[WarriorDiplomat]

Originally Posted by striveseekfind

Gentlemen,

After reading through WD's post, it occurs to me that there may be a disconnect between the understanding that recruiters and their recruits have of what truly the mission and purpose of SF is. Many of the recruiters will not have known a day in the Army without the GWOT being waged. Not having any experience in SF, I can say that as an outsider I believe that the opinion and views of many uninformed individuals is that SF is a MI/DA unit that develops HUMINT and uses actionable intelligence to conduct raids. I have buddies from the Marines who were egregiously misconceived about not only USA SF, but Rangers as well.

When I was a youngster, I read "Special Forces: A Guided Tour of US Army Special Forces" and was inspired then to achieve a place within the brotherhood. Recently I read Dick Couch's book "Chosen Soldier". He followed 18X candidates throughout SOPC, SFAS, and the Q-Course. He placed emphasis on the unconventional warfare and FID missions, and how they are unique to SF and how important the purpose of these missions and these warriors are to our leaders and the options they have within an AO of exercising policy.

It boggles my mind that there are people who think that earning their Green Beret and Special Forces tab makes them a BAMF. I learned in the Marines that training is the easy part. Afterwards, there are no excuses, do-overs, resets, and no guarantee of food, sleep, comfort, or life. I am working toward getting an 18X contract. In my mind, getting selected only means you've demonstrated the ability to complete the Q-course. Earning the GB & SF tab means earning a place within the brotherhood and a spot on a detachment. Every day afterward that tab and that beret have to be earned, and it won't get any easier.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's how I see it from my end.

Excellent response you hit the nail on the head.

This viewpoint is what we are looking for coming through the Q-course.