Introductions V

[SlickScout]

Just signed an 18x contract. I look forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunity to better myself in the process. Thanks to all the QPs who frequent this site and mentor all the guys like myself. The advice is invaluable.

[BlueYing]

Hello,

My name is Stephen. I found this site because I was doing research on the Special Forces community. My father was in 5th Group in Viet Nam. I wanted to get to know more about his experiences along those of the people he served with, and those that came before and after him. I understand that the best way to do so is to ask him, but his one rule about his time in Viet Nam is everyone only gets one question and answer session. I, unfortunately, wasted that when I was much younger and didn't know the right questions to ask.

I have nothing but respect for my father and anyone who has ever worn the beret. I have very recently thought about going into Regular Army. I am in the Reserves right now; currently in a Drill Sergeant unit (not a Drill Sergeant, but on the way). Most of you have probably guessed that having a father old enough to be in Nam means that I'm old enough to be outside of the 18x guidelines. The recruiter has told me that it is waiverable if I push hard enough. That, however, is not what has given me pause in making the decision.

When I was younger, and physically fit enough to even try, I was not mature enough. I know that now. I even knew that then. Now, when I am much more mature, I have to get myself much more physically fit. I have a good base, I just need to build upon that. I will not shame myself, my father, or any of the highly respected people on this board or in the field by trying something I know I am not ready for. I have found this website invaluable in my quest to find better training plans and tips. In fact, one of the reasons I registered was to be able to use the much talked about search button.

Now that I have posted my introduction, I look forward to reading the insane amount of posts and insight on this board

[MasonPatriot]

I am currently finishing my degree at George Mason University (last semester). My degree will be in Middle Eastern Studies with a minor in Arabic.

I am 26 years old and have traveled quite a bit through developing countries.

I became interested in this site after stumbling across it during a shift at work as a researcher.

I am definitely interested in enlisting with an 18x contract but will need a minor medical waiver (which I know the Army is not giving and I will not be asking questions as if you are MEPS doctors). So until that policy is changed, I am here to lurk and to learn and if it is not changed, then I will move on and work for the State Dept or a non-profit where I can hopefully still have some sort of an impact.

Thank you for all of the valuable information you have take the time to put on this site.

[average joe]

Hello,
I am currently enrolled in my first semester of engineering school. My concentration is in mechanical engineering. I just earned my EMT-B certification this past May. I will be joining Army ROTC next semester, but want to enlist after college. I love the outdoors, and competition.

[Trapper John]

I am a former SF Medic 91B(S) earning my flash in 1970. My first duty assignment was the 10th SFG where I re-enlisted (hated cold weather training) for an assignment with the 5th SFG (B-36/A 362) later re-designated USARVITG when the 5th SFG retired its colors and returned to Ft. Bragg. After extended service in RVN I returned to the 5th SFG at Ft. Bragg in 1973. In 1974 I was assigned to the USAIMA/JFKCSW where I was an instructor to other SF Medics in-training at the "goat lab". The Army was going through a general RIF at that time and rumors were flying the SF was to be disbanded. Facing the risk of being in a regular Army unit (a fate worse than death), I chose to become a civilian after nearly 7 years of service. I went back to school and earned a doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry. Today, I am a bio-entrepreneur and medical research scientist at the "tip of the spear" in a radically changing industry. Feels like home! I am thankful for my SF training every day in this changing environment. I have recently reconnected with some of the old guard (Col. Steve Yevich, MD USSOCOM and an SF Medic class mate). Yeah, I know we are "old" Too many I knew have passed (SGM Frank Hillman, SGM Darcy, SGM Szabados, SGT Buddy Richmond - another SF medic class mate) {Salute} I hope to hear from more of you through this site.

[Cas]

Howdys!
Seems my other intro post was archived.

HHD 3/12 at Hamilton.

18e Nov85.

Joined the CHP in 88. Been there since.


Still trying to get vetted here. I've cleared my cache and cookies. Still no go.

Can someone drop me a pm and help me out?

[GeddyMX]

Have been in the National Guard for 8 years, did two OIF deployments and one OEF deployment, mostly doing support and rear echelon stuff. Currently drilling with 19th Grp in Denver with the intent of going to SFAS, don't have a class date yet.

[Fox1371]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I appreciate you allowing me to be a member of the forum. I spent 4 years in the Marines and served in OIF/OEF, supporting various units as a Combat Engineer from '06-'10. I recognize many of you from other forums that I'm on, and I'm sure that since you're here and posting, it's a good forum to be on. Since I've been out, I've been doing the whole overseas contracting thing and while I know it won't last, I enjoy the work but I love the community. Obviously I won't really anything to contribute in the SF categories around here, however I'm more then willing to partake in some friendly conversation.

S/F

[Swiftgrip08]

Hello everyone,

Currently enlisted in the 18X program with a ship date early next year. Excited to get to Ft. Benning for initial training. I'd like to thank the QP's and Admins for establishing this forum. I have already found some invaluable information and lessons to add to the "ruck".

NS

[Squid2Spartan]

Hello Everyone,

Before I proceed to introduce myself I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the administrators and operators who take time to manage and contribute to this site. I have been searching through various boards for a few hours and the information I have found thus far is invaluable. So thank you.

That being said, my name is Corey. I am 24 years old and a prior service member. I spent 4.5 years in the Navy as a Corpsman before I made the decision to continue my education. While on active duty I made it a goal to make it into one of the various “special units” that were available. I initially entered the Navy with a BUD/s contract which is similar to the 18X contract. But I dropped it before shipping to basic because I was not guaranteed any medical education if I went that route. In retrospect I am glad I didn’t because I was not mentally ready for it. However, once in Corps School (MOS training) I was introduced to the Marine Reconnaissance pipeline. So I screened (500m swim, Max pull-up, 2 min push-up, 2 min sit-up and a 1.5 mile run in boots and utes) and passed. As long as I passed Corps School I would get cut orders to the pipeline. Long story short Corps School→ Field Medical Training Battalion→ Marine Corps Basic Reconnaissance Course→ Army Airborne→ SOCM and this is where I got myself into some trouble. Even longer story short, I was dropped for disciplinary reasons but the Reconnaissance community decided I was worth retaining and I was able to serve with 2D Recon Bn until I got out.

Looking back now there are some choices I would have made differently since I stepped on my own feet. But I am grateful for the guys I worked with and those senior to myself that decided I was worth keeping around.

Now that I am out I miss the camaraderie I had in Bn. SF has been a thought of mine for a few years (previously considered the Blue to Green Program) but though the grass is greener on the other side (civilian life). Well it isn’t. So I am going to finish my degree, workout and then get back in. I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals, which I know are very achievable now that I have some clearly defined goals as well as a plan to achieve them.

I am sure that is way more than enough of an intro, possibly a little too much. If you managed to read this far I thank you for sticking with me.

-Corey

[Lodge22]

Hello,

I am 21 years old, and currently a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill studying Peace, War and Defense. I am in the process of enlisting with an 18x contract. I am hoping to ship out in the summer/fall of 2013 after I graduate. Right now I am learning as much as a possible about SFAS and the Q course, as well as training and rucking as hard as I can. This site has been a wonderful source of information, and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for your service to this great country.

[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by Lodge22

I am 21 years old, and currently a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill studying Peace, War and Defense.

Welcome to PS.com.

If you think that graduate school may be in your future, please consider the advantages of writing a senior honor's thesis and also developing relationships with professors in the program. Ideally, both the thesis and the relationships will center around your intended field of study.

Good advice - but remember this is the Intro forum and the PM function is active. Richard

[JAC]

Hello, all. My name is Jon, I'm 28, and I'm currently finishing up the enlistment process to join the Illinois NG with the intent of joining the 20th SFG in Chicago. One of my friends was AD SF for over 5 years and has been coaching me, but there is a wealth of information here that I have been perusing as well.

[Highroad214]

Hey there,

I'm Jay, I'm 27 and a former Infantryman. I spent a little under 5 years in the service, but ended up having to get because of health reasons thanks to Iraq. I'm currently waiting on the VA disability to kick in (good thing I haven't held my breath) and going to school while also spending a lot of my time writing.

I found this site while studying Stolen Valor claims, and think it's great how well represented the QP's are in regards to outing the frauds. If anyone deserves to have their legacy preserved, it is the men of the Special Forces. Thank you, guys.

[QuietBloke934]

Hello all, I am joining yourselves from across the pond. UK. Just wanted to have a look at how our US Cousins conduct themselves.

Kind Regards.

QB934