Maryland vs Virginia Rep-63 Training

amatlis · 04-03-2005, 16:04

Hello, I am getting ready to volunteer (turned 30 and realized I've waited too long to do what I really want to do).

I live and work in Arlington, VA so I'm about equidistant from the Glen Armor, Maryland unit (B Co. 2nd Bn/ 20th) and the Bowling Green, Va unit (B Co. 3rd Bn/ 20th). I'm also a Chicago native, so flying back to Chicago (A Co. 2nd Bn/ 20th) once a month is no problem (a pleasure actually).

I'm fluent in French and Spanish and want to go 18 Echo. I am an eletrical engineer.

Can anybody recommend one unit over the other in terms of training preparation and general unit activity?

I had a bad experience with the current Maryland recruiter (who is not SF). He knew absolutely nothing and I ended up having to explain to him how the SF pipeline works. He was convinced he could send me directly as an officer with an 18A.

Thanks in advance,
Anthony

jatx · 04-03-2005, 16:31

I believe that B/3/20th has moved to North Carolina. Also, the recruiter for A/2/20th has posted here within the last week or so, you might look for his post. Good luck!

Dustin03 · 04-03-2005, 20:08

Any of them, the 20th GRP rocks. Im with C Co in MS, and it is jsut a great bunch of guys.

Surgicalcric · 04-03-2005, 22:48

jatx is correct. Bco 3/20th has moved from Bowling Green, Va to Roanoke Rapids, NC.

If you need contact info let me know.

Crip

amatlis · 04-03-2005, 22:51

I think NC is a little too far for me by car. I would still fly to Chicago. I contacted the Chicago recruiter.

Thanks guys!

**The Reaper** · 04-04-2005, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatlis

I think NC is a little too far for me by car. I would still fly to Chicago. I contacted the Chicago recruiter.

Thanks guys!

RR, NC is about 15 minutes south of the VA border just off I-95.

Very accessible from Eastern VA, probably about 3-4 hours from you.

Your call, though.

TR

Surgicalcric · 04-04-2005, 08:33

The POC number for Bco 3/20th SFG(A) in Roanoke Rapids, NC is:

(252)537-3678 Have a name but wont put that out here without his permission.

PM me if you need it.

If one of the Admin's could edit the memo for the 20th Group Recruitment Info to reflect the change of station and new POC I would be thankful.

Crip

amatlis · 04-04-2005, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

RR, NC is about 15 minutes south of the VA border just off I-95.

Very accessible from Eastern VA, probably about 3-4 hours from you.

Your call, though.

TR

That's a lot closer than I thought! Shows I still don't know the area too well. Still a definate possibility then. Do you know the unit?

**The Reaper** · 04-04-2005, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatlis

That's a lot closer than I thought! Shows I still don't know the area too well. Still a definate possibility then. Do you know the unit?

'Fraid not.

Others here may.

NG SF unit in NC is bound to have a ton of tabbed applicants.

TR

amatlis · 04-04-2005, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

The POC number for Bco 3/20th SFG(A) in Roanoke Rapids, NC is:

(252)537-3678 Have a name but wont put that out here without his permission.

PM me if you need it.

If one of the Admin's could edit the memo for the 20th Group Recruitment Info to reflect the change of station and new POC I would be thankful.

Crip

Thanks Crip. 3-4 hours is not far. I'll give the recruiter a call and get some info. If there's not much difference between groups, I will probably try-out for the Maryland group since it's closer.

Surgicalcric · 04-04-2005, 10:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatlis

...3-4 hours is not far.... If there's not much difference between groups, I will probably try-out for the Maryland group since it's closer.

I drive 4-1/2 hours to drill in Auburn, Ala. I know guys that drive 8 hours and even a couple that fly from Cali to Utah and Colorado to drill. Its all what you are willing to do to be with guys of a like mind.

All three Companies in your area are 20th Group, with Chicago and Maryland being 2nd Batt and Roanoke Rapids being 3rd Batt. The only big difference you should find is a differing Area of Responsibility (AOR). 2nd Batt is now Europe (10th Group) and 3rd is still South/Central America (7th Group).

In other news 1st Batt gets the honor of Africa and Middle East (3rd & 5th Groups).

HTH,

Crip

stone · 04-04-2005, 10:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatlis

Thanks Crip. 3-4 hours is not far. I'll give the recruiter a call and get some info. If there's not much difference between groups, I will probably try-out for the Maryland group since it's closer.

Amatlis:

Here's the phone # for the Maryland SF recruiter-- if you're still interested.

410-592-7546

amatlis · 04-04-2005, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

... The only big difference you should find is a differing Area of Responsibility (AOR). 2nd Batt is now Europe (10th Group) and 3rd is still South/Central America (7th Group).

In other news 1st Batt gets the honor of Africa and Middle East (3rd & 5th Groups).

HTH,

Crip

That's an interesting point you bring up. I had thought all of 20th was focused on Latin America which suited me fine since my family comes from Uruguay and I'm a Spanish speaker. Looks like if I want to focus on Latin America, I'll have to go with Roanoke Rapids. But, bottom-line, I just want to make it into SF period. I speak French fluently which could be useful in Africa? But then, I could equally look forward to learning a new language. Just getting in is my primary goal and whichever group better preps their candidates is the main motivator for my choice. I have read in different forums "such-and-such group never sends a candidate that isn't ready so they have a high pass rate" which leaves me wondering if some groups send their candidates unprepared and just reassign them after they don't make it. I'm not a picky guy, but I do want to get the best preparation and training I can possibly get.

Surgicalcric · 04-04-2005, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatlis

...But then, I could equally look forward to learning a new language...

Lets see you make that determination after having been on AD for close to 18 months training.

Quote:

...I have read in different forums "such-and-such group never sends a candidate that isn't ready so they have a high pass rate" which leaves me wondering if some groups send their candidates unprepared and just reassign them after they don't make it. I'm not a picky guy, but I do want to get the best preparation and training I can possibly get.

I dont believe any of the units send guys they know wont make it. I could however be wrong on my presumption here. I have been known to speak out of place from time to time...lol. There are always going to be, IMNSHO, those that are just trying to squeak by. They will continue to be weeded out somewhere in the training. As was explained to me some time ago by one of the QP's here, " SFAS is only the beginning. The Selection process is not over until your career in SF ends."

I would say prepare yourself according to what the Quiet Professionals here have recommended. There is alot of good information on here that will help you along. Use the search button and you will find enough material to keep your mind busy and your body thereafter.

Speaking of which, time for my P/U's...

Hopefully I have not muddied the water too much for you.

Crip

jatx · 04-04-2005, 13:20

Amatlis, the QP's here can explain it to you far better than I can, but let me just caution you not to be too put off by those AORs. For example, although the 2/20th in Jackson, MS, is supposed to supplement 10th GRP in Europe, they have already completed a tour in Afghanistan as part of GWOT. It has been explained to me that NG SF go wherever they are needed, just like the rest of SF. Why not call and visit the units to see who you click with the best? That's my approach at the moment, and you'd be amazed at what you can learn and how generous the QPs can be with advice and guidance.

Again, best of luck to you!