Introductions V

[roloshack]

BIOGRAPHY OF RONALD (RON) A. SHACKLETON

TITLE: COLONEL (RET), U.S. ARMY

DATES OF SERVICE: 13 MAY 1952 – 31 JANUARY 1982

DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 12 JANUARY 1931 - NEWARK, N.J.

EDUCATION: 1948 – 1950 ST LOUIS UNIVERSITY, ST LOUIS, MO (BUSINESS)
1950 – 1952 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, STILLWATER, OK (BUSINESS MANAGEMENT)
1971 – 1972 GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, D.C. (MS INETRNATIONAL AFFAIRS)

MILITARY SCHOOLING

1952 - INFANTRY OFFICER BASIC COURSE, FT BENNING, GA
1952 - AIRBORNE SCHOOL, FT BENNING, GA
1953 - JUMPMASTER SCHOOL, FT BENNING, GA
1954 - CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCHOOL, ETA JIMA, JAPAN
1957 - RANGER SCHOOL, FT BENNING, GA
1957 - AIR/GROUND OPERATIONS, KEESLER AFB, MS
1959 - INFANTRY OFFICER ADVANCE COURSE, FT BENNING, GA
1961 - SPECIAL FORCES OFFICER COURSE, JFKSWC, FT BRAGG, N.C.
1963 - BRITISH COUNTER-TERRORIST SCHOOL, JUHARA BARU, MALAYSIA
1963 - USARPAC COUNTERINSURGENCY COURSE, OKINAWA
1965 - COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE, FT LEAVENWORTH, KS
1967 - INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE OF THE ARMED FORCES (CORRESPONDENCE)
1968 - COLD WEATHER AND MOUNTAIN SCHOOL, FT GREELY, AK
1968 - JUNGLE OPERATIONS SCHOOL, FT SHERMAN, PANAMA
1968 - SENIOR OFFICER PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE COURSE, FT KNOX, KY
1971 - AIR/GROUND OPERATIONS, RAMSTEIN AFB, GERMANY
1972 - NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE, FT MCNAIR, WASHINGTON D.C.
1977 - SECURITY ASSISTANCE MANAGEMENT COURSE, DEF INST SEC ASS, WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH
1977 - DEFENSE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT COURSE, FT LEE, VA
1977 - SECURITY ASSISTANCE MANAGEMENT COURSE, INSTITUTE MILITARY ASSISTANCE, FT BTAGG N.C.
1977 - INTERDEPARTMENTAL STUDIES, FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, ROSLYN, VA

DUTY ASSIGNMENTS

JAN 1953 - PLATOON LEADER/BN ADJUTANT, 325 AIRBORNE INFANTRY REGT, 82D ABN DIV, FT BRAGG, N.C.
JAN 1954 - EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMPANY B, 15TH INF REGT, 3D INF DIV, KOREA
OCT 1954 - COMMANDER, COMPANY L, 21ST INF REGT, 24TH INF DIV, KOREA
JUN 1955 - ASST PMS&T, GEORGIA STATE UNIUVERSITY, ATLANTA, GA
JUL 1959 - COMMANDER, COMPANY B, 2D MECH BN, 54TH INF, FT KNOX, KY
JUL 1960 - COMMANDER, 522D ARMORED ENGINEER COMPANY, 2D MECH BN, 54TH INF, FT KNOX, KY
JAN 1961 - S3, 2D MECHANIZED BN, 54TH INF, FT KNOX, KY
SEP 1961 - COMMANDER, SPECIAL FORCES A DETACHMENT, COMPANY A, 1ST SFG, OKINAWA
JAN 1962 - COMMANDER, SPECIAL FORCES DETACHMENT, CLASSIFIED MISSION TO VIETNAM (BUON ENAO)
SEP 1962 - ASST S3, 1ST SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, OKINAWA
JAN 1963 - INSTRUCTOR, USARPAC COUNTERINSURGENCY SCHOOL, OKINAWA
JUN 1963 - DEPUTY COMMANDANT, MATSUDA TRAINING/R&D FACILITY, 1ST SPECIAL FORCES GROUP OKINAWA
JAN 1964 - S3, COMBINED FORCES, EXERCISE AUMEE, TAIPEI, TAIWAN
JUN 1965 - OPERATIONS OFFICER, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF, EMERGENCY COMMAND POST AFLOAT, NORFOLK, VA
JUN 1967 - S4, DEPARTMENT OF TACTICS, CORPS OF CADETS, WEST POINT, NY
JUL 1968 - COMMANDER, 1ST INF BN, 1ST INF REGT, WEST POINT, N.Y.
AUG 1969 - S1, 5TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, NHA TRANG, VIETNAM
OCT 1969 - COMMANDER, 3D BN, 5TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, DANANG, VIETNAM
SEP 1971 - ASSIST CHIEF OF STAFF, G4, 4TH ARMORED DIVISION, GOEPPENGEN, GERMANY
AUG 1972 - ASST CHIEF OF STAFF, G3, USAJFK CENTER, FT BRAGG, N.C.
MAR 1973 - COMMANDER, 7TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP, FT BRAGG, N.C.
SEP 1974 - DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, G1, XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS AND FORT BRAGG, FT BRAGG, N.C.
JAN 1977 - DEPUTY COMMANDANT, DEFENSE INSTITUTE OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE, WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

SILVER STAR
LEGION OF MERIT (3 AWARDS)
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS BRONZE STAR W/V (5 AWARDS
BRONZE STAR (2 AWARDS)
PURPLE HEART
AIR MEDAL W/V (5 AWARDS)
AIR MEDAL (3 AWARDS)
DEFENSE MERITORIOUS MEDAL
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (2 AWARDS)
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMENDATION MEDAL
ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL (4 AWARDS)

SERVICE MEDALS

ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL W/STAR
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (2 AWARDS)
KOREAN SERVICE MEDAL
UNITED NATIONS SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL W/4 STARS
VIETNAMESE GALLANTRY CROSS W/SILVER STAR
VIETNAMESE HONOR MEDAL FIRST CLASS
VIETNAMESE MERITORIOUS MEDAL 2D CLASS
VIETNAMESE GALLANTRY CROSS W/PALM
VIETNAMESE CIVIL ACTION MEDAL
BRAZILIAN PEACE MEDAL

BADGES

COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE
EXPERT INFANTRY BADGE
SPECIAL FORCES TAB
MASTER PARACHUTE BADGE
JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF BADGE
RANGER TAB
JUNGLE EXPERT PATCH
THAI PARACHUTE BADGE
VIETNAMESE PARACHUTE BADGE
REPUBLIC OF CHINA PARACHUTE BADGE
REPUBLIC OF KOREA PARACHUTE BADGE
CANADIAN PARACHUTE BADGE
BRAZILLIAN PARACHUTE BADGE

EMPLOYMENT

1982-1990 - DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL MISSILES, LTV AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE COMPANY, DALLAS TX
1990-1993 –DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, VOUGHT AIRCRAFT COMPANY, DALLAS, TX,

PUBLICATIONS

VILLAGE DEFENSE: INITIAL SPECIAL FORCES IN VIETNAM, PHOENIX PRESS, 1975

ORGANIZATIONS

OKLAHOMA STATE “O” CLUB, ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
SPECIAL FORCES DECADE ASSOCIATION
INDUCTED NEWARK, NEW JERSEY ATHLETC HALL OF FAME

[glebo]

/\/\/\/\

Welcome Sir....I think ya mighta scared some folks off with that Bio...

Job(s) well done..Nice to have ya board.

For some adult supervision at times...

[christianwarrior]

Hello everyone. I'm editing this post because my life has made some dramatic changes and it's been more than a year since I've returned to this forum. Today I am a 35P Arabic Crypto Linguist serving in the CA NG. I have spent the last 6 months doing everything I can to switch to Active Duty Army and on Friday May 17, my luck finally changed for the better. After a lot of drama over PRK surgery, I have finally cleared medical and will be enlisting with an 18X contract without a waiver, obviously, either this week or the next, so long as the contracts don't close. I have learned a lot being in my Guard unit. I've met many great NCO's. Most of them have been in either LRS or LRRP units. A handful have actually had the opportunity to serve as support for SOCOM and have worked along side Rangers and SF soldiers. They've taught me a lot about being a soldier, they helped me to become more humble and understanding of my place in this long food change of service members, and more than anything they've fed my dreams to become a Special Forces soldier. My wife has always been there to push me when it seems all the Administrative BS of being Prior Service is going to keep me down. I've suffered training injuries (I used to have a hard time knowing when to stop) and when I thought I was too young to have what it takes, she reminded me that I want it too bad to give up like such a punk. When I think of what being a soldier means I think of Special Forces. It's not that they're cooler. It's not their beards. It's not their gear. It's not their guns. It's not Call of Duty. It's their commitment. I've been blessed with chance encounters with NCO's from 19th SF and you can just see and hear that they are men who have gone and will continue to go above and beyond the usual. They serve with a kind of distinction that demands respect and acknowledgment that they don't really ask for from anyone else. That's been my experience and my plan is to one day inspire a young man the way I've been inspired by the SF soldiers I'VE met. I plan to one day have the honor of serving with the men who give more than need be for the sake of others. I will go through hell and back for this chance. And I know like many young men I'm here "talking the talk" and that begs the question, can I "walk the walk?" In all honesty I don't know. I train hard both mentally and physically. Every thing I do is aimed to make me a better candidate for SF. All I know is what I repeat to myself when I'm exhausted, "Cast or Tab Rivera. Cast or Tab." Thank you gentlemen. If it's alright with you, I hope to see you soon.

Originally Posted by glebo

/\/\/\/\

Welcome Sir....I think ya mighta scared some folks off with that Bio...

Job(s) well done..Nice to have ya board.

For some adult supervision at times...

Scared is a huge f'n understatement.

Adult supervision required.

[glebo]

Originally Posted by golfranrivera

Hello everybody my name is Golfran I'm a PFC in the California National Guard. I have my heart set on becoming a Special Forces operator. I hope to go to SFRE this December, I'll be a specialist by then, hopefully the board wont completely dismiss me for lack of experience, and I'll push on to SFAS and go from there. I want nothing more in my military career then to be a Special Forces soldier and to serve with the greatest men this country's military has to offer. I just want to thank all of you who have served before me and currently serve all around the world. I can not express with words the gratitude I have for your bravery and commitment to our country. Thank you and God bless.

awww crap, not this crap again....

The term is SOLDIER...ya wanna be an operator....go look up Lilly Tomlin....if ya even know who she is

[coloradokid]

Hello Everyone,

I am 26 and have been privileged to grow up in the mountains of Colorado. My pursuit of the outdoors, hunting, guiding, SAR and wilderness medicine has led me to this next step.

I recently signed my 18x contract and look forward to this opportunity to become an 18D.

Thank you to those who have gone before me. There is a lot of incredibly useful information here.

[Nclewis]

Hello all, I'm Lewis. I'm 23 and live in western North Carolina. I'm a mechanic by trade, been at it for almost 7 years now. Have had the calling for the SF life for sometime now and I'm finally in the spot to pursue what I feel is my destiny. I'm on here looking for training advice and some help with questions. I've been on here for a good while before I even posted my intro. I also want to thank all of the QP's on here for their dedication to what they do, and hope to be along side them one day.

[Miller89]

I am newly minted 2LT branched Infantry.
22 years old, graduated from University of Texas with a degree in history.
I am airborne and air assault qualified and did SMP (simultaneous membership program- allows cadets to drill with local NG units) with an airborne unit and was put on jump status. I have 14 jumps completed with T10, T11, and MC-1.
I have my eyes set on ranger school for the time being. Not putting to much thought on the SF community until I have reached that point in time.

Here primarily to creep the boards, listen and learn from the best.

[conductingCHAOS]

Post Deleted

[bsugrad_08]

Hello, I am 28 and originally from Indiana. I entered the military at 17, enlisting into the Marines as a 0621 (Field Radio Operator). Only deployed once for the initial push into Iraq (I was with 1st MARDIV, Task Force Tarawa). I did a couple of things here and there while I was in, including getting my B.S. in CJ at Ball State, but EAS'ed in 2009. I have been a probation officer ever since, but working in the CIV environment where everyone is only out for themselves has been agonizing, to say the least.

I want nothing more than to be a part of something great and bigger than myself, and I've always had nothing but admiration for the professionals of SF. So I went to talk to a recruiter back in January, and enlisted under the 18x pipeline for SF. I've been working my butt off in my attempt to ready myself for what's to come, but I've come to the realization that I'll never be ready enough. I'm lucky to have the support of my wife and two boys in this endeavor, so letting them and myself down isn't an option. I ship 07302012, and couldn’t be more excited!

[Dedbob71]

Nimen Hao. My name is Will. I am an 18D from 1SFG(A).
I've been assigned to 3-1, 1-1, and the SORB. Currently on assignment to return to Fort Lewis in a bout a month...

[Tapeinoo]

As a non-prior service civilian, I am here to learn and observe in order to make an informed decision about a career in Special Forces.

Thank you in advance for your time and the resources you provide for free.

[HBadger]

I'm a national guard soldier that is working to get a support position with 20th SFG (A) in FL. I have a MI backround and am currently a contactor. I want to work towards going to selection and eventually becoming an 18F. I will probably not post again after this as I'm here to read and learn. I've already learned a lot. I appreciate all of you sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[ReapingWolf]

Buon Giorno,
I have been viewing this site and looking over the forums for a while before I chose to try to gain permission to join this site. I found that this site has a wealth of knowledge then any others that are relating to Special Forces.
I am ReapingWolf and am an 18 X-ray, this took alot of time and struggle just to achieve this just to achieve this designation. Now I can't wait for the psychological games and pyschical challenges of the pipeline, to gain something that I have ever wanted. Until that day comes and even when it comes I'll remember to " keep eyes and ears open and mouth shut" and be like spunge and absorb the wealth of knowledge that is around me, decipher it, before making a decision.
I have been in Tae Kwon Do for 22 years and a head tournament instructor for 10 years, I'm also an avid drummer, and chef.
If anyone would like to know more about me, just ask.

[SSG. Meyer]

I have a total of almost 10 years in the Army. I spent the first 4 years and 8 months station at Ft. Myer in Virginia and Ft. McNair in D.C. While stationed there with "The Old Guard" I was a part of many ceremonies and funerals. At the time I didn't think it was that exciting, but the more i look back on it the more i realize what i was a part of. I also did a 8 month deployment to HOA which was...interesting. I've been in the reserves for over 5 years now and will be deploying to Afghanistan shortly. I've always been interested in the SF lifestyle, my Dad was SF from 70-72 so it's always a community which has held a special place in my heart.