Introductions III - Page 196

dstorm · 03-16-2009, 21:54

Hello everyone I am an 11b, enlisted in early 90's. Spent some time int he 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Somalia. Got out in 1994. Was part of a couple different reserve units since, just didn't fit right with me. Waiting for my release from current unit, or my ETS in June whichever is first to do my best with the 19th SFG in Utah. I will be 35 soon and hope that maturity and determination will help out when my muscles don't recover as fast as a 20 year old. I have a daughter deploying with the 82nd here in a couple months she is a MP. Yes I know I was young. But upheld my responsibilities, and wouldnt' change any of it for nothing. Her being oldest of four kids, I get the pleasure to walk her down the isle this week. My family is behind me on this, I have talked with them about the time away, and the unknown. Was a great feeling when my wife said she would support this. So I have the SF physical, clearance left, and then whenever the 19th says I'm ready. I'm training physically on my own, mentally everyday. Dragging out old manuals. I know since I was last active duty in a Infantry unit in early 90's that I will have alot to catch up on. I will get up to speed quickly. I learn fast, and willing to do whatever it takes.

Blitzzz (RIP) · 03-17-2009, 06:24

Welcome all,
dstrom, welcome and 35 won't bother you. I was a Team Sgt 'til 43 under the ruck. Blitzzz

blackmagic · 03-17-2009, 22:03

All,

I first would like to thank the professionals for giving me the opportunity to become a guest, while having the ability to consume as much information as possible on my pathway to SF.

I’m a 27-year-old working veteran/civilian professional working toward my degree in Business Administration at National University. I spent four years in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman, where I went on two deployments on the USS Tarawa with the USMC 13th and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units. During that time, I served as a cargo hold magazine supervisor, Gun Control Officer responsible for 9 gun control teams, and a TL of the ship’s reaction force.

I got out of the Navy 3 months early to continue my educational studies back home. Soon, I realized I wanted to get back out to California where there were better job opportunities for veterans. In Spring of 2004, I moved back out to Southern California. I picked up my current occupation in Nuclear Security as a Field Sergeant. I directly supervise 20 nuclear security officers and volunteer my time in an OPFOR/Mock unit.

As much as I enjoy the liberty of my occupation and lifestyle, I feel I’m not living to my full potential. I started learning about the SF mission this year. The more I learn about the community, the more I find myself thoroughly impressed with the mission of the team and how much I want to be a part of it.

Recently, I spoke with a 19th Group Sgt out of Los Alamitos who linked me up with a recruiter. My plan is to attend the SFRE in July and sign up with the NG awaiting SFAS.

I’m always reaching for new goals. In the mean time, I’m working full-time, going to school full-time, following the SFAS workout routine, and staying focused on the mission. Hopefully, someday I’ll meet some of you. Once again, thank you for your knowledge and experiences.

veritatem-quaer · 03-17-2009, 23:25

Thank you for creating this forum and providing me the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge. I have a b.s. in psychology. I am a former police officer (patrol, firearms instructor, tactical team member, field training officer) and currently a real estate broker. I'm married with one daughter (two years old). I have been interested in joining the Army for some time. I'm 38 and realize that time is not on my side. I am here to try and gain some perspective to see how viable this option is for me. I am considering going enlisted, infantry, with Ranger option. Maybe OCS after. I hope to meet some people that can help guide me in this decision.

Sincerely,

Veritatem Quaer

infantryssg · 03-18-2009, 11:30

Hello,

I am 26 years old currently serving in the Active component of the US Army. I am a SSG with 3 ½ years time in grade and almost 10 years active time in service serving as an Infantryman with 3 deployments, 2 being combat deployments. I am currently slotted for SFAS in the April time period.

I joined the Army for the challenge, teamwork, comradely, and most of all to do my part for my country like many others in my family. With the challenges of the Infantry becoming less and less for me, I have decided to yet again challenge myself to do greater and more challenging things in the Special Operations community.

I heard about this site through others and have found it to be a total tool for preparation of not only SFAS but the pipeline as a whole and family life in the future if I do get selected. Id like to personally thank each and every one of the experienced members of this community for sharing there wealth and experience to the possible up and coming soldiers taking part in the SF pipeline.

Take care,
SSG C

RMEBRAT · 03-19-2009, 19:22

Although I do not have the rite of passage to be a part of the Quiet Professionals, I immensely respect the individuals who proudly wear the title. One of the things that most impresses me is that the Quiet Professional is just that....not boastful, not arrogant, but proud, strong and intelligent warriors. This I have witnessed in my brother-in-law. To me he is the epitome of what a Soldier is about. In his presence I have always felt his strength, his honesty, and his integrity. Thank you for allowing me to be a Quiet Admirer of you all.

RMEBRAT

Blitzzz (RIP) · 03-19-2009, 21:23

Blackmagic, veritatem-quar, infantryssg, and RMBRAT, you are all welcome thanks for the Intros. Blitzzz

mitch_04 · 03-21-2009, 07:18

Hi everybody. My name is Mitchell, and I'm currently SDARNG. I am a 21R (electrician) and used to be a 21B (Combat Engineer) until they reorganized our units. I could have continued being a 21B but I would have had to leave my home unit, and I love the guys we have, so I just switched my MOS. I've been in for about 5 years, and will be moving to Chicago in about 5 months after I get married. When I'm there I plan on trying out for the SF unit in March of 2010. I'm a small town guy, from a place of 1300 people, and don't really want to live in Chicago, so the SF is my goal to keep myself sane. I've always heard of SF as far as movies and all, but until I decided I wanted to try out I never knew what they were really all about. I've read "Chosen Soldier" by Dick Couch, did a bunch of online research on SF, and just recently bought the book I found on here to help get through SFAS(if I get selected). I want to become SF largely because of the challenge, but also because after reading up on it, I realized how much of a brotherhood it is. That is the exact reason I love my home unit, everyone watches out for everyone, and even when drill is over we all stay together, wether its bowling, golfing, shooting guns, or anything else. I'm looking forward to the challenge of it all, and hope to make it through as "painless" as possible. I mean painless as in being prepared, not as if there won't be hard times, or actual physical pain, I've realized there will be plenty of both no matter how well you are prepared. Thanks for letting me be here, and I will not screw up this opportunity.

tomcreo · 03-21-2009, 11:35

Hi everyone, and thanks to those who made this forum possible. I know myself and many others have had questions answered that a few years ago would have been left unanswered.

I spent two years at a military academy, where I was originally introduced to the special operations community and knew that SF was the right fit for myself. The mission set/ccommand climate was described as mentally and physically challenging, autonomous, trusting, professional, mature, and vital to national security. However, due to numerous personal disagreements with the manner in which the Academy was trying to mold myself and my leadership style, I decided the best plan of action was to depart. Now I am a senior at a school in Virginia, who in a few months will move onto a Finance/Econ/Business Consulting job in DC. However, the SF itch is still there, and I am looking to scratch it.

I have been speaking with a contact in MA about NG opportunities for both officers and SF. If things go 100% right, I'd love to get assigned to a RSTA unit and then start the pipeline.

Thanks again for the site.

doubleohseven · 03-21-2009, 16:42

Hey people,

I am a 24 year old 68w currently deployed to OIF.
I am still heavily considering putting in a packet to attend selection, but I have a baby on the way and some other stuff that has me reevaluating the decision on a daily basis. I am fairly certain I will despise myself for A) Missing time with or birth of baby, or B) Not trying for Selection.

I have read Get Selected, Chosen Soldier, and most of the books recommended in the back of Get Selected. I thought The Company They Keep was phenomenally well written. Tony Robins book would have been more useful if I read it 10 years ago.
Right now I just kind of read a lot and pt, I currently try to ruck at least 2 days a week here on post. (If anyone is on JBB and can really really move with a ruck, PM me) I am kind of stuck at 13-14m miles with a big slow down after mile 6.

Anyway, thanks very much for having me.

Kepler · 03-22-2009, 03:16

Hello.

This site is full of useful information and I would like to thank you creating it.

I'm 36, have been in the Army for about 16 months as a 15Q. Joined after finishing my degree, which is in Physics. Spent most of my life being a Systems Administrator type, working with computers. Decided to get back to school in 2002.

I'm currently stationed in Hawaii, and should have orders to attend SFAS this week. However, it looks like my Chain of Command is going to try their best to stop those orders, up to the BDE CDR. If the orders do materialize and do not get stopped, they will be for April. Word from the SF guys here is that my class position is locked in and secured, I just don't know who will have the ultimate override authority.

I guess it's nice to know that my company thinks I am valuable, but I wish they understood that I will, in the worst case, come back a better soldier for having attended SFAS. Best case, they will have time to find a qualified soldier to fill my position.

Thank you for making these forums available. I have enjoyed reading them.

**The Reaper** · 03-22-2009, 07:36

Welcome all!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kepler

Hello.

This site is full of useful information and I would like to thank you creating it.

I'm 36, have been in the Army for about 16 months as a 15Q. Joined after finishing my degree, which is in Physics. Spent most of my life being a Systems Administrator type, working with computers. Decided to get back to school in 2002.

I'm currently stationed in Hawaii, and should have orders to attend SFAS this week. However, it looks like my Chain of Command is going to try their best to stop those orders, up to the BDE CDR. If the orders do materialize and do not get stopped, they will be for April. Word from the SF guys here is that my class position is locked in and secured, I just don't know who will have the ultimate override authority.

I guess it's nice to know that my company thinks I am valuable, but I wish they understood that I will, in the worst case, come back a better soldier for having attended SFAS. Best case, they will have time to find a qualified soldier to fill my position.

Thank you for making these forums available. I have enjoyed reading them.

Kepler, I used to interview all of the SFAS candidates about the way their CoC and assigned units treated them.

Normally, the best were the support units, and the worst was the Ranger Regiment, followed closely by the 82nd.

I made the same point that you have noted, that a returning soldier who was not selected returns with some valuable skills, a tremendously better insight into how people perform under stress, how motivated he really was, and how much you can drive on through.

My personal opinion is that commanders who fail to realize that, and that the soldier deserves a shot at it, are not reflecting Army Values but are being selfish and prejudiced.

The best way to repay that is, IMHO, to go anyway and to get selected.

Use that as a source of motivation, as you do not want to return to a unit which would do that, and will no doubt discriminate against you further in the future for having tried.

TR

Utah Bob · 03-22-2009, 14:24

Howdy. I hope there's room on this site for old gray Ex- SF types.
I was with Co C, 10th Group from 67 to 69 in Bad Tolz and the move to Devens.
I returned to civilian life after a tour with the 1st Cav in 70 but my green beanie has always had a place of honor in the house. Spent 32 years as a law enforcement officer and retired to Colorado in '06. I still keep in touch with a few of my old friends from the good old days. I've been cruising around this site for awhile and it brought back some old memories.
You young fellers make me proud.

De Oppresso Liber!

ISTCMerlin · 03-22-2009, 16:26

Hope this is the right place!!!
Hi all,
Old retired SF dude here, hope to meet some old friends!!
Später

Jason_ · 03-23-2009, 01:42

My name is Jason, I am currently a college student in the northeast. I joined this board to gain information about sf and the army overall, as I plan to join the national guard in the near future while working towards OCS. I am primarily looking at sf support positions in either the 19th or 20th. Not looking to be Rambo, but would not mind packing his parachute until I get my "butter bar". Cheers.