Quote:
Originally Posted by airbornepunk
My reasoning was so that I had more of the infantry basic skills and background to be a better support soldier or so that who ever I was supporting would have more confidence in me. Also to bring that knowledge down to any subordinates and superiors alike within the 35 series field. But you are right, I have experienced going through drills and exercises with ODA members before deployments or JRTC, and that my focus should be on SIGINT.
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I understand where you're coming from. I thought the same thing after I joined 20th Group and requested the 14-day 11B transition course but after a few ATs and drills with ODAs, I changed my plan. Remember that SF guys are the BEST instructors out there. If they can train indig to standards, they can train 35-series!
I was already an E-7, MOSQ'd with a ton of 35P experience but ZERO Army experience when I showed up at the unit...plus I was old. I didn't know squat about 7-8 so I would be very blunt with the ODA TS: I'm good at my job but I suck at yours and I'm very eager to learn. Most ODAs were very clear: attachments weren't there to be shooters but support their operations.
I'd recommend:
1) know your core SIGINT job, be the expert, and always train. If you know your shit, the Fox will want you around because you enable him;
2) know your commo gear and learn from the Echo (they have same gear just different fill);
3) know every weapon system to employ and clear malfunctions; learn and gain trust of the Bravo;
4) know CLS and learn S4 tips from the Delta;
5)
know when to keep your mouth shut (95% of the time) and ALWAYS volunteer to help the team; the TS is watching.
The best thing about being attached to an ODA is earning a spot on the task org...the hardest thing is being able to STAY on the task org.