Military ambitions

[mconrad]

Edit:
Mods, so sorry. I submitted this in the Base Camp when it wasn't the appropriate topic.

I first want to say that I really appreciate this site since I found it a few short days ago. There's a lot of great information. I've tried to find as much info as I could before posting an advice thread, so I hope there's not some obvious thread out there that would really answer my questions. Plus I am getting real antsy since BCT is rapidly approaching. I also wanted to share some of my thoughts about joining so that I can hear the thoughts of those with more experience and wisdom.

Anyway, here's a little background:

I recently enlisted for MOS 96B. The thing that initally motivated me to talk to a recruiter was OCS--I am a recent college graduate, and am interested in being an officer in the army. Luckily for me, a recent graduate of OCS was in town for HRAP. The 2LT advised me that going enlisted is much more effective route to become a leader in the army; it's hard for those who are never enlisted soldiers to lead those that are. That idea combined with a few other negative aspects of OCS led me to go the enlisted route.

In choosing my MOS I was very worried about a desk job. I wanted to get out and do something, so I sort of wanted to go 11X, but 96B seemed like a better choice. 11X seemed fine if I was definitely going to make a career in the military, but with 96B, there are plenty of jobs outside the military, and I had just taken a college course devoted to Intelligence Analysis. Problem with 96B is that getting out and doing something thing. Plus, I don't like the idea of being that intel guy who can't shoot his weapon or keep up with PT. I define a respected soldier as a soldier who regardless of MOS can pick up a weapon and hold his own as an infantryman. That's what I want: to be a respected soldier first, the intelligence guy second.

This desire led me into an interest in the Ranger Regiment. After BCT and AIT, I go to Benning for Airborne School and am thinking about volunteering for RIP if I get the opportunity.

But as I researched the Ranger Regiment, I decided to figure out how Special Forces and Rangers are different. Special Forces appealled to me from the beginning. The training, the mindset, and the missions of Special Forces seemed like exactly what I wanted.

Here's my deal: If I want to go Special Forces is it a bad idea to go to the Ranger Regiment? I read on these forums that it's a pain for someone in the Ranger Regiment to request to attend SFAS. I probably should have just gone 18X, but what do you think? Also, please point out if anywhere in the previous ramblings I am full of crap.

Kinda long winded for that, but thanks in advance for the advice.

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by mconrad

The 2LT advised me that going enlisted is much more effective route to become a leader in the army; it's hard for those who are never enlisted soldiers to lead those that are.

I disagree. There are good and bad leaders from all sources of commissioning. Are you satisfied with going to an expert like an OCS 2LT for advice on officers and leadership? Maybe you would seek advice about Army careers from a PVT?

Originally Posted by mconrad

In choosing my MOS I was very worried about a desk job. I wanted to get out and do something, so I sort of wanted to go 11X, but 96B seemed like a better choice. 11X seemed fine if I was definitely going to make a career in the military, but with 96B, there are plenty of jobs outside the military, and I had just taken a college course devoted to Intelligence Analysis. Problem with 96B is that getting out and doing something thing. Plus, I don't like the idea of being that intel guy who can't shoot his weapon or keep up with PT. I define a respected soldier as a soldier who regardless of MOS can pick up a weapon and hold his own as an infantryman. That's what I want: to be a respected soldier first, the intelligence guy second.

Maybe you should have chosen another MOS or branch of service. Whether you are respected or not is up to you.

Originally Posted by mconrad

This desire led me into an interest in the Ranger Regiment. After BCT and AIT, I go to Benning for Airborne School and am thinking about volunteering for RIP if I get the opportunity.

But as I researched the Ranger Regiment, I decided to figure out how Special Forces and Rangers are different. Special Forces appealled to me from the beginning. The training, the mindset, and the missions of Special Forces seemed like exactly what I wanted.

Here's my deal: If I want to go Special Forces is it a bad idea to go to the Ranger Regiment? I read on these forums that it's a pain for someone in the Ranger Regiment to request to attend SFAS. I probably should have just gone 18X, but what do you think? Also, please point out if anywhere in the previous ramblings I am full of crap.

I think you should have done your research before you signed a contract. Buyers' remorse now. You should probably use the search button some more (look for terms related to your question) and not start any new threads for a month or two.

You might also consider focusing on the 25 meter target, which would be Basic Training.

Good luck.

TR

[mconrad]

I disagree. There are good and bad leaders from all sources of commissioning. Are you satisfied with going to an expert like an OCS 2LT for advice on officers and leadership? Maybe you would seek advice about Army careers from a PVT?

You're right, but like I said it was more than just what he said. Plus, he was an older fellow who decided to go to OCS after recieving his doctorate.

Whether you are respected or not is up to you.

I couldn't agree more. Maybe respected was the wrong word choice though. I probably sound like a naive future soldier, but what I meant by that is that if it came down to it, I want the soldiers dug down in a fox hole with me to not regret that I am with them.

You should probably use the search button some more (look for terms related to your question) and not start any new threads for a month or two.

Apologies. I am anxious, sir, and when I couldn't find much I started a new thread.

You might also consider focusing on the 25 meter target, which would be Basic Training.

Good luck.

Roger that, and thanks.