That is correct with one caveat; my ROTC PT is 3 times a week not daily. That was a typo on my part, I started to type out a thought and finished it with a different one instead. My ROTC unit's PT is usually mild paced running with cal drills, and the intensity varies wildly depending on which Cadet is conducting PT. My college is a commuter campus, so we don't have loads of time to conduct PT. An hour and 15 minutes is really about all we get each morning. If needed I scale the SOF WODs or substitute different exercises depending on which muscle group is being worked, same goes for the pullups. As for the running and rucking I have a decent endurance base to pull from, so I recover pretty fast from either of those.

I was not bragging, it wasn't my intention to have it come off that way. The point is taken, I will be more circumspect in the future. I still have a long way to go in preparing my body and mind for the challenges I will face. And thank you Team Sergeant for the kick in the keister, I will do better. My next PT test is in 2 weeks, no 300+ on that one...then I will start considering self-evisceration :boohoo

OSUT, BAC, SOPC, and SFAS Prep.
 

I would like to start out by saying that I greatly value and appreciate the information posted by the various QPs, SF Candidates, and some of the Assets on this online forum. Thank you all for taking the time and effort for helping future soldiers, like myself, gain insight and knowledge to assist us in our journey to become U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers.

A little background on myself: I am a 26 year old Medical Laboratory Technician, I am married to my high school sweetheart, we have been together over ten years in total, 7.5 of those married. I am also the proud father of my 14 month old daughter. I chose to join the U.S. Army in order to help protect and defend my country, and to be a part of something much larger and more important than myself. I specifically requested an 18X contract due to the nature of the Special Forces duties. I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy working with, through, and by others to help them achieve lasting greatness and security.

I will be the first to admit, I am no PT Stud. I am not the smartest, fastest, strongest, or the biggest man out there. I have never even been involved in a physical altercation, have always just been able to talk or joke my way out of them on the very rare occasion that it has become an issue.

But I am "out here", giving my 125% every single day.

Personal/Financial Preparation:

• Checked all 3 Credit Reporting Bureaus for accuracy and fixed any errors.

• Studied for, and practiced my ASVAB test. (Scored a 94, with no line scores under 130)

• We traded in both personal vehicles for one newer model for the wife to drive while I’m away.

• Had an attorney create a Durable Power of Attorney and Will for myself.

• Wife and daughter will be living with my in-laws while I’m away, which makes it safer for them, and easier on me since I can focus on my 25m target and not have to worry about them.

• I have postponed my cellular contract, and bought a “Pay-as-you-go” type deal to take to BCT/OSUT.

• I deleted my Facebook account, and any other online profiles.

• I have been able to say my goodbyes to my close friends, colleagues, and relations. As it may be a long time before I can reconnect with them personally.

• Established my wife as my “Point of Contact” for anyone to get in touch with me, and she can disseminate all news or information to anyone relevant for me.

Mental Preparation:

• I have bought, read, and re-read on a monthly basis: “Get Selected”, “Chosen Soldier”, “Masters of Chaos”, “A Letter for Garcia”, ”Monkey Management”, “Sun Tzu’s: The Art of War”, “Ranger Handbook”, “Slow Burn”, and “The Reaper’s Thread: Tips for the SF Student”.

• I have taken advantage of all the U.S. Army online training available to me.

• I have attended all the Future Soldier Training sessions at the local station that my schedule allows.

• I have had the pleasure of being able to converse with a few current QPs, and some selected SF Candidates about what I can do now, and what to expect later on. Many thanks to those of you who have helped me out there!

• Adopted the “Cast or Tab!” mentality.

• It was strongly suggested to me to be "THE MAN" at everything I do, whether it be scrubbing latrines, setting up claymores, or taking a whiz. Be "THE MAN" at whatever task is assigned to you, even if you think it is stupid or menial, accomplish the task like your career depended on it.

• Since I have worked two full time jobs for the last 3.5 years, I have had to deal with 60+ hours without meaningful sleep every now and then, and have learned to deal with rude and/or obnoxious people, or co-workers, while maintaining good interpersonal skills and focus. I have heard this will be useful, especially during “Team Week.”

Physical Preperation:

• Upon enlistment, I abandoned all dietary supplements (With the one exception being Whey Protein for muscle recovery)

• Utilized the diet outlined in “Slow Burn”, with some minor modifications.

• I used a LICENSED physical trainer to show me how to properly weight lift with good form. A hard learned lesson from me: At first, I thought I could just watch YouTube videos, MTNathlete instructional videos, and workout with my friends to show me on how to lift, but after I caused a nerve impingement in my left shoulder due to doing things the way I thought, I had about a two-month setback in my training results, and it still bothers me every now and then.

• I have used the “USAJFKSWCS Thor” programs with decent success, I have had to substitute certain days for others due to weather or work scheduling conflicts, but overall I have followed the program as written.

• I have been using “Tuf-Foot” solution on my feet and hands. It does work well for me.

• I have had the advantage of regular, strict APFTs from my Future Soldier leaders to give me an idea of where I am, and what I can do better.

I do apologize for the long post. These are the main points that I have been doing to help myself achieve my goal of become a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier. There are many caveats, and “nitty-gritty” details of what else I am doing on a daily basis. Please PM me if you have any questions or concerns about my preparation regimen.

Again, I would like to thank every one on this forum who has assisted me in bettering myself, and helping to shape me into a decent 18X candidate.

All said and done, I have had every advantage in my journey to become a Green Beret. If I were to fail, it would be no one’s fault but my own. I know this, and I will not let my family, my fellow soldiers, and myself down.

Eyes on that 25m target. I will not fail.

Less posting, more PT.

My job (not military) involves a shit ton of hiking through the jungle and sweating my ass off, plus speaking multiple foreign languages, so I'm hoping I'm covered on that end (although I do get out for a heavier 5-10 mile ruck once a week, and I'm honing my language skills as much as possible).

Otherwise, I PT every day with a TRX Suspension System and whatever heavy rocks and ropes I can find laying around the FOB out here, usually 1hr+ high intensity sessions, plus runs 3 times a week. I supplement with a daily whey protein shake since we usually only have local food out here, and even then I lose weight every time I stay out in the bush more than 3 months at a go.

I'm getting pretty practiced on the AK-47 system (or at least the Chicoms) and am reasonably familiar with the HK-G3, but plan to spend some serious time at the range with more modern ware when I get back stateside and enlist.

I definitely need to start practicing my LandNav skills, as I rely heavily on GPS out here and haven't really had to break out the compass yet.

How I Have Prepared
 

Howdy All,

I have been in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and Army ROTC for 4 years. My Grandad used to talk to me about Special Forces while growing up and it always interested me.

I was in high school sports like football and track, AROTC at A&M was also really helpful in learning basic infantry skills such as 9-line MEDEVAC, LandNAV, call for fire, EOD/UOD call for disposal, CLS skills, combatives, marksmanship, OPORDers, small unit tactics, MOUT warfare, SALUTE & LACE reports, and learning warrior ethos. The PT was always competitive and the Cadre training me were very professional although all of them were conventional officers and enlisted.

However, at my time at the university, there was an organization derived from an Old Ag Major General James E. Rudder (who was a influential soldier in WW2) called Rudder's Rangers. The military heads of this organization were Special Forces enlisted personnel and they were very eager to develop the young cadets in as much knowledge as possible in order to make them successful officers. The impact of these very special soldiers couldn't be explained in words and the cadets they trained have become one of the most brave and talented officer's due to their training.

I can attest to this organization and it's impact it has impressed on me. I was an average kid and I sucked at Ruck Marches (I am not the tallest person) and I was barely 134 lbs.

I assume the purpose of this thread is to tell future generations of Special Forces candidates ways they can accomplish their goals in life, so I humbly offer my experiences for you.

Since I have been very specific about who I am, I will say only that a officer that was one of the most "squared away" people I have encountered gave me a book on the reading list that I will post below and said very sternly "You gotta F(*&ing read otherwise your not going to be smart enough for this".

I know you must have been intelligent in order to achieve the scores required for your ASVAB, but these books have prepared me in the preperation and understanding of Special Forces and the military.

Get Selected
Small Unit Leadership A Commonsense Approach (the book the officer gave me and hasn't asked for back)
Chosen Soldier
Masters of Chaos
Horse Soldiers
Kill Bin Laden

Reading Selection For Soldiers (suggested reading A&M Cadets were offered)

On Killing
On Combat
Ender's Game
Message To Garcia* (Very Important)
Starship Troopers (Very different from the movie)
Art of War
We Were Soldier Once and Young

Other Reading List semi-pertinent

House to House
No Easy Day (controversial)
War
Generation Kill
One Bullet Away
Dune
1984
The Dynamics of Persuasion
The Afghan Campaign
Gates of Fire

Physically I'd be lying if I didn't lift weights, did crossfit, and ran on ruck marches that were "release rucks", I would pay more attention to the advice already given by the Special Forces members of this forum.

The information given now is a benchmark for other future soldiers

I am 5'8" 163 lbs and 23 years old
BA in English from A&M
my last record APFT was 364 last year administered by AROTC cadre officers but it may be closer to 375 now
12 mile ruck @ 65lbs in 2 hours 18 minutes (note that I was not rucking at pace, but running on and off (not advised))
ASVAB score of 93 gt 128 co 126
Operator Ugly Score (for those who know) 136
I typically rest 4 days a month (I do have active rest days such as 3-5 mile runs or any other monostructural movements)

I chose the "paleo diet" for eating and nutrition, but before 4 months of my ship date I ate normal foods because there is no way to eat as healthy while in basic,airborne,SOPC, and SFAS and if you eat too healthy before those you will feel really sick when you need to be at your very best.

Hopefully some of you reading this are saying to themselves "I got this sucker" which means you have at least outscored someone who has had help for SFAS by conventional officers and enlisted soldiers to be prepared for SFAS as well as two Special Forces enlisted soldiers who have guided me at my time at A&M. This is meant to give you plenty of confidence in your endeavor and good luck to you.

If you are under these scores then don't worry, because your likely to be much taller than me and have no need to be in that level of fitness...(just a joke) Something that I may say though is that you should read this as just an experience, I'm an 18x just like you, just as untested. This is thread is meant as a benchmark and for the QP's here to make sure the candidates do not do something that would hurt their chances for selection.

There are many avenues of approach to reaching the same fitness level and crossfit, the corps, going to college, or any experience I have had are not the only ways to obtain my level of preparation and one of the most important pieces of advice from my mentors was that SFAS is about how much courage you can muster and how determined you are as a person to achieve your goals.

Lastly, I have read this site for several years, almost 3, before becoming a member. I have enjoyed the threads and gleaned the valuable information from all of the Quiet Professionals of this site. ProfessionalSoldiers could not be more important in your "prep" for SFAS.

Sorry For The Lengthy Post,

Aud

Incomplete Training
 

I find it fascinating that you don't mention squats or deadlifts anywhere. Being able to generate power in the hips is an important aspect in both developing athleticism and preventing injury. Not to mention in a ruck intensive program, excess leg strength makes everything that much easier.

My original ship date was 20130220, but I broke my toe at the gym and the date got pushed back to 20130422. I bought a bike to keep up with the cardio. Everything had been going good until I went ass over handlebars and broke my wrist last Monday. My new ship date is up in the air depending on the healing process. Recruiter is saying sometime in September. I wasn't doing anything crazy the two times that I broke something, it just happened. I very well could have broken something walking up and down the stairs. I'm currently working just my core muscles because that's the only thing that doesn't involve hands or feet. If anyone has any suggestions lemme know. I'm bummed because all I want to do is ship out and be there, but at least this will give me more time to prepare. I'm staying positive, and working through it.


04/10/2013 - Just talked to Rob at Military Athlete and they've got a program for injured guys. Can't stop me!

Right now, my workout is built around this:

Day 1: Pushup improvement (10 sets of 25), core, distance run (usually around 4 miles)
Day 2: Pullups (10, 8, 6, 4, 2 pullups/10, 8, 6, 4, 2 chinups), overhead press, ruck
Day 3: Light full body circuit training, recumbent bike 45 minutes
Day 4: Repeat Day 1 with Tabatas for Pushup improvement and core
Day 5: Repeat Day 2 with 5 sets of max towel pullups
Day 6: Rest

Note that I've done 10 years of active Infantry, and I've got a pretty solid "Army fitness" type of foundation already.

I'm on Recruiting duty right now, so I live in a remote desert area in SoCal, which means nowhere to swim or climb ropes. I'm incorporating towel pullups on my Day 5 Pullup workout to help with the lack of ropes.

One thing that I really like about where I live is that we're at a higher altitude (approx 3800 ft), which always helps. Additionally, we have lots of mountains to hike on which I do when time and gas money to get to said mountains permits. I've been at it for about a month now and don't have a class date until October, so I'm starting nice and easy with distances and weights on the rucks and minding my feet.

One thing I'm really curious about: Everything I've read in Get Selected! as well as on here talks about toughening your feet using alcohol baths and such. However, on the SORB website there's some videos, and the guy recommends actually softening your feet by filing down calluses and using lotion. I'm sticking with the Get Selected! book's advice, but I was just curious if anyone had followed the advice given in the video, and if so how well it worked for you.

Have you done a Search for that here?

No point in having people spend their time repeating their thoughts.

TR

I have, but perhaps my Search-Fu isn't strong enough as I didn't really find anything relating to that specifically. I did find some absolutely fantastic advice regarding toughening the feet, which I appreciate and apply, but regarding that video and the alternate preparation techniques, not so much. Like I said, I'm sticking with the tried and true methods discussed on here as well as Get Selected!, but am just curious if anyone has anything to share regarding experiences with the other method from the video.

Really?

I searched "feet lotion" and got several good threads which discussed this topic.

Try it and let me know what you find.

TR

Hey awesome, thanks! You found the weakness of my Search-Fu: I didn't the right keyword of "lotion".

When I started training for SFRE/SFAS about a year ago, I had soft girly feet. I spent a few months just going out and training under a ruck until I'd get a couple of hot spots, and then either take the light rail or gently walk back to my apartment (I live in an urban area). Once I could handle 6-10 mile ruck events without hot spots, I maintained my feet by just going for one 8-12 mile hike in the mountains every weekend with my ruck (at a leisurely pace -- your feet will benefit from this activity regardless of your speed).

My point is that all this voodoo foot care that's designed to keep you from getting hot spots during your initial train-up is counterproductive. You won't develop the toughness you need to carry you through the endless miles under heavy loads at SFAS. During training, you should be pushing yourself to, but not beyond, your physical limit every time. That's how you expand your threshold of suck.

That said, I would suggest you take all the foot care advice you get (mine included) with a handful of salt because it's going to be very individual-specific. Get a general feel for what people are doing to train up for these events and then just keep training until you're able to meet the standards that are already out in the public domain. Developed a blister at mile 10? No need for any soul (or internet) searching; it just means you're not ready yet. Train more. Duh.

On the feet issue
 

For feet I chose the hard way of training:

Get to a beach, spend the day with your shirt off, drinking, and trying to impress women while playing football, frisbee, or soccer in the sand barefoot.

The alcohol and women take your mind off how much damage your actually doing to your feet. The next day is all recuperation or if your really made for SF do a hair of the dog day and get back on that horse.

On a more serious note, I wouldn't recommend this to be your ONLY training but it does help for those days you want to have some fun but still get some training in.
:lifter

Training while deployed
 

Back on the training issue. I am currently following the "GET SELECTED!" workout. It seemed like a challenge and Id like to get up in the double digits of rucking.
When I first tried out at the NG SF unit near me, I DID NOT prepare like I should have. To "train up" I ran 2 miles once a week, id run a mile with my ruck maybe once every two weeks, and I weighed 145lbs. I did not know what I was getting into. After the first night of being on the training team, I started thinking why in the world am I doing this, do I really want it that bad; it was a huge gut check. I got over the mental part and just did it untill I either made it or got injured. Guess which one got me first :boohoo . That didnt stop me though. While recovering, I researched, read a ton of info on the history of SF, learned how to work out, then made plans to go back. After a year and a half of training I weigh 178 lbs and score 290+ on my PT tests :lifter
Honestly, I dont ruck as much as I should... Thats why I decided to nut up or shut up by using my free time on this deployment by following the workout and annotating my gains. I am already able to ruck further with 50lbs and my feet are gettin more tough as I go. I am anxious to see where I am after these 30 days and make my own SFAS plan... which will most likley include those God awful burpees :D . Anyways, Ill keep you posted on my progression and maybe I'll be able to help some of you out with my experiences. Happy rucking :munchin