Quote:
Originally Posted by The Reaper
CAguy:
Interesting insight.
Are you a big "Army of One" kind of guy, or have a problem with authority?
In SF, it is all about the team, not the individual.
You have to be a good soldier before being an SF soldier.
UCMJ will not help you be selected for SF.
Good luck.
TR
|
Very respectfully, I
do understand the concept of a team. My MOS training has been in small teams. I understand my position and those in positions of authority. What this NCO said about me after my AR 15 was that he respected a guy like me who wasn't affraid to speak his mind (as another member of the team expressing the same concerns did so behind his back.) We all know the military is not a democracy, it's more closer to a "communitarianism." Whether the case was stacked because of my rank and lack of experience, the lessons learned were to just follow the order rather than question it. If I am ordered to walk up and down a street in Baghdad to attract locals (and ultimately draw out insurgents, criminals, etc) for some infantry element, then that's what I will do despite my "better" judgement. My CO, former 11th Group, says "welcome to the United States Army son!" I've had discussions with another officer, former group guy, now in the 96th. He said to get used to it, you have to guage your reactions when you're told how to do your job - whether it's coming from your own team leader (CO/NCO), the 82nd or the 1st Cav. You know, my old TL (O4) had no issues with me yelling at him to not exit the truck without notifying his team nor wandering off out of site. I remember one time I was upset because there was no pre-mission briefing amongst the team and no one knew what our mission was prior to leaving the wire. I was told to lock it up and not question my chain of command. I told this to higher during the AR 15 meeting and was told unless the situation is short of losing your life go on ahead and just do what they say. If you want to lead the team in PCC, PCIs, then earn your stripes or direct-commission.
Here's a little story:
My CO (then enlisted) had a dispute with his SF instructor during the Q course. Despite his father being in group and his advice on dealing with "various kinds of people," he took a swing at the guy. Needless to say, instead of removing him from the service, he was told he would never earn his tab. He stayed at the unit and took part in working with ODA team operations in the rear until the group was deactivated. In retrospect, my CO should have realized it was
just training. My head is on straight, and I'm filling in for an O4 in the TOC who is currently on leave (which explains why I'm usually on the net these days). If my AR 15 is the
sole reason I do not get selected, then for what it's worth, if I don't get selected the second time, maybe the third will be the charm.
P.S. The chaplain here was on an ODA (18C) and spent a few years in a CAG (Commo and Intel). He calls me "wild man," cause he is aware of the situation and my ambitions. He, like many of you experienced folks, say to do what I feel is best for me. I have no intentions of failing. Somehow, I make it through. You know, my pre-med advisor asked the class to write a paper and title it, "What if I don't get into medical school?" The next day, I handed my 2 page paper to the TA. Later that evening, he turned the first page and saw two sentences.
I'm not worried about failing. I'm worried about where I'm going to apply to.
Hybrid Mode
