Just a few thoughts from a FOG:

It's called Selection, not entitlement. Others have a say, make the impressions the right ones.

If you are not 100% sure you want to be at Selection (or the Q) you probably shouldn't be there and have taken a slot from somebody who really does want to be there.

Be honest with yourself and others, if you screw up, admit it - If others screw up, let them know and if you can guide them to unscrew themselves, do it.

When you are doing individual stuff, excel. when you are doing Team stuff, help everybody excel - one person giving 110% for himself when other members of the Team are only giving 50% is still a Team Failure.

In order to lead, learn how to follow and do not be afraid or unwilling to do whatever is asked, or you will have to ask of others.

Next step:

It's called the Qualification Course, in order to pass you need to be qualified, which is not easy, as the baseline is excellence.

Take all of the advice above to the next level.

SFAS Advice
 

Along with all the other outstatnding information on this thread(and for that matter on this site); be prepared to ruck long distances with VERY WET boots. Those of you who think you will be able to stop during an event and change your socks will be hurting during team week and during the STAR Exam(s) when it is impossible to keep your feet dry. Just my .02 Cents.

I can't remember being in the sticks with dry boots, socks, pants, shirt, etc. It's just the way it is. It's either raining, you're crossing swamps (rhymes with damp), or you're just plain sweating through everything. No big deal. Embrace the moisture! Welcome to SF - if it sucks, you're doing it right. :D

5th Group
 

Thats why I liked 5th Group. When your cloths got really salt stained and your hands really, really dirty you just rubbed them together until the dirt balled up into little rolly balls and then wipe them on your pants. Ve-oooolaaaa your hands are clean enough to dig into that MRE - while you dreamed of orders to 7th Group where they got per diem, lived in hotels and ---- and ---- damn, never did get them orders.

Hey, it's mind over mater. If you don't mind - it don't mater. Think of the bright side - they may beat you and they may kill you but at least they wouldn't eat you - cannibalism is against the law.

Guys, lets have the trip down memory lane elsewhere and stay on topic here, SFAS advice.

Appreciate it.

TR

SFAS advice.
 

Class 09-10, June 2010.

First piece of advice, don't get too caught up in all the high-speed gear. Oakley boots, however comfortable as they may be, are very expensive. The drainage holes on them suck, and I trekked for long hours during team weak in water logged boots. Issued boots WILL work just fine. Hundreds of candidates each year complete SFAS with them, modified or not. Don't assume you're going to be allotted all the time in the world to change socks. The clock is always ticking.

Two most important items for me: Seal Line medium sized map case, and as stated before, canteen straws.

Something that is often over-looked: ORS packets/MREs are your lifelines. Our class completed SFAS through one of the hottest months of the year. For those of you who are about to attend in the upcoming months, you should still take heed, because your body burns just as many calories, if not more, during the chill of winter. Not only are you completing the same amount of work, but your body is burning precious calories while you shiver non-stop. Add a soaking uniform and your body's metabolism is in for a wild ride.

Oral re-hydration salts are absolutely essential as they assist in water retention as well as metabolism, or your internal temperature regulating mechanisms. You will be sweating non-stop, and once your sweat starts to taste like plain water, you know you're pushing it. I saw MANY guys go down as heat casualties as a direct result of their complacency, and this happened every day up until the very last few days. And it has nothing to do with how much of a PT stud you are, because the heat doesn't discriminate. Just choke the ORS down, you won't regret it. Eat EVERYTHING in your MRE. They are loaded with sodium and calories and you will probably be in caloric deficit for most of the time anyway. And this especially applies to those of you who are prior hot/cold weather casualties.

If you are prone to hypoglycemia, or have ever passed out due to low blood sugar, I strongly recommend that you save some of the sweets from your MREs for the really long days and movements, you'll know what I mean when you get there. I know of one candidate specifically who completed SOPC with flying colors that went hypoglycemic and passed out during the last few days of SFAS and was med-dropped. If you feel light-headed, drink water, eat a few toffee cubes. Dump some water on the back of your neck. It also helps to put an ORS packet in one of your 2 QT canteens.

I will close with this: a few weeks ago, I was driving back to the barracks at about 6PM, and I saw a few privates from the 82nd picking grass from the edges of the road by HAND, sweating their asses off with their berets on and everything. I can say that it was all I needed to get my ass moving to the next hit time in the right uniform, ready to train, or stand in formation for hours on end, if need be. Before we go on criticizing anything, or anyone, just remember that it could be WAY worse for us. Cadre don't ask for much. Act like a man. We came to work with/as professionals, we should perform accordingly. Embrace the suck, learn to work through it and remember that we have no entitlement to anything. We don't know where the Cadre came from, what they've done, or why they are here, and frankly it is none of our concern. They have been entrusted with bringing us into the Q course, so I leave it alone.

I have spent several months in hold in between phases, and I am now about to enter language school and I will tell you candidates, hold is what you make of it. Even before SFAS. Are you going to take the initiative to PT your ass off while you wait for the next phase, or will you wait for someone to take you by the hand?

Good luck guys.

Some good advice that I can echo to those who are going to selection would be; 1. Wear broken in boots and have at least two pairs. I saw too many people with one broken in pair and when their primary pair was wet or torn up, their feet became hamburger meat from the unbroken in boots. 2. Bring extra socks, army issue. The army issues those socks for a reason, so wear them. 3. I know it has been said but ill stress it further, buy canteen straws for your two qts. They are such a convenience. 4. Do what you are suppose to all the time, because even when you think someone isn't looking...there is. 5. Be courteous of others, but don't coddle the weak links. 6. This is my best advice and what helped me stay injury free through selection, stretch every morning and night and massage those tired worn out muscles. Yes, it will hurt but you will be doing your body a favor. Class 01-11

I'm not going to beat a dead horse here and talk about taking care of your feet, preparing physically, canteen straws, etc. A lot of good advice has already been given. The one thing I want to add is to have a sense of humor while at SFAS. I had a lot of fun at Selection. It seemed like the more it sucked the more I laughed and joked around with my peers. I remember trying to crack jokes and lighten the mood while carrying very heavy objects extremely long distances during team week. Just try to enjoy the fact that you are doing things that the average person cannot.

Excellent point.

4 Rules I lived by at Selection
1. Don't Quit
2. Take care of your feet
3. When in doubt A-Frame it out!
4. Move faster, you will get lost.

medical advisory
 

Disclaimer: I requested Reaper's permission to post this here. Mods please remove if irrelevant/improper.

I am currently assigned at the receiving end of the "cast" part in "cast or tab."
If you are injured enough to be admitted to the hospital or med-dropped, most likely I'll work with you toward healing.

1. Please watch for ground hazards even when back at the barracks. Got a guy who ran into an object protruding from the ground on the way back from latrine at night. He reached down and could feel bone and tendon at his knee.

2. Obviously scratches/scrapes will result from busting draw etc. However, if you get deep cut, even without severe bleeding, please take good care to clean the wounds and keep it clean. Knowing some basics of preventing injuries from getting worse pays off big time (Not sure if candidates are carrying first aid kit or if TMC allowed to give prophylactic antibiotics) There are nasty bugs out there. Being sleep deprived, not having optimal nutrition, and stress hormornes pumping out, the immune system is not at level it used to or needs to be. Got someone who cut his elbow, then developed abcess, and his WBC and ESR were so high he had to be admitted.

3. Heat casualty does happen in cold weather too. Recognize when too much layering hinders heat release, which differ for each individual dependin on activity type. Also hydration and ORS as mentioned countless time before.


I got nothing as far as how far to push one self. Got a guy who gut it out all the way through with chest pain. Afterwards, in the ED he presented with tension pneumothorax! Whenever I resent this cold, muggy, drizzly, chilling weather, I just have to remember those out in MacKall right now and all is well and fuzzy warm over here. You guys are impressive. Hats off to you all. I'm sure I will come across more tales of indomitable spirit.

There isn't really much I could say that hasn't already been said but I will add my .02 cents.

First I will say that frostfire makes some great points. The hair on the back of your neck stands up when you hear a grown man scream the way that guy did. It was right behind my tent, just after lights out when that incident occured. Follow the rules but use common sense and be careful when you're moving at night. Candidates aren't carrying first aid but it's good to take care of a your cuts and scratches because you will get them. As for the heat casualties in the cold thing, besides layering, if you take supplements stay away from them for a month before selection and don't be that guy that tries to sneak stuff in. It's not worth it and if you're that guy that falls out on a run when it's 40 degrees it's going be pretty obvious.

G2:

I've learned more now than ever that there is no magic trick to being successful at SFAS. It really doesn't matter if you know exactly what is going to happen down to the minute if you're not prepared to be there. If you have friends that have gone before you don't let them G2 everything for you. As well, when you get there you will meet guys that "know" exactly what is going to happen day to day. It's hard not to hear them talk, but I say try not to listen to them and take each day and event one at a time because things will change and there is no use in trying to plan it all out if you can't focus and complete the task at hand.

Equipment:

Canteen straws are awesome...unless of course it's so cold that the water in your canteens and straws freeze up while you're moving. So learn to drink from your one quarts while you're on the move.

In my opinion boots are a personal thing. Find something that works well for you before you go and put plenty of miles on them to be sure. Also, get drainholes.

Training:

There is plenty of advice on that here. All I can say is train hard before you go, be confident in yourself when you get there and do your best on every event.

Lastly, the point has been made several times, but I will say it again. No matter how bad things are sucking Keep a good attitude and never quit.

Hope all of this is helpful.

Of course, Thank You to all of the QP's and others who contribute and keep this site running.

Keep it coming!
 

Love the advice, currently compiling notes from this and other threads as well as the Warrior Mentor book, Chosen Soldier, and others. Just a few questions that I have been researching and trying to get answers for. First a bit of quick info, I am an 18X, ship out to OSUT in a few months, so I anticipate going through SOPC and SFAS in the winter months.

First, boots. I know, its been hashed over a million times, and I understand conventional wisdom here is bring several pairs (I'm thinking three) and have them broken in a with drains prior to arriving. My question is, coming straight from BAC, what is the recommended wisdom on acquiring the non-issue items on the packing list and having broken in boots? Should I have several pair boots broken in and prepped prior to reporting to OSUT, ready to have shipped out? Same question with the insoles, multi-tool, canteen straws, etc. Or will I have time to source said items sometime between OSUT and SOPC?

Second, and hopefully not too silly a question, in my ruck training I have my MOLLE setup with both 1qt and 2qt and practice drinking from my 1qts on the move. As for the larger ones, they will come on the rucks at SFAS, correct?

Third, been looking into picking up and studying the Ranger Handbook and some of LTC Grossman's books, is this a wise investment of my time or would you think there are more advantageous ways of spending my time?

That's all for now, off for some more reading and lots of PT, thank you for your time and the collective wisdom here on this site,

LLR

Edit: loved the commercials Wet Dog, that shows some serious posture!

You're welcome, go do PT.

about boots and related things
 

For what it may be worth, I brought three pairs: 2 issue (winter Danners and BCT-issue Bellvilles) and Nikes. I never used the Danners because, even though they were the warmest, they were too heavy. The key for all events is light and fast.

Instead, I wish I had brought a pair of broken-in boots 1/2 to 1 full size larger than normal to accommodate swollen feet during team week. Perhaps another pair of Nikes would have done the trick. My feet were fine until the end of land nav, but as they swelled the toes began to rub and develop a lot of blisters, even without insoles in the boots.

Crocs are great for going to the latrine to shower but were not authorized for use during land nav because folks were using them to cross scuba road. I did not bring regular flip-flops and so missed a few chances to air out my feet during land nav. I would suggest bringing both crocs and flip-flops.




Hammock

This is the SFAS advice thread.

The Comedy Zone is elsewhere.

Please focus and stay on topic.

Thanks.

TR

My top 4 from the Feb 11 class.

1. Pack the entire rucksack packing list before every event. The added 3-6 pounds will be negligible as the days draw on. Don't get caught up in the ounce shaving cult, as it can get you in trouble.

2. Wear the 2 pairs of boots that you'll bring to SFAS everywhere. Wear them on your training rucks, and to work. You should know how your feet react inside your boots on miles 8-10, and when they are submerged in water. You can then figure out which insoles to use and if your drainage holes actually work.

3. Avoiding injury is sometimes more important than going fast. Learn to fall with your ruck on. Stretch and do your foot drill everyday. Small injuries can compound into bigger ones.

4. Enjoy the ride.

EDIT:

If your post has an SF Recruiting Center drop by and see if they conduct SFAS prep PT. The one at Ft Hood is 2 hours every morning with 1-2 Night Navigation exercises a month. It will be worth your while to try it out for a couple weeks. It's also a great place to find a mentor if you don't know any QPs.

Boot Advice.
 

Would recent Selection grads who used the SOPC Special recommend using them to train before attending SFAS?

SFAS notes from a selectee
 

Class 09-11 . . . selected!
During my SFAS prep, I read everything I could on this site. It is extremely helpful; therefore, you should spend some time perusing the info here. I am going to add my QUICK two cents.
2 quart straws: get two of them! Bring a spare if you want, but at least bring two.
Map case: Bring at least one! I brought a spare and provided it to a peer in need.
Boots: Issued boots are fine. (I wore mine every once and while.) But the Nike boots work great in this training environment! They are narrow and your feet WILL SWELL a lot, but if you wet the Nikes every time you put them on the material will stretch a bit. Yes. The nikes lack ankle support, but you are not traversing mountains and the like. You are spinning your wheels in SAND day in and day out, and you want something LITE on your feet. Working the Star and negotiating Team week, you will want something light on the end of your legs!!!
The packing list: make sure you bring everything; otherwise, you risk a report at the beginning of training. That means if you bring a pair of Nikes, you must still have two pair of issued boots.
Other footware: In another post, someone suggested Crocs. Crocs would have been nice, but they confiscated mine during the shake down because they didn't want you wearing them across SCUBA road.
Back to the Nikes quicly: They dry pretty darn fast, whcih means they snap back realitively quick after Scuba. Just tighten your laces and drive on. Basically, my feet were wet for three weeks. Arrive with tough feet and deal with whatever they throw at you. Just MAKE SURE you have a comfortable, sturdy pair of sandals to wear around when you are not in an event.
There it is: My two cents. I could ramble on for hours, but you will get what you need from reading the older posts.
My advice: Embrace the Suck and Drive on!
Good luck!
At your service,
Ron / "Jesse"

Secrets of Selection
 

Selected: Mar 1992

A lot of great advice out there. The advice I am about to give out is timeless.

Most everyone that goes out there is in good shape. Every class breaks down into 4 groups at first, then into 3. The fast (broken into two, the really fast and the fast), the medium, and the slow. So where do you want to be?

The slow? Of course not. That is just crazy talk.

The medium? Not there either. No one is really watching you......yet.

The fast? Yes, this is where you will perform like a stud at the same time eyes will be off of you.

The really fast? Only if your ego, can take it.

Eventually the slow gets washed out. That makes the medium group, the new slow group and the fast group the new medium group. Again, the medium group is not being looked at. The new slow group is being assessed hard because they are slow and the new fast group is being "poked" to look for flaws in their egos.

This doesn't mean you get to skate by in the medium group, everyone has to give blood at the office.


Keep your mouth shut. Speak when spoken to. Lead when it is time to lead. Follow when it is time to follow.


As I've said before, most everyone out there is in pretty good shape. Everyone puts miles on their feet. What is the difference? What are they looking for. They are looking for two things and only two things:

1. You are not a pussy!

2. Your mind will force your body to go farther then you body "thinks" it can.

That is the secret, that is what we all have in common. We carry that trait through our entire life.

You will get advice saying "buy this book or buy that book". Don't do it. Books aren't needed. Books don't carry that weight, you do.

sf

Don't over think selection. All you have to do is show up and do the best you can moment by moment. I have seen some crazy train up programs posted on here that are complete overkill and a recipe for injury and overtraining. Make sure you can do 6-10 pull-ups minimum, run a 13:30ish or faster 2 mile, and score a 270+ on a strictly graded PT test. That is all you really need in my opinion.

Make sure you can ruck somewhere around a 13:00 pace without running. I got my pace down to 12:30 on easy terrain and I never had any trouble on the rucks. The guys that could only make a good time by running had a hard time because running with a ruck is a good way to get hurt and get sore joints. Some of the guys that smoked me on the first timed ruck were begging me to slow down on the transition rucks by the end of it, and I was just walking a comfortable pace.

Selected 10-11
 

Don't make waves, ride em. Ignore the rumor mill/G2 cult, they really just compound uncertainty and fear. It's childish, and for such a dynamic and evolving course, ultimately futile.
Have fun with it and keep smiling. You should be able to convince the Cadre that earning the tab is your life's ambition. Beyond that, your forecast efforts should be focused on what you can trade for veggie burger and wheat snack bread. Bon appetit!

selected class 10-11
 

pt test, dont fail it so practice doing qaulity pushups
train in a manner where your body is used to performing day after day, perform each event as hard as you can AND STILL BE READY FOR ANOTHER EVENT, that does not mean sandbag, what it means is do not destroy yourself by pushing harder than your body can recover from.
train without spandex,( get used to body glide, and petroleum gelly).
if your not good at math and english do a refresher, just research sat prep on ako or buy a book as these subjects will be tested, dont lie on your evals, if your tired in classroom standup, information will not be repeated and if you miss it you just shot yourself in the foot especially land nav.
do your best on all land nav events Do not sandbag, if you need extra help with the concepts any cadre will help you. no matter what advantage can be gained off useing the roads stay off them if you cheat you will be caught there were alot of sad faces when we left hoffman because they thought they got away with stuff and they really did not. use your compass inside of draws so as not to veer off course, before busting the draw walk laterally to it and most the time you can find where someone already busted it.
drink your ors packets and eat when they tell you to.
team week is ....well team week. if i could train for team week again i would focus more on my lower back,legs, and do farmer carries every other day. if you get hurt your still expected to pull your weight, your team will not be forgiving. if you dont have the ability to carry heavy stuff on your back and heavy stuff in your hands you will not complete team week,other than that be yourself and do your best.

TABE
 

I'm heading to SFAS in June and I've had to climb mountains to get to this point. My questions is what is the standard for the TABE test and what are the results used for? I'm sure it used used to help place an individual in a specific MOS. I have just never been told.

To determine your educational level.

For example, have you read the board rules, filled in your profile, and introduced yourself yet?

TR

You are absolutely right. Thanks Reaper.

Take care of your feet!

Take care of your feet!

Take care of your feet!

Don't be late

Don't be last

Don't be light

Don't listen to the rumor mill as it will just cause you to worry about things you have no control over in the first place. Just do whatever task is asked of you and be happy about it (or not thats your choice).

When you find yourself hurting and sucking don't say a damn word about it because 9/10 times everyone else is as well and they sure as hell don't want to hear about your aches and pains.

Do listen to what the cadre tell you they will provide you with the tools to succeed.

Do more than the standard at all times and never self asses yourself out, you never know what the cadre are thinking.

Make sure that everything at home is squared away before you leave otherwise it WILL distract you from the course and that's a NOGO.

Have fun and enjoy yourself

Take care of your feet.

You sound pretty squared away. Keep at it and good luck!

I just completed and was selected for class 9-12. I won't sit here and repeat information that is already on this site but I will give some information why people were not selected and or failed.

1. Poor physical condition. Failed PT test, Failed runs and Ruck marchs, Injuries that could have been prevented by just being in shape from the get go.

2. Eat " ALL " your food and drink " WATER ". You will burn more calories then you take in. A few people were just to exhausted to continue. It might be nasty but if you really want it you will eat it.

3. The medic is there for a reason go see him. People were dropped for something that could have been prevented if they would have just went when they noticed a problem in the first place.

4. Land Nav gets a lot of people. Trust your compass and know your pace count, never doubt your training and stay away from the DRAWS! stay off the ROADS! even if there is 10 mins to index.

5. Be a team player, add input and help out every chance you get. Don't sit around looking like a tool. Your peers will smile at you but will note everything you do.

Do your best on everything you do even if it is not a gate, cadre are always watching and everything you do is noted. My class started out with 327 and we finished with 125 making the selection rate 39%. You don't have to be a muscle man to get selected you just have to be in top shape and have a lot of heart and want it more then you want to breath. If you make a mistake bounce back by doing better then what you did before.

Good luck and remember NEVER QUIT!

Selected this last class (09-12) as well. Agree with everything mud slinger said above. A few of my own thoughts/words of advice:

1. I trained with a combination of alpine climbing and Crossfit/Crossfit Endurance. Worked for me. Personally I see little return on investment from miles and miles of "rucking." I'd recommend putting some of that time and energy into strength/strength endurance development so you can keep going without rest days for 17 days.

2. Similarly, focus more on full body movements that utilize the entire posterior chain and legs. You will do pushups twice: the PT test and log and rifle PT. Otherwise you're walking with a ruck, farmer's carrying heavy things, or putting it on your back.

3. People seem concerned with how much running to do in training. We ran less than 20 miles (not counting all the jogging around camp as you must run everywhere you go) and walked over 150 miles with rucks on. If you can max the PT test and run 7:00/mile for an unknown distance you are more than fine.

4. STAY OFF THE ROADS AT LAND NAV. Whereas you used to just get docked points or something for a roadkill, they are no longer so gentle. For our class they dropped anyone who got roadkilled unless they had an outstanding excuse.

5. Selection is four days. You've heard it said and its true. Gate week and land nav are just your entry fee for team week. As they told us, they don't even look back at those performances unless you are on the edge after team week. Work hard, lead when appropriate and be a great follower/team player. Also write clear, descriptive peer evals as those show the cadre you can articulate feedback and be part of a solution in a team environment.

6. For Officers: Bust it, hard. We had 21 Os finish and 13 Selected. Almost all those non-selects were outstanding guys and would have easily been Selected near the top of the list if enlisted. Not only that, but every non-selected O in our class (save one) got an NTR. The most common reason from those non-selected officers was that they weren't [good] leaders during team week.

7. Don't focus on stupid stuff. The cadre don't care if you blouse your boots, put your hands in your pockets, or show up to a formation in PT shorts and a brown shirt. You can be as "AR 670-1" fantastic as you want, but they want someone who is highly capable and professional, not someone whose uniform looks cleanly pressed.

8. Have fun with it. Its a good time, a lot of the events can be fun if you're physically prepared, and you have a lot of down time to get to know and learn from some of the Army's finest soldiers. Enjoy it.

edit

I was also selected 09-12, the two guys above me were spot on!

Nothing can totally prepare you for SFAS. It will be the hardest thing you have done to date. You WILL think about quitting. The thing that counts is what you do with those thoughts, keep pushing.

Hit the gym as hard as you can. Find somebody that you think is in the best shape a person can physically be in, and workout harder than them.

Take care of those feet. I took all of the information on this board about foot care and applied it during my train up, and only really had problems the last couple of days.

Don't worry about the other guys in SFAS. Get to know people, and make some friends, but when it comes down to it, you are all you got out there. There will be some tough guys not breaking a sweat during any of the events, and there will be little puny guys (me) sucking hard 24/7. Both have an equal chance of getting selected.

Selected in 8-12

In addition to all of the other advice here, I would like to put emphasis on two things that I found were my weakest points.

1) Have a lot of forearm strength! I killed the PT test and all of the rucks but I was the second weakest on my team when it came to carrying water cans. Fortunately, there was always someone else who dropped the cans before I was about to so I never stood out for it, but I was mighty close to being "that guy" for not having much forearm strength. (The guy that kept dropping them got peered)

2) Learn how to tie knots before going. If you can tie a good knot, you can shine when apparatus construction begins even if your not leading the team when it comes to putting forth ideas. I sucked at knots so I was mostly a "grey-man" during construction and planning which didn't look good on my part.

1. Canteen straws are great to hydrate and drop weight while you move. Bringing a camelback doesn't mean you get to leave your 2qts empty, you still have to fill them.
2. Bring the lightest possible boots you can. Preferably ones that dry quickly.
3. Bring a book. You won't trade it, but you will be bored.
4. Poncho in the top of the ruck with bungie cords ready. A wet rucksack is a heavy rucksack.
5. Don't bring a million pairs of everything. You don't need it.
6. Map case with dummy cord. I didn't bring one, and it was stupid.
7. The new ACU's that have button cargo pockets. The draw monster will have a harder time getting to your goodies.
8. Train with a 50lb rucksack and get the hell off the road. You won't develop the necessary stabilizer muscles by road marching. Then walk. Then walk some more. And walk until your feet are leather and peel every other week.
9. People say it takes 100% commitment to pass. I think a more accurate statement is that before you start SFAS, that you want nothing else in this world. If you do, you will not make it.

In the words of the CSM that inbriefed us, "If you weren't trying to G2 this course before you got here, you're a f***ing idiot. I don't do shit without trying to G2 the hell out of it."

I almost forgot about this! Bring canteen straws, if you don't...you will kick yourself in the ass daily. Don't make the same mistake I did.

Sir top, have you received a school date?

And if you bring them, replace the bite valves with actual Camelback bite valves. I was advised to do so and was kicking myself when I could barely suck a trickle through the straw on rucks.

Also, take them off during land nav. They'll get hung up and you have plenty of time to take off your ruck and gulp water.

Things I've come to know
 

Ruck marching:
In my preparations for SFAS I became obsessed with an increasing heavy ruck. I was being told horror stories about team weak and the unbearably heavy load that you’ll need to carry during these events.
This turned into my ruck weighing a minimum of 90 lbs and I eventually worked my way into the triple digits. Yes, this training did prepare my body for team week but that’s about it.
The majority of the rucking that you’ll be doing in SFAS will be under a 60/65 lbs load. Training with just a heavy ruck made me slow over long distances and hurt my overall performance at selection. Train as you fight; your ruck should weight 60/65 lbs and you should be able to move out with a purpose. Work on speed and strength this will pay off while doing your mandatory timed rucks and land navigation. Yes; train with a heavy ruck but no more than once a week.

Don’t argue with the cadre:
I’ve seen candidates get into a pissing contest with the cadre over some retarded shit; not once did it ever turn out well for the candidate.
Are you here to get selected or get into a pissing contest? Enough said don’t do it. Period! Even if it’s not your fault.

Land navigation:
You will be given a block of instruction on land navigation when you get there. You’ll also do a few practice courses prior to the star course. I would recommend being proficient in land navigation before heading to SFAS at a minimum be familiar with it.
For the star course itself, do as you’re told. Stay off the roads! It’s not worth getting caught or throwing away your SF carrier before you even get started. Staying on the high ground is preferred but not always possible. Try to keep out of the draws when you can (you won’t always be able to) if you are about to go into a draw make sure everything is tied down (just like Ranger school) the vines will take anything they can off you and kick your ass while doing it!

Staying in the gray:
This is some of the stupidest advice I’ve ever heard. Do your best in every event, regardless of what the event is. You’re going to an interview don’t try to blend in or standout be who you are, SF is looking for leaders not sheep. If your selected it will be because of your intelligence, ability to work well with others and physically abilities not where you fell into the gray matter. Besides if you go to selection trying to “play the game” you is probably not what SF is looking for; there’s no game to play, only a calling to do more for your country than what you’re doing now.

That’s my two cents feel free to contact me for any follow up questions. Good luck to those headed to SFAS.

Know and exceed the standard
 

It's real simple. Know what the standards are and ensure you can exceed all of them prior to starting SFAS. If you do that, you have a ~60% chance of success. You will be pushed to your limits and beyond. Have set in your head that you will not quit, no matter what. As an instructor, I've seen lots of candidates come through the 18X program who could not meet the minimum PT standards. There is no excuse for that, expecially if you are joining the army specifically to go through SFQC. In addition to PT, you should know the Ranger handbook cold, learn everything you can about Lan Nav, and if you know your MOS, pick up some FMs and start getting smart.
All that said, you could still get injured and end up a Med Drop. You also may not be smart enough or have the heart/determination to keep pushing. Make sure that there are NO issues as home (girlfriend, wife worries, pregnant wife, etc.). You need total focus on the course.
SF is not for everyone but for those who make it through, there is no better place to be than on a team.
Good luck studs.

Helpful Tips
 

I will try to keep this post short and sweet as possible with out any G2. If any perspective candidate has additional questions and is allowed by the site administrator to ask via private message please feel free.

Packing List
1. Uniforms 8 Pairs -you are not limited in the number of ACUs you are allowed to bring. I brought eight pairs, yes that is a lot. However I did not spend any time at all during SFAS washing clothes. While others were running half a click to wash their clothes during personal time I was taking care of my feet, resting, and drinking water.

2. Socks 21 Pairs- it has been said many times in this thread to bring a fresh pair of socks for each day. I took this advice even though it seemed ridiculous. I can honestly say this suggestion alone was the most valuable of all the advice I received in regards to the packing list. When your feet are shredded like hamburger, a fresh pair of socks that are soft and completely dry will make a difference. Also the current packing list clearly states any sock can be used as long as it is not a civilian color. I personally use Fox River socks, find what works best for you. I personally do not recommend using cotton issued socks.

3. Sock Liners 10 Pairs- the current packing list allows the use of a sock liner, this is not mandatory but highly recommended as sock liners reduce friction.

4. Under Armor- the current packing list allows moisture wicking underwear and T-shirts such as under armor. Spandex is prohibited. I brought five pairs of under armor underwear and five under armor T shirts. Not only did this help prevent heatstroke but also drastically reduced chafing.

5. Boots 3 Pairs-use whatever military boot you want!, let me state that again, USE WHATEVER MILITARY BOOT YOU WANT! So many people ask about boots, read the current packing list. It clearly states that any boot within Army regulations is allow. That being said I brought three pairs. All three were Nikes. I kept one in my Ruck, had one on my feet, and let the other pair dry.

6. PT's 4 Pairs/White Socks 8 Pairs- again I did not want to have to wash anything, which saved me a lot of time.

7. Sandals- you must run everywhere, and running in shower shoes is not easy. Save yourself the hassle and get a pair sandals.

8. Antibacterial soap and a Loofah. Yes it sounds weird but a staph infection is no joke. Even if you are tired and don't feel like running to the shower do it anyway. You are dirty and need to clean at least once a day! I saw two of my friends get med dropped for staph.

9. Body Glide- great anti-chafing product. I brought two sticks and used it all. Use it anyplace you chafe or get blisters. I covered my feet with it before I put on my liners and socks.

10. Ziploc Bags- there is unlimited ice to be used however they provide very small bags.

11. Canteen strolls with camel pack bite valves- as said many times before get them both. It will save you so much time and energy. I never took them off for land nav and had no issues, and kept moving. I also suggest tying the camel pack bit valves down to the canteen stroll. I lost one set on the 3rd day that was not tied down. I tied the other one down and never had an issue.

12. Gorilla Tape- like duct tape but stronger, I used it on hotspots before blisters formed. If your feet sweat a lot use the tape in conjunction with tincture of benzene which the medic has an unlimited supply of. I personally would tape my feet then apply body glide over top before putting on my socks.

13. Two of everything else- you will be surprised what you can lose in a draw. Also the principle of having extra to give to fellow teammates in need will do you a great deal of favor. Be a team player and help your body's that needs things. (I brought 2 lights, 2 watches, 2 extra sets of batteries, 2 protractor's, 2 sets of map pens, 2 small scissors, and 2 sets of Ranger beads) EVERYTHING was used.

14. Oversized zipper duffel bag- no one cares how much stuff you bring as long as you can carry it all in a bag. The zipper duffel bag allows easy access to all your items and I highly recommend buying one.

15. Empty MRE Box- I kept one under my rack with all my important frequently used items in it. It was very helpful.

16. Pillow- yes bring a pillow, you would be foolish not to.

17. Baby Wipes- bring more than you think you will use. Share what you don't use with your team.

18. Bug spray/sunblock-you will use them both.

19. 550- I used 100 ft.

20. A book- The packing list strongly advice's you to bring one. I did what I was told and brought everything on the advised packing list. The advised packing list is there for a reason. You would be foolish to not follow the recommended advice form SFAS cadre. I ended up using everything on the list. Work hard and finish an event before index, you will have downtime. Raise your feet and read, do not fall asleep!


Gate Week/Land Nav/Team Week

1. Don't Sleep- do the right thing even if you're tired. If you start to get sleepy get up and walk around. I saw a lot of guys get caught sleeping, some of which was accidental on their part. Some of those guys did not get selected. It's not hard to get up off your rack and walk around if you're tired. Only sleep when they tell you to.

2. Don't argue with cadre-if they suggest to do something, do it. I know that sounds simple but I saw at least four or five guys totally disregard the suggestions the cadre made and I'm sure they were negatively assessed for it.

3. Be Heavy- make sure your ruck is at the least 2 pounds over. I saw a lot of guys make the mistake of being to close to 45 pounds, if the cadre don't use the scale you used to weigh your stuff you'll be in trouble. I also recommend being heavy because if it starts to rain the cadre "might" decide to factor in water weight. Lastly make sure you weigh your ruck without the MRE you plan to eat. This issue came up for most of the x-rays.

4. Land Nav Area- land nav is done in a public place. I will not explain this point any more, if you are SF smart you will do your own research and make your own decisions.

5. Don't cheat- it's not worth it. As crafty as you think you are, they are better. You are not a professional soldier yet, they will catch you, you will cry, they will laugh, you will never return!

6. Draws- If you can, walk around, if you can't make sure everything is tied down ( compass, map, watch, headlight, everything) and then do a personal inventory before you go in. Immediately after you bust the draw do another personal inventory. This way you know if you've lost something in the draw. When in the draw, check your compass every few steps. I was amazed at how after two or three steps I would go from walking North to walking South. Use your gloves. I decided to soldier on and used my hands through a drawl. I regretted it the rest of my time at SFAS. You're not selected for being a tough guy, use the gloves.

7. Land Nav Technique- checkpoints, handrails, backstops, attack points, distinguishable terrain features, intersections of unimproved and improve roads, azimuth, pace count. If you do not understand how to use these keywords effectively you are not ready. Important note on pace count. I personally terrain associate most of the time, however I suggest using a steady pace count at SFAS. I considered myself really good at Land Nav and my first day tried to use mostly terrain association. As a result of my cockiness I got turned around and wasted three hours figuring out where I was and only got two points my first day. I switched back to a steady pace count and had all four points by 10 o'clock my second day.

8. Getting Lost-most people at some point get lost or lose their bearing of exactly where they are. If this happens Relax, if you are using the previous words I mentioned effectively you should be able to walk back to a point of known location. Land Nav is meant to test your problem-solving skills. If you cannot handle the mental stress induced from being lost and having to figure out where you are you will fail. I personally suggest getting lost prior to SFAS, to practicing figuring out where you are. This helped me a great deal.

9. Team Week-don't be the gray man. The cadre will tell you this all the time. Even if you're a strong guy and pull your own weight the team needs to know you. If you are quiet make sure you speak up and voice your ideas. Don't be loud and obnoxious but make sure your team gets to know you. I will not explain more on this point.

10. Knot Tying and Lashings- know them well!

11. Map Case- Tie it down, also take a piece of MRE box cardboard that will fit into your map case and cover it with 100 mile an hour so it's waterproof. You will then have a flat surface to lay your map on and plot your points.

Physical Fitness

1. Show up in shape- strength is important, recovery is more important. I personally recommend combining Crossfit/Rucking/Running. Volume training is extremely key in these three areas, the more you stress your body and get it accustomed to volume the faster your recovery be. I suggest longer workouts as it teaches your body to recover from longer workouts. SFAS is not a Sprint, it's a marathon. CF is great but most workouts are under 15 min. Strength training is great but again a 500 pound squat is not as important as being able to squat 100 pounds 100 times. I personally recommend Crossfit Endurance or Military Athlete. I prefer Military Athlete. I used MA's ruck-based selection program and had no issues with my physical fitness level at SFAS.

I hope all this information helps!

Lastly
1. Don't be Light
2. Don't be Last
3. Don't be Late

And NEVER QUIT