Introductions V

[twil]

Hello, just recently joined this forum and have hopes of enlisting soon with an 18x contract. I am a recent college grad and I have been wanting this for a long time. I plan on soaking up as much information as I can before enlisting (I'll get very good at the "search" button). Anyways, awesome website thank you.

Cheers

Tom

[Bryce]

Just here to see what SF is about. I've been in the Army Reserves close to 6 years and have been an Engineer Officer for over three. From browsing there seems to be a lot of good information here.

[Qdini]

Joined in '75 on the "SF Baby" program.
3/7 SFG(A) Team Medic stationed in Panama and Ft. Bragg.
SWC Tour: Med Lab and Key West.
3/7 SFG(A) Team Sergeant, Sergeant Major stationed at Fort Bragg.
Worked a few years (post retirement, civilian contract) as a CSAR medic in Colombia and Afghanistan .

"Live like you mean it!"
Chuck Q-dini

[Lothrigen]

I joined PS because I was looking for a plethora of information to help me before I go to SFAS in August of this year. I'm also looking for a mentor in 5th SFG or someone online who can help me. As the saying goes, if I haven't been there or done it I can't possibly know what it's like.

Grew up with my Father who was an 11B for four years and served as an alternate on the Army Shooting Team after graduating Sniper School. Decided to go to SFAS because I want to be in a professional unit as well as feel a sense of challenge, pride, and unit cohesion that I'm not getting at my current unit.

Thank you for having me.

[Naaman]

Hello All,

I originally found this forum when I was in Iraq in 07/08, and finally registered in 09. Now, I'm finally making my first post 5 years later after reading and gleaning.

Since leaving the army, I have always had "the itch" to go back in, which conflicts with the joy I derive from raising my three boys with my wife. If I do go back in, It will be on an 18X contract for 19th group (if they even allow priors to go in as X-rays).

But for now, I'm loving life in the civilian world. I'm here on QP in hopes of contributing whatever I can and gleaning more from those who will share knowledge that can be applied to my civilian job.

There were several times in the Army when I had the privlidge of receiving training from some members of 1st Group and 10th Group, and I count myself immeasurably more competent (than I would have been) for it.

Great site, and thanks to all who contribute their knowledge and experience!

[wdwxcore]

New Guy. Current reservist, former active duty PSYOP with rotations to oif/ond/oef as a "SOF enabler" is what I think they call it. Here to work on my LTPR skills.

[Eagle 9294]

I initially joined this site four or five years ago. I served in the U.S. Army from 1990-1994. I was a artilleryman. I initially served in the 2nd Armored Div(FWD) 4/3 FA out of Garlstedt Germany. During Desert Storm we were assigned to the 1st Infantry Div. It was a experience I will never forget and forever changed me and the outlook I have on life. I then served in the 101st Airborne Div in the 18th FA Brigade. At that time we were the single 155mm howitzer battery on the entire post. I enjoyed it because we were in reality a 82nd Airborne unit assigned to the 101st and we would on occasion train at Fort Bragg. We had a good rivalry with our sister units there. I then decided to ETS because I did not have a desire to become a career soldier. I believe I was too much of a free spirit. I then attended college but left to start a business which we managed for almost a decade. Due to economics we had to close our doors. I wanted to show the world that I did not feel sorry for myself, and mopped floors at a Holiday Inn for several months on night shift. After that I worked at a homeless shelter for a year and a half. I now work as a Security Officer at a well known medical facility. I've had some family who served in a SOF, and I have always had a interest in SOFs even though no real desire to be SOF myself. I did have some interest possibly working for a PMC but have some mixed feelings about it because I am unfamiliar with the culture. Thanks for having me.

[Beagle27D]

Hi,

I enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1999

Then went Active in 2002 to 2005. I was in 1st AD out of Baumholder, Germany. Deployed for 15 months to Baghdad, Iraq. Then went to 229th MI my last year.

Currently employed with DHS.

I'm here because I have the utmost respect for the SF members and hope to learn from their experience.

[Mega160]

First and foremost I would like to thank the Mods and Admins for allowing me priviledges to such a useful and insightful forum. Just PCS'd from Ft.Campbell back to Bragg(first assignment) formelry of the 27th EN BN, 3rd BDE 101st, and 2-160th SOAR(A) I am currently in CAQC. I hope to continue to read and learn a great deal from you gents as I make my way through the CA pipeline. Thanks again

Daniel

[Rinzai08]

I am a twenty four year old male from Northern California. I have always had an interest in joining the military, but out of high school I decided to pursue a career in firefighting instead. I have been to firefighter academy, paramedic school, and have over six years experience either working as a firefighter, an ER tech, or a paramedic. Two of my best childhood friends are 18D's and I have grown extremely jealous. The Army is beckoning to me again. I am simply trying to inform myself as best I can in order to decide where I want my life to go from here. Thank you all.

[S80]

I am an early twenties male who has recently graduated college and is simply here to gather information and read about the SF way of life. I am not current or past military, but the information I've been able to read here so far seems invaluable no matter which path in life I take.

[Allenb429]

Howdy folks. I am soldier stationed at Ft. Bragg. Support mos in a psy ops BN. 21, born in Alabama (Roll Tide) but moved around a lot growing up. I've been in the Army for almost 2 years now and I've finally decided to take action and volunteered for SFAS. Looking to gain as much knowledge and advice before I go at the end of August.

[RBratt]

I am old to the site, but finally getting around to introduce myself. I am a SOCM Graduate/SFQC Candidate looking to enrich my knowledge by sponging off the many experienced individuals I've observed here. I strongly believe that as I gain knowledge, I have a responsibility to impart as well; so if you are just starting the SOCM course with questions, feel free to shoot me a message on here. Not tooting my own horn, just happy to help as I was helped.

In the meantime, I work tirelessly to honor the contributions of those who have gone before, by finishing the work they began.

[harrythewriter]

Lets see if we can all get along without making enemies online.

About a two years ago, a friend of mine was working on a book about motivations for lying. There was a draft chapter about the niche of military impostors and fake war veterans who seem to be multiplying without check regardless of what the law says. After reading over the case notes of some of these known fakes, there seems to be a tendancy to boast that seems to attract the attention that got them into trouble in the first place, and the usual response when confronted by lying is covering it up with additional lies or responding with aggression. I dont think anyone needs to search hard to find an example of this.

What I was actually getting a bit more concerned about was the growth of these military themed websites that appeared during the social media explosion of the early 21st century; just type in something like "military forum" in the search bar and you will see quite a few. Although they are indeed perfectly legal, and they dont seem to claim they work for any department of defence of any country, does anyone else think its a little odd how some of them seem to be hosted in different countries from whom they claim to represent? Some of them have somehow convinced themselves that their ".com" domains are really speaking for the military or militaries of several different nations at once. If you so much as question it, you had best be prepared for a load of hatemail and your as good as banned.

The previous goal in mind was to compare the common public perception to what is said on social media and also compared again to what is claimed in public to private. It was not always focused at military employees either, as we also got some funny responses from used car salesmen too.

Anyway, if there is anyone out there who might want to share opinions about the subject, feel free to send a PM. it would be interesting to know about peoples opinions in regard to common misconceptions that might get pointed out too. Might also ask a few questions in the future in other threads, and refer to some for quotes.

[Proof]

Hi everyone,
I'm Robert. am currently from New York,Ny. I am currently a crane operator in the area for several years. I feel its time to move one from here and start a new chapter in my life . Looking to gain info on becoming an 18x. Mostly here to read and learn as much as possible from reliable and Accurate information. Kinda of the type of man that like to get info straight from the source.I have a few friends in the profession.After speaking with them on a 2 week visit they suggested the 18x program and guided me her for additional info. Im hoping to find all the info i need along with a mentor in the future.

Thanks you for letting me be a part of this great site. I hope to learn a lot being here and to speak with some of you in the future.