SFAS Advice

[The Reaper]

Gents:

This thread is provided as a service for SFAS attendees to provide their advice (without G2ing SFAS) to those who have not attended.

If you are not an SFAS attendee, do not post here or ask questions.

We are looking for generic advice from those who were selected. Those who have attended without being selected and who think they have an experience to add may also do so, subject to review.

It is hoped that this will allow for SF students to keep the forum relevant, assist prospective attendees, and pay a little back.

If you candidates think you have something of value, please put it up and we will tune this on the fly.

Thanks and congrats!

TR

[Snaquebite]

Those who have attended without being selected and who think they have an experience to add may also do so, subject to review.

I would suggest that potential posters that fall in this category contact a QP on this board to review the content of their desired post . This may keep your ruck out of the hall.

[Phantasos]

Gentelmen,
I'm sure I might touch on things that have been mentioned somewhere on this site-but here are some collective and hopefully helpful thoughts:

• One of the first things that come to mind are socks. Bring as many of them as you can; I believe I brought over 10 pairs. Just like many threads here say- keeping your feet in good shape will make you or break you.
  
  
• This goes without saying, but don't bring boots that you just purchased from the PX. You might laugh, but it happend. Bring in boots that you could be comfortable in for days.
  
  
• For the winter classes, maintaining body heat is very important. Stay dry when possible and always be prepared to snivel/de-snivel.
  
  
• Positive attitude is key, if you are a good judge of character- as the course progresses you will see who maintains a positive attitude and who doesn't. Don't be the guy who is always complaining.
  
  
• Cadre put out rules, regulations, and standards for a reason. Without being too specific, not adhering to the rules shows poorly on you, even if it seems minuscule, you think no one is watching or "everyone else is doing it". Remember if you are selected you will see some of the same people you were in SFAS with in the SFQC.
  
  
• When in charge take charge; Otherwise let the leadership do their job- but don't be afraid to provide input if needed.
  
  
• Make sure you have a firm grasp on land navigation before you come to SFAS. Bring a good map case with good markers.
  
  
• Do not come to SFAS in poor physical shape. Be prepared to run, ruck, and maybe ruck run if needed. You WILL be a burden to your fellow peers if you are weak, guaranteed.
  
  
• Active stretch before each event(this was very important for winter class). And stretch after each event to prevent injury. Lots of good guys get injured. Always be cognizant of what your body is telling you.
  
  
• Be humble.

For me, SFAS was at the time the apex of my career. Keep the mindset that the Cadre will have to take you out in a body bag before you VW, and you should should be set.

Good luck guys,
Phantasos
Class 004-10 (Jan 2010)

[The Reaper]

Phantasos:

Good solid advice, thanks for your contribution.

If you guys do not mind, give your class number and month/year you attended so that we can figure out how current your advice is and what the season was.

Thanks and keep 'em coming.

TR

[k-rub]

Buy and read Get Selected by MAJ Martin. The book contains excellent information to prepare you for SFAS.

Buy canteen straws. Attach them to your 2 qt canteens and they will save you a lot of time instead of taking them off your ruck to drink once your 1 qts run out. They can be had at Ranger Joes. Also buy a real Camelbak mouth piece. They do not leak and have an on/off valve.

Be prepared to wear a ruck everyday all day while at selection. Learn to be comfortable in the suck.

Do not be afraid or embarrassed to go to sick call. It is not looked down upon.

Kit bags are good to have. You'll be living out of your bag the whole time and having something with a side zipper will make life a little easier than digging through your duffle.

Eat everything you are given, absolutely everything. You will regret it if you don't.

Always, always, always do the right thing even if nobody is looking. If selected and if you graduate the Q, you will be entrusted with a huge amount of responsibility. If you can't be trusted to follow simple instructions, how can you be trusted to carry out missions. The COL who gave us our selection brief gave a great analogy. He said if we can't be trusted to be faithful to our spouses, who we made a commitment with to God, then how can he trust us in SF.

Always have a good attitude. People will notice, candidates and cadre alike.

Do not self asses. Let the cadre take care of that. Do your best and do not quit. Also, take it one event at a time. Don't think about tomorrow or next week. Focus on your current goal. 25m target.

There is an incredible wealth of information about everything on this site. I read it everyday prior to SFAS. Something I did was put together a collection of motivational quotes from this site posted by the QPs. I read it everyday and whenever I needed to refocus my thoughts. It helped out tremendously.

Class 09-10
June 2010

[version13]

This is all great advice.

In addition to what is immediately listed above, I would also submit the following:

1. Nothing is forgotten. The same people you went to selection will you will be seeing throughout the course. Whatever event you didn't put all forth or corners you cut will be remembered. Conversely, if you are a great team player, got along well with you peers, carried all your weight and some, you will be remembered by that, too. Your reputation starts there.

2. Bring a fiction book to read. If not for the entertainment value, it makes excellent trading for other useful books, i.e. Ranger Handbook, Get Selected.

3. Always pull guard, every night.

4. During individual land-nav events, always have your ruck with you, i.e. don't take it off to run to your next point.

5. Your body will be hurt at some point. It may not be hurting until the last day or two, but you will be hurting then.

6. Watch the "Green Berets" with John Wayne before attending.

7. Bring New-skin. This was more valuable than gold and an amazing treatment that is often overlooked.

8. Know how to properly pack a MOLLE ruck and how to properly set it up.

9. Tie everything down securely.

10. Try out a few map cases before you go and make sure they are 100% waterproof and can easily be accessed to annotate. On that note, be wary of markers. If you use them, do not bring alcohol based markers, permanent only.

11. Ice when you can. In fact, bring a reusable ice bag. This is a great way to prevent injuries and sooth sore muscles.

12. Hydrate, even during the Winter or Spring.

13. Laugh or at least smile sometimes. You're doing what you want to do.


v13
Class 06-10
March 2010

[BirdStuff]

1. DO NOT POP BLISTERS! Use the thread trick.
Assemble a needle with thread on it. Run it through the meat of the blister at a angle as to not stab your foot. You want to have the string just inside the inner circumference. Trim off the string so you have about 1 in. to 1/2 in. hanging out. Put a CLEAN sock over and elevate. By the next day all the fun stuff inside the blister that makes them enjoyable should have drained out via the thread.

2. Put a strip of 100mph tape on the hot spots you develop. Helps to relieve some of the friction going on inside your boot. You may have conditioned your feet for long walks with weight but a rain tends to erase all that hard work.

3. As an alternate to the above mentioned kit bag. Acquire an empty MRE box and cut off the top flaps; Use it as a storage box for items you want easy access to, store it under your cot.

4. Bring a loofah and scrub the hell out of your legs when you get to shower. I saw allot of guys get staph/merca infections because they only brought a bar of soap.

5. Freezer bags.

6. If attending a winter course; put your canteen inside your sleeping bag with you. When your moving put one inside your top. Alternate every hour to keep them from freezing. Same goes for your compass.

7. Do not put the electrolyte mix you may receive in all your water sources when going out. You may end up looking like you got in a fight with a box of powdered donuts before you find a clean water point.

8. Take your DLAB and TABE before attending.
*Not sure if this is still a permitted practice or not. May need clarification.

9. Gut a strip of 550 cord and separate the black/white strand. Poke a hole "the cross hair" in the center of your protractor. Tie a knot 3x the size as the hole you made and run the string through. Once the string is through tie another 3x size knot on the running end so the protractor is wedged by the knots. Use a lighter on the "bottom side knot" of the protractor; heat it so you can press it flat up against it - DON'T MELT YOUR PROTRACTOR! Put the cross hair on your start point and run the string over your end point. No lines drawn on your map and you save time! Note: the strings width adds a potential 50m drift to your path, so use this method with plenty of close attack points.

SFAS 06-05
Selected May 2005

[Unapologetic Soldier]

Ruck marching:
In my preparations for SFAS I became obsessed with an increasing heavy ruck. I was being told horror stories about team weak and the unbearably heavy load that you’ll need to carry during these events.
This turned into my ruck weighing a minimum of 90 lbs and I eventually worked my way into the triple digits. Yes, this training did prepare my body for team week but that’s about it.
The majority of the rucking that you’ll be doing in SFAS will be under a 60/65 lbs load. Training with just a heavy ruck made me slow over long distances and hurt my overall performance at selection. Train as you fight; your ruck should weight 60/65 lbs and you should be able to move out with a purpose. Work on speed and strength this will pay off while doing your mandatory timed rucks and land navigation. Yes; train with a heavy ruck but no more than once a week.

Don’t argue with the cadre:
I’ve seen candidates get into a pissing contest with the cadre over some retarded shit; not once did it ever turn out well for the candidate.
Are you here to get selected or get into a pissing contest? Enough said don’t do it. Period! Even if it’s not your fault.

Land navigation:
You will be given a block of instruction on land navigation when you get there. You’ll also do a few practice courses prior to the star course. I would recommend being proficient in land navigation before heading to SFAS at a minimum be familiar with it.
For the star course itself, do as you’re told. Stay off the roads! It’s not worth getting caught or throwing away your SF carrier before you even get started. Staying on the high ground is preferred but not always possible. Try to keep out of the draws when you can (you won’t always be able to) if you are about to go into a draw make sure everything is tied down (just like Ranger school) the vines will take anything they can off you and kick your ass while doing it!

Staying in the gray:
This is some of the stupidest advice I’ve ever heard. Do your best in every event, regardless of what the event is. You’re going to an interview don’t try to blend in or standout be who you are, SF is looking for leaders not sheep. If your selected it will be because of your intelligence, ability to work well with others and physically abilities not where you fell into the gray matter. Besides if you go to selection trying to “play the game” you is probably not what SF is looking for; there’s no game to play, only a calling to do more for your country than what you’re doing now.

That’s my two cents feel free to contact me for any follow up questions. Good luck to those headed to SFAS.

[Cool Breeze]

It's real simple. Know what the standards are and ensure you can exceed all of them prior to starting SFAS. If you do that, you have a ~60% chance of success. You will be pushed to your limits and beyond. Have set in your head that you will not quit, no matter what. As an instructor, I've seen lots of candidates come through the 18X program who could not meet the minimum PT standards. There is no excuse for that, expecially if you are joining the army specifically to go through SFQC. In addition to PT, you should know the Ranger handbook cold, learn everything you can about Lan Nav, and if you know your MOS, pick up some FMs and start getting smart.
All that said, you could still get injured and end up a Med Drop. You also may not be smart enough or have the heart/determination to keep pushing. Make sure that there are NO issues as home (girlfriend, wife worries, pregnant wife, etc.). You need total focus on the course.
SF is not for everyone but for those who make it through, there is no better place to be than on a team.
Good luck studs.

[Red D]

I will try to keep this post short and sweet as possible with out any G2. If any perspective candidate has additional questions and is allowed by the site administrator to ask via private message please feel free.

Packing List
1. Uniforms 8 Pairs -you are not limited in the number of ACUs you are allowed to bring. I brought eight pairs, yes that is a lot. However I did not spend any time at all during SFAS washing clothes. While others were running half a click to wash their clothes during personal time I was taking care of my feet, resting, and drinking water.

2. Socks 21 Pairs- it has been said many times in this thread to bring a fresh pair of socks for each day. I took this advice even though it seemed ridiculous. I can honestly say this suggestion alone was the most valuable of all the advice I received in regards to the packing list. When your feet are shredded like hamburger, a fresh pair of socks that are soft and completely dry will make a difference. Also the current packing list clearly states any sock can be used as long as it is not a civilian color. I personally use Fox River socks, find what works best for you. I personally do not recommend using cotton issued socks.

3. Sock Liners 10 Pairs- the current packing list allows the use of a sock liner, this is not mandatory but highly recommended as sock liners reduce friction.

4. Under Armor- the current packing list allows moisture wicking underwear and T-shirts such as under armor. Spandex is prohibited. I brought five pairs of under armor underwear and five under armor T shirts. Not only did this help prevent heatstroke but also drastically reduced chafing.

5. Boots 3 Pairs-use whatever military boot you want!, let me state that again, USE WHATEVER MILITARY BOOT YOU WANT! So many people ask about boots, read the current packing list. It clearly states that any boot within Army regulations is allow. That being said I brought three pairs. All three were Nikes. I kept one in my Ruck, had one on my feet, and let the other pair dry.

6. PT's 4 Pairs/White Socks 8 Pairs- again I did not want to have to wash anything, which saved me a lot of time.

7. Sandals- you must run everywhere, and running in shower shoes is not easy. Save yourself the hassle and get a pair sandals.

8. Antibacterial soap and a Loofah. Yes it sounds weird but a staph infection is no joke. Even if you are tired and don't feel like running to the shower do it anyway. You are dirty and need to clean at least once a day! I saw two of my friends get med dropped for staph.

9. Body Glide- great anti-chafing product. I brought two sticks and used it all. Use it anyplace you chafe or get blisters. I covered my feet with it before I put on my liners and socks.

10. Ziploc Bags- there is unlimited ice to be used however they provide very small bags.

11. Canteen strolls with camel pack bite valves- as said many times before get them both. It will save you so much time and energy. I never took them off for land nav and had no issues, and kept moving. I also suggest tying the camel pack bit valves down to the canteen stroll. I lost one set on the 3rd day that was not tied down. I tied the other one down and never had an issue.

12. Gorilla Tape- like duct tape but stronger, I used it on hotspots before blisters formed. If your feet sweat a lot use the tape in conjunction with tincture of benzene which the medic has an unlimited supply of. I personally would tape my feet then apply body glide over top before putting on my socks.

13. Two of everything else- you will be surprised what you can lose in a draw. Also the principle of having extra to give to fellow teammates in need will do you a great deal of favor. Be a team player and help your body's that needs things. (I brought 2 lights, 2 watches, 2 extra sets of batteries, 2 protractor's, 2 sets of map pens, 2 small scissors, and 2 sets of Ranger beads) EVERYTHING was used.

14. Oversized zipper duffel bag- no one cares how much stuff you bring as long as you can carry it all in a bag. The zipper duffel bag allows easy access to all your items and I highly recommend buying one.

15. Empty MRE Box- I kept one under my rack with all my important frequently used items in it. It was very helpful.

16. Pillow- yes bring a pillow, you would be foolish not to.

17. Baby Wipes- bring more than you think you will use. Share what you don't use with your team.

18. Bug spray/sunblock-you will use them both.

19. 550- I used 100 ft.

20. A book- The packing list strongly advice's you to bring one. I did what I was told and brought everything on the advised packing list. The advised packing list is there for a reason. You would be foolish to not follow the recommended advice form SFAS cadre. I ended up using everything on the list. Work hard and finish an event before index, you will have downtime. Raise your feet and read, do not fall asleep!


Gate Week/Land Nav/Team Week

1. Don't Sleep- do the right thing even if you're tired. If you start to get sleepy get up and walk around. I saw a lot of guys get caught sleeping, some of which was accidental on their part. Some of those guys did not get selected. It's not hard to get up off your rack and walk around if you're tired. Only sleep when they tell you to.

2. Don't argue with cadre-if they suggest to do something, do it. I know that sounds simple but I saw at least four or five guys totally disregard the suggestions the cadre made and I'm sure they were negatively assessed for it.

3. Be Heavy- make sure your ruck is at the least 2 pounds over. I saw a lot of guys make the mistake of being to close to 45 pounds, if the cadre don't use the scale you used to weigh your stuff you'll be in trouble. I also recommend being heavy because if it starts to rain the cadre "might" decide to factor in water weight. Lastly make sure you weigh your ruck without the MRE you plan to eat. This issue came up for most of the x-rays.

4. Land Nav Area- land nav is done in a public place. I will not explain this point any more, if you are SF smart you will do your own research and make your own decisions.

5. Don't cheat- it's not worth it. As crafty as you think you are, they are better. You are not a professional soldier yet, they will catch you, you will cry, they will laugh, you will never return!

6. Draws- If you can, walk around, if you can't make sure everything is tied down ( compass, map, watch, headlight, everything) and then do a personal inventory before you go in. Immediately after you bust the draw do another personal inventory. This way you know if you've lost something in the draw. When in the draw, check your compass every few steps. I was amazed at how after two or three steps I would go from walking North to walking South. Use your gloves. I decided to soldier on and used my hands through a drawl. I regretted it the rest of my time at SFAS. You're not selected for being a tough guy, use the gloves.

7. Land Nav Technique- checkpoints, handrails, backstops, attack points, distinguishable terrain features, intersections of unimproved and improve roads, azimuth, pace count. If you do not understand how to use these keywords effectively you are not ready. Important note on pace count. I personally terrain associate most of the time, however I suggest using a steady pace count at SFAS. I considered myself really good at Land Nav and my first day tried to use mostly terrain association. As a result of my cockiness I got turned around and wasted three hours figuring out where I was and only got two points my first day. I switched back to a steady pace count and had all four points by 10 o'clock my second day.

8. Getting Lost-most people at some point get lost or lose their bearing of exactly where they are. If this happens Relax, if you are using the previous words I mentioned effectively you should be able to walk back to a point of known location. Land Nav is meant to test your problem-solving skills. If you cannot handle the mental stress induced from being lost and having to figure out where you are you will fail. I personally suggest getting lost prior to SFAS, to practicing figuring out where you are. This helped me a great deal.

9. Team Week-don't be the gray man. The cadre will tell you this all the time. Even if you're a strong guy and pull your own weight the team needs to know you. If you are quiet make sure you speak up and voice your ideas. Don't be loud and obnoxious but make sure your team gets to know you. I will not explain more on this point.

10. Knot Tying and Lashings- know them well!

11. Map Case- Tie it down, also take a piece of MRE box cardboard that will fit into your map case and cover it with 100 mile an hour so it's waterproof. You will then have a flat surface to lay your map on and plot your points.

Physical Fitness

1. Show up in shape- strength is important, recovery is more important. I personally recommend combining Crossfit/Rucking/Running. Volume training is extremely key in these three areas, the more you stress your body and get it accustomed to volume the faster your recovery be. I suggest longer workouts as it teaches your body to recover from longer workouts. SFAS is not a Sprint, it's a marathon. CF is great but most workouts are under 15 min. Strength training is great but again a 500 pound squat is not as important as being able to squat 100 pounds 100 times. I personally recommend Crossfit Endurance or Military Athlete. I prefer Military Athlete. I used MA's ruck-based selection program and had no issues with my physical fitness level at SFAS.

I hope all this information helps!

Lastly
1. Don't be Light
2. Don't be Last
3. Don't be Late

And NEVER QUIT

[MTN Medic]

WITF would you need a book? Unless the course has changed DRAMATICALLY, you shouldn't ever have time to read a damn book.

All the stuff Cool Breeze said was spot on though. You don't need anymore information than that. It is a job interview. Make your best impression.

[koz]

I think the only books allowed when I went were the Ranger Handbook, FM 7-8, or the Bible.

[33army]

Originally Posted by Elkins

12. Gorilla Tape- like duct tape but stronger, I used it on hotspots before blisters formed. If your feet sweat a lot use the tape in conjunction with tincture of benzene which the medic has an unlimited supply of. I personally would tape my feet then apply body glide over top before putting on my socks.

Correct me if I am wrong.....is this not a horrible idea? Personally I have seen people pull the skin off the bottom of their feet using this "technique".

[hotshot]

Originally Posted by 33army

Correct me if I am wrong.....is this not a horrible idea? Personally I have seen people pull the skin off the bottom of their feet using this "technique".

If done correctly it works well.

CH

[Sir topham hatt]

Originally Posted by 33army

Correct me if I am wrong.....is this not a horrible idea? Personally I have seen people pull the skin off the bottom of their feet using this "technique".

I'm not an expert, and most of my ruck experience comes from SFAS, but I think powder would be a better plan. Thats what I used every day, powder on my feet, socks, and in my boots sometimes more than once a day.