A/2/20th

[Surgicalcric]

Originally Posted by kusinagaraDB

...If you believe you are at the level to pass all SF training with flying colors, and you want that security, you probably should go active duty. For me, I didn't learn much about SF until after I was in the guard...and it's better this way seeing as how I want to work a lot more on my PT, so I'll be sure to pass ANYTHING they throw at me.

-Scott

Rant on

On what basis to you make that statement?

It would appear to me, and maybe I am a bit biased, just because an individual is physically fit and prepared for what is to come that is in itself not an indicator as to whether or not one should enlist into the AD army vs NG. The issue of which one should enlist into is much deeper than that which you have offered.

I would offer the decision on which to enlist has little or nothing to do with readiness; physical, mental, and/or emotional as an individual should prepare themselves, as much as possible, for whatever is ahead, regardless of affiliation. When I enlisted I was ready for what was ahead of me. That is not to say I considered myself a stud by any stretch of the imagination, or the Team Sarnt's standards but I was as ready as I was going to be. And that, no less ready than anyone I have seen here from the AD component. In fact I was much better prepared than most of my AD counterparts. Readiness is a personal responsibility.

There are many of us NG guys who have jobs that the military just cannot match monetarily or we have other obligations that would prevent us from enlisting AD. Then there are those that just dont care for the possibility of winding up on World-Wide Assignment if something happened and they were unable to complete the training.

The 1/501 is just not where I want to be, and WWA is where I would be if I werent NG.

Rant off


Again, just my .02 and well worth what you paid for it.

Crip

[kusinagaraDB]

His contention was that to join A/2/20, he'd have to join another unit first (unless his excrement didn't smell ). I was saying that if it worried him so much, he should probably just go the 18x route...but only if he's sure he can make it, and only if he really wants that green beret.

I was considering the fact that he could join a unit and have them hold him there for his entire term. He sounded like he wanted the security of the 18x program, and he also sounded like he didn't care whether he was active duty or guard.

I've had no experience and only research thus far, so it's truly IMHO.

-Scott the Novice

[Surgicalcric]

Originally Posted by kusinagaraDB

...He sounded like he wanted the security of the 18x program, and he also sounded like he didn't care whether he was active duty or guard.

Thats one of my points. There really is no security in an 18X contract with the exception of getting a shot at SFAS if you get past SOPC; get Med dropped, or non-selected, or a two time no-go at any station and you are out flapping on World-Wide Assignment. There is no security in that. As for him serving his entire entire enlistment without getting a shot at SFAS, I dont see that happening if he is motivated.

My intel is based on how my state (Alabama) works though. If a NQP is up to their standard Alabama will send you. Its up to you from there, but I will say Alabama does not see, or has not seen, many non-selects atleast in the recent past. That is to say, if they send you to SFAS they will have made sure you are ready. Furthermore noone will stay in NQP status more than 6 months unless you are injured and it better be a damn good cause/reason. The Cadre's philosophy is that if you are not motivated enough to prepare yourself between drills the 3-day drills wont get you there. They have also stated they have not the time or inclination to keep those around wasting O2 and training dollars.

Again, just my .02 based on my experience with the NG. Each SF Co is a bit different.

Crip

[Vulture62]

My biggest concern is not getting the shot at it and being stuck in the guard unit (might as well go active then).Also I don't think I can count on 18x option as a prior service.

The same thing happenned to me when I wanted to go to Ranger school.My slot went to the soldier of the month who didn't make it past the first week.

There is nothing in the world that I want more than to become a SF operator.

[abc_123]

Vulture,

iI makes a bunch of sense to have you join the ARNG into another unit. This way A Co. (and the others) don't have to deal with you if you figure out somewhere along the line that you don't really want to continue with the process and self-select out. Oh, and it also makes it nice and easy to tell you to not bother coming back anymore if at any point in the process it is determined that you aren't someone that anyone would really want showing back up at the unit with a tab. Makes it nice and easy all the way around.

Now, with that said, A Co (and the others) WANT to get you qualified if you are motivated and not a dumbass. THe "selection" and drills while on the training team are designed to prepare you for success at selection and frankly, to make sure that nobody is sent who doesn't have a realistic chance of making it. The "selection" proces is professionally run and not an ego trip for those running it. Also, A Co. at least, does NOT use the training team as "bitch boys". Now, don't get me wrong, there are times when you will get put to work, but your priority is to TRAIN.

Sounds like you think you got robbed by not getting that Ranger slot ...and that you would have made it.

Talk to SFC Murphy. and you will get the chance to prove it and more.

Good Luck!

[Vulture62]

Sounds good!

Really appreciate your answer.

[A2-20_Recruiter]

Vulture,
Contact me at one of the methods I posted in my original thread, we can talk more and I can explain the Nature of Things to you.


SFC Murphy

[The Reaper]

SFC Murphy:

Welcome aboard!

Thanks for the help.

TR

[joesfmech]

For those of you who have looked into the tryouts for A/2/20th, congratualtions on doing some homework and research.

Our tryouts are structured in a very specific way, which many of you have figured out. These tryouts have been an evolution, and are continually updated to insure the personnel we select have the greatest chance of passing SFAS. Myself and the other members of the company spend a great deal of time designing the events (physical, mental, judgement) to insure we do not get someone into the unit that will not understand the mission, and become a danger to himself or his team. We do this because we have had individuals in the past who physically were able to pass SFAS and the SFQC, only to be so unsafe as to warrant them being perpetually placed on the B-team. Or so lacking in leadership and judgement as to wind up in jail or lose their tab.

A/2/20 has a higher percentage of passing SFAS candidates than the regular Army because we prepare you for what lies ahead. I am glad to hear that someone else sees that, when on the training team, you really do TRAIN. During a recent drill, I and a teammate, while the other teammembers were practicing CMMS, taught and trained our training team members the fundamentals of Combat Marksmanship, so as to better prepare the future 18Bs and other MOSs when they hit the Q course. Add to that hip pocket mission planning exercises, and we try to teach the ability to rapidly and efficiently come up with a simple and executeable plan that will (most importantly) succeed. This translates into being able to, as an SF operator, quickly plan and execute a Time Sensitive Target mission with host nation forces, with sometimes minimal rehearsal times.

There is a great deal of unknown in our tryouts, for a very good reason. in SFAS, and on the teams, you will work with a great deal of unknowns. We give you a taste of that in tryouts. The mental tests are not easy, and it shows us your knowledge base, skill set, and your preparation.

Ours is not an easy unit to get into, but the rewards are unlike anything you will experience in the Army. Good luck to all that show up to tryouts. Contact the unit, get on the mailing list, and start training.