryouts this Oct/Nov. To prepare I have also picked up warrior-mentors book and am following the program to the "T" in order to better prepare for SFAS. I look forward to learning as much as possible from all of you.
V/R,
Doc

The Reaper
09-03-2007, 18:07
....During my time in the Navy served with Marine Recon and a FAST company. I was selected to attend 18D, but was unable to do so do to a training injury....

V/R,
Doc

Welcome all.

Doc, I think you might be mistaken. You might have been selected to attend the Special Operations Combat Medical Course, but I doubt that you were chosen to attend the Army SF MOS producing 18D Course. Were you already SOCM qualified?

TR

NousDefionsDoc
09-03-2007, 19:11
Hello everyone! I am interested in becoming an 18D. I am native of Ecuador, but I have served the 5yrs as a Recon and Hospital Corpsman in the U.S.Navy. During my time in the Navy served with Marine Recon and a FAST company. I was selected to attend 18D, but was unable to do so do to a training injury. At the end of my contract I worked as a military contractor. I returned stateside and tried working in the civilian world in the healthcare field, but I miss the comradery that I had with my fellow operators.
I will attempt to return to service as a member of the National Guard's 5th Bn, 19th SFG here in California. Unfortunately, I missed tryouts, so I am concentrating on preparing for the next set of tryouts this Oct/Nov. To prepare I have also picked up warrior-mentors book and am following the program to the "T" in order to better prepare for SFAS. I look forward to learning as much as possible from all of you.
V/R,
Doc
Bienvenido chipirón! Si necesitas algo, diga no mas!

Wootie6709
09-03-2007, 19:32
Hey guys,
Currently a Medic in the Army now. Originally wanted to crosstrain to become a Pararescueman. While downrange, the Scouts and I had the opportunity to work with Special Forces and I learned a lot about the 18D and the diversity in their career field. So, I go to Selection on October 22nd. Thank you all for the helpful advice that's been posted.
-Nick

Vzipper
09-03-2007, 23:17
Hello to all,
I am currently (and have been) in "Lurk and Learn" mode and thought I should make an introduction. My name is Steve, I am from So. CA and am strongly considering joing the NG. This is such a fantastic site with endless amounts of information. A BIG thanks to the QP's for putting this together.

ReconDoc242
09-03-2007, 23:35
Welcome all.

Doc, I think you might be mistaken. You might have been selected to attend the Special Operations Combat Medical Course, but I doubt that you were chosen to attend the Army SF MOS producing 18D Course. Were you already SOCM qualified?

TR
In our Recon Corpsman pipeline we must attend the 24week Special Operations Combat Medic Course and the 22week Special Operations Medical Sergeants couse(we group those up in the term 18D, eventhough the second one is really it).
Our pipeline runs a total of 72 weeks. The other schools in our pipeline include the 7week Field Medical Service School, 12 week Basic Reconnaissance Course, 3 week Airborne Course, 8 week Combatant Diver Course, and the Diving Medicine Course.
I, along with the rest of Recon guys are considered SOF qualified after graduation of Recon School.
By the time I was able to attend the 2 above named courses, I was at nearing my eaos. I was faced with the choice of reenlisting in order to attend or finish up the last 6months in service. I chose to try civilian life...which I have found not as fulfilling as I thought it would be......
So now I want a crack at operating again, but this time I want to do it right with SF. Having being a part of Naval Special Warfare and working with various SOF units(Recon, SEALS, SF, CCTs, PJs,etc), I can honestly say that the quality of men in SF units is far and above greater then all others. This is just my opinion, but you guys made a great impression on me.

ReconDoc242
09-03-2007, 23:40
Bienvenido chipirón! Si necesitas algo, diga no mas!
Estoy entrenando y preparandome para esta nueva oportunidad, entonces voy a tener varias preguntas. Gracias senor, eres muy amable.

gagners
09-04-2007, 09:17
Lurking here for several months and decided to become a member - although you'll hear very little from me (exception being if you ask a question about Maple Syrup). Been in the Army for almost 12 years in a variety of MOS' and positions and love every minute of it.

I was drawn to the forum b/c my two early heroes were instructors of mine in college (both SF). They taught ROTC at Norwich University. MSG J.G. in 96-97 and MSG "Uncle Andy" A.Z. in 01-03. Quiet, confident, funny, great instructors, not ones to brag, always there with cool heads and great advice - never sweating the small, unimportant stuff. I (still) want to be like them. Reading some of the posts here reminds me of them. Additionally, I had the chance to work with (read: support) a team (not sure which group - didn't ask) during OIF III when I was a PL. Smart, calm and collected - they never put on airs and helped train some of my guys during their downtime on the FOB. True professionals. If you guys are members here, thanks.

Since I'm in the VTARNG, there's no SF in my forseeable future, although I train everyday as though I'm headed to SFAS tomorrow. :lifter

Thanks for letting me sit and listen.

Team Sergeant
09-04-2007, 09:37
Welcome to the board gents.


Team Sergeant

Guy
09-04-2007, 09:56
Welcome aboard!

Stay safe.

ArmyPride28
09-04-2007, 14:11
Hello all. I am the proud son of a 28 year army veteran and myself a veteran of the U.S. Navy (should have listened to dad and gone in the army like he said). I am re-enlisting in the army and am hear to learn as much as i can about what it takes to be a "quiet professional" as that is my career goal with the army. I look forward to learning from you all.

The Reaper
09-04-2007, 14:40
Hello all. I am the proud son of a 28 year army veteran and myself a veteran of the U.S. Navy (should have listened to dad and gone in the army like he said). I am re-enlisting in the army and am hear to learn as much as i can about what it takes to be a "quiet professional" as that is my career goal with the army. I look forward to learning from you all.

Welcome all. Thanks for your service.

ArmyPride:

You might want to review your profile.

We are not going to talk about the unit you are looking to join, and we take a dim view of people going to SF as a springboard to another unit.

TR

ArmyPride28
09-05-2007, 07:45
Welcome all. Thanks for your service.

ArmyPride:

You might want to review your profile.

We are not going to talk about the unit you are looking to join, and we take a dim view of people going to SF as a springboard to another unit.

TR

Is that "unmentionable unit" not considered SF?

CPTAUSRET
09-05-2007, 07:54
Is that "unmentionable unit" not considered SF?


It's considered inappropriate to discuss on an open forum, such as this one!



"We are not going to talk about the unit you are looking to join,"

TR


That's pretty clear, concise language, no nuances!

The Reaper
09-05-2007, 08:29
Is that "unmentionable unit" not considered SF?

The existence of the unit is classified, as is all information pertaining to it not officially released.

We do not plan to be part of an OPSEC violation that might endanger members of this board or that unit. Therefore, we will not discuss it. Period.

If that is where you want to be, you do not need to go to SF first. You can go to selection directly from any unit in the Army, if you meet the pre-reqs.

Best of luck.

TR

ArmyPride28
09-05-2007, 08:36
The existence of the unit is classified, as is all information pertaining to it not officially released.

We do not plan to be part of an OPSEC violation that might endanger members of this board or that unit. Therefore, we will not discuss it. Period.

If that is where you want to be, you do not need to go to SF first. You can go to selection directly from any unit in the Army, if you meet the pre-reqs.

Best of luck.

TR

Roger that. I was educated as to the fact that the particular unit in question is SOF not SF. I know understand and will not contribute to any further discussions about it.

The Reaper
09-05-2007, 10:11
GTG.

Welcome aboard all.

TR

GANGSTER
09-05-2007, 13:00
Introduce yourself with your first post.

When you come into our house we'd like to know a little about you. This assists in framing a response to post from a Professional Soldiers ® member.

De Oppresso Liber

Hello Brothers,
Glad to be in your team house. Served in 5th with Pete, and twice in the 10th. Highlight of my tour was most certainly with Col. Moroney( AKA) Bulldog) in der Stadt. Oh yes SWC slipped in there also. Look forward to reading post from some old buds. Later, Gangster

Jack Moroney (RIP)
09-05-2007, 14:14
Hello Brothers,
Glad to be in your team house. Served in 5th with Pete, and twice in the 10th. Highlight of my tour was most certainly with Col. Moroney( AKA) Bulldog) in der Stadt. Oh yes SWC slipped in there also. Look forward to reading post from some old buds. Later, Gangster

Wilkommen an Bord Gangster.

weasel
09-06-2007, 06:09
Heard Mr Bain was here, so joined to be able to speak (PM) with him.

Eventually decided I would give it a go to attend the try outs for a local NG special forces group in baltimore, last April, because of my Dive and Medic background. All this despite my objections of being too old (Guess they will take anyone. If you dive with mixed gas or just dive, you know why I was sceptical) and then 2 days before the "big day" the armor thing picked up.

Now find myself in the strange position of being a potential employer of a group of very capable people who as it turns out are all ex-spec warry types. I feel like some external force is at play here and often ask myself why this "Business Unit" chose me, because I can tell you straight, even though there were interviews and stuff, I am smart enough to know I wasn't the one doing the choosing:rolleyes:

So, here to learn and to contribute. I try to deal with people honestly and genuinely, but I also have opinions and will sound off if I feel a line is crossed. E.g. over on FSB (an Australian Defense board) a vendor made some claims about US armor connections which I checked out and no one knew him, so I let fly. Turns out my guys might have been wrong, so retracted my comments.

Here endeth the saga

cheers

w

Surgicalcric
09-06-2007, 06:42
Welcome everyone.

Weasel, PM sent.

Crip

Duece
09-06-2007, 20:47
I was activated as a Reservist to deploy to Iraq from 2005-2006 and was on a THT that worked with an ODA from 19th SFG(A). On the civilian side, I'm going to school for a BA in International Studies and I currently work as an Analyst for the Attorney General of Washington.

After having the privilege of working alongside some great Special Forces soldiers, I find myself seeking to emulate their example by striving to become more proficient in my MOS and preparing myself to be physically ready for SFAS when I complete my degree.

Ambush Master
09-06-2007, 21:23
HI Every one!!

All three of your posts combined do not make a remotely intelligent or cognizant statement!!!!

181459

You ATE 1 WHAT?!?!?!

What the Hell are you attempting to say?!?!?!

Hang on, you are most likely headed for the Team Sergeant's Office!!! :munchin

Jaguar
09-06-2007, 21:56
Hello everyone. My name is Ryan and i'm a 19 year old college student. My majors are Psychology and Criminal Justice. I enjoy reading, especially psychology texts, and playing video games. I watch the news everyday to keep up on current events and i try to read the paper when i'm not too busy. I'm taking extra courses so i can graduate a year early with my degrees.

I plan on enlisting in the Army under the 18x program. I've always felt like i am different from most people. I just finished reading "On Killing" by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and while the entire book was enlightning, one part in particular moved me: his analogy of Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs. It summed up what i felt perfectly.

After 9/11 i knew i would join the Army. I want to serve my country and join your elite brotherhood. I would also like to thank all the Quiet Professionals on this site who share their knowledge and experience. I hope that over the next year and a half i will be able to prepare myself to live up to your example.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your time.

Ret10Echo
09-07-2007, 09:19
Welcome aboard all...

Jaguar,

.......and playing video games.

Leisure is nice...but for your current track you might find something more benficial to do with you time.....:lifter.....??

I watch the news everyday to keep up on current events and i try to read the paper when i'm not too busy.

Be very cautious of what is classified as "News" today....research and generate your own opinions...the search button is your friend..

Tony180A
09-07-2007, 17:53
Greetings, I graduated the Q course July 1984 as an O5BS and was assigned to 5th SFG(A) where I served until I retired May 2004. I was one of the lucky few that dodged the dreaded SWC drafts and then later in the 90's recruiter and drill sgt. (Actually heard the 1st SOCOM CSM say we were hiding behind our rucksacks for trying to get out of SWC) I served in Signal Company, B/2/5, C2/5 and A/2/5 until I retired in May 2004. Highlight of my time at 5th SFG(A) was as Asst Det Cdr for the Special Projects team aka The old Fulton Moore Gang. I know its unusual to have 20 years at one unit but there is a friend of mine still on active duty at 5th SFG(A) who was there when I got there in 84 and he has never had a PCS outside of group.

Team Sergeant
09-07-2007, 20:25
Greetings, I graduated the Q course July 1984 as an O5BS and was assigned to 5th SFG(A) where I served until I retired May 2004. I was one of the lucky few that dodged the dreaded SWC drafts and then later in the 90's recruiter and drill sgt. (Actually heard the 1st SOCOM CSM say we were hiding behind our rucksacks for trying to get out of SWC) I served in Signal Company, B/2/5, C2/5 and A/2/5 until I retired in May 2004. Highlight of my time at 5th SFG(A) was as Asst Det Cdr for the Special Projects team aka The old Fulton Moore Gang. I know its unusual to have 20 years at one unit but there is a friend of mine still on active duty at 5th SFG(A) who was there when I got there in 84 and he has never had a PCS outside of group.


Welcome Chief!

(I went to Desert Storm with Joe D! Went something like, CSM "Get your shit packed we're leaving in three days" SFC Me "I'll be ready tomorrow";))

Team Sergeant

ODA-514 83-87;)

CRad
09-08-2007, 22:03
Welcome aboard all...

Jaguar,



Leisure is nice...but for your current track you might find something more benficial to do with you time.....:lifter.....??



Be very cautious of what is classified as "News" today....research and generate your own opinions...the search button is your friend..


I agree with what you said but feel the Army's commercial has given the impression that video games are good hands on training for future military jobs.

This is not a discussion for this thread so I made new one in the soapbox area.

Avienda
09-09-2007, 09:41
Good Day all,

Here to lurk, learn and perhaps gain a little more understanding.
Registered most to be able to use the search button, and will remain a quiet non-professional.

Thank you for having me and for a great, informative site :)

manowar
09-10-2007, 00:12
the names cpl. venn, currently in oif 5 in the anbar province outside of ramadi.

Pete S
09-10-2007, 00:28
the names cpl. venn, currently in oif 5 in the anbar province outside of ramadi.

Welcome. Make sure you fill out your profile.

Pete

The Reaper
09-10-2007, 08:07
Welcome all.

Pete S, why don't we let the staff take care of the Mod and Admin duties, okay?

TR

Pete S
09-10-2007, 19:04
Welcome all.

Pete S, why don't we let the staff take care of the Mod and Admin duties, okay?

TR

I understand.

Pete

Diesel44
09-10-2007, 19:31
Hello to all. Can't thank you professionals enough for the sacrifices you have made for this great country of ours. I am Chris from WI and just joined to get to know about the Special Forces. Also reminded about 9/11 on the eve of the anniversary.

I will shut up and just read, and be of assistance in any way I can to this forum. Thanks for the opportunity.

TooTall
09-10-2007, 21:30
Hi,
I'm a reservist (89B) who'd like to do more for his country than change trash bags and make copies. Once I got some of the rumors about SF cleared up I knew I'd have to give it my best shot one day. I'm taking the opportunity afforded by a recent move to act on some advice and try to get a slot with B-2-19th in Columbus. I've learned a lot in the past day of browsing the forums so thanks for providing a resource that I'm sure will make me a better soldier, tab or no tab.
Out.

ODA CDR (RET)
09-11-2007, 16:44
Hello all, I am a retired CW3, I have been reading some of the posts here for a while and I won't bore you guys with my resume. Most of my time was on a Team and I've learned some valuable lessons since retiring. I'm pretty sure I know several of you guys, at least on the 7th Group section. If you are a few years out from retiring or have gotten out and would like some pointers with navigating the VA or CRSC system, please let me know, been there done that and maxed it all out. Proud to be an asset here, maybe someday I'll be promoted. Regards.

Kyobanim
09-11-2007, 16:54
Welcome all

TheGoodSheperd
09-11-2007, 20:33
Gentlemen,

My name is Jeff and I recently re-enlisted into the ARNG. I am an NQP candidate with the 3/20 SFG. I served as a 19D from 99 - 02 in Ft Carson and did a tour in Bosnia in 2000. After that, I decided to get out and go to college and this May I graduated from USF. My break in service made me realize that I never tried what I always wanted to be since childhood...Rambo! J/K, I have always been consumed by special ops and have always wanted to at least give it a try. Two months ago I decided to quit thinking/talking about it so I signed into the NQP program. My first drill was this past weekend and was a real eye opener! I am still sore and am still scratching the 100 mosquito bites I endured during hours and hours of land nav. I look forward to clicking the magic search button as it has already provided me with so much info! It's like SFers very own Google!

Thanks for the site. It will undoubtedly be my well of knowledge as I prepare for selection and the Q!

Surgicalcric
09-12-2007, 07:11
...I have always been consumed by special ops and have always wanted to at least give it a try...

I seriously doubt you are "the Good Shepherd" but welcome nonetheless. ;)

As a lil green man once said, "Do or do not; there is no try." Trying wont get you far in SFAS or the SFQC; its doing that matters.

Have fun down there with 3/20th...

Crip

bcsomedic
09-12-2007, 10:47
Hello, my name is Mickey Huber. I served in the national guard (1/184 Inf (Mech), 40th Inf Div (Mech) and the army reserve (2/361rst Inf, 91rst Inf (Training). I am a nationally registered paramedic and deputy sheriff. I currently serve as a SWAT team medic for the Butte County Sheriff's office. I am a graduate of the International School of Tactical Medicine, and would like to thank SWAT Surgeon for such an excellent class.

MikeBravo1
09-12-2007, 11:51
Greetings, gentlemen.

My name is Michael. I am a senior at college finishing up a B.A. in Literature degree with a minor in German. I am currently in the DEP with 11X (11B) for my contract, however, I am going to renegotiate my contract for 97E with the Airborne option. It is my intent to go to DLI and learn a foreign language (Arabic or Korean are the two that retired Army personnel I have talked to recommended), and to eventually volunteer for SF. This site has proven to be a wealth of information which has greatly benefitted me and I wish to thank everyone involved.

Hoorex
09-12-2007, 20:48
Hey everyone, I'm currently in Iraq with 3rd BDE 2 ID about to come home in less than 10 days. I've been in the army for a little over 2 years now and plan on attending selection in January. I don't plan to post anything after this until I've at least passed that. I hope to eventually become 18D and my next deployment be as a QP. Thanks for all the information you've posted it has seriously been really insightful.

CPTAUSRET
09-12-2007, 20:55
Welcome aboard, guys!

jscgrey
09-12-2007, 23:58
Roger. You can call me Skeeter. I have eleven years in the RA, left 1SFG June 2003; 18E. Currently a Deputy Sheriff in Pierce County WA. Dearly missing the whop-whop-whop of a helo infil and the hot smell of avfuel on my face. It's a great job being a Deputy and it is good provision for the family, but I miss the green and am in the process of coming back in. I can't stay away...any help would be good help, getting my butt assigned to Bragg. I have got to get out of the Lewis area, I have been here forever and I am done. Lovin life...

CPTAUSRET
09-13-2007, 08:42
Roger. You can call me Skeeter. I have eleven years in the RA, left 1SFG June 2003; 18E. Currently a Deputy Sheriff in Pierce County WA. Dearly missing the whop-whop-whop of a helo infil and the hot smell of avfuel on my face. It's a great job being a Deputy and it is good provision for the family, but I miss the green and am in the process of coming back in. I can't stay away...any help would be good help, getting my butt assigned to Bragg. I have got to get out of the Lewis area, I have been here forever and I am done. Lovin life...


"Dearly missing the whop-whop-whop of a helo infil and the hot smell of avfuel on my face."


I miss those things as well. I was retired in 1980, and I still miss it! I miss serving with the finest people in the world, miss having people around me who would have my back at all times without any hesitation whatsoever!

I miss the hell out of it!

Good luck!

harmoncd
09-13-2007, 10:31
Hello, my name is Caleb, I am currently in Ft. Bragg with the 112th Signal Bn.(SO)(A), have been in for a little over a year as a 96B(Intelligence Analyst), and am preparing to go through selection as soon as I am pinned E-4. I'm from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and love the outdoors and outdoor sports. Have wanted to go SF since before I enlisted, and enlisted as a 96B to provide me with good job opportunities after the Army if I was unable to make SF.

asf_999
09-14-2007, 00:54
Greetings gentlemen,

My intro per SOP, though I plan to post very little if at all. I'm just looking to make an informed decision about SFAS so reading and research will be my friends. Thanks for the good info so far!

Cheers!

bull2808
09-14-2007, 20:18
I apologize to all the members for not following the rules before posting. I am a Philadelphia Police Officer and am interested in Special Forces and appreciate what you good men did/do. Thank you.

onest_abe
09-14-2007, 20:28
Greetings all, currently in washington, been here for 2 yrs. thanks for the site and info

Pete
09-14-2007, 20:36
Welcome all.

Pete

towheadedmule
09-15-2007, 02:06
Greetings Gentlemen. I am a paramedic in Tulsa OK for a fairly high volume service. I spent 10 years total in the military, 6 army national guard and 4 years active navy with the Marines as a Corpsman. I am here mostly for 2 things; One, the medical side, to learn and hopefully contribute to the discussions; two, to relive the military days when the rules were fairly clear, unlike civvie land. I am also testing/politicking for a spot on the local SOT team.

Thank you Gentlemen, for providing this site and the guidance you provide.

Bravo Zulu

gncsmith
09-16-2007, 01:31
Hello everyone,

I've been reading here for a week or so and just thought I'd finally post my intro before I forgot. I'd hate to get a lashing for not following SOP. ;)

Anyway, I'm a former 12B, Combat Engineer; Army and a former Marine as well with 8 years total in the military. I am currently finishing up my last year of college and hope to be selected for OCS. I'm very interested in the SF community and possibly attempting to join one day. My current interests in this board is mostly about physical conditioning, but who knows what great knowledge I may pick up along the way.:lifter

jatx
09-16-2007, 08:42
am currently finishing up my last year of college and hope to be selected for OCS.


Good for you! PM if I can be of assistance.

Guns64D
09-16-2007, 13:57
Greetings,
Here for good reading ie. good workouts, medical stuff, major events, etc.

Currently AV officer (64D type). The last 15 months have been very productive.....
About me, I grew up vic Bragg. Went to church every sunday at JFK mem...
I wish all the QP's safe adventures in this GWOT. Ya'll have been kicking butt...from what I hear.... Maybe down the road I may try out. Gotta get the wife on board though. If not, I'll be happy supportin you in the air. Family definately comes first though.
Take care

Matta mile
09-16-2007, 20:17
Welcome all and Thank-You for your Military and Civilian Service.
Nice jobs on the profiles Gents!
MM

FRED
09-17-2007, 17:10
Hi, I'm Fred.

I've just now realized I've never posted my intro.;)

This is my intro; "Hi." (my profile says the rest.)

Nice website, I think I'll stick around.

Fred out.

The Reaper
09-17-2007, 17:14
Hi, I'm Fred.

I've just now realized I've never posted my intro.;)

This is my intro; "Hi." (my profile says the rest.)

Nice website, I think I'll stick around.

Fred out.

Welcome all.

Hello Fred!

TR

Automatic
09-17-2007, 21:19
**Long post. It's an introduction so don't kill yourself reading it. I'm sure you can tell this has been on my mind for a while... I hope you enjoy it.


Hey everyone. I'm 19 years old and really want to join the military. I have a problem though. My parents completely disagree with it. They are always telling me how smart I am and how I should continue college, get a good job, have a nice life, etc.

I know that's not for me. Hell, I've never even had a girlfriend. Most people at my school smoked pot and drank themselves stupid, especially the girls. Who wants a druggy for a girlfriend? Plus the whole thought of getting a 9 to 5 job and having a family isn't my goal in life. Seems stupid, and people tell me that. But who cares, I will make up my own mind. Let them think what they want to think.

I've always felt drawn to the military. Both of my parents even said they knew I would bring this up sooner or later. Too bad they're not supportive of my decision. They said if I was to go in I should join the Air Force or Navy and use my brains to develop some kind of weapon. While it sounds cool, it won't happen. I've tried engineering at school, and that totally wasn't for me. Maybe it was the atmosphere of college.

So I started doing some research on what was out there. I had considered the 3 major Military Academies, but ended up deciding against it after realizing how much schooling was involved. That was 2 years ago.

So now I'm supposed to be a Sophomore in College. I wasn't digging the atmosphere at my old school. I wanted to get in, get out, and get on with my life. I hate wasting time. I think college today is geared toward the social lives of the students. They know they want to have fun, and they know they can keep them there longer because of it. 4 years is a long time.

My point is that my idea of college is working your butt off the entire time your there. It didn't happen in my case. There was nothing to do. I wanted to be worked like a dog, learn something valuable, and get out in 2 years. Again that was out of the question.

So now I'm taking a semester off while thinking about what I want to do. I can go to a business school nearby next semester, or I can figure something else out. Currently I'm day-trading (trading stocks) to make some money, and if all goes well I might not even have to go back to school.


How this relates to the military is as so: I am not fulfilled. I hate wasting time here at home, and I want to dedicate myself to something important. I feel like I have so much potential to do anything I want, and hate being held back. I'm looking into the aspect of money and how it will relate to my life in the future. I really don't want what everyone else wants: a big house, nice family, good job. What good is money if you don't really need it?

So I want to become a part of something; something bigger than myself. I want to use myself to accomplish something most people never dream of. I'm really thinking about going for Special Forces.


Thanks for creating this forum. I will be browsing it and asking questions for a while. This one seemed to be the best out there.

-Automatic

Newman
09-17-2007, 22:00
hey yall
Im currently a wannabe with a badly broken arm. As soon as it heals I plan on joining the army and hopefully get a shot at Special Forces after I get a couple of years of experience.

Razor
09-17-2007, 22:12
Automatic, service to something larger than yourself and becoming the best you can in a profession takes time and committment. You can't flit around like a moth at a fireworks display and expect worthwhile results. If you consider the work ethic and patience required to successfully complete a 4 year college too demanding and/or time consuming, perhaps Special Forces isn't the right choice for you.

Automatic
09-17-2007, 23:19
Razor,

I think you might have mis-read my post. I dis-liked college because I couldn't put forth my full work ethic. Everything was so slow. The 4 years wasn't the problem, because I could have easily mastered that time and come out extremely successful. I think my time would be better spent elsewhere.

I want the military because once I sign up I'm in for good. There's no turning back, and I can dedicate every bit of physical and mental energy towards performing my job to the best of my abilities.

Would you mind explaining the moth analogy a little bit more? I don't understand what you're trying to say.

-Automatic

Pete
09-18-2007, 04:26
...Would you mind explaining the moth analogy a little bit more? I don't understand what you're trying to say.....


It means you have yet to make a commitment to anything and finish it. You flit around to whatever holds your interest for that minute.

The militaty may hold your interest, it may not. What then, AWOL, Article 15 or a 1SG's worst nightmare?

Automatic
09-18-2007, 07:45
I see what you mean Pete, and understand where you both are coming from. So to spare us all on the board, I'll stop the posting on the introduction.

Just note that college was never on my plan. I was forced there. This is the reason I have begun day-trading, in hopes I don't have to go back. My commitment is to work as hard as I can so I am able to stay out.

Not committing myself to something because my interest floats like a moth is wrong. I have always wanted a military life, and as I get older and older I seem to want it more and more.


Apologies for this long discussion, but thanks for trying to help.

-Automatic

sguritz
09-19-2007, 08:42
Hello all, This is my introduction.

I enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard in 1997 as a 19K.

Deployed for 2 years on Operation Noble Eagle II (2003-2005)

I am finally looking at a OCONUS deployment coming up after this coming new year.

Upon returning from Operation Noble Eagle. my unit was informed that we were transforming from Heavy Armor to a Light RSTA Cavalry Squadron.

Wikipedia has all kinds of info on RSTA, but basically Our Squadron has two mounted recon Troops (HMMWV) and one dismounted recon Troop, along with a Headquarters element and Forward Support Company. My Company became the Dismounted Recon Troop(DRT). We have the same make up and basic TACSOP as a LRS(D) with the exception of Non-Airborne, and some heavier weapons, and a few other small details. Our senior leaders are Ranger and Pathfinder Qualified, and every Scout Team has three Pathfinders and a Javelin Gunner. We insert by Helo, Zodiac, Swim, Vehicle, or LPC (Leather Personnel Carrier ie Boots)

I joined this forum to get a better understanding of the Special Ops community and learn from Soldiers who have been doing this a lot longer that I have. Maybe I can even share some of my lessons learned, as I gain more experience.

Well thats about it for me. Feel free to ask any question. I am happy to answer all.

Thanks, sguritz

fatwilly
09-20-2007, 13:34
Hi. My friend CW4 (retired) Harney told me about this site. A great group.

I am prior service, US Navy , Corpsman ( HM-8404) 1966-1969. I participated in some NAVY medivac flights out of country but I was not a combatant. I am the son of a son of a sailor, my Grandfather retired as CWO Boatsswain , dad mustanged to Lt Cdr flying seaplanes . Lived in the pacific rim until I was 12, learned to shoot large bore handguns from my father at 7, continue today.
I am an avid shooter and collector of Air America stuff. Most of my friends are retired military, and I have a special interest in 'posers', of which there are many. I am a cabinet maker and a guitar builder.
I have been interested in the genre of SF since I was stationed with an HM1 at NAS Corry Field, FL, who was on a PBR in the Delta that routinely extracted teams.
I look forward to reading all the posts, and while I'm not qualified to join any of them, I hope to learn about what it takes to get and be there.

Bill aka 'Fatwilly' ( I'm not really fat, thats just what my son called me.)

Bill Harsey
09-20-2007, 17:06
Hi. My friend CW4 (retired) Harney told me about this site. A great group.

I am prior service, US Navy , Corpsman ( HM-8404) 1966-1969. I participated in some NAVY medivac flights out of country but I was not a combatant. I am the son of a son of a sailor, my Grandfather retired as CWO Boatsswain , dad mustanged to Lt Cdr flying seaplanes . Lived in the pacific rim until I was 12, learned to shoot large bore handguns from my father at 7, continue today.
I am an avid shooter and collector of Air America stuff. Most of my friends are retired military, and I have a special interest in 'posers', of which there are many. I am a cabinet maker and a guitar builder.
I have been interested in the genre of SF since I was stationed with an HM1 at NAS Corry Field, FL, who was on a PBR in the Delta that routinely extracted teams.
I look forward to reading all the posts, and while I'm not qualified to join any of them, I hope to learn about what it takes to get and be there.

Bill aka 'Fatwilly' ( I'm not really fat, thats just what my son called me.)
fatwilly,
Welcome aboard here.
Just a friendly reminder, put something in your profile, even if you make it up.
For having nothing in your profile when I went there, your penance is to figure out how to post a pic of one your guitars in the knife thread, as directed by me.
I like seeing examples of craftsmanship.

Thank you for your service.

shawn@
09-20-2007, 18:40
My Name is Shawn

I mainly joined to say thanks to the QP's past and present.

I was a light Infantry Leg for 3 years and 14 weeks spent a little time in Panama (loved it ). I separated to rejoin our family Crop-Dusting business and I missed my mommy. A.D.D. also kicked my a$$ on and off learning my soldier skills, but I adapted. I was a good soldier I think the Cohort Light Infantry was an experiment gone bad.

I feel a little like a freshman who is hanging out with the seniors.

I am a very good mechanic, fabricator and pretty creative problem solver.

I build Custom Off Road Hummers as a side business and Hobby. I know how to drive them to the extreme. I can replace a half shaft in no time flat on an off camber rocky hillside.

I am a professional aircraft mech. (over 25 years) currently working as a field service engineer on the US Air Force Joint Stars. The Eye in the Sky

My family and I love to go to Benning and play paintball. Mostly REMFS and us civilians playing but it is nice to go home to Benning.

I hope I do not ask any stupid questions
:munchin

pennywise
09-21-2007, 03:18
Good morning, just figured I would introduce myself. I am here to help anyone interested in SF. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Here goes, I left home (California) for the army in 83. I got to 7th Gp in AUg 84 as a support comunicator (O5CA4). After finding out how limited my job was in Panama 89. I went to SFAS in 90 graduated 18E then went 18D in 98. I retired in 2006. I am now schooling my oldest son for the 18X in the near future.. I will do what I can to answer any Q's. Enough about me, what can I do for you?:cool:

olhamada
09-21-2007, 08:27
Good morning! I recently found this site and was quite pleased that it exists. I look forward to interacting with, and being a part of this virtual community of brothers.

I joined the 1/20th SFG, (A) in 1994 and stayed until 2004. I served as the BN Flight SURG and DMO.

I am currently looking for ways to get re-involved as the past 3 years out of SF have been absolute hell! Once you taste the Kool-Aid, you can't get it out of your system. I am anxious to rejoin the fight.

My "5 M's" are - Marriage, Medicine, Military, Ministry, Music.

I am currently in private practice, but am about to switch gears and do something completely different! :cool:

whitesnake
09-21-2007, 09:22
I am currently looking for ways to get re-involved as the past 3 years out of SF have been absolute hell! Once you taste the Kool-Aid, you can't get it out of your system. I am anxious to rejoin the fight.

My "5 M's" are - Marriage, Medicine, Military, Ministry, Music.

I am currently in private practice, but am about to switch gears and do something completely different! :cool:

You might consider the Special Forces Association. There are Chapters close to Nashville.

Atrax
09-21-2007, 11:03
21 year old Airborne 11b finishing up my first OIF tour. Thinking about SFAS when I get home, trying to learn all I can in the meantime. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.

lath_hoy
09-21-2007, 14:09
Im the eldest son of a former 11th & 19thSFG(A) member in Ohio. My college career is coming to a close and I am looking forward to life after academia.

Thought about ROTC and was enrolled in the program. Im not knocking the program, but it is a little scary to see just who can become an officer in the Army today. It was a great expeience but I wish to be involved in another pipe line after school.

While growing up I was under the impression that everyone in the Army were the same kind of soldiers as my Dad. So when in middle I needed to perform a skit I intentionally took a few pickle suits with out asking in order to get a better grade. Afterwards a teacher who was in the conventional Army asked me a few questions about the uniforms, headgear as well as my father. When I later relayed the story to my parents they were not enthused. I had broken family security and my penance was forthcoming. I was given a book that would change my goals in life titled the elite forces of the world by Bruce Quarrie. Upon completion I had obtained a better comphension and knowledge base of the SF units. I look forward to giving back to my father for what he has given and sacrificed for myself and the family. I can't think of a better way to honor him than having him at the award ceremony/ dinner after getting qualified and hence making it a "Family Business."

I look forward to continuing the process of liberating my father from the stone age by getting him turned on to this site thus would enable him to become more computer literate.

I get done with school in Dec and hope to take my degree to 19th and learn things. thanks for the time

Cheers,
Lath

timeshadow (RIP)
09-21-2007, 15:05
After lurking here for months (and taking advantage of a brief spell of relative sobriety), I've decided to finally post (before the Black Chinook whisks me away).

I'm a retired 18D (was also 11B & 18C).

I served with the following units:

A 2/504 PIR, Ft. Bragg, 1981-1985
B 5/21 INF, Ft. Ord, 1985-1988
SFQC, MAR-NOV 1988 (18C Course)
B 1/10 SFG, Bad Toelz, 1989-1991 (ODA-022 "The Adams Family")
USASOC, 1991-1993 (also attended 18D Course ~ DEC 91 - NOV 92)
A 1/10 SFG, Boeblingen, 1993-1997 (ODA's 011 & 015 "Klepper Team")
B 3/10 SFG, Ft. Carson, 1997-1999 (ODA-086 & ODB)
HHD 3/10 SFG, 1999-2001 (Battalion Medic)

Since real names are not permitted here, this data should allow any tabbed guy to quickly figure out who I am. I'm trying to link up with some old buddies who I am sure are on this board.

This is the most professionally run board that I've ever encountered. I'll try not to step on my crank!

Team Sergeant
09-21-2007, 15:42
After lurking here for months (and taking advantage of a brief spell of relative sobriety), I've decided to finally post (before the Black Chinook whisks me away).

I'm a retired 18D (was also 11B & 18C).

I served with the following units:

A 2/504 PIR, Ft. Bragg, 1981-1985
B 5/21 INF, Ft. Ord, 1985-1988
SFQC, MAR-NOV 1988 (18C Course)
B 1/10 SFG, Bad Toelz, 1989-1991 (ODA-022 "The Adams Family")
USASOC, 1991-1993 (also attended 18D Course ~ DEC 91 - NOV 92)
A 1/10 SFG, Boeblingen, 1993-1997 (ODA's 011 & 015 "Klepper Team")
B 3/10 SFG, Ft. Carson, 1997-1999 (ODA-086 & ODB)
HHD 3/10 SFG, 1999-2001 (Battalion Medic)

Since real names are not permitted here, this data should allow any tabbed guy to quickly figure out who I am. I'm trying to link up with some old buddies who I am sure are on this board.

This is the most professionally run board that I've ever encountered. I'll try not to step on my crank!


Welcome aboard! (even if you are a 10th Gp guy & Medic):D

(PM sent)


Team Sergeant

JustinW20
09-21-2007, 22:11
Been lurking and reading for over two and a half years, so I thought it was about time I posted an intro.

Did a tour with the Navy as a linguist in the mid-nineties, now I manage fee-based financial planning for a large bank in California. Most of my free time goes toward raising my little boy, but I’m an avid reader of military history (or any history really) and local SAR volunteer.

Thanks to all of the QP’s for the wealth of information on this board!

NousDefionsDoc
09-21-2007, 22:18
Welcome Justin. Nice intro and about time.

ccsteffler
09-22-2007, 16:24
My name is Charles. I am from Houston, TX. I am interested in SF, so I am here to listen and not to speak. Thanks for this great resource.

freeheel
09-23-2007, 14:47
Howdy -- it's a privilege to be a guest on this site, and I want to thank you all for your service at this difficult time. I'm a civilian physician assistant. I practice in a small-town emergency room WAY upstream in the Rockies. Thanks in advance for your patience with what is going to be a LONG-WINDED intro.

I'm 47. I served in the Marines in the early 1980s, then went into journalism ... but tired of that profession's pervasive dishonesty after several years and decided, in my thirties, to pursue a career in medicine. I became a PA in 2000. Right now I'm intent on joining the Army as a battalion medical officer. My application package is complete, and an Oct 16 selection board is supposed to decide my fate. I'm just under the wire age-wise, but there are some medical and other considerations that might keep me out.

If I get in, I want to go to Iraq ASAP and get experience at managing trauma.

My interest in SF, oddly, results from my journalism background. From 1987 through 1994, I reported extensively from Afghanistan. By October 1994, the civil war seemed stalemated, so I headed stateside to take pre-med courses. As I brushed away flies in the departure lounge at Peshawar Int'l Airport, I recall reading a short blurb in a Pakistani paper about a ragtag student ('Talib') militia that had just emerged and was trying to take over Kandahar ... !

The things I and a few colleagues did routinely in the 'old' days -- like walking over some of the world's highest mountains for a week to find and interview a local leader -- are just completely beyond the ken of today's media hacks.

I can't help but daydream that my background might make me useful to Special Forces. Besides my OJT in Dari and Pashto, I studied Arabic in college. I can't speak it, that was 25 years ago, but I have a base to build on. For what it's worth, I'm certain I'm fit enough, despite my age, to complete the qual course.

However I use the verb 'daydream' advisedly. My best info is that it's next to impossible to get posted to SF or Ranger units without already having a special ops background prior to becoming a PA ... which in fact makes perfect sense to me. If I were an SF or Ranger battalion commander, I wouldn't want it any other way. So my plan now is to try to get into an infantry, preferably Airborne unit, go to Iraq, pay my dues, learn and do as much as I can ... and then ponder my options. Obviously I would appreciate any and all advice from 'quiet professionals'. But I've only done a couple of cursory searches on this site on "physician assistant" and "medical officer." So I'll hold specific questions til after I've done more homework. Thanks again for your service -- and your patience. Semper Fi!

JustinW20
09-23-2007, 15:38
NDD-

Thanks for the welcome. I've been enjoying and learning from your posts for a while. Looks like we share a birthday. Happy Birthday, sir!

Justin

ArandTallwite
09-23-2007, 17:10
My name is Andy. I am a SFQC student. Just heard about this forum from a quiet professional, browsed through it and liked it. So here I am, working to become a quiet professional.

Team Sergeant
09-23-2007, 18:19
Welcome all!

ArandTallwite, glad to hear it now go do PT.;)

Team Sergeant

ArandTallwite
09-23-2007, 18:31
PT. . . Is that the thing were you run around and do other things that make you tired? Where is the fun in that. . . ;)

m.tallon
09-25-2007, 10:13
Gentlemen. Nice website where I have some common interests. Name's Mark. I grew up as an Army Brat. I served in the enlisted ranks in the 5th SFGA, mid 1970's. Specialty was 2nd heaviest guy on the team.....Commo!....Left the Army to go to school.....Later re-enlisted in 11th SFG(R) in Winston Salem, NC. Best people in the world. I see the 11th is gone.... A shame.
...Now, I'm greying and working in Engineering in the Nuclear Power Industry.

Matta mile
09-25-2007, 18:12
Welcome all!
Nice to have you and great job on submitting Profiles-thanks!

LRP1
09-25-2007, 22:17
Ah, Jerome (Jerry), I see you have slithered your way over here. Don't try to feed these guys your sack of BS..They will not go for it.

You did graduate RS, as a ROTC Cadet, Class 502..Your records state that..BUT that is all. You did start SFQC, however, you DID not finish.

Jerome, I will not waste space on this site over you..Remember I do have your records.

CPTAUSRET
09-25-2007, 22:37
Ah, Jerome (Jerry), I see you have slithered your way over here. Don't try to feed these guys your sack of BS..They will not go for it.

You did graduate RS, as a ROTC Cadet, Class 502..Your records state that..BUT that is all. You did start SFQC, however, you DID not finish.

Jerome, I will not waste space on this site over you..Remember I do have your records.



LRP1:

Glad you are here! I just quoted you a while ago.

mark46th
09-26-2007, 00:12
Howdy- I was in the 5thSFG at Ft Bragg 1971, 46th SFCo 1972-74 and 12th SFG(R) 4-74 to 4-75. Nice to see some old friends here.

Enthusiast
09-26-2007, 12:07
Hello,

I am a Police Officer and have been one for a little over six years. My intrests are Family, Firearms, Training, Fitness, Reading, and Learning. I probably won't post a whole lot, I will just spend a lot of time learining.

sgtstumpy
09-26-2007, 13:14
My name is Michael Weatherly. Bata-Boot was my step dad and I am looking for picture (any year) and stories about my dad. All the original SF guys always got quiet when I walked up to a group at the SF Association picnics. I'm retired USAF and I was in the AF Special Ops because dad always told me to learn a trade that I can make money on when I got out. He didn't talk about his service very often and when he did it was usually sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee at 0 dark thirty with the lights out and the glow of his cigarrette. I loved that man and now that he's been gone over 10 years I am wanting to know more about him and the SF buddies that served with him. I was so fortunate to have meet some great guys of whom I can't remember all their names but a few are uncle Dan pitzer, Col. Nick Rowe, John Cleckner, Mr. Bobby Turner. The trips to Camp MacKall to pick dad up from instructor duty at phase 3 school to the helicopter ride he set up to take my sister and me when we were preteens to the outer banks of N.C. just to get some really cool sea shells. Cookouts at "Smoke Bomb Hill" were always fun and going out to the drop zones watching new troops jump from the sky. What kid wouldn't love tossing smoke grenades with a smile on your dads face as you pop it and throw it. I remember " red smoke Mike!" Pop, hiss throw. So if anyone will share a picture and rememberance of a great man please do so.

God bless the USA
TSgt (USAF Ret) Michael Weatherly

ScottyJnr7
09-27-2007, 06:47
G'day all,

Im Scotty, First thing I'll say, Im not a soldier nor have I ever been so if i'm not accepted into your community no hard feelings ;) But anywho I'm a year off beginning my enlistment into the Australian Army as a Rifleman going to 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Hopfully). Im currently a Army Cadet with a private cadet unit (wow that makes me sound posh.. I like it).

So hopfully I'll get to know a lot of you and learn a lot :)

Cheers Scotty

ArizonaState
09-27-2007, 07:01
Hello,

I am an activated reservist, currently deployed in support of OEF. Upon coming back, planning to re-class as 98G. Talked to few guys over here, found out about SOT-A, and became very interested in information about teams on AD or in NG.

The Reaper
09-27-2007, 07:21
Welcome all.

Feel free to search the site and read everything that you can before starting a new thread or asking one of the many questions that have been flogged to death here. Most questions about SF have already been answered.

SGT Stumpy, are you Ginny's son?

G'day back at you Scotty. You are a guest here, as is everyone except for the QPs who are the owners of this site. Just conduct yourself accordingly and she'll be a'right.

Tovarisch Dmitryi, there are a lot of threads about SOT-As on PS.com, just do some searching and some reading, I think you will find what you are after.

To those who are serving, or who have previously served, thank you for your service.

TR

JD1983
09-27-2007, 14:41
Hello,

Since I was young I've had a strong interest in military history and in particular special forces. Somewhere along the line I got off the path and now find myself in my second year of law school. I'm really not enjoying what I'm doing and have spent alot of time reflecting on what it is that makes me happy. I intend on finishing up law school and then entering into an 18x contract. I believe that the army special forces are the tip of the spear of modern warfare, and their emphasis on cultural sensitivity, language proficiency, and potential as a force multiplier makes them an essential element for American warfare in an age that shuns imperialism.

Since I have roughly a year and a half to prepare I have ample time to learn from all the QP's here and prepare physically.

Thank you, and I look forward to learning more about your profession.

Merlyn
09-27-2007, 17:44
Hi Guys,

My name is Tom. I spent more than 10 years in SF assignments at Bragg and in S.E. Asia.

I was with SOG HQ '67-68, so you can find me in Sherman's book. Anyone need page numbers, let me know. I was in the 1st SFG '71-74, in the JFKCen several times and my last active duty assignment was with the 7th.

I was an individual reservist to the SF School for several years and reported to COL Lee Mize. Worked, at that time through Bruce Koch.

Great website here.

borebrush
09-27-2007, 17:56
Howdy and Semper Fi,

Name's Chad, and I really like beer. Beer and guns. BBQ, guns and beer. Boobs are cool too.

Now I got that out of the way. I'm a Marine, been out for a while now. Currently I'm a gunsmith, and I work at XS Sight Systems. FWIW, I am a shit pogue. I have a pretty cool life, and can start a lot of cool stories with "back when I wore tights and a cape to work..."

I was referred to this site by a buddy who got me in at XS actually. Earlier this summer I got to spend a weekend drinking beer with his dad (who is a big chief-many scalps around here) and a few other SF bubbas. Had a great time. I've lurked here a while and will continue to do so, until someone calls for a self-propelled sandbag.


Great site, and I'll make sure to not leave target indicators lying around.

Shrimp'r Fri

jscgrey
09-27-2007, 19:06
G'Day Gents,
Life is good! :lifter Brothers will always be family. I am a Deputy Sheriff on the outside looking inside (18E); ramping up to jump back in very soon. Be looking for some solid advice from those of you that are in the know. Looks like Lord willing, I may have a choice of 5th or 3rd. Any sage advice with that one? All be safe, watch your six and thanks again for the sweat and blood spilt for others.

Skeeter

Air.177
09-27-2007, 20:26
Howdy and Semper Fi,

Name's Chad, and I really like beer. Beer and guns. BBQ, guns and beer. Boobs are cool too.

Now I got that out of the way. I'm a Marine, been out for a while now. Currently I'm a gunsmith, and I work at XS Sight Systems. FWIW, I am a shit pogue. I have a pretty cool life, and can start a lot of cool stories with "back when I wore tights and a cape to work..."

I was referred to this site by a buddy who got me in at XS actually. Earlier this summer I got to spend a weekend drinking beer with his dad (who is a big chief-many scalps around here) and a few other SF bubbas. Had a great time. I've lurked here a while and will continue to do so, until someone calls for a self-propelled sandbag.


Great site, and I'll make sure to not leave target indicators lying around.

Shrimp'r Fri

Great

There goes the neighborhood.

TS, You really Ought to review the "Open Enrollment" nature of the sight, it's beginning to attract riffraff.;)


Welcome all.......Maybe even Chad


Good times,
Blake

cb88
09-27-2007, 22:27
Hi. I'm the daughter of a Marine (Korean War), former wife of a Marine (turned Air National Guard and still serving), most of my family has served at some point or another -- including an uncle who earned Silver Star in WWII.

I'm here mostly to lurk/read. Thank you for letting me be a guest.

SmokeEater
09-28-2007, 17:48
Greetings gentlemen,

I'm a (S)Sgt select in the United States Air Force. I'm a firefighter/EMT and I am here to gather more information. I love the fire service, but i've always been interested in special operations and am still considering some sort of switch over (whether that's AF special tactics, Army SF or what not i'm still unsure of). I served 2 years in Germany and am now serving in Washington state.

Basically I am just here for info and an occasional question if I can't find the info on the board.

Just a quick background on my history - I tried to join the USMC when I was 17 and still in high school, and then I tried to join the Army after that, I was DQ'd from both because I have a ventricular septal defect (heart murmer) which isn't serious at all (no meds or any physical limitation) but at the time it DQ'd me. After the war in Iraq started I tried to join the AF and they let me in.
Since both services are hurting for people, and I have completed nearly 4 years of service in a physically demanding careerfield I am hoping I may have a chance to switch over.

Anyway, thanks for letting me on here.
Respectfully.

The Reaper
09-29-2007, 07:59
Refer to AR 40-501.

TR

43Ejumper
09-30-2007, 10:03
Hello, served as a medic w/ the 11SFG(A) for 9 years. Became a parachute rigger and served w/ the 824 QM CO(AD) and was 1SG there. Served in the Gulf War with the 861 QM CO(AER&S) as a rigger. Promoted to CSM and served with the 422 CA BN(A) and with the 360 CA BDE(A). Now retired.

sonofabreach
10-01-2007, 02:12
Aloha to all. Writing from Honolulu, HI.

stevo
10-01-2007, 06:28
hello,
I graduated high school last May and am currently taking classes at a community college. I have been perusing these forums for about two years and have found them to be most helpful. I am considering joining the army when I turn eighteen in Decemberand will mostly just be reading and gleaning information. I am obliged to all of the members here who have contributed their expert advice.

IDF Ben
10-01-2007, 07:52
Shalom friends,
My name is Ben and I am a dual USA/Israeli citizen.
Volunteered for the IDF at the tender age of 19, served full compulsory term and am now an officer in the reserves for the next 10 years.

I served in the Givati brigade (infantry combat) and did a combat tour in Lebanon as well as constant counter terror ops in the Palestinian territories (ramallah, Gaza, Bethlehem, Nablus etc..)

Specialize in desert warfare and urban operations.

I also volunteer during the year with the Israeli Border Police.

I enjoy protecting the Jewish people as well as all freedom loving people anywhere in the world.

{Team Sergeant edit, Are you SF? If not there is NO PERSONAL BUSINESS ADVERTISING on this board, next time you will be banned.}
I learn more from my students and friends than from anything else.

Thanks for your time and I welcome questions.

Ben

Kishiryu
10-01-2007, 18:40
My name is Matt-I'm 22, non-prior service. I'm hoping to enlist with B/2/20 next year-I'd like to go in as an 18C, but I'll gladly serve in any capability needed within the unit. I've had to deal with some weight issues over the past few years, so right now I'm focusing on just dropping the weight, and making myself eligible for enlistment.

I've been lurking around for a while now, and as a previous poster has noted, the search button is my friend.

As for my current status-I'm working in college security, and going for my EMT Certifications come December. I'm also a reasonably experienced martial artist.

drjarhead
10-01-2007, 19:25
Marines 76-80
Air intercept controller
4 years of the Carter Administration, post Viet Nam, was enough for me.
After a long road I ended up an MD, hence my handle, as these are the things that most define me I think.

I am here to read primarily and am interested in tactics.

ThatDudeOrion
10-02-2007, 11:44
Good day all,
Orion here. After working for a year as a contractor in Iraq I got second hand exposure to what life is like for Soldiers in combat arms MOS's (I led a very sheltered, CONUS, REMF 4 years in the AF) I was lucky enough to be mentored by a very squared away SSG 13F, and an even more squared away SFC 11C Platoon Sergeant for the duration of my contract, and I've realized that the job, the mission and the life of a combat arms Soldier really appeals to me. While researching the different combat arms MOS's to figure out which one might be the best fit for me, I learned of SF. My search for more information about SF led me to LF.net, and SOCNET of course and ultimately here to PS.com. After learning more about SF and the varied missions, particularly the UW/FID missions, the "by, with, and through" attitude, the cultural sensitivity, and the unconventional/outside-the-box nature of SF, I'm convinced that it's the branch for me.

I'd like to thank the mods who run PS.com for allowing someone like me to join, and I'd like to thank all the Quiet Professionals and members of the site for the priceless information they offer to an outsider like me. I will now sit back, stay in my lane, continue PT'ing, reading Get Selected! and PS.com. Thank you again.

-Orion

Roguish Lawyer
10-02-2007, 11:47
Welcome, Dude. Enjoy your stay and good luck.

mace18x
10-02-2007, 13:43
Hello all, I am a senior in college in my last semester and currently enlisted in the delayed entry program with an 18x mos contract. I will be leaving in January and until then I will be reading and learning as much as I can

Candidatebuzz
10-02-2007, 21:40
Hello, Buzz here. I am a medical student currently in the process of contracting for a Navy scholarship, and I am interested in eventually serving a tour with SF medicine. I realize that SF doctors aren't actually SF like medical sergents, but only support staff, so I won't be around this site for very long. However the field of SF MDs is so obscure that I'm having a hard time figuring out what I need to do to even apply, what residencies are required, etc. Your standard military MD doesn't seem to know anything about the field other than that it exists. I'm hoping that some of the more experienced medical personel on this site could give me some resources about how to make myself a good candidiate and how to apply. Thank you in advance for any responses.

Hammer66
10-03-2007, 06:28
Former Marine Infantry and Counter Intelligence.

Getting ready for SFAS.

PT/CrossFit enthusiast.

Always looking for good Intel.

Team Sergeant
10-03-2007, 09:05
Welcome Gents!

Dios
10-03-2007, 13:56
Hello all,
I just enlisted in the Army in the 18x DESaP program and report for basic Jan. 16th, 2008.

A little about myself - Ohio farm boy, born and raised. 26 years old, finishing my PhD in social psychology (the reason for delayed enlistment) and have been working with DHS and LANL for the last 4 years.

I have always had the upmost respect for our men (and women) in uniform, SF in particular, and want to thank all of you out there for your service.

I've been training my ass off for the last 14 mos. and eagerly anticipate my upcoming service. I'm basically here to keep my mouth shut and ears open.

Regards,
Clint

xollie316
10-03-2007, 14:56
Greetings,

Been reading and learning for about two years on the site so hopefully I won't mess this 'introduction' thing up.

Graduate student studying homeland security, commission date is May 08, after 4 years of training and learning i'm now just patiently waiting until next spring to pin on bars and CONTINUE training and learning.


Discovered this site from a student at RS who took the time to teach and enlighten my guerrilla ass a little over two years ago. He, along with my experience there, made my choice of career path (hopefully) simple. So I'm doing all I can now to try and give myself the best oppurtunity to achieve it. Take care gentlemen, thank you for your service and sacrifice, it is what makes young bucks like me proud to follow in the heavy footsteps.

Seraph
10-04-2007, 10:41
Brief introduction of myself.

I've joined up from across the big pond to use the site as an information base to feed my SFs interest.

Far too late for me to enlist, so 100% civilian (besides being the wrong nationality!)

The site seems to have all the hallmarks of a great forum so far.

CIHuntR1
10-04-2007, 13:33
Hello.

I am a SF/NSW intel advisor/instructor, mentor young shooters so they may become advisors, create ground Foreign Area Assessments (lumping IPB, SOMPF, TIP, ....), and teach/conduct HUMINT collection activities. I specialize in human factor elements and COIN. Interested in forum for a larger pool of Professional Soldiers to make sure I remain trained on target. Also moderate IW forum at JFKSWCS/ARSOFU.

"If Rangers Lead the Way, and MI is Always Out Front, how come we are here first, all alone, with no backup?" Myself, 1989, before a world of hurt came at us spooky snoops.

Razor
10-04-2007, 14:11
Good day all,
Orion here. After working for a year as a contractor in Iraq I got first hand exposure to what life is like for Soldiers in combat arms MOS's...

You mean second hand exposure, as you weren't personally serving in a combat arms MOS in the military, correct?

ThatDudeOrion
10-04-2007, 14:28
You mean second hand exposure, as you weren't personally serving in a combat arms MOS in the military, correct?


Roger. Corrected.

Razor
10-04-2007, 20:40
Thank you.

gun_bunny
10-05-2007, 13:50
My name is Chris, I have been in the Army for about 2 and a half years now. I enlisted originally as a Civil Affairs specialist and reclassed infantry last year. I am an 11C and am planning on attend SFAS in November 07.

Goon
10-06-2007, 00:24
68w on Oahu, Was in the Marines before joining the Army. SFAS class date 01-08. I tend to read a lot more than post on forums. I look forward to learning as much as possible from the wisdom and experience that is available on this site.

Medic out!

combatmp
10-06-2007, 05:45
Hello, I am a 31b currently deployed in suport of OIF. I joined the reserves in april 06. I currently serve as the gunner for a combat MP platform. I am looking at the special forces as the next step in developing myself as a professional soldier. I found this site after looking for information on the 19th group. I plan on using the resources found here to answer some questions I have about the process of switching from the reserves to the guard.
In the civilian world I am a distribution team leader for Miller Brewing Company and I was working on my MBA with an emphasis in global business before I volunteered to deploy. Thanks for your time.

The Reaper
10-06-2007, 07:27
Case of beer, noob.:D

Welcome all, and thanks for your service.

TR

CosaNostraUSMC
10-06-2007, 10:53
The name's Joseph, I'm a recently EAS'd Marine. Graduated Ranger school. Finished my Masters degree. Working for a freight forward company now. Entertaining the option of an elistment w/the Army (Officer side of the house), possibly work in an SOC component. Here to look, listen, learn and contribute when possible. Thank you for providing a "Professional" forum to do so at.

Geez1234
10-08-2007, 22:19
Hello gentlemen,

I've been lurking here for awhile and finally registered this week, so I decided that it was about time for me to introduced myself. My name is Andrew and I'm a 19 year-old sophomore in college (accounting major). I think I share a feeling that a lot of my peers have expressed; I'm sensing that college may not be the right place for me at the moment. This isn't a matter of maturity, but more a question of where my interests and priorities lie. At the same time, I see college as something of a necessary evil (in my mind at least), and I'm currently deciding how/where I want to continue my education. I see the 18x program as a great opportunity for me, but I'm not 100% sure when I will follow through with that interest.

Wherever I end up in the near future, I want to thank you all for providing this site, its been an excellent resource so far!

Sign me up
10-09-2007, 20:53
My name is Jason and I am 19 years old. Joining the military has been on my mind for a long time, and I know if I don't join soon I will never get the chance. I WILL NOT miss an opportunity like the 18x program, and can't wait to get started!

ecw6
10-09-2007, 22:43
Name is Eric Williams and I am from Indiana. I am a student at Indiana University Majoring in Finance with a minor in Econ and International Studies. My goal after college is to become a Green Beret.

mrraley
10-10-2007, 05:14
Morning, my name is Pat Raley, got the link from a few coworkers to look for and gather and share information.

Pat

Team Sergeant
10-10-2007, 08:17
Name is Eric Williams and I am from Indiana. I am a student at Indiana University Majoring in Finance with a minor in Econ and International Studies. My goal after college is to become a Green Beret.


You mean your goal is to earn/wear a Green Beret.;)


Welcome Gent's.

Team Sergeant

T-MAC
10-10-2007, 12:30
My name is Thomas McMaster. I am currently a sophmore[almost 16] at Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colorado. I have dreamed of being in the militarysince I was, like, 5. My grandfather was an Air Force pilot, and my cousin just got an honorable discharged from the USMC. I currently was told about the SF and Ranger contracts by a local recruiter, and plan on getting one of those. I have researced both, and if anyone could give me some "behind-the-scenes" info on one or the other [as to which i should join], I would greatly appreciate it. I am in all honors an AP classes, and am dedicated to improving my mind, body, and skills to Free the Oppressed and/or Rangers Lead the Way.

Quite Professionals=my heroes

ecw6
10-10-2007, 13:44
I should have worded that better. I apologize

The Reaper
10-10-2007, 16:51
My name is Thomas McMaster. I am currently a sophmore[almost 16] at Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colorado. I have dreamed of being in the militarysince I was, like, 5. My grandfather was an Air Force pilot, and my cousin just got an honorable discharged from the USMC. I currently was told about the SF and Ranger contracts by a local recruiter, and plan on getting one of those. I have researced both, and if anyone could give me some "behind-the-scenes" info on one or the other [as to which i should join], I would greatly appreciate it. I am in all honors an AP classes, and am dedicated to improving my mind, body, and skills to Free the Oppressed and/or Rangers Lead the Way.

Quite Professionals=my heroes

You are 15 years old. Get a girlfriend and keep your good grades up.

If you have free time, spend it at sports, working, or doing PT. You are long way from either enlistment option.

If you would look around, you might find some of the answers you are looking for, and that should be good enough for you.

As the rules state, we discourage people of your age from posting outside of an intro.

Best of luck.

TR

Zorro
10-10-2007, 16:54
Salutations,

Former member of this website under a different username until I realized I didn't remember my password after a long time away from the site. Currently an 18A in 3/7.

Take care all.

Snaquebite
10-10-2007, 17:02
Welcome Zorro, PM one of the admins they can probably help you out.

tmill
10-10-2007, 18:36
I started my military career as a Team SGT. in a scout/sniper team with the
101st ABN Division and deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I ETSed in 1992 and became a Paramedic in the state of South Carolina and joined the South Carolina National Guard as a Medic. I deployed to OIF/OEF. I am now a SSG and teach the Combat Lifesaver Course for the National Guard. I have used a lot of the material from the 18D's on this website to enhance the program. I hope to learn a lot more at The Special Operations Medical Conference in Tampa this December. Thank you Gentlemen.

318tuv
10-10-2007, 21:16
I'm in college right now getting a bachelor's degree. I'm thinking about enlisting when I graduate with either an option40 or 18x contract. I'd like to be a medic and recently got my NREMT-B certification. I'm trying to find some work as an EMT for experience.
I'm here to just read and absorb information. Thanks.

DaveBien
10-12-2007, 22:25
Hi, my name is Dave and thanks to all for letting me into your forum. I found this site while starting a search on my late father-in-law’s WWII service. He never really spoke of it even to his 2 daughters beyond saying that he was a paratrooper and had jumped into Greece. This from a man who hated to climb ladders! He passed in the 70’s. Just recently while checking some of his military papers, sent by my sister-in-law, I discovered he had been in the OSS. Now in looking further I found that he served in Company C, 2671 Special Reconnaissance Battalion, Operational GroupVII, which was assigned to Greece. His name was TSgt. Peter M. Panagakos. From what I have read this OG is considered one of the forerunners of today’s Army Special Forces (please correct me if I’m wrong) and that the OSS in general is also considered a forerunner of the CIA on the intelligence gathering side of the house. I found that there is a statute with his name and others in that OG at the Greek Military HO in Athens and that there might be a plaque for the OGs in general at Ft. Bragg (can anyone confirm?). I also found that one of the reasons that so little was known about these OGs in Greece is that the records were declassified only in 1988. So to sum this part up, I’m looking for any help you folks can provide in my quest. In other words, where do I look? I’ve requested his military records thru my Congressman as a start along with my late father’s. He was a WWII Army Combat Engineer who landed a few days after D-Day and was among the first to cross the Rhine after his unit repaired the bridge. From whatever I can gather I hope to make cases to display the medals, badges, etc. My Dad was one of 13 in his family, 11 boys and 2 girls. Several of my uncles also served in combat in WWII and several of my cousins have also served. I even have ancestors that served in the Polish Army long ago. And several of my Polish relatives joined the Polish resistance in the war.

As far as I am concerned, I retired 3 years ago after serving just over 28 years as a police officer/detective/K-9 handler/weapons instructor in suburban Chicago. I served for 4 years active in the USAF as a Special Weapons Specialist and crewchief (Nuclear) 1969-1973. I also served for almost 8 years in the active reserve as Security Controller and fireteam leader in the now disbanded WSSF/Airbase Ground Defense unit. This was a part of the AF Security Police function (even got to wear a BLUE beret, lol) and I was a member of the first reserve unit to received that training. As an aside, when I was active I looked into Rararescue (PJs) and Combat Control Teams (CCT). Just one slight problem… I swim like a ROCK. Even after learning to scuba dive! So much for those ideas.

Thanks for reading this boring post. I and my family would be thankful for any help you folks can provide in those searches. Thanks again. PS: you guys are only slightly crazy for what you’ve done. LOL ;)

Forgot to say, it looks like my wife and I need to head to Greece soon!!!! She now has a real good reason.

Pete
10-13-2007, 07:04
.... I discovered he had been in the OSS. Now in looking further I found that he served in Company C, 2671 Special Reconnaissance Battalion, Operational GroupVII, which was assigned to Greece. His name was TSgt. Peter M. Panagakos....

Welcome all;

Dave check out the link and look up the group, they might have some information for you.


http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=274853

Pete

DaveBien
10-13-2007, 10:33
Thanks Pete. I'll have to get with the various assoc so the wife and I can hear about these events BEFORE they happen. I'm playing catch-up at this point. Thanks again.

firefighter1984
10-14-2007, 02:51
I have an 18x contract. Live in AZ. One of the guys in DESap recommended this site. Trying to absorb as much info as possible. Thanks.

j-law
10-14-2007, 12:58
Hi, I am J-Law currently stationed in Germany. I will be in the next class of SFAS coming up. I have been thinking about trying out since I joined the military. There is no time like the present.

iminmi
10-14-2007, 14:04
Hi all, figured I would reintroduce myself. I just graduated the SFQC as an 18E with Arabic. I will be going to 5th SFG(A), which I am very excited about. I am proud to have graduated with all the men in my class, some of the best people I have ever met.

LongWire
10-14-2007, 14:54
Welcome Guys

dennisw
10-14-2007, 18:29
Congradulations iminmi! Good luck in the future.

jatx
10-14-2007, 18:38
Hi, my name is Dave and thanks to all for letting me into your forum. I found this site while starting a search on my late father-in-law’s WWII service.

Dave, if you haven't already, you might want to get in touch with the OSS Society, www.osssociety.org. They have a wealth of resources, as well as the knowledge to point you elsewhere when needed.

In the reading I've done on the OSS (which has become a hobby), the operations in Greece have received the least coverage. Congratulations on your proud heritage and please come back to share what you learn with us!

jump6
10-14-2007, 20:52
I've been searching and reading for a few weeks and figured it was time to introduce myself. First, though, I'd like to express my deepest thanks for everyone that participates in this site. I really can't do credit with words to the wealth of knowledge here and the motivation it provides. Indeed, figuring out what you don't know is the best place to start and with limited resources for the average Joe on SF, this site is indispensable.

I'm 34, and served in the Marines several years ago - my last name is Pyle, too - and after all this time, I realize the things I value the most. While the exception in the civilian world, these traits are the rule in the military. I'm off to MEPS this week for my return to service, this time in the Maryland NG.

While I am not putting SF on my contract, I will one day be a Quiet Professional. I've read Warrior-Mentor's book a few times and refer to it often as a training reference and injury prevention, but one of the most important parts of his book is the reference to Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning". Mr. Frankl describes the importance of knowing your unique purpose in life to the extent that he claims most who are diagnosed as mentally ill really are not - they just haven't found that unique purpose in life, and thus meaning. My SOF reading started with "Inside the Delta Force", extended to a few minor books on SF and other SOF units, to "R]oughneck 91" and presently "Masters of Chaos". I couldn't be more clearly committed to making Quiet Professionals my peers. That commitment starts with attending the 20th Group tryouts in April 08.

Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this forum and I hope this intro wasn't overly long or wordy. If so (or even if not) I do expect some abuse on my last name...

Kaibil68
10-15-2007, 14:44
Good afternoon,

I'm Richard from Puerto Rico in NY and to say thanks for letting me join this website. I have fond memories from contacts with SF cadre while in ROTC and thru my years in the Army. I'm proud to have met people of your caliber, hope to find old faces here and learn a lot of course using search as my friend and ready for constructive criticism.

zushwa
10-15-2007, 17:05
My name is Josh and thank you for having one of the most informative and civilized forums on the net. I've been out of the Military for about 18 months and currently own a company mentioned here:

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15883

I don't plan on posting much because I like to stay in my lane but if there are any questions I can help with regarding training or equipment please feel free to ask.

Thanks again,

Surgicalcric
10-15-2007, 20:52
Josh,

Glad to have you here. Enjoy the stay.

Crip

Razor
10-15-2007, 23:09
Mr. Frankl describes the importance of knowing your unique purpose in life to the extent that he claims most who are diagnosed as mentally ill really are not - they just haven't found that unique purpose in life, and thus meaning.

Or you can make your own purpose instead of searching for one, as an alternative.

COM
10-16-2007, 11:03
I am no one important, specially compared to all the experienced folks on this forum. I will just be a sponge sucking up all the great info, knowledge, thoughts, leads and opinions here. Won't post much if anything at all but I will probably email/PM some folks directly to ask for advice or input if I can not locate the answer to my question.

I am mainly interested in a more mental/data/anthro/language skills, "... know thy enemy..." or should I say "...know how to identify thy enemy...".
I speak several languages already and I am working on Arabic now. So, if you are ex-DLI or otherwise speak Arabic and want to share your knowledge a bit, I am here. If you need any info/help with it, I can help a little with the stuff I have gathered so far.
I am very interested in any books, websites etc. on Middle Eastern culture that you want to share. Audio books are a great invention if you can't spend a lot of time reading but are able to multitask!

Nice forum, so much info to take.

Jack Moroney (RIP)
10-16-2007, 13:48
I speak several languages already and I am working on Arabic now. .

Apparently English is not one of your primary languages or otherwise you would have filled out your profile by now:D

SF_VOL
10-16-2007, 15:22
Just introducing myself. I'm an 18E, French speaker that recently graduated from the Q course. Happy to be on board. Look forward to participating on this site.

jump6
10-16-2007, 22:37
Or you can make your own purpose instead of searching for one, as an alternative.

as JB of Fox/CBS would say, "Indeed". Once again, thanks for letting me into your home.

COM
10-17-2007, 11:07
Apparently English is not one of your primary languages or otherwise you would have filled out your profile by now:D

Verzeiung, wie sagt man das am Englisch, Ich trage eine "tin foil cap".


Actually it is but I am just one of those folks who does not like to provide too much personal info online. Since I mainly lurk and read, I only filled out the minimum info. Should I go and post on this board (not counting the into section here), then I need to fill out more ofcourse. However, I don't see me providing any advice anytime soon. There is way too much to read and thumb thru on this forum plus there are folks here who do a very very good job, probably better than I can, at answering the questions.

I just added some more info than I had on there to show I am not posing as something I am not.

I will now retreat back to my rock.

TFtim
10-17-2007, 13:36
My name is Tim, I was in 1-75 RGR from 2000 to 2003, I came back in the army this year and went to SOPC and SFAS, I finshed SFAS on 11 OCT and got 18B and Arabic. Hopefully I get 3rd group. I'm here to ask questions, I will have plenty of them over the next year while I'm in the Q.

Thanks

Omega
10-18-2007, 05:40
hi, sergeant in baumholder, germany. SFAS 05-07. search engine has been my friend.

selected, 18E, looking forward to the training

yasnevo
10-18-2007, 15:06
My name is Yancey Harrington, I served 4 years with the 82nd from 1982 thru the end of 1985... the I was in the USAR from 1988 through 1995 in 8/40th Armor as FIST team leader.

Currently I am self employed.

Have spent allot of time traning and learning. Here to listen and learn.

Looks to be an awesome site.

Thanks.

Yancey

11B2V
10-18-2007, 18:42
First, I would like to thank all the Quiet Professionals on this site for allowing me to be a guest here.

I am currently gaining a second MOS in satellite communications, and have been away from home for the last seven months. I feel I've got the head knowledge to go to SFAS, now I just have to choose a path. My goals are: Make E-6 (1Jan08!?), and go to jumpmaster school before I deploy again. After that I'm going to drop a Direct Commission packet at my unit. I would love to build SigO experience at 20th SFG, and eventually get on a training team until I go to SFAS.

As an infantry guy at Ft. Bragg for four years, we were envious of what kinds of things were happening "on the other side of the street". However it wasn't until Ranger School (Graduated #01-05) that my Ranger buddy, an 18A from 1st group showed me what being a professional was all about. I KNEW from watching the example he set that I WOULD go to selection. I would've followed that guy anywhere. I am going , 'cast or tab'.

The collective experience on this site is overwhelming. If ANYONE has a word of advice, I'd be glad to hear it.

stbstl88
10-18-2007, 20:03
How's it goin everyone,

My name is Sean I'm in the Army currently in AIT at ft huachuca for 97e or 35m whatever the army wants to call us now. Im trying to get into the quick start program they have for us so I thought I would get the most info about SF I can to be better qualified and prepared if I can get selected, if not hopefully sometime in the future I'll get the chance to be attached with yall. I came across the site and looks like the best site to get the info im looking for.

Appericate all the things you guys do, hooah


Dont use the F word or hooah for that matter... Crip

jbour13
10-18-2007, 20:25
How's it goin everyone,

My name is Sean I'm in the Army currently in AIT at ft huachuca for 97e or 35m whatever the *uck the army wants to call us now. Im trying to get into the quick start program they have for us so I thought I would get the most info about SF I can to be better qualified and prepared if I can get selected, if not hopefully sometime in the future I'll get the chance to be attached with yall. I came across the site and looks like the best site to get the info im looking for.

Appericate all the things you guys do, hooah


Welcome, now clean up your post a little, i.e. the word F**k. Not a bad post, just not the best way to start.

V/R
SSG B
(Potentially your future boss!)

Deus Ex
10-18-2007, 22:55
Hey, gentlemen.

I'm currently in ROTC (yes, I'm lowly and sub-human at present), and plan to either go Infantry, MI, or Aviation. Were I to go in either of the first 2, and have all things work out, I'd like to go Ranger. From there, after garnering a decent amount of experience and getting a feel for the army, I will work towards becoming an operator if I feel that the army is a good personal fit. This website is fantastic. I really love the emphasis on intelligence, empirical evidence, not acting like an asshat, etc.

If anyone could PM me with some info telling me what an officer in MI or Aviation should expect (OPSEC obligations aside, obviously), I'd be greatly in your debt. I feel I have a secure grasp on what is expected and will probably occur as an infantry officer, but I would definitely not turn down any free info.

Having passed through this site, originally by a Google search on Dragonskin, I remember reading the words of one of the head bigwigs here. From what he wrote, I learned to take Dragonskin with a grain of salt, just as I instinctively do towards most new military systems (F-22, combat automated robots, etc.). However, I'm curious to know what the general opinion on sites such as SFTT.org and Defensetech are, as I frequent them often. I don't take everything said on those sites as gospel, but I believe they often raise valid points and are working for the betterment of our military.

I doubt it would mean much to men such as yourselves, but given that I am still a civilian, I wish to say that I appreciate your unparalleled service to your nation.

CPTAUSRET
10-19-2007, 01:26
While I am not putting SF on my contract, I will one day be a Quiet Professional. I've read Warrior-Mentor's book a few times and refer to it often as a training reference and injury prevention, but one of the most important parts of his book is the reference to Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning". Mr. Frankl describes the importance of knowing your unique purpose in life to the extent that he claims most who are diagnosed as mentally ill really are not - they just haven't found that unique purpose in life, and thus meaning.


John Pyle



My best buddy has (pretty much) devoted her life to helping those who are unable to help themselves, ie the "mentally ill"...She is arguably the leading expert in the world on Schizophrenia. I do not believe she would not support the theory that most who are diagnosed as mentally ill are in fact, not! Do a search for Nancy Andreasen.

Other than that, welcome aboard! Good luck!

The Reaper
10-19-2007, 07:49
Welcome gents.

Don't forget to fill out your profiles.

Deus Ex, I really do not believe that the Army is going to want to send you through the aviator pipeline just to turn around and send you to SF training within a few months.

The other two options are possible, though you will not become an operator as an officer. That is an enlisted signal MOS. You will probably get Ranger School if you are selected as an Infantry Officer. As an MI officer, it will be more difficult. Assignment to a Ranger battalion as a LT will be much more difficult.

We do not get into a lot of internet food fights here, but my personal opinion is that SFTT and the like are sites where dissatisfied people go to look for a fight or to speculate about how the Army is screwed up. If they spent as much time supporting soldiers as they do tilting at windmills, they would be much more beneficial. DS is a good example. Ignore the evidence, buy the snake oil, blame the evil government. I believe that the government GENERALLY tries to equip our troops as best they can. Could things be better? Certainly. Are soldiers and government employees looking to deliberately sabotage the procurement system? I don't think so. Do people try to foist crappy products or not yet ready for prime time items on the military? Absolutely.

Just my .02, YMMV.

TR

Divemaster
10-19-2007, 12:49
Howdy y'all.

I'm in the process of retiring from 1st SFG (A) and have already picked up a civilian job to go back to the box. I look forward to learning a lot here and contributing when it might be value added.

Matta mile
10-19-2007, 18:11
Welcome All!
Nice to have you here.
MM

MillerTime
10-20-2007, 13:04
I'm a former Soldier (Army, ARNG), Iraq Vet, 96B. ETS'ed in 2005 after coming home.

Am particularly interested in helping chase phonies (see Haberman in Hall of Shame). I'm following that case particularly assiduously as Haberman was briefly in my unit (1-120IN) in Iraq before he was sent packing for, uh, 'medical' reasons.

Am looking forward to reading this site extensively.

82ndtrooper
10-20-2007, 15:49
I'm a former Soldier (Army, ARNG), Iraq Vet, 96B. ETS'ed in 2005 after coming home.

Am particularly interested in helping chase phonies (see Haberman in Hall of Shame). I'm following that case particularly assiduously as Haberman was briefly in my unit (1-120IN) in Iraq before he was sent packing for, uh, 'medical' reasons.

Am looking forward to reading this site extensively.

Thank you for your service.

I generally do not post in this thread, but I find your particular interest in "chasing phonies" as your primary reason for registering here interesting.

I believe you'll find that the search button will reveal that those in the past that have had an interest in "outing phonies" has already been answered.

But, if you haven't read the board instructions, ignored your PS email sent to you upon registration and are still not able to find the "SEARCH" button, then by all means start a thread asking about any individual that you suspect is a phony SF Soldier. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Welcome to Professional Soldiers.

lindy
10-21-2007, 20:05
I spent 12 years AD as a Navy linguist (Russian, Serb, and Ukrainian) but got out in Oct 2001 to take a job with the USG. Soon after starting my new gig, I learned a low-density GWOT language. I joined a USNR unit in Maryland in 2002 and picked up SCPO but had to go IRR a few years later when I PCS'd overseas. At some training courses in CONUS, I met several QPs who suggested that I look into the 20th SFG upon return to the US.
I've found that the civilian sector has a "different" work ethic than the military and I'm looking forward to affiliating with a unit that is actually making a difference.

Persevere
10-22-2007, 02:09
Hello everyone,

My name is Jake and I'm a 21 year old 4th year university student studying public administration, international relations, and rhetoric. I was in the ROTC department here at my university but after careful consideration I came to the conclusion that should I join the Army, I'd prefer to go enlisted first, and then perhaps attend OCS down the road...the logic behind this being that I figure I would be a better, more experienced Officer. I speak Polish and English fluently, and my German is pretty solid seeing as how I spent a year abroad over there.

I was directed here from ArmyRanger.com and told that this would be the place for any SF-related questions. I'm seriously considering enlisting with either an 18X or an 11X + Option 40 contract when I graduate, and so I'm hoping to utilize both AR.com and this page as a source of learning.

Thank you for your service and dedication to this country.

Bigblue
10-22-2007, 11:57
I am an E4(p) MI Reserve Soldier currently serving in an Adjutant General Corps unit. I am looking to return to MI as I realize I made a mistake transferring from MI. I am relocating to South Florida and looked into transferring from the Reserve to the 20th SFG but it seems like it will be a lot of trouble if not impossible to pull off a release. I am currently exploring my options. I have no interest in getting 18 series-qualified but since I am studying Intelligence/Special Operations & Low intensity Warfare I have an interest in serving the remaining 5 years of my re enlistment contract with a MID. I have been a "lurker" on this site for a little over a year and finally decided to register so that I could ask questions,etc...
The Quiet Professionals here always give straight shooting advice and good answers. I appreciate the opportunity to be a member.

MardiGras
10-22-2007, 13:50
Gentlemen

Greetings, first I want to express what an honor it is to be in the company of such men as yourselves. After reviewing some post and profiles I can see there a lot of dedicated men who truly are "quite professionals". To those of you who have served our great nation so honorably let me say thank you for your service and sacrifice. Now for an introduction and something about myself.

I am current attending college and trying to complete a degree in management. While I do not possess a military background beyond JROTC/ROTC I have always had a life long interest in the military. If I was asked I would say a lot of that was because of my fathers brother who served two tours of duty in Vietnam (65-66) (68-69). He was a helicopter pilot with the 6th Airlift Plt. and 281st AHC (65-66), A/159th ASHB, HQ/159th ASHB (68-69). I admired him a lot growing up and I suppose every kid has his heroes mine were John Wayne and my uncle. Maybe that makes me a wannabee or maybe not. I have always believed that trying and failing are much better than never trying or quiting. I had a friend of mine whose father was stationed at Ft. Polk once say "god helps those who helps themselves and could care less about quitters". Maybe that stuck. I am also looking to find a local instructor who can teach me to fly fixed wing and maybe rotor wing also. It seems harder to find rotor wing IP's than fixed wing IP's so I will keep looking.

MardiGras

jump6
10-22-2007, 16:51
My best buddy has (pretty much) devoted her life to helping those who are unable to help themselves, ie the "mentally ill"...She is arguably the leading expert in the world on Schizophrenia. I do not believe she would not support the theory that most who are diagnosed as mentally ill are in fact, not! Do a search for Nancy Andreasen.

Other than that, welcome aboard! Good luck!


Thanks, sir, glad to be apart of this great thing!

While there are definitely valid cases, I was (a little to vaguely) alluding to the areas of personality or social disorders and the quickness with which diagnoses are made and medications prescribed, such as ADD and depression. I've seen quite a few times in friends that were complete screw ups with such diagnoses make overwhelming changes practically overnight when they finally found, discovered or chose a path that they believed in down to the core. Especially these days when there are so many lucrative options so easily attainable, sometimes it's necessary to go through several levels of graduating purposes to find your one unique contribution. I mentioned this in my profile because there cannot be a better example of unique purpose than the Quiet Professional.

I read up on Ms. Andreasen and have just ordered a few of her books from Amazon. Thanks for the great reference and sorry if I exceeded the existentialism limit...

CPTAUSRET
10-22-2007, 18:44
Thanks, sir, glad to be apart of this great thing!

While there are definitely valid cases, I was (a little to vaguely) alluding to the areas of personality or social disorders and the quickness with which diagnoses are made and medications prescribed, such as ADD and depression. I've seen quite a few times in friends that were complete screw ups with such diagnoses make overwhelming changes practically overnight when they finally found, discovered or chose a path that they believed in down to the core. Especially these days when there are so many lucrative options so easily attainable, sometimes it's necessary to go through several levels of graduating purposes to find your one unique contribution. I mentioned this in my profile because there cannot be a better example of unique purpose than the Quiet Professional.

I read up on Ms. Andreasen and have just ordered a few of her books from Amazon. Thanks for the great reference and sorry if I exceeded the existentialism limit...



Actually we would both agree with you, re over-diagnosing ADD.

I was going to list a couple of threads I started about Nancy's work, however my computer is not co-operating. So, if you are interested, click on my user-name and search out threads started by me.

Clinton story, Editorial on PTSD, Induction remarks to the American Academy of Arts, and Sciences, you get the drift.

You will find we have some sharp people on-board, I'm sure someone will let you know when you have exceeded your existentialism limit!

monsterhunter
10-23-2007, 12:50
My service record includes seven years active duty with the USAF followed by three years with the California Air National Guard. My last assignment was with Security Forces on the law enforcement side of things; however, I’ve spent the past sixteen years working in civilian law enforcement in Southern California.

I enjoy reading history, especially military history, as I feel it aids significantly in leadership development. The information found on this site is some of the best concentrated knowledge and wisdom I have ever come across. The medical posts have also provided me with information I cannot find anywhere else on the net. (I am EMT-B qualified and conduct first aid/CPR training within my department). Thank you all for your service and for sharing your knowledge on these posts.

Bengal Raider
10-24-2007, 11:18
I’ve been a Civil Affairs Officer for 10 years and prior to that was an 11A for 16 years.

Deployments include Panama, Ecuador, Peru, El Salvador, and OIF. All as a 38A, some as an augmentee to the 96th CA, where I worked with Bill Cockfield, Scott Winters and “Hamchuc” Menor.

Interests in this site are Counter-insurgency, Counterterrorism, and the recent spate of fake veterans.

phalanx-warrior
10-24-2007, 14:15
Hell All;

My name is John, or just JD. I was in the US Army from 1987-1992 as a 91B10 back then, but I believe the MOS's have changed a bit. Proud "five-jump-chump" as they say...and had a great time while in service. After Operation Just Cause, I finished up my service at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and I’ve been in Texas since then.

I am a 16 year Texas Master Peace Officer and I’m currently assigned to my agencies Special Operations Division (SOD), where we focus primarily on fugitive apprehension and high-risk warrant operations. I am a team-leader and assaulter for my unit, as well as a trainer. Prior to this, I have had assignments in just about all LE positions imaginable.

I appreciate the add to PS.com and look forward to good, intelligent conversation with professional people. I enjoy sharing my experiences in LE, so if anyone wants to ask any questions from a LE perspective, I’ll be glad to chat about it.

Until next time, be safe and God bless.

-JD

the_goat
10-24-2007, 15:50
Hello everyone,
My name is Peter. I am a senior at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and will graduate in December of '07 with a bachelor of business in computer information systems. I come from a military family and always thought that I would end up with some time in the service. I had always thought I would follow the path that my father and grandfather took and go in aviation but after reading about the quiet professionals I have changed my thoughts on what I would like to do. I am checking into both the active and national guard options and have been reading as much information as I can to help myself for what will be a lifelong commitment if I am one of those lucky few that have the honor of earning the right to wear their "tab". I plan on lurking and learning for many months to come. Thank you for letting me come into your house and having the chance to learn what you have to offer.

the_goat
Tab or slab.

JD11B
10-25-2007, 04:06
hello everyone my name is joshua ive always wanted to be in the military ever since i was a lil runt and after i took my asvab i got that chance and i enlisted as an 11B right b4 my senior year in high school into the national guard i spent the year going to RSP drills (boring as hell at the time) after school was out i shipped off to benning for osut then got assigned to A. Co. 1-182 Infantry spent about six months drilling with them then our unit changed over to become a cavalry unit (1-182 Cavalry) just b4 our deployment as part of KFOR 8 (Kosovo Force Rotation 8) and towards the end of this deployment we got the chance to change our MOS' over to be 19D while deployed in theater now im wrapping these final days up here in country to return once again to the great old USA you know people say they join up to travel the world and what not and in my travels so far i have come to appreciate all the luxuries we have in the states people normally overlook and take for granted now i have to go do some detail right now so in the meantime take it easy everyone stay safe im out

Kyobanim
10-25-2007, 06:23
Joshua,

Thank you for your service.

I recommend going back through your post and use some proper grammar and punctuation. This isn't your normal internet forum.

hello everyone my name is joshua ive always wanted to be in the military ever since i was a lil runt and after i took my asvab i got that chance and i enlisted as an 11B right b4 my senior year in high school into the national guard i spent the year going to RSP drills (boring as hell at the time) after school was out i shipped off to benning for osut then got assigned to A. Co. 1-182 Infantry spent about six months drilling with them then our unit changed over to become a cavalry unit (1-182 Cavalry) just b4 our deployment as part of KFOR 8 (Kosovo Force Rotation 8) and towards the end of this deployment we got the chance to change our MOS' over to be 19D while deployed in theater now im wrapping these final days up here in country to return once again to the great old USA you know people say they join up to travel the world and what not and in my travels so far i have come to appreciate all the luxuries we have in the states people normally overlook and take for granted now i have to go do some detail right now so in the meantime take it easy everyone stay safe im out

Dad
10-25-2007, 14:10
I am the father of a soldier. I come here to listen and learn. I apologize, I made my first post without posting here first, so this is probably my last post since I am a little embarassed, but I will continue to listen and learn

echoes
10-25-2007, 14:20
I am the father of a soldier. I come here to listen and learn. I apologize, I made my first post without posting here first, so this is probably my last post since I am a little embarassed, but I will continue to listen and learn

Just peeking out to say Welcome! ;)

And please thank your son for his service to Our Country!

Holly

LongWire
10-25-2007, 20:42
Leo's Monster Hunter & Phalanx Warrior, Welcome Here..........Thanks for Your Service.

Bengal Raider, Welcome.........Thanks For Your Service.

Dad, Thank Your Son, Welcome and thanks for your support and desire to learn.

Goat, Welcome Good Luck in your Endeavors, and Thanks for Your Desire to Serve.



JD11B, Do as Kyobanim intsructed and Read. You just walked into the Mans Club and Your BFF Ain't Here!!!!!! This IS NOT MYSPACE!!!!!.........Thanks for Your Service

peepee1
10-25-2007, 21:13
hello everyone my name is joshua ive always wanted to be in the military ever since i was a lil runt and after i took my asvab i got that chance and i enlisted as an 11B right b4 my senior year in high school into the national guard i spent the year going to RSP drills (boring as hell at the time) after school was out i shipped off to benning for osut then got assigned to A. Co. 1-182 Infantry spent about six months drilling with them then our unit changed over to become a cavalry unit (1-182 Cavalry) just b4 our deployment as part of KFOR 8 (Kosovo Force Rotation 8) and towards the end of this deployment we got the chance to change our MOS' over to be 19D while deployed in theater now im wrapping these final days up here in country to return once again to the great old USA you know people say they join up to travel the world and what not and in my travels so far i have come to appreciate all the luxuries we have in the states people normally overlook and take for granted now i have to go do some detail right now so in the meantime take it easy everyone stay safe im out

Hey man. You may want to proofread your post before you turn into a baby seal here... just a friendly warning man...others won't. I smell blood now...

hombre64
10-26-2007, 10:30
Good afternoon,
I found out about this place through a buddy at work. Just a little about myself: I enlisted as an 11B in the NC National Guard as a junior in high school and completed basic training over the summer before my senior year. I spent 04-05 in Iraq where I trained during down time for SFAS. Due to injuries sustained from the tour I was forced to put off my SF goal until I could fully recover. I have recently started my training once again, only to learn of a new tour coming up, so my SF goal will have to wait another two years. Thank you gents for this site and the information that you provide for young hard chargers like me.
Will B.

cpbiggs
10-26-2007, 19:34
Well let me start off by saying thank you for accepting me to this forum. My name is casey but people call me CornFed. I am 25 and i was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Arkansas in june of this year, i moved here to take care of my son and girlfriend. I work at a motorcycle shop and im very tired of the same ol' same ol'. When i was 23 i decided to research all the info that i could on which branch to join. I did not grow up in a military family per se, my father was in the Air Force and all my uncles were either in the Marines or Army. I guess that you could say that i grew up in a Police family, Both my mother and father were police officers. So i kinda come from a well rounded family.
I am currently in the process of losing the weight to join the army.
I am 6'2" and 319, but i am eating correctly now and running and working out every day. It has been a long road but screw it rub some dirt on it and keep moving right?
Well i think that is all so thank you once agian and i shall keep the post's low and the observation's high.

M27
10-27-2007, 03:06
My name is James D Elliott. I joined in mar05 and was sent to FT. Wainwright Alaska (FWA) 1-25 SBCT (used to be 172nd SBCT) I am with 1-5INF C co (used to be 1-17INF) I am a SAW gunner and love my job. I recently got divorced and have become more focused on my career. Because of the problems my ex-wife and I had I almost was discharged, so I hold on to what I have left, My job and my SAW. I have always wanted to go SF and am currently in the process of conditioning my body further to become more prepaired for the road ahead.

blacksmoke
10-27-2007, 12:08
I am a reglar Army medic from "THE CAV". I personally don't like the military but I joined to fight for my country. I am going to attend selection when I redeploy in a few months. I am disapointed in the structure and culture of the regular Army, I wanted to come in as an X-ray but couldn't due to airborne disqualification, coming in with a medical waiver. Well they sure got their time out of me, I'm on my second deployment. I came to this site to ask a bunch of questions that basically violate opsec. Maybe I can think of something that doesn't. I have read a lot of the open source information out there already, and multiple books. Anyway I think Army SF is the most powerful organization in the world Thanks.

The Reaper
10-27-2007, 12:26
I personally don't like the military but I joined to fight for my country.

Welcome, and thank you for your service.

Not sure what you mean by the above.

Tread lightly on the OPSEC questions.

How are you going to selection if you did not meet med requirements? Did you get a waiver?

Best of luck.

TR

William Shears
10-27-2007, 16:47
Hello,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the owners, operators, and denizens of this site and forum for making yourselves and your experiences available to those outside of your usually closed circles.

Having said that, I am a Marine in the Reserves. My MOS is 0311 Infantry, if that makes a difference to anyone here. I was delighted to find a place where people with real world experience were discussing relevant topics on an open forum. So often all of the experience in a particular field is not recorded, much less shared with those in other areas.

Obviously, there is valuable mindset and craft to be learned here, and I am interested learning more of both. Mainly to ensure that I do my best to aid my Marines in accomplishing our goals during training and deployment, and seeing them home safely to their loved ones. I look forward very much to listening, as well as contributing what little experience I have.

If anyone finds this introduction lacking and wants to know more about me, feel free to PM me.

Thank you,
William Shears

RichL025
10-27-2007, 20:44
Greetings, allow me to post my intro info:

graduated Q course (18D) in 1993, did 4 years in 1-10, then to SWC for a year and a half (SFUWO). Got off active duty for college and joined an outstanding bunch of guys in 3-20 while doing the pre-med thing.

Then to medical school, now graduated and doing a residency in general surgery.

Due to time constraints most of my activity here will be lurking, but I hope to be able to participate from time to time.

Moving Target
10-27-2007, 22:47
Hello everyone,

I'm an 18 year old college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminology, and hopefully a career in the Special Forces once my formal education is complete.

Joining the Special Forces has been a serious goal of mine ever since my early high school years, and following this goal is not something I take lightly. As I see it, college presents an environment where I can challenge myself as never before, both mentally and physically, and prepare myself for selection.

Introductions aside, I would like to extend a hearty thank you to the PS team. This forum is an excellent source of information that should not go overlooked by anyone interested in the SF field.

Respectfully,
Phil France

soldier506
10-28-2007, 10:57
Hi, from Canada .

I am married with 3 kids. I live out in the country in western Canada. I enjoy hunting, survival,camping plus alot of outdoor activities. Had spent some time in the past with militia groups, private organizations and military personal . Also in the past enjoyed ww2 reenacting and living history organizations . I have three things that I cherrish most - my God/church, my family/freinds , and my country . I take them all seriously .

Hope to get some good info from this forum and maybe even provide some good info for others. Look forward to spending some time here on the forum.

Hero Gear
10-28-2007, 19:46
Gentlemen,
My name is Joe, and I want to thank you for allowing me to join your forum.
I hope to learn from the experience of the members, while (hopefully) providing my own insight and knowledge where appropriate.

I am a career Infantryman, first joining in 1988, with duty assignments ranging from Rifleman to First Sergeant. I have served in light, wheeled, and mechanized units.
Except for a two year stint where I was the Senior NCO Instructor in a large Universities' ROTC program, I have absolutely loved my time in the Army, and feel honored and blessed that I have been given the opportunity to serve my country.

Following those two very frustrating years working in ROTC, I was ready to hang up my BDUs for the last time and ETS short of my 20 years.
Thankfully, I ran into a 20th Group recruiter (SSG J. Thompson) and he helped me get into the BSC down in Huntsville. I am currently sitting in the 18E4 SigDet NCOIC slot as an 11B4S.

At age 38, I figure I have a few more good years left in me, so my current plan is to stay with the 20th until I turn 45, and then finally retire.

I live in Winchester, TN. and own Hero-Gear which is a Public Safety supply company/Tactical Gear shop that features the area's largest Class III firearms store.
We focus on tactical and defensive firearms, and feature the area's (if not State's) largest selection of 1911s and AR/M4 rifles.
We carry Machine Guns, Suppressors, Short Barreled Rifles/Shotguns, and AOWs.
In other words, myself and my staff LOVE coming to work!

Thanks for allowing me to participate, and I hope to give as much as I take from this site.

The Reaper
10-28-2007, 20:11
Welcome aboard Joe, thanks for your service.

I recommend that you read the rules again ASAP.

Best of luck.

TR

Hero Gear
10-28-2007, 20:21
Welcome aboard Joe, thanks for your service.

I recommend that you read the rules again ASAP.

Best of luck.

TR

Done and corrected. :D

f50lrrp
10-28-2007, 22:40
Hello All,

My name is Mike and I served a total of seven years, seven months and 16 days on active duty in the U. S. Army and almost a year in the Army Reserve.

I joined the Army in 1964 with a guarantee of going to Europe. I did Basic Training at Fort Ord, AIT (Infantry) at Fort Polk, LA and Basic Parachute School at Fort Benning. Instead of orders to Europe as I had been guaranteed, I received orders to the 173rd Airborne Bde. I got as far as Okinawa when some admin officer decided that the Army would be breaching their contract with me if I didn't go to Europe.

I was held at a Repo Depot on the Rock for several weeks until I interviewed with Colonel John Phillips who took me on as his driver and off to RVN we went. The Colonel and I drove out of Saigon each day doing sight surveys for locations that the regular divisions would use for base camps later on.

After six months of TDY, I was promoted to Corporal and received orders to the 24th Infantry Division in Augsburg, Germany.

My Battalion SGM, Ishmael Rangel, decided that if I was going to keep my corporal stripes, I would have to graduate from an NCO Academy. A week later, I reported to the 24th Infantry Division NCO Academy. Probably because I was the only student in the school wearing a CIB, I graduated as Honor Graduate. General Andrew Goodpasteur, CINCEUR, attended the ceremony and meritoriously promoted me to E-5.

I later met a SGM from the 10th SFGA who convinced me to take a short discharge for an assignment to SF. I ended up at Flint Kaserne in Bad Toelz for less than a month when I received orders to return to Vietnam.

My plane was diverted from Cam Rahn Bay to Ton Sohn Nuht and I ended up with orders to B 1/27th Infantry (Wolfhounds), 25th Infantry Division. I spent five months with the 'Hounds, was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

An opportunity to be a charter member of Company F, 50th Infantry (LRRP) presented itself and I became a team leader (1-0) of team Cobra 1-5. I attended Recondo School and upon my return to the Lurps, they were asking for volunteers to augment the Special Forces' 3rd Mobile Strike Force (B-36).

Another SSG (John Chaney) and I moved to Long Hai and were TL's (1-0s) for the next 6 months. Upon return to Cu Chi and the 25th Division, I learned that the old LRRP company was now Company F, 75th Infantry (Ranger).

So now I had an SF Combat patch on my right sleeve and a Ranger Patch on my left shoulder. Oddly, I had never been to Fort Bragg and I had never attended Ranger School.

In 1969, I had the opportunity, to finally be assigned to Fort Bragg, but only to attend the MATA Senior NCO Course on my way to a MACV assignment as an advisor to the Biet Dong Quan (BDQ).

In 1971, I was assigned as an operations (11F4SVS MOS) NCO for the DCSOPS, Contingency Operations Branch of HQ TASCOMEUR. This was the only enlisted jump slot in the HQ and I was named as a member of the Special Operations Task Force, Europe (SOTFE).

I discharged in 1972 and became a police officer in Central California. I retired 22 years later as a Police Chief.

Thank you for letting me join your board.

Ret10Echo
10-29-2007, 04:40
Fox 50; Welcome aboard and thank you for your service.

blacksmoke
10-30-2007, 04:48
Welcome, and thank you for your service.

Not sure what you mean by the above.

Tread lightly on the OPSEC questions.

How are you going to selection if you did not meet med requirements? Did you get a waiver?

Best of luck.

TR

I meant to say that I do not think most of the people I work with care much about making the world any better. For example, the same guys who are quick to shout at someone for walking out of a building without a hat on are not the type willing to take the fight to the enemy. I could go way into about a buch of the guys I work with not being able to pass a pt test and being here for a year and not knowing a lick of Arabic, but I think you probably get it now.

Also I was medicaly cleared and went to selection already but did not get selected. I wish I could have came into the Army as an 18X but could not due to coming in initialy with a med wiaver. I have blood in my urine, which turned out to be nothing.

And oh yeah, thanks for letting me join.

SCRWS6
10-30-2007, 19:33
Hello Everyone,
Ive been in the Army almost 6 years now as an 11B, reenlisted to go 88M and came down on orders for recruiting. I will be finished with that detail in April and have approval from my 1SG to go to SFAS Jan08. Definitely a great site and you could write a page turning best seller from some of the one-liners I`ve seen so far. Keeping my eye on the 25 meter....

Team Sergeant
10-30-2007, 20:53
Welcome gent's.

SCRWS6; good job, now go and do PT.;) (I was ABN INF 3 years before I decided to try fo SF)

HardRoad
11-01-2007, 09:23
Hello everybody - I plan to mostly be a quiet reader of this site, but thought that I would go ahead and introduce myself, so you would know I was here.

I'm an 18 series in the National Guard, with an Afghanistan deployment and a Iraq deployment behind me, both on an ODA. In my day job, I deal with computers and computer systems.

I'm looking forward to learning more about the site.

v/r

SFAlphageek

The Trainer
11-01-2007, 12:57
What's up men. Just doing a commo check and looking for a few bro's that I served with back in 5th GRP from 90-99. I salute all the men that are in the current fight, may God keep and watch over you.

seapig173
11-01-2007, 20:11
Hey guys,
I retired in 2004 from SWCS,, 2nd BN, was in 7th before that, north of there before that and got my start in 1st grp 3rd bn,,,spent several years after retirement in Iraq, now I am doing instructor work here in the states... thought it was about time I posted,,:D

Stay Safe
Bob

Guy
11-01-2007, 21:18
What's up men. Just doing a commo check and looking for a few bro's that I served with back in 5th GRP from 90-99. I salute all the men that are in the current fight, may God keep and watch over you.I was on 522 in 90...I believe you had SGM Ra..... at the time?

Welcome aboard gents!

Stay safe.

The Trainer
11-01-2007, 21:42
I was on 522 in 90...I believe you had SGM Ra..... at the time?

Welcome aboard gents!

Stay safe.

...mbo..........and thanx for the welcome!