View Full Version : Requirements for joining the Dark Side
My SF time was spent as an NCO. A series of unfortunate events resulted in my commissioning. After doing all the usual officer things I looked into returning to SF as an officer. At the time I was told that my previous SF qualification did not count on the officer side of the house and that in order to become an 18A I would have to repeat the ENTIRE process - SFAS and SFQC, just like anyone else.
Is this still the case?
Does anyone else think this seems a bit strange?
Put yourself in these shoes - given your background and experience would you gain anything from repeating the entire process in order to qualify for the job?
Personally, I think we would want to encourage experienced SF NCOs to return to SF as officers if they did commission.
Thoughts?
May not have to repeat SFAS (although TR has better info on this, I'm sure), but repeating the Q course, although seemingly tedious, isn't a bad idea. When you went through as an NCO, you received specific MOS training, and conducted Robin Sage doing your job under your MOS. As an O, you basically have a new MOS, so getting trained on officer-type tasks seems to make sense. As for Phase II of the current pipeline (formerly Phase I or 13, depending when you went through), consider it a refresher on SF SUT and land nav.
While in the 10th in the 60's, everyone attended annual SF MOS Training. I have three graduation certificates from SF Commo Training. The very first thing given in the course was a test which everyone promptly failed. That set the tone and prevented people from bitching and saying they didn't need the training. You never know it all and when you think you do you are ready for a rude awakening.
The Reaper
11-03-2004, 20:32
You have to have completed SFAS to attend the SFQC. Officers at SFAS are evaluated more stringently than NCOs at SFAS.
You might, or might not be GTG for Phase II, depending on when you went through.
You have not received the SFDOQC for 18As for Phase III.
You have not attended Robin Sage as a Detachment Commander.
If you can test out in a language for the Group you are being assigned to, you might be able to skip Phase V.
If you have attended SERE Level C, you will not have to attend Phase VI, so you could get by with just attending Phases I-IV.
I don't think you would want to have a Detachment Commander who was only trained to be a 18B30 (or whatever you were trained as).
My understanding was that commissions were offered, not forced upon soldiers.
I think there is a reason for doing it this way, and it makes sense to me. YMMV.
TR
Thanks for all the inputs.
I certainly agree that Phase II, Phase III and Robin Sage should be a requirement and of course the 18A should not be handed out to someone trained ONLY in their enlisted 18-series MOS.
Considering how long ago I went through the course (17 years ago), this is purely a theoretical exercise for me. It may however be more relevant to the current generation if they are considering taking a commission.
Can you go from enlisted special forces to ocs (assuming 4yr degree held before enlistment) then back to special forces after repeating the Q as an officer or would you have to go 11a until rank of 1st Lt. promotable / Captain to repeat the Q and return to special forces?
Go For Broke
05-06-2009, 20:38
Can you go from enlisted special forces to ocs (assuming 4yr degree held before enlistment) then back to special forces after repeating the Q as an officer or would you have to go 11a until rank of 1st Lt. promotable / Captain to repeat the Q and return to special forces?
BLUF - whatever your commissioning source, you still have to do time as a 2LT and 1LT BEFORE you can be selected to attend the SFDOQC. Upon completion of the SFDOQC, you will return to a SFG(A).
It is not automatic that you will be selected to attend the SFDOQC.
Just my humble $0.02
BTW - I think that is one of the longest run on sentences I have seen :D
V/R,
BLUF - whatever your commissioning source, you still have to do time as a 2LT and 1LT BEFORE you can be selected to attend the SFDOQC. Upon completion of the SFDOQC, you will return to a SFG(A).
It is not automatic that you will be selected to attend the SFDOQC.
Just my humble $0.02
BTW - I think that is one of the longest run on sentences I have see :D
V/R,
Thank you for the response. Yea that sentence of mine is on the verge of incoherentness. Maybe it's the posting anxiety on this forum some of us get, o crap did i forget to read a sticky / did i search effectively???
ZonieDiver
05-06-2009, 21:21
Thank you for the response. Yea that sentence of mine is on the verge of incoherentness. Maybe it's the posting anxiety on this forum some of us get, o crap did i forget to read a sticky / did i search effectively???
Remember - "spellcheck" and that little button beside the one that says "Submit Reply" (the one that says "Preview Post") are your friends.
GrumbleandGrunt
05-07-2009, 13:22
I have some friends from MCCC and who are in SFQC with me who are prior 18 series.
They did not have to attend SFAS.
If they are able to test out of language they skip that. Several opted to do it anyways or select a different language that applies to their future Group's AOR.
They do not have to repeat SUT or SERE-C.
They do have to go through the 18A course.
They do have to complete Robin Sage as an 18A.
I am not sure what they had to do to be "selected" to come back, I can check if you wish. I do know that they did have to go to the line and do normal 2LT and 1LT jobs respective to their branches before coming back.
I hope this helps.
The Reaper
05-07-2009, 14:27
I have some friends from MCCC and who are in SFQC with me who are prior 18 series.
They did not have to attend SFAS.
If they are able to test out of language they skip that. Several opted to do it anyways or select a different language that applies to their future Group's AOR.
They do not have to repeat SUT or SERE-C.
They do have to go through the 18A course.
They do have to complete Robin Sage as an 18A.
I am not sure what they had to do to be "selected" to come back, I can check if you wish. I do know that they did have to go to the line and do normal 2LT and 1LT jobs respective to their branches before coming back.
I hope this helps.
They do.
They then have to compete for 18A slots like the other officers in their YGs.
TR
Thank you all for the information.