Question about SF pipeline in late 1970s

TBinIowa · 01-04-2011, 14:01

There is great information here and elsewhere about the current Army SF training pipeline. However I am having trouble finding information about a specific historical period.

I am interested in the time from 1977 to 1980.

What were the options for a high school graduate in 1977 who wanted to enlist and to join army sf?

Was there something like the 18x enlistment option in this period?

Dusty · 01-04-2011, 14:15

I joined in '78 on a Ranger option that routed me through BCT to 11B AIT to Jump School to RIP, but I broke an ankle during AIT and got sent to the 101st.
I think you could do the same thing for SF at that time (VOLAR).

01-04-2011, 14:17

There have always been "SF babies" to some level.

TBinIowa · 01-04-2011, 14:38

Thanks for the quick reply gentlemen.

A follow-up question for clarification: A 1977 high school graduate could have enlisted in 1977, separated from the service in 1980 and earned the right to wear the green beret in between?

Thanks again for taking the time.

sinjefe · 01-04-2011, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by wet dog

There have always been "SF babies" to some level.

Around, yes. Allowed to come straight in, no. From about 1985 until Dec 2001, you had to be at least an E-5 in the Regular Army, though they would waiver that to an E-4 (P) for Medics and Commo guys. In Dec 2001, they opened it up to 18Xs

http://www.training.sfahq.com/qualifications.htm

01-04-2011, 14:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinjefe

Around, yes. Allowed to come straight in, no. From about 1985 until Dec 2001, you had to be at least an E-5 in the Regular Army, though they would waiver that to an E-4 (P) for Medics and Commo guys. In Dec 2001, they opened it up to 18Xs

http://www.training.sfahq.com/qualifications.htm

Exactly my point.

Richard · 01-04-2011, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBinIowa

A follow-up question for clarification: A 1977 high school graduate could have enlisted in 1977, separated from the service in 1980 and earned the right to wear the green beret in between?

Yep. Why the question?

Richard

alelks · 01-04-2011, 19:26

1n September of 1977 I enlisted in the Regular Army and went straight from Basic to Ait to Airborne and right into SF training. Two days after arriving at selection my group was sent straight to Phase I. From there on it was pretty much back to back Phase II and Phase III.

At the end of the graduation ceremony someone stood up in the back of the auditorium and asked who wanted to go to DLI for language school. Those of us who volunteered were sent to DLI to study various languages, mine happened to be Spanish and 7 months later I was assigned to 5th GP where as a PFC I held the E7 Heavy Weapons slot which was in March of 1979.

Definitely not the way to do it but at least I learned from the best (quite a few Vietnam Vets in that time frame).

So the answer to your question is "YES".

mark46th · 01-04-2011, 19:37

I was one of those SF Babies. I was drafted in July of 1970, Enlisted after talking to an SF recruiter while waiting for Basic Training to start. Went through Basic and AIT at Fort Ord July- December '71, went to Jump School in January 71, Phase I at CMK, Phase II(Commo)and Phase III, graduating in May 1971. Assigned to 5thSFG(A) at Fort Bragg.

**Peregrino** · 01-04-2011, 19:46

Yes. Where does everybody think the term SF Baby originated? It's not new.

My experience in 78 included a number of classmates who were "SF Babies"; straight off the street. A few of them went on to become storied CSMs; others did their duty, quietly rising to positions of trust/responsibility. Some did their time and left after one tour and some were spectacular failures - whether they left early or late. They measured up just like the current generation will 20+ years from now when somebody looks back to "see how it went".

1stindoor · 01-05-2011, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peregrino

Yes. Where does everybody think the term SF Baby originated?

I thought it was because they whined about how much harder it was during their time.

Seriously though they were still around when I went through in '89...they were just called Rep 63s.

sinjefe · 01-05-2011, 08:54

Rep 63 was a NG thing.

1stindoor · 01-05-2011, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinjefe

Rep 63 was a NG thing.

Roger, and as soon as the guy graduated and went from the NG to active duty...you had the exact same thing.

Dusty · 01-05-2011, 11:04

Regardless, nobody had it easier than we did back in '83 with Bad Bob at Mackall.

No ruck runs, flashlights allowed during night land nav, and the Runnin' Chef in the compound every night.

**Razor** · 01-06-2011, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Yep. Why the question?

Exactly. Information this specific would be interesting to someone trying to sniff out a poser, or perhaps beef up a poser's resume.