Introduction
 

Hello, my name is Alex and I'm currently a sophomore in college. Truth be told I've always aligned myself with joining the Navy and tackling BUD/S after college but the SF motto De oppresso liber has always struck me as something that I personally believe in. The one thing I love doing the most is to help people in need and is the reason why I've been looking deeper into Special Forces to further educate myself and decide what path I should take. I am very thankful and appreciative that I've been given the chance to learn from the years of experience that the Quiet Professionals have collected.

Also I'm pretty sure that my grade school history teacher was former SF and exposed me to experiences in Special Forces early on. Does Realini ring a bell?


Thank you gentlemen for reading my post.

Hello from Idaho
 

My name is Collin Williams and I am from Coeurdalene, Idaho. I am 18 years old and I am interested in enlisting for Army SF, AF PJ's, or Navy SEALs. I want to thank all members of the Armed Forces for serving.

I am amused that you state you'd like to try out for two combat units and one non-combat unit. You might want to do a lot more reading before you make your choice. TS

Hello, I am a 27 year old former Marine, currently serving as a SGT in the USAR. I am interested in Special Forces, and have found this forum a valuable asset while doing my research. I'm still new to the Army (I'll have one year in November), but have enjoyed it so far, though I think I would like being on active duty more. I like being an NCO, and I like training my troops. I don't think I'll have to ask many questions, as most of them have already been answered for me. I look forward to learning more about Special Forces and the Army in general.

Introduction
 

Hello,

I came into the Army in 1984, did some time in conventional units then went through SFAS in 1989 and the Q Course in 1990. I was assigned to 1SFG(A) and spent 7 years in 3rd Bn, went back to Bragg for a stint with 96th Civil Affairs and returned to Group (2nd Bn and GP HQ). I retired in 2005. I enjoyed it and miss it.

Intro
 

Hello all,

I'm a prior Navy O4, and now run an iron mine in the Mesabi range. I spent various amounts of time with y'all from '03-'08 in Iraq in various capacities. Currently waiting for 19th or 20th group to decide if they'd enjoy sending a prior O4 come E4 through selection.

That being said anyone who has ever resigned a commission to attend SFAS, I'd like to chat with you.

Oh, and Go Navy :eek:

INTRODUCTION
 

I enjoyed my time in group. The best times of my career and my life. Greatest people on the earth. I would do it all again.

Introduction
 

Currently an E5 13F F.O. with a National Guard Cavalry reconnaissance unit in Indiana but started as a 19D within the same unit. I joined to be SF, all I want is SF. I've looked heavily into the 19th and 20th Groups however, God willing, I pass selection and the Q-course, I want to eat, sleep and live SF daily. That said, being on long term active duty ADOS for the Guard, once an AGR replacement is found for my position I will be turning in my 368 packet to step up and go 18X.

Hello.

I have been lurking on these forums for a few years and am grateful for all I've already learned. I was fortunate enough to meet two SF E-9s while in college and their professionalism sparked my interest into SF.

Former 11B, and current 15A hoping for a chance to transition to 18A if possible in the future.

Tadpole2sf's Introduction
 

My name is Matt. I'm 29 years old and currently in DEP with an 18x contract. I earned by B.A. in Biology in 2006 and am currently working as a full time IT Server Administrator until I ship.

This site has been absolutely invaluable in helping me decide that being a Quiet Professional is what I want to do with my life and to prepare for the journey I have ahead of me.

I'm looking forward to the honor of seeing some of you at SFAS. Until then, I'll be PTing, preparing for the worst, hoping for the best, and focusing on my next 25m target.

Greetings All,

I’m an ex-Air Force chick that’s been out for some time, but have done a bit of globetrotting since then, including doing business in Asia and the Middle East. It’s why I was drawn to your “Area Studies” sub-forum. I like how well it’s organized.

I tend to have a lot of interests but am particularly looking forward to swapping recipes with folks. :D

Intro
 

I'm 29 years old, married with 3 daughters. Enjoy spending time with my family, riding my bike or shooting guns. This site has helped me make an informed decision on my military career. Thanks to all those who participate on this site. I hope to join your ranks someday.

Hello,

Im an 18D with the guard. Prior 11B in the 82nd. Been using the site for a while now. Always seems to have the answers you cant find anywhere else. Thanks

Hello
 

Special Forces have a special place in my life due to two friends from my youth.

Captain Billy R. Burns with the 5th Group who passed away recently and MSgt Roy Benavidez had a profound effect on my life as a young man that has stayed with me for all of these years. I so admired these men for their matter of factness and honesty and their devotion to what is right and to their country and for putting up with a boy's endless questions. I am a better man for having known them.

Along the way I've known other Green Berets. Jack Reed who lives in my home town of El Campo, TX and Bob Van Hoesen who was with the 7th Group and is from Wharton, TX 13 miles from me. Jack served in Vietnam in the 5th Group and Bob, well Bob just tells me that officially he was never in Vietnam.

If anyone here reads this and know or knew any of these great men I'd sure like to visit with you in PM's or on the phone. I am especially interested in where Billy Burns was in Vietnam and what he did. I know that he was wounded and that after his military career he became a Pediatrician but we lost touch with each other for for about 20 years. After reconnecting he didn't really want to talk much about Vietnam and he passed away not too many years later.

Thank each of you for your service and know that I and so many others appreciate your sacrifice and you.

I have attached a copy of Bill's obituary for those interested.

Intro
 

My name is Chad, 8yrs active duty and currently working in IT. I have always had a desire in becoming a SF operator and enjoy challenging myself. I look forward to reading through the forums and absorbing the information provided on this site. I am currently pursuing a Homeland Security degree (1yr remaining) and preparing physically for SFAS. I would like to drop a packet sometime in the fall of 2013, after degree completion.

Intro obviously.
 

My name is Frank (I'll pm last name per request from QP). Born in 1991, interested in being a Green Beret or something high speed with purpose. Been here reading posts for 6+ months. I'm beginning my recruitment process so I figured I'd make an account. Thank you for the website and it's plethora of information.

Hello All! The name is Thomas. The wife gave me the thumbs up to go to selection so now I start training...hard. I found sucess in surrounding myself with and learning from competent, hard working people, and SF seems to be filled with that type. I want to earn my membership and be part of the club. Hopefully I am the type SF is looking for.

--Thomas

Hello.
 

I am currently going through the recruiting process with the Army, hoping for a Ranger contract. My current job is in a motor manufacturing plant.

intro
 

Hello all,

My name is TC. I have been chumming around this site for a few years eating up info and researching. I am enlisted as an 18X and shipping out next year. currently live in Clarksville, TN, played football at APSU and graduated with a BBA in Marketing. Anything else y'all want to know feel free to PM me.

Introduction
 

Greetings QP's and fellow guests,

I have finally registered for an account here after a couple months of just browsing and reading. The site has been very imformative and I would like to thank you guys for allowing us to share this forum with you.

I have recently signed my 18x contract (ship date in 6 months :mad:) and am anxious to begin my journey to become a part of the most important fighting force in our nation's current and future conflicts. I have been doing a lot to prepare for this training pipeline, physically and mentally. My father is a Green Beret and has served in various groups. He is very supportive and a huge help in my preperation.

Anyway, I appologize for the long post. Thanks for having me on this site. I hope to continue learning and to make a contirubtion as a member!

Intro
 

Hi, I'm an EX charlie that was invited to this site from a friend of mine in group. I've been out for around 2 years now, I had an ill family member I had to tend to. Getting out was easy but being a SF guy and living out here, that's the challenge. This is a great site and I'll look forward to talking to you guys.

Quick Intro
 

Hello QPs and Members :)

I am currently a 91B in the ARNG and have recently decided to fallow my heart and pursue a career in SF. I have always had an interest in Special Forces but chose not to pursue it when I originally signed up because of my family. It has been a choice that has bugged me since I joined.
Aftet MANY discussions with my wife she has agreed that I should pursue the SF career path. So I joined this site for the vast knowledge here and hopefully one day I can contribute to this site with my own experiences.

Thank you for allowing me to join

RED

Intro
 

Hello all. I'm a medic from 1/10. I've been their a few years now. I was invited here from a friend in Group. See you.

Short intro
 

Saludos, QPs and members. My name is EPC and I'm a small business owner. I'm mainly here to read and learn, so I won't be posting much.

I'd also like to thank the QPs for running such a great site and for all of their input. I've been reading through all the different threads here for the past several months and I'm amazed at the amount of information available on not only SF, but various other subjects as well.

Hello,

My name is Grim and I'm currently a college Freshman who plans on getting his degree and enlisting via 18X or infantry. My father spends a lot of time working with Fort Bragg/Fayetteville area soldiers (Veterans Affairs), and if you have any questions regarding the VA, I'd be more then glad to answer them.

Thank you all for your service and sacrifice.

Hello,

My name is Ian. I am 28 years old and a resident of rural New Jersey. I am currently finishing my senior year of a BS in applied physics. I am looking for a career that will allow me to use my education creatively to solve problems with actual real world implications, as opposed to the primarily theoretical work most physics majors end up doing. I would also like to look back in my old age and have a few good stories and an honest belief that I made a difference. A retired army friend suggested I look into OCS, enlisting as a 21B and also Sapper school. When researching those options I discovered the existence of the x-ray program and the 18C MOS, further investigation of which brought me to this site. I’ve been lurking for a few months now, but finally decided to sign up so that I might take advantage the search feature.

When I first came to this site I had questions about equipment, training, possible barriers to entry in my personal history etc. If all I got from this site were the definitive answers from QP’s to those questions, it would be a great resource (and in addition to general thanks to QPs I would like to thank TR specifically for all of the stickies, those have been a gold mine). I’ve learned that kit is just kit and most of that other info is available elsewhere on the net. The biggest service this site has done for me and one that is exclusive to it, has been to allow me as a civilian guest to read your stories and conversations among one another. That has been the best “G2” I’ve gotten, by far. Thank you all.

I have made up my mind that I would be willing to forgo a higher salary and risk my life, comfort and well being so that I may serve a cause I believe in, one greater than myself. However, I had selfishly neglected to consider the sacrifices that would be required of my immediate and extended family under even the most ideal of circumstances. One QP on this board wrote “My kids are growing up without Daddy, largely, and that kills me.” Wow, and I was worried about boots. That got me asking smarter questions, quick. I don’t want to name the author here, given that it’s a very personal quote and not presented in context. But if you see this sir, I want you to know that reading of your specific sacrifice made an impact on me and I am grateful. I have also read the stories of ODAs 525 and 3336 as well as Col. Robert Howard among others.

The work QP’s do (and conventional military, to those who may read this) not only grants me freedom and safety, but men like Col. Howard provide an example of personal excellence while doing it. That inspiration is not unique to military service. When I read these stories I want to be a better stock clerk, student, brother, a better person. They make me want to be someone whose freedom is worth leaving your wife and children to go defend. That is something that I can and will take with me even if I never set foot in a recruiter’s office. And if I do, my goal will be similar excellence, be it in a beret or otherwise.

God bless, Ian


P.S. I just proof read it and it's a little verbose for an intro, maybe even self important. That won't be a trend.

Introduction
 

Hello,

I am a current 18x awaiting my ship date to OSUT in the coming months. I have been reading and researching on the site as I continue to train and prepare and have learned a lot from the QPs. Thanks for all you have done and I look forward to following in your footsteps.

Intro
 

18C, Active 1-1 SFG(A). Great site especially the 18C section posts on what to pack out on a trip. Out

Greetings QP's and other military and non-military members of ProfessionalSoldiers.com!

I am not a new member, but I have been away for quite some time; so I figured I would re-introduce myself.

My name is Joe, I am a recent college grad out of Central MA. I have wanted to be a Green Beret for several years now and I am currently working my hardest towards getting in the appropriate shape for such a demanding training pipeline. I I am glad to be back and can't wait to continue learning all that I can!

To those QP's and military members...a very sincere thank you for your dedicated service to this country!

Good morning to all.

A former Marine, current Army reservist in the field of Psychological Operations. I'm also a Fire Fighter/EMT. I came here hoping to glean off of the wealth of knowledge that resides in the minds of such exceptional Warriors. I'm currently waiting for my unit to process my DD368 so that I can move onto Active Army and try my hand at Selection.

Greetings,
I've been a member here for a couple of years, and thought it was time to post an introduction. I served in the IDF Armored Corps during our war with Lebanon in the '80's, first as a gunner in a Merk II, then as a Tank Commander in same. I continue to serve in Reserves.
I appreciate the opportunity to be here, and thank you all for your service.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for having me. I've been visiting the site for close to a year now, reading and absorbing as much as possible. The information I've had access to here has been invaluable.

I've recently enlisted in the MA ARNG (18x) and I'm eager to begin my career in the United States Army.

Once again, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from the various members here and hope to join the ranks of the QP in the not so distant future.

Greetings from Rachane
 

Respectful Greetings! I am a LTC, USA-Ret who has spent most of my career in the somewhat obscure position of "Politico-Military Affairs Officer" (PSSI 48G). Thus I spent time as a FAO with NATO, an attaché, and with agencies such as USIA (now part of DOS), DOS, CIA, DIA. Pretty much chewed up & spit out by Bragg: SF, CA, PSYOP, & FAO. Did a year in Vietnam 1969-70, all over IIICTZ & elsewhere, wondering why the buttons on the front of my jungle fatigues kept me so far off the ground when things got noisy. Looking for a change of pace from all this Spook stuff, went through Space Intelligence training with the USAF in 1990 and spent my last 4 years as one of the Army's first space officers at HQ USSPACECOM, Peterson AFB & Cheyenne Mountain - which would have been a peaceful place to work except for the occasional ruckus from the Stargate downstairs. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...targate007.gif

I admire everything I've seen on "Professional Soldiers", and appreciate the opportunity to both learn and contribute. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-greet025.gif

Welcome aboard Sir...haaa...Stargate..awsome. Love that show.

Hello,

Currently serving in the Washington Guard (AGR) and plan to talk to the guys at 19th SFG in Buckley to attend selection. Been reading the threads for 3-4 months to prepare and decided to become a member.

Thanks to those who have served and those who continue! The resources you provide on this site are much appreciated.

Thanks

Intro
 

Joe, age 17. Training to oneday become an Airborne Ranger, SF Green Beret, 1st SFOD-D Operator. I've always wanted this life, I have nothing else. I believe it's my Destiny. It's who I am.

If it's worth Fighting4, it's worth Die'in4

Quick hello
 

Hello everyone, my name is Will and I registered on professionalsoldiers.com after looking for more information on Special Forces. I've read a few books on American Special Forces among other nations' and as an infantryman I've always found myself incredibly inspired to read the accounts of Special Forces soldiers in combat. This inspiration along with a few friends who are in the pipeline now or in other professional military units has lead me to believe it is in my future to become a Special Forces qualified soldier and that is what a lot of my time and energy is going towards now.

V/R
Will

Welcome all!



Pretty bold talk.

Might want to chew that one bite at the time and take a big swig of humility along the way.

TR

Hello all. I have been in the National Guard for eight years. I have served on a SOT-A team with 19th group, worked in the J-2 of SOD-E and SOCEUR, and worked with JSOC on numerous occasions. I am getting ready to attend SFAS very soon. I have been training for this for years now. In my free time I go hiking on the Appalachian trail, base jumping off some bridges and various cliffs in the area as well as climb them. From time to time I go scuba diving in the Chesapeake bay and Atlantic ocean off the ocean city shore line. A lot of my "idle" time at night is spent reading historical documents as well as reviewing previous battles, the tactics used and the lessons learned by commanders from both sides.

Intro
 

Hello folks,

let me start by thanking all who served and those that serve today. I too, am currently serving active in the Marine Corps. My MOS is 1371 which is a Combat Engineer. I have only made one deployment overseas to Afghanistan, due to fracture before hitting the fleet.

I am coming to the end of my four year term with the Corps and have held an interest in the Army and what they do. I'm not to much of a book reader but have recently started the book 'Chosen Soldier' by Dick Couch. I may soon be an aspiring SF candidate, if all short term plans pan out smoothly.

My name is Steven. I am 21 years of age. I am married with kids and have held numerous open discussions with the wife about the possible future careers, SF being one of them. I will soon start my training once my training cycles come to an end here with my current unit. I will be training for approximately 10 months, while evaluating my self several times throughout the months to see where i stand and what needs work.

I will be using the search button before posting, and have already find many threads that answered many of my previous questions that were in mind.

Thank you all for reading and contributing to ex, current and aspiring SF soldiers and other military members. Have a good night.