Joining SF right off the street?

zuluzerosix · 12-15-2005, 23:18

Am I correct in thinking you can try to join SF right off the street? Geez, I was a grunt in the 82nd and i had to hustle just to be a good one. There is so much to learn about the infanty, combat, weapon systems, commo, first aid, patrolling techniques, raids, ambushes-and so on. I cant imagine someone just off the street has developed the mental fortitude to strap on a 125 ilb of ruck-walk 25 miles then be ready to fight or start bulding a guerrilla force when you get there........

Is this really happening?? A mechanic where i work says he has an offer from the Army to join SF...can this be true?

"just a plain old abn grunt..."

**The Reaper** · 12-15-2005, 23:26

Zulu, please acquaint yourself with the next to the last button on the upper right of your screen.

That is right, the one marked "SEARCH". :Look up "18X".

You are a little late to the party, the program is already three years old, some teams have several of them, and they succeed at SFAS and the SFQC at a far better rate than any other group. FYI, they aren't just any schmoes off of the street, they have special quals to get in and have to meet the same standards as everyone else in the course.

Furthermore, after having the stones to volunteer, be selected, and complete the course, several of our former 18X students have died serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe they are just cut from different cloth than you and your mechanic buddy.

TR

zuluzerosix · 12-16-2005, 01:13

If they are making it..then they obviously are cut from different cloth.

Doc · 12-16-2005, 07:08

Nothing like winning hearts and minds when one enters into a new environment. SA is a good thing, a much neglected art form that should be studied until it is perfected. But alas, sometimes it does not occur like we hope that it will.

We can only hope.

Doc

Dec. 2005

**The Reaper** · 12-16-2005, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuluzerosix

If they are making it..then they obviously are cut from different cloth.

Z06, you like living on the edge, don't you?

TR

zuluzerosix · 12-16-2005, 13:16

Pete,

What you say makes all the sense in the world. I never looked at it that way. I guess if you are looking for unconventional people to fight unconventional war it really doesnt matter where they come from or how they get there as long as they get there...makes sense. I had thought from my experience that:

To make an attempt to get to SF you had to
1. be E-4 (P) or better
2. second enlistment or window at least
3. PT Test
4. SFAS
5. then maybe you would be invited to join if you could make it-

I hope I have not insulted anybody who may have done it this way-my conventional experience (do it for the Regiment!) thought this was impossible.

mea culpa!

paste · 01-26-2006, 20:09

In some of the 18s' opinions how long do you all think that the 18x program will be around? I want to grab some college before I sign up and it would be a shame if this option was not available when I got done. I know you all are not recruiters, but I am curious as to what you all have to say. Thanks a lot.

**Pete** · 12-16-2005, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuluzerosix

Am I correct in thinking you can try to join SF right off the street? Geez.....

SF has had "off the street" enlistments on and off during the past 40 years. The practice varied with the needs of the overall Army force and SF needs.

I was one and spent 20 of 21 years in SF assignments. Each enlistment type, (off the street, late first/second term, long service, prior service {other service}) brings its own plus/minus traits to the table.

Any of those groups can produce a nut-ball or a winner. Each individual will be/is judged on his actions. SFAS was developed to weed out the low end prior to making it to a team. Teams do not have the time to baby sit or grow individuals.