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I've been searching and reading for a few weeks and figured it was time to introduce myself. First, though, I'd like to express my deepest thanks for everyone that participates in this site. I really can't do credit with words to the wealth of knowledge here and the motivation it provides. Indeed, figuring out what you don't know is the best place to start and with limited resources for the average Joe on SF, this site is indispensable.

I'm 34, and served in the Marines several years ago - my last name is Pyle, too - and after all this time, I realize the things I value the most. While the exception in the civilian world, these traits are the rule in the military. I'm off to MEPS this week for my return to service, this time in the Maryland NG.

While I am not putting SF on my contract, I will one day be a Quiet Professional. I've read Warrior-Mentor's book a few times and refer to it often as a training reference and injury prevention, but one of the most important parts of his book is the reference to Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning". Mr. Frankl describes the importance of knowing your unique purpose in life to the extent that he claims most who are diagnosed as mentally ill really are not - they just haven't found that unique purpose in life, and thus meaning. My SOF reading started with "Inside the Delta Force", extended to a few minor books on SF and other SOF units, to "R]oughneck 91" and presently "Masters of Chaos". I couldn't be more clearly committed to making Quiet Professionals my peers. That commitment starts with attending the 20th Group tryouts in April 08.

Thanks for the opportunity to be apart of this forum and I hope this intro wasn't overly long or wordy. If so (or even if not) I do expect some abuse on my last name...