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Old 07-03-2008, 19:08   #8
WhiskeyBoarder
SF Candidate
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Imperial Beach, CA
Posts: 78
While I understand that this thread is a bit dated, I was recently asked about the process in which one enters 20th SFG's SF candidate program. I answered via private message, but felt the information was worthy of being shared with all. If you are currently in the Florida National Guard and are interested in the 3/20th SFG, this pertains to you (and being that this is the extent of my limited SF experience, this is also as far long in the process as I can share / assist with).




Just two weeks ago, I had another drill with 3/20th. You were definitely right about the ball-breaking part. The blisters are still healing… and slowly In any case, the next drill is in August and the focus will be Land Nav. Presuming that I do well there, I have been notified to be prepared for the next SFAS class.

The point? The NQP (Non-Qualified Personnel aka SOT-D, Special Operations Training-Detachment) program at 3/20th is TOP NOTCH. In JUN, we sent 5 - - - 5 were selected.

Being that you are currently in the Florida Guard, you have a specific path which to follow to gain admission to the program. Fortunately, I was also in a different unit and transferred over. In fact, this is the case with most of the candidates within the unit. Here is how it works:

You contact 3/20th. If you are interested, I can give you the proper POCs. You tell them your situation and make it clear that you are currently in the FLARNG. They will schedule you an opportunity to interview with one of the members of the Group. Following the interview, you will probably be asked to perform a PT test. The standard, I believe, is 80 points in each event to gain entry into the unit and to remain in the unit. Once passing these two steps, the unit will ask you to drill with 3/20th.

To do so is easy. Simply inform your chain of command of your intention. Ask them if you may be authorized to SUTA drill with 3/20th. Should your chain of command give you problems, refer back to the guys at Group and they should apply needed pressure.

Then, at that point, the pressure is on you. Come to drill and perform well and they will invite you back. Should they invite you back, they will officially transfer you from your current unit to theirs. This takes minor leg work on your part. At that point, you are pretty much where I stand now.

I am sorry that this is so lengthy but I wanted to ensure that you received the best information possible. I love the opportunities and training that I am receiving and encourage you to consider a similar path.




ALSO: on 19 JUL 08, 3/20th SFG is having open try-outs at 0800 hours at the Winter Haven Armory. The brochure that I was given for distribution indicates this POC: (904) 682-3037/3492 which one can use to "register or set up an immediate one on one interview."
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