18Xers

[.45ACP]

It's always hard for me to explain exactly why I want to be in Special Forces. There are many reasons, service to country is definitely one of them. I had looked into the idea and researched it until 9/11 hit and that really reinforced my desire. Service to my country runs in my blood almost like I'm called to it.

I have always been drawn to SpecOps type units. Admittedly, at first I wanted to be a Navy SEAL. I had pursued that for some time, even getting eye surgery to be eligible. A lot of things kept barring me from entry into the Navy though (vision waivers, lazy recruiter, etc.) but even when the way finally opened I had decided it wasn't what I wanted.

During this time and with further research, I came to realize that Army SF is truly what I want, for many reasons, all of which have been named by others on this thread. I think jLeary especially hit it on the head. To serve with a group of quiet professionals who I know I can trust and rely on, and to have the same trust and reliance in me. I see the job SF does to be utterly important and extremely effective in it's goals. I have long wanted to do something that makes a difference. Also, I have to admit the nature of the lifestyle is very appealing to me, I like being challenged, I like hard work, and I like adverse conditions, amongst other things SF does.

Anyway, the list goes on but I will stop before it is too late to shut up. Suffice it to say that I want this and I want it bad. I am very grateful for the opportunity the 18X option provides, and for all of the help provided on this board.

[Ockham's Razor]

I took a good deal of time thinking about this before I signed my contract. I have a deep desire to serve this Nation. I wanted to also, because I had the option, put myself in a position where I could make the most of my contribution either in peace-time or war. The 18X route offers a place where, if selected, you have the ability to be constantly involved in carrying out Policy. To be surrounded by people who WANT to be there. Surrounded by and working with and for people who truly believe in what they are doing.

That may seem like a short answer, but I really can't expound on it. It is exactly what I believe in. The only other thing I can say is that discussing this subject over the past year or so with all of you has made it clear as to exactly what this committment means. It's no light undertaking. I would never have signed that contract if I thought I was taking a slot away from a better candidate. I honestly feel that I can fill a slot and contribute to the mission. Only time and effort will tell if that proves to be true. I embrace that and will give all that I can. Never Quit.

Thank you for the chance to explain this.

Respectfully submitted.

[MatthewNC]

Simply put, the opportunity. The opportunity to do things that I can only dream about, to make an impact, to look back at my life at some point and say that I made a difference somehow and not look back and say "what if...". The 18X contract offered me those things more than anything else out there, military or civilian. My current job is great (at least that's what people tell me), but I am not satisfied or fulfilled by what I'm doing. I'm not making a difference in the world. SF allows me that chance, to work with highly motivated, task-oriented individuals in a team who demand the best everyday and who won't accept anything but your best. I wanted an environment that challenges me physically, mentally and emotionally everyday that I am there. I want to work in a team, whose members I know I can count on no matter the situation. I want to be a part of a group whose first though isn't "what about ME?", but "what about our team/objective/impact". I want to work with people who have situational awareness and know that there are ramifications to their actions, and take those into consideration. And if I was going to do something, I wanted to be the best at it, and I believe SF offers that opportunity.

Plus everybody I've had the opportunity to speak with from SF has a heck of a sense of humor, and I love a good joke.

[NousDefionsDoc]

So nobody did it for the chicks?

[Surgicalcric]

IIRC thats why I heard guys choose 7th Group though.

In an effort not to write the exact same thing as already written, I'd have to say that MatthewNC's reasoning for joining is almost identical to my own. Well written, MNC.

[.45ACP]

So it's true that SF guys get all the chicks? Even more reason!! Oh wait, I'm happily married nevermind.

[NousDefionsDoc]

Originally posted by Surgicalcric
IIRC thats why I heard guys choose 7th Group though.

Kissin' up will get you no where with the Team Sergeant




I however like it. You may continue.

[NousDefionsDoc]

LOL - I just remembered something from long, long ago.

When I was a buck private in the 82nd Airplane Gang, a couple of friends and I went up to the Main Post PX one bright sunny afternoon. It was really crowded for some reason. So anyways, we got a couple of sodas and went to find a table to sit down. Only there weren't any. But there were three chairs empty at one table that was otherwise occupied. Problem was, there were these two Green Hats, an E7 and an E8 if I remember correctly, sitting there. Both in khakis, both with 5th Group flashes, with those big old yeller stripes, just talking quietly to each other. Now we had walked all the way from Division and it was warm (August) and I really wanted to sit down and drink my pop.

But I just couldn't bring myself to interrupt them to ask if it would be ok. There was just a feeling that it wasn't the right thing to do. So I didn't. I had already decided I wanted to go to SF when I was like 8, but that settled any doubts I had. I had to be a member of the club that could get their own table at rush hour at the Main PX and nobody dared bother them. All the girlies were looking at them funny too and kind of biting their fingers. Never did find out who those guys were.