[naccout]

First off I'd like to say thank you for the great service you have all done for the country. Thank you for allowing me to take part in this community, this forum is an amazing resource, and the "staff" seem to be the finest around. Another thank you to Major Martin and contributors for writing "Get Selected." I will do my best to utilize your efforts!

Ah! I registered almost precisely 24 hours ago, I've been studying up on the forum pretty much since. My name is Nicholas Naccarato. I'll ask that you pardon my ignorance, I am a quick learner and an aggressive study, but I have no prior military experience, and may have additional questions in the future. I'll also apologize in advance, as this introduction will likely possess the length of a short novel! I feel compelled to share with you all, mainly because I'm very honored to be associated in your community, and I think you all, if any, deserve to hear my intentions.

Down to business. I believe that we, as flawed beings, learn little by being correct, and learn everything by being wrong... and boy have I been wrong. With the experience from my adolescence and teen years I've gained much appreciated wisdom. I'll be 21 in May, but I like to think I've been around longer. Part of that is probably because I am like a sponge, time becoming irrelevant with all I soak in and observe, no matter the significance. I've always had a fascination with military, strategy, ghastly obstacles, and spectacular feats. There is nothing that agrees with me more than a challenge. Give me a puzzle, and I'll be damned if I can't figure it out. I thoroughly enjoy questions, simply because the answer leads to knowledge. I feel I've learned enough, to share with others- usually family, friends, or any new acquaintance I might meet. I started writing small pieces of literature, from an unbiased standpoint, and displaying it to small communities. I feel as though it'd be almost...selfish, to not share the things I've learned, knowing it may benefit another. I haven't been recruiting soldiers (yet) but merely offer my assistance to a generation that is plagued with bad decisions, a generation that does things merely to fit in or because their family pressured them into what looks good on paper...instead of chasing their true ambitions.

I know now that I am walking the line that is my destiny, and anyone who truly believes in their destiny will never fall short of achieving it. I've always wanted to make a positive difference, a beneficial impact. I decided to enlist, started looking for MOS's that suited my desires. I came across the 18x program, and haven't passed it since. The more I read, the more motivated I become. I've always been a warrior, but I'm more of a diplomat. I respect a weapon, but I honor reason. Anything I do, I strive to achieve the greatest level. It's become less surprising to me why I'm so willing to dedicate my life, sacrifice anything I have to, just to have the opportunity to be a part of the team. I'm committed, an absolute believer, doubtless.

You're probably thinking right now how the guy that wrote this must be related to Steve Irkel..haha. Actually I've been an athlete, and competitor, my whole life. I live in Tacoma, Washington. My family has been as committed to making a difference as I am- but now it's my turn to put in the work. I don't have a gal, kids, or lengthy strings. I'd like to serve active duty as long as I can carry my ruck. I do have 9 weeks to prepare before leaving for basic, which I'm using to train and study. I also have had the pleasure of consulting with an ex-SF who began his touring in Viet Nam and later became part of the 7th. I've been so enthusiastic about starting the training that I've been unable to sleep or read/watch anything unrelated to the task at hand.