Introductions V

[Navy Flier]

I received a mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech in 1982 and worked as an aerospace engineer on the Space Shuttle. I then was on the original design team that developed the land attack Tomahawk cruise missile. I then became involved in high level classified stealth missile design. I started my Navy Career in the Naval Air Reserve in 1987. I went to flight school at Pensacola and received my wings as a P-3 Orion naval flight officer in 1990. I flew for three years and transferred to an air operation unit where I stayed and eventually became the XO.

As a reservist, I participated in multiple global deployments and active duty stints focusing on Anti -Submarine Warfare, Maritime patrol and counter narcotics. I took a job as a civilian engineer at China Lake Naval Weapons center in 2002. I went on active duty when I was asked to assume the role of Military Deputy for Weapons.

In 2002, I volunteered to go to the Middle East to serve as officer in charge of the deployment of two newly developed CAS targeting platforms during Operation Southern Watch. I was later attached to the Air Force 720th Special Tactics Group in support of SEAL 3 and 5, Army 5th SFG, Navy Helo COmbat Squadron FIVE, Predator, the Air Force 23 STS, and a certain OGA during the start of the Iraq war. I was inserted into SF intelligence where I participated in planning the SEAL atack ont he Al Faw Penisula, SF inserts into Baghdad and other missions.

In response to the high air to ground fratricide rate, I was the first to deploy the Precision Strike Suite for Special Operations Forces(PSSSOF) CAS targeting system. There are now over 19,000 users of that device.

I was the first military member to receive a military diagnosis for mefloquine toxicity and the first veteran to receive a VA rating for such. I was disability retired as a full active duty Navy Commander and my injuries were rated as combat related. Four members of my reserve unit were diagnosed with the same injury. I have since gotten 16 others to Balboa Naval Hospital and Bethesda where they were all diagnosed with a vestibular injury from mefloquine toxicity. Nine years later, I still have significant issues with my balance and still have vision damage.

I have personally triaged over 90 veterans and service members with this disrder by getting them to the proper medical care most others have been denied. I continue to work the mefloquine issue with senior medical professionals in the Department of Defense and the VA. I also work close hold with Congress and veterans service orgnaizations like the Vietnam Vets of America.

[Ecclesiastes]

Hello all,

I thought I posted an intro but I just realized I was wrong.

I recently enlisted into the CA ARNG as 11B and will be shipping off to OSUT in September.

I came to this site to learn more about SF!


Thank you.

Sean

[coletrain]

Good afternoon all. My name is Chris, I just graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Criminal Justice and Business Law. I swore in last Tuesday with a REP 63 contract and I look forward to challenge. I will be lurking on the sight, absorbing all of the info I can before I ship out to Benning January 2nd, given the world doesn't end on December 21st Anyways, thank you all for your service and the invaluable information that you have bestowed upon the the hopefuls such as myself.

[Burns757]

Hello Everyone,
I am an active duty sergeant in the Intel field. I did a deployment with the 173d in 2010. I am stationed at a Strategic Unit and really want to get back into the fight. I am currently on orders to go be group support but will be going to SFAS as soon as they let me. I’m not the most gifted athletically but I will always give my all and I have never let a fellow soldier down. In my free time I crossfit in my garage and hike. I have been lurking this site for a month or so and have learned tons. Thanks for all the help I have received so far.

[Dane]

Greetings.

You may call me Dane. This is me:

- 22 years old
- B.A. in Biology
- Joined the Oregon Army National Guard in March 2011
- Infantry/Mortar/Airborne School
- Transferring to Washington
- Working on my M.S. in Computer Science
- Planning to go to selection for the 19th SFG in the next 1-3 years.
- Interested in qualifying for 18D or 18E.

If you have any questions, ask away.

Dane.

[cmclg]

Hello,

My name is Cheryl, and I did some time contracting as a Medic over in Afghanistan.

I have no former military service. Before I started contracting, I was a Firefighter/Paramedic and then a Training Specialist for Cardiac Arrest Management at a Medical School.

I had the opportunity to meet and intereact with some of the SF guys on my FOB and have the utmost respect for them and the job they do.

I found this site as I was googling to find out more about the profession, as I didn't like asking them too many questions when I saw them in the chow hall or around camp, as that was their break away from work.

I have found everything I have read very interesting and thank you for your service and your information.

Cheryl

[Bill Harsey]

Welcome aboard all.

Now get back to work.

[ErwinD]

Good afternoon folks,

Consider myself a visitor sitting on the backporch waiting to be viewd as a guest.
Main reason for visiting is for gaining the practical knowledge of those who have already learned it.

I am fascinated by human nature and what makes us tick so feel confident that I will learn a great deal. Thank you for allowing me a place at the grown ups table

Best,
Dan

[Peerless Defender]

Hello,

My name is Sean and I enlisted in the Army under the 18X MOS back in May of 2012. My ship date to OSUT is Nov. 12, 2012.

A brief history, I grew up in a small town in Iowa. I'm 22 years old and have an Associates Degree in Accounting. I've always wanted to serve in the military, I don't know why, I've always just felt a sense of duty I suppose. In addition to my aspirations to join the service, I also wanted to join the Peace Corps. Although these two ideas may seem contradictory, I beleive they both stem from a desire to help people. In my research I read about the Special Forces. One of my misgivings about the military was an image I had in my mind of soldiers mindlessly bellowing war crys as they stormed the enemy gates. The description of the Special Forces as quite professionals focused on liberating oppressed peoples, who pride themselves on their intelligence as well as physical prowess was exactly what I was looking for.

Prior to enlistment I was doing mostly cardiovascular training for marathons. Now that I've shifted my focus to SFAS, I'm doing the training outlined in the Get Selected book which is actually referenced quite frequently on these forums. My last APFT was just a few days ago on 7/23/12 and I was finally able to score a 300. In addition to a rigorous training plan, I've also been participating in GORUCK Challenges which have provided me with some great insights and have also been quite fun in an odd--almost twisted--way.

I consider it an honor and a privilege to be here.

-Thank you

[DR_BRETT]

To Whom It May Concern :

Briefly a soldier in The Vietnam War, as my profile enumerates.
Here to observe REAL soldiers at conversation and elucidation,
as I am sick and tired of phonies or who-knows-what-they-are's.
Could have used YOUR Professional Soldiers ® Rules Of Engagement --
back in The Vietnam War.

- DR_BRETT

[excalibur6901]

Hello all,

I have followed thi site for some time now and figured it was time to post an introduction. I am an intel CPT stationed in AZ. My father was in 20th group while I was in high school and ive wanted to be SF ever since. Big thanks to all site members for their content. I look forward to future posts.

[Blaine]

Hello all!

I am a prior service E-5 Navy, trying to get to SF. At 30 I know I am about out of time. Being an E-5 I can't just enlist to Active Duty, so I am enlisting as a 38B Civil Affairs reservist.

I have run two of my own businesses, and currently working as a company man in the Texas oilfield. I race triathlon and mountain bikes. Since I have started training for SF I have started backpacking and adventure racing.

I have been reading and learning here for a while now and have been extremely satisfied with the tips that have been posted. There are some truly insightful people here.

[Sheetbin]

Gents, its a pleasure to be here. I'm a recently retired from active duty, former 1st Grouper that found this site via a buddy at my last unit. I've settled down in northern Virginia and am currently looking for a job. I've heard good things about the site and look forward to the great content and discussions. I'll leave you with a quote from my favorite Founding Father,

"A little rebellion now and again is a good thing." [Thomas Jefferson]

[viper.51]

Hello all,
I am a former member of Aco 1/5th served there from 88-97. I am current in theater RC (S). I have been in touch with several fellow team members and was refered here by a freind. Was hoping to make contact with others. This is a well run site and I hope to be a part of the content and discussions.

[mikemac356]

Been deficient in my duties, joined the site in November and never posted an introduction as asked. Sorry, this was brought to my attention by former teammate who frequents this site and told me someone had seen an article about me in the local paper and was trying to figure out if I was a poser or not.

Intro: Retired MSG USSF
1982-1986 1/325 AIR 82nd ABN
1986-1987 1/410 Inf USAR
1987-1990 2/14 Inf 10th Mtn
1990-1991 Q Course
1991-1995 3/10 SFG(A) ODA 085 and 083
1995-1998 MFF Instructor USAJFKSWC
1998-2001 1/10 SFG(A) ODA 014, 016, and Bn Staff
2001-2004 3/10 SFG(A) ODA 074

Mike McElmeel De Oppresso Liber