Mental Failure

[JustaSupportGuy]

I attended SFAS in June of 08. I had prepared for well over a year to get myself ready for what I concidered a dream of mine, becoming a green beret. The course was going great for me, as great as it could asside from me feet being destroyed and every joint and muscle hurting. On the 14th day of 15, the last team event a log was dropped on me and I tore my acl.

I was med dropped and given return when cleared by a physical therapist. I have since been cleared by a PT and contniued training myself back up. The issue that I'm facing about going back, is myself. I had dedicated so much time and preparation in getting ready the first time around and not making it devastated me, expecially only being one day away from the finish of selection. Special Forces has been my dream since joining the army and I fear something happening and I not making it again would mean the end of my military caeer.

I have competed in many competitions and attended other military schools, never having failed or placing poorly. I know I'm capable, I just can't mentally get past what happened the first time... I count that as a failure and that was one of the toughest days of my life when they told me I was being dropped.

I finally got myself assigned to 1st SFG(A), thinking that working with and for the green berets here would help push me past that fear of failure. The move has been good and I've met some great people and have had the opportunity to work directly with the group commander and csm. It has made me want it more, but reolizing that I'm not invinsable has deeply rooted that fear of failure in me.

Has anyone in here had to go through SFAS a second time or third time even in order to get selected? If so, did you ever start doubting yourself and how did you get get past it?

Originally Posted by JustaSupportGuy

I attended SFAS in June of 08. I had prepared for well over a year to get myself ready for what I concidered a dream of mine, becoming a green beret. The course was going great for me, as great as it could asside from me feet being destroyed and every joint and muscle hurting. On the 14th day of 15, the last team event a log was dropped on me and I tore my acl.

I was med dropped and given return when cleared by a physical therapist. I have since been cleared by a PT and contniued training myself back up. The issue that I'm facing about going back, is myself. I had dedicated so much time and preparation in getting ready the first time around and not making it devastated me, expecially only being one day away from the finish of selection. Special Forces has been my dream since joining the army and I fear something happening and I not making it again would mean the end of my military caeer.

I have competed in many competitions and attended other military schools, never having failed or placing poorly. I know I'm capable, I just can't mentally get past what happened the first time... I count that as a failure and that was one of the toughest days of my life when they told me I was being dropped.

I finally got myself assigned to 1st SFG(A), thinking that working with and for the green berets here would help push me past that fear of failure. The move has been good and I've met some great people and have had the opportunity to work directly with the group commander and csm. It has made me want it more, but reolizing that I'm not invinsable has deeply rooted that fear of failure in me.

Has anyone in here had to go through SFAS a second time or third time even in order to get selected? If so, did you ever start doubting yourself and how did you get get past it?

Hey, man, just wanted to take a minute and reply to you, even though I was never SF. I was a SAR swimmer in the Navy, and that is one of the Navy DOR courses (out of 4, I believe). It is a very short couse by comparison, but nonetheless one in which instructors really try to get an individual to DOR, or for the sake of time (as it is a short course), will drop you in a heartbeat if needed, and I've seen that happen for even the minutest of infractions.

It sounds like you are doing great, and you are placing yourself in the position to have those around you that can guide you.

On a different note, none of us is invincible, and I know that myself as a SAR swimmer was definately expendable. Made no difference to me.

I would say count your blessings, be greatful you are being given another chance, take it day by day (as you already said you were one day away...fifteen more to go), don't worry about what happened before. It is history, and you have a whole new set of challenges infront of you.

Other than that, it seems you will do just fine, and maybe sometime in the future I will be reffering to you as QP JustaSupportGuy...wait a minute, that didn't sound quite right. You'll probably have to pick a different name at that point.

Keep me posted in anycase, good luck, and welcome to PS.com from Sarski.

[blue02hd]

It's very simple. You either want it or you don't. If you really wanted it there would be no doubt in your mind. I think you have already chosen.

Stay in your Lane Sarski. I for one disagree with your post.

SFAS is a solo event. No guides allowed there, No one should guide him here.
If a QP chooses to encourage him that's one thing, but guests need to reserve comments concerning courses, standards, and requirements that they are not familiar with to themselves.

[uplink5]

Originally Posted by JustaSupportGuy

did you ever start doubting yourself and how did you get get past it?

You doubt yourself? Are you in doubt, or distrustful of your commitment? Or are you just worried about being selected like any other student? Anyone can get hurt, why should you doubt yourself because a log tore your ACL, unless we’re talking about commitment now.

You're not unique. Many have overcome obstacles and maybe they had some doubt. If you really want it though, you'll turn it around and make it part of your motivation.

[Ambush Master]

Hell, I got Recycled through Light Weapons because I came down with Measles and spent several days quarantined in Womac and missed the FTX!!

It worked out great!! I knew what was expected and all of the Instructors already knew me!! I didn't slack or try to slide, but I was much more comfortable!!

If you want it...............GO FOR IT!!!

When you get lined up to make another run, let me know and I'll fix your title in here!!

Take care.
Martin

[18C4V]

I got a guy on my team who went to SFAS 3 times. First time, he was a 24 day non select, second time he was a med drop, and he made it the third time. He did go through the SFQC straight though without being recycled.

You just have to commit and do it regardless of how many times it takes.

[JustaSupportGuy]

SARSKI - Thank you for the response. Although I applaud your achievement as a SAR personnel, I have to agree with BLUE on this one. It is more of a QP area of expertises to comment on my possibly ill advised thread. But none the less thanks you.

BLUE- I respect your opinion on the subject, at the same time I was only inquiring if anyone had a similar situation as mine. I know not all QPs made it "first time go" an was just hoping for some input from someone that might have had some of the same reservations. You are in the position that I would love to be, it may just be a different personal path that takes me to get there.

UPLINK- Commitment is not my issue by far. Being SF encompasses what I want to be. I enjoy unique challenges and love to help teach people. Thus the reason I have not gone to OCS, I want to be with the guys and be able to teach and mentor others. Becoming an officer, especially in Regular Army takes you away from that. I believe that fear of failure is my biggest problem, even though I was injured in a unpredictable incident, I question myself constantly. Could I have done more in prep for this to strengthen my legs so that the torc on my knee would not have been enough to injure it, should I have not directed my team to pass up the other team that was struggling and end up dropping their log? That was the first real taste of not accomplishing what I set out to do, and I guess I just took it to heart.

I guess in the end I just need to stop being a bitch and man up. Take another shot at it and deal with what comes of it. I think I will regret it more if I don't go back, then if I go back and for some crazy reason I don't make it again. Baring any crazy unforeseen events knocking me out, I don't think I will have a problem making it to the end.

Like I said before, I respect all QPs opinions because you guys made it to a level that not every man can and where I hope to someday be. I wrote this post expecting it to be torn apart to some degree, but hoping that I could walk away with a little more insight at the same time. Thanks all.

[uplink5]

Originally Posted by JustaSupportGuy

I guess in the end I just need to stop being a bitch and man up. Take another shot at it and deal with what comes of it. I think I will regret it more if I don't go back, then if I go back and for some crazy reason I don't make it again. Baring any crazy unforeseen events knocking me out, I don't think I will have a problem making it to the end.

Sounds like you actually knew the answer all along. There really isn't a whole lot anyone can say, that you don't already know about yourself.....

Good luck....

[mark46th]

Do or do not. There is no try.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by JustaSupportGuy

. . . but reolizing that I'm not invinsable has deeply rooted that fear of failure in me.

Invincibility is over-rated. Spelling, on the other hand, is a life skill.
Listen to Yoda.

[JustaSupportGuy]

Damn my English teacher went undercover, ha. Overrated: Sure is. Misspelled: FML spell check failed me again. Good call though.

Thank you all for your input and editing

[Razor]

Originally Posted by JustaSupportGuy

SARSKI - Thank you for the response. Although I applaud your achievement as a SAR personnel, I have to agree with BLUE on this one. It is more of a QP area of expertises to comment on my possibly ill advised thread. But none the less thanks you.

BLUE- I respect your opinion on the subject, at the same time I was only inquiring if anyone had a similar situation as mine. I know not all QPs made it "first time go" an was just hoping for some input from someone that might have had some of the same reservations. You are in the position that I would love to be, it may just be a different personal path that takes me to get there.

UPLINK- Commitment is not my issue by far. Being SF encompasses what I want to be. I enjoy unique challenges and love to help teach people. Thus the reason I have not gone to OCS, I want to be with the guys and be able to teach and mentor others. Becoming an officer, especially in Regular Army takes you away from that. I believe that fear of failure is my biggest problem, even though I was injured in a unpredictable incident, I question myself constantly. Could I have done more in prep for this to strengthen my legs so that the torc on my knee would not have been enough to injure it, should I have not directed my team to pass up the other team that was struggling and end up dropping their log? That was the first real taste of not accomplishing what I set out to do, and I guess I just took it to heart.

I guess in the end I just need to stop being a bitch and man up. Take another shot at it and deal with what comes of it. I think I will regret it more if I don't go back, then if I go back and for some crazy reason I don't make it again. Baring any crazy unforeseen events knocking me out, I don't think I will have a problem making it to the end.

Like I said before, I respect all QPs opinions because you guys made it to a level that not every man can and where I hope to someday be. I wrote this post expecting it to be torn apart to some degree, but hoping that I could walk away with a little more insight at the same time. Thanks all.

Like uplink said, deep down you know what the problem is, and how to fix it, as noted by the orange text above. You also know there's no cheerleading squad out at CMK, and sometimes life is "unfair". Don't look for understanding or compassion, look to men like John Walding, Greg Stube, Aaron Anderson and many, many more. You know what you want, so set your resolve and toss the dice.

[Dusty]

Quit snivelling.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by Dusty

Quit snivelling.

I think he did that in post 7.

[Team Sergeant]

Originally Posted by JustaSupportGuy

I attended SFAS in June of 08. I had prepared for well over a year to get myself ready for what I concidered a dream of mine, becoming a green beret. The course was going great for me, as great as it could asside from me feet being destroyed and every joint and muscle hurting. On the 14th day of 15, the last team event a log was dropped on me and I tore my acl.

I was med dropped and given return when cleared by a physical therapist. I have since been cleared by a PT and contniued training myself back up. The issue that I'm facing about going back, is myself. I had dedicated so much time and preparation in getting ready the first time around and not making it devastated me, expecially only being one day away from the finish of selection. Special Forces has been my dream since joining the army and I fear something happening and I not making it again would mean the end of my military caeer.

I have competed in many competitions and attended other military schools, never having failed or placing poorly. I know I'm capable, I just can't mentally get past what happened the first time... I count that as a failure and that was one of the toughest days of my life when they told me I was being dropped.

I finally got myself assigned to 1st SFG(A), thinking that working with and for the green berets here would help push me past that fear of failure. The move has been good and I've met some great people and have had the opportunity to work directly with the group commander and csm. It has made me want it more, but reolizing that I'm not invinsable has deeply rooted that fear of failure in me.

Has anyone in here had to go through SFAS a second time or third time even in order to get selected? If so, did you ever start doubting yourself and how did you get get past it?

That's a real nice story, wow, I've NEVER heard of anyone getting hurt in Special Forces training!

Mental Failure = QUITTING or are you trying to rename quitting to a more kinder gentler socially sensitive and acceptable term?

I don't have any leftover "life-savers" nor do I have a pat on the back for you. As another Special Forces Soldier has already mentioned it's time to quit sniveling.

You were a med-drop, that is not failure, you quitting is failure and we don't need you if that's the case.

Please feel free to tell your story of mental failure to all the little girls that will listen, never know it might get you laid.

Shut up and do it, otherwise quit and just shut up, we've heard all of the stories.

Team Sergeant