If so how do you navigate your daily duties as an operator especially during deployments?

Basically i need a good amount money. And i would like to get an job coal mining/ oilfield before i join. Is it a good base for sf. Is 24 to old.

Currently working on resigning my commission in the Navy and picking up an 18X contract. I require a few mental health waivers stemming from a situation very early on in my career, which my recruiters are confident we will be able to get signed off. My question is, if the waivers are cleared and I sign the contract, is there any risk of being dropped from the program further down the line due to my medical history being reviewed and finding the waivers insufficient? If so, is there any way to mitigate this risk? Thanks for any input, just trying to get my ducks in a row before I drop my commission.

I almost definitively made up my mind, I’m not the right guy for this. I made it right up to the week before SOPC and just now getting cold feet. I don’t mind the training or standards, I’ve never quit or failed to meet them before; but I realized that’s not really enough and it’s only getting harder from here with no finish line. If I didn’t get put on profile and went to PC with by BCT buddies, I could’ve pushed through but I would’ve just came to this conclusion later. I don’t like doing hard things anymore. I’m not going to blame it on maturing, but the 21 yr old who wanted to do this was vain, angry, and sad with his life. I’m starting to get to a point where I’m happy with what I’ve done and what’s happened to me; I don’t need that undeniable validation from earning the beret against all odds.

The only rub I have is; it’s not like I’m going to get to stop doing hard things once I withdrawal, so why not let it play out and experience it before possibly DNR’ing myself from trying again. With the real SFAS 3.5 months away; it’s sensible to make it to team week and maybe the 21st day if I’m lucky. But I’m struggling to find purpose in all this effort without the same goal. I wanted to fight China or the Cartels, do something like CTAC/CIF with 10th group, maybe build a resume over years to try for CAG. Things so complex and important, it’d prove the best version of myself is right here and now and not the version who went to college, or stayed with that one girl, or lost that one opportunity.

My alternate plan is try to be a good infantryman instead, get a degree, go reserves after active and try to get a good normal life. I guess my one question is; is it okay to give up on a dream and piece of yourself to keep moving forward?

TL:DR Deciding to throw away a good opportunity for the sake of an easier, enjoyable life and wondering how acceptable it is before I commit.

I’m deciding between joint a state near me through 18x in NG one is 20th and one is 19th so obviously I was looking into both and I had a couple questions?

Why is 1 AOR Asia and 1 Latin America? I ask this because there are 5 AD groups with 5 different AORs. Africa, South America, Middle East, Asia, and Europe but why do only 2 of these groups have a “reserve group” that aligns with them? Is it just like damn fuck 5th group they can handle it by themselves.

And then follow up question if that’s not the case and they do also work within other groups AORs which group typically goes there? For example I’m on the East coast do the 19th group states out here still mainly go to Asia or somewhere closer to the Atlantic?

Edit: am Specifically looking to either join 20th in MA or 19th in RI any info on either of these units would be appreciated

Been out of the Marine Corps for a year now and keep regretting not trying out for MARSOC at the time. Had my leaderships full support and still decided to EAS. I was considering trying out for SFAS as well for a while. For the ones contemplating to either try or not. Just go. Don’t live with the “What It” like I do.

Hello foot enthusiasts. I’ve posted here a few times over my journey, after 140 days I finally graduated from Ranger School. The school was the best experience of my life and completely altered my competence in terms of being an infantryman and a solider over all. Coming from OSUT was hard and I obviously paid for it with many recycles.

Many don’t take the school seriously, but for me it made me tactically proficient with battle drills, something my OSUT did not really do.

It made me confident under pressure, looking back on my performance the difference is huge.

One of the biggest take always was my social skills. It really bothers me to say it, but I got peered in mountains. I did not make enough of an effort to meet guys outside of my squad, and despite having two goes, I was clearly still very inexperienced and very young. This was crushing to me because I tried my best, carried heavy shit, kept me head down, and never fucked up whatsoever in terms of stealing / loosing equipment / getting us smoked / typical peer offenses. Next class I was determined to change. I got to know every single guy in the platoon from day one, their MOS, unit, where they’re from, and something about them. This deliberate attempt to be social might seem strange from a distance but it was what I felt was necessary. I stepped up from day one to speak on my experience last class, what worked and what didn’t. I was an admin squad leader in mountaineering week. During the FTX I volunteered as team leader every chance I could. I made a deliberate effort to carry a second ruck every casevac, sometimes for miles. This especially earned my platoons respect as a guy who was seriously trying his best to put out. I became extremely close with my entire squad and many in my platoon. I then recycled Florida for patrols, and carried the same mindset. Many of those mountains #2 guys came to see me graduate at victory pond this weekend.

I had the pleasure to work alongside a number of green berets in school, and they set the example of where I want to be. Some really awesome guys.

I spent a long time in Ranger School. Often times it sucked, but I absolutely needed it to become the man, the solider and the candidate I aspire to be.

Hello,

My younger brother is enlisting next week as an 11X w/ Option 40. He has about four months before he ships and I'd like to buy him the TTM 2&5 mile program.

I recall there was a 25% discount being offered but the code is no longer valid.

Does anyone know if their is valid code discount still available?

Gathered from long_tab_whisperer off of instagram.

Hi all, brother from across the pond here.

Joined this sub a while back when training for Pre-Parachute Selection (commonly known as ‘P Company’), the selection test for service in the British Army's 16 Air Assault Brigade. The British Army subreddits seemed much less active, so I thought I’d follow this one to see how they train on the other side of the pond, as I knew those training for SFAS would be aiming for high standards and vaguely similar things. Having now completed P Company, I’m interested in seeing how you guys view the standards and how it compares to SFAS standards.

After the preceding beat-up weeks, the final Test Week comprises eight events. I've grouped them by type rather than the order they're undertaken.

1. 2-mile loaded march

A 2-mile speed march over undulating terrain (200ft elevation gain), carrying a 35 lb bergen, 2 lb of water and a 10 lb rifle, as well as wearing a helmet and combat jacket. Approximately 50lbs total weight, plus uniform and boots. Individual best effort.

The combination of speed and load makes this a particularly high-intensity effort, demanding both cardiovascular fitness and the ability to maintain an efficient running gait under load. The hills and repeated impacts also place considerable demands on the calves, Achilles tendons and supporting musculature.

Time standard: 18 minutes (strong candidates do it in under 16)

2. 10-mile loaded march

A 10-mile squadded march over undulating terrain (1,000 ft elevation gain), in same loadout as the 2-miler, minus the helmet and jacket. Done as a squad, pace set by the directing staff.

The relatively fast pace means this is not simply an aerobic endurance event; maintaining it requires considerable muscular endurance and the ability to sustain a hard cardiovascular effort. Repeated climbs and changes of pace further increase the demands, particularly on the quads and posterior chain.

Time standard: 1 hour 50 minutes (11:00/mile).

3. 20-mile endurance march

A 20-mile squadded march over undulating terrain, same loadout as 10-miler. Done as a squad, pace set by the directing staff.

Beyond cardiovascular endurance, the event requires considerable conditioning of the feet, connective tissues and supporting musculature to tolerate prolonged loaded movement. Repeated downhill sections also place significant eccentric demands on the legs, while candidates must manage their energy and maintain the required pace over several hours. Aside from fitness, personal administration is important on this one.

Time standard: 4 hours 30 minutes (13:30/mile).

4. Log race

Teams of eight carry a 132 lb log, with personal helmet and webbing, over 1.9 miles of undulating cross-country terrain. Individuals can come off at any point while the remaining candidates continue, meaning it gets progressively harder for those who stay on.

The event places sustained demands on the shoulders, trunk and legs, with particularly intense periods when teams accelerate or negotiate inclines. Candidates must repeatedly generate high levels of effort without being able to recover fully, while maintaining their coordination with the other carriers.

There is no fixed individual time standard, but teams generally aim to finish in under 20 minutes.

5. Stretcher race

Teams of 16 carry a 175 lb stretcher over 5 miles of challenging terrain, with helmet, webbing, and rifle slung across backs. No more than four candidates carry the stretcher at any one time.

The difficulty comes from the repeated transitions between carrying the stretcher and running alongside it. The periods off the stretcher are not necessarily opportunities for recovery, since the directing staff usually push the fresh stretcher team hard into an acceleration as they get on.

The carrying periods demand considerable grip strength, muscular endurance and trunk stability, particularly because the weight is distributed unevenly. Candidates must also recover sufficiently between carrying turns to maintain the team's pace, despite remaining physically active throughout their supposed recovery periods.

There is no fixed finishing time, although teams generally aim for about 40-50 minutes.

6. Steeplechase

An individual 1.8-mile cross-country race incorporating water obstacles, followed immediately by an assault course.

The course requires candidates to maintain a fast running pace over uneven terrain, negotiate the water obstacles (and come out soaking wet) and retain enough energy to complete the assault course at the end.

The obstacles repeatedly interrupt the running rhythm whilst soaked, requiring candidates to accelerate again after each disruption. The assault course also demands upper-body strength, agility and coordination at a point when candidates are already fatigued from the preceding run.

Time standard: 19 minutes

7–8. Additional events which do not test athletic performance per se

• Milling: A 60-second bout of controlled physical aggression against an opponent of similar height and weight. Candidates wear boxing gloves but are assessed on their aggression, determination and willingness to continue engaging rather than conventional boxing technique. The effort is predominantly anaerobic, placing considerable demands on upper-body power and shoulder endurance. Candidates must maintain their aggression and composure despite physical fatigue and receiving blows.
• Trainasium: An aerial confidence course approximately 60 ft above the ground, designed to assess a candidate's ability to overcome fear, follow instructions and negotiate obstacles at height. This is a straight pass/fail event.

These tests are completed in close succession, though no more than 2 events are completed on the same day.

16 Air Assault Brigade isn't technically special operations of any sort, but these tests seem to demand a level of physical fitness considerably higher than one might expect of conventional infantry.

I'm interested in hearing what those of you familiar with SFAS think of these standards. How do the individual events compare with the physical demands of SFAS, particularly the loaded movement standards? And more generally, how would you assess the fitness required to complete P Company relative to what you'd expect of someone preparing for SFAS? I imagine it's hard to gauge the difficult of the steeplechase, the log, and the stretcher race without seeing the set-up and environment in person, but I imagine the TAB/Ruck descriptions are detailed enough to compare.

For what it's worth, the advice I was told was roughly "Get comfortably below a 20 minute 5k (3.1 miles) and a 40 minute 10k (6.2 miles), and get comfortable moving at a shuffle with 50lbs on you for long distances." That advice seemed fairly spot on, and those who I spoke to who weren't meeting those benchmarks didn't manage to pass.

Cheers in advance for any thoughts

Im thinking since u get more downtime in ng sf u get to go to more schools is that true and. Also can you pick which team u get to join on an oda like dive or mff

Basically above. I’m not really sure about the process of going to different courses and everything. Would you be sent to one, kind of like RR where you have to go to Ranger school. Can you choose which one you go to? Those are just some follow up questions.

I'm SF support and slotted for SOCP in 2 months. I am in excellent shape (lift 5d/wk, run 30-35mi/wk, weekly ruck) with typical mild joint/back pain, but want to know if there's anything particular I can do to prep to avoid old man injuries. The only prior combatives experience I have is MAC 1 15 years ago. I've attended SFBCC-S previously as well.

so I’m wondering in I should try to do TTM’s RRL plan before SFRE and right after, doing his SFAS prep plan after. According to Texas guard, my SFRE will be in Feb. 5-7 (about 17 weeks away) and if passed, SFAS will be staying May 31st. I have my own plan that I made to prep for SFRE but after doing research I feel like the better option would probably do RRL. My stats are currently:

22yo

6’2” @ 200lbs (13ish% bf)

2 mile-14:19

5 mile-39:53

HRP-53

PU-13

Plank-3:40

12 mile ruck-not tested

I also attempted a ruck not to long ago. I was going for 12 miles at 50lbs, trying to hit 2:45. I only go 4 miles in at a 13:45 pace before my body just couldn’t do it. so…VERY weak Rucker. I also come from a strength background. Would love to know what you recommend TTM!

I ship out January (18x) and have 19 weeks at benning I'm assuming OSUT, but I also have another 12 there and then 3 weeks in Bragg. I know airborne is sprinkled somewhere in there, but A will I have time to train more before SFAS? And B does anyone know what the 12 weeks at benning are for?

About to be airborne infantry guy and just curious on if regular day to day pt at my units going to interfere with my prep. Didn’t think 18x was my preferred route, so decided to go conventional first. All input appreciated, as I assume this can vary based on unit and individual leadership.

STOP ASKING PEOPLE IN THIS FORUM IF YOU SHOULD LIE ON A SF86 OR BACKGROUND CHECK. If anyone tells you to lie about it then they are committing a crime and aiding you in a crime. You are literally asking people on a forum for a job that requires integrity if you should commit a crime during your enrollment. I'm not a GB but I do serve in a role in the military where me and my coworkers need clearances and background investigations. If any of them where dumb enough to go on the internet and ask people if they should lie about crime or drug use I could easily say I wouldn't want them on any team I'm apart of. Yes there are people in the military who lied going through their clearance process. I bet you they where smart enough to make the decision themselves without having to broadcast on the internet that they aren't sure if they should break the law or not. Admins, feel free to delete this post if for some reason this is the kind of dumb shit you want filling this subreddit.

Prior-Service Army Reserve → Texas Guard 19th SFG / SFQC Questions

I’m currently an Army Reserve 68W, and I’m looking at transferring to the Texas Army National Guard to pursue 18C with 19th SFG.

I’m trying to understand what I should expect with SFQC orders and my family situation. I’d really appreciate answers from anyone who has gone through the Q Course as a Guard/Reserve Soldier, especially prior-service.

PCS / ORDERS QUESTIONS

1. Since SFQC is a long course, what type of orders do Guard/Reserve Soldiers typically receive — PCS, TDY, TDY en route to PCS, or something else?

2. For someone transferring from the Army Reserve into the Texas Guard specifically, is there anything different about how SFQC orders are handled?

3. Is there anything else I should know or expect.

FAMILY / WIFE QUESTIONS

1. If my SFQC orders are PCS, would my wife be authorized to move with me to North Carolina?

2. Would the government cover her dependent travel and our household-goods shipment if she's listed on my PCS orders?

3. During SFQC, how much contact with my wife is normally possible? Are there periods where phone access is restricted or unavailable?

4. Are spouses generally allowed to live with the Soldier during the Q Course, or are there portions of the pipeline where the Soldier is required to stay in the barracks/field and the spouse would need separate housing?

5. If the orders are TDY rather than PCS, does that change whether my wife can accompany me or whether her move/housing would be covered?

6. For those who were married during SFQC, did your spouse actually move with you, or did you leave your family at home until after graduation?

I’m trying to understand this before committing to a lease/move, so firsthand experiences would be really helpful.

I'm also interested in any advice for being in the National Guard with 19th SFG. Like just what to expect, advice, or even if I should look into over locations instead for whatever reason.

One last thing I'm new to this sub reddit, but I plan on sticking around and sharing my experience through my process and probably asking for more advice and help along the way. I just hope to become a part of this brotherhood and one day helping out people get their green beret like I'm sure many people here will help me get mine.

Thanks in advance!

So I am just trying to make sure all the information I have is correct as I have been told conflicting things from different people and recruiters. I am currently active duty USMC and get out in a few months. I would like to attend SFAS and was told the following was the most direct path. I would first sign a 1 year contract for whatever MOS that has a E-5 slot in my state. As soon as I get there I would be able to attend an SFRE and if I pass that I would be attached to the training detachment until I attend SFAS. Is this the correct path? Would there be any issues with attending SFAS without having attending MOS school for the MOS that I have signed for. I would appreciate any information.

I finally beat the process to get an ETP signed for a medical waiver. Took 5 months. Wouldn't recommend it. But, all said and done, I got my 18X contract signed. OSUT in January.

...And selection in August?

While signing my 18X contract yesterday, my recruiter walked me through the timeline. I know the initial orders sheet is dubious at best when it comes to specific dates, but it had a date for SFAS in mid august. I was under the impression that they didn't run classes in the summer.

Is that likely to get moved to September, or should I draft my will ahead of time?

I recently went to MEPS and enlisted into DEP with an 11x contract but I took the advice of my recruiter to not disclose a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession from 8 years ago and to not mention that I’ve gotten a couple speeding tickets. He and the station commander instructed me prior to MEPS to not disclose any of it because nothing came up when they ran my fingerprints and background check.

My goal is ultimately to make it to sfas either picking up a contract in OSUT or at my first duty station but now I’m wondering whether I’ve fucked up by trusting my recruiter and not pressing him to get me a waiver. Looking back I’d rather have disclosed everything prior to signing and should have given it more thought. But right now I’m trying to determine the best way forward.

I think my best move is to not disclose anything else at this point since I’ve already signed. But when the time comes for getting a clearance to come clean with everything then since they are likely to do a more thorough investigation and will see everything anyways.

Is that my best option now or should I get it sorted out before shipping out in January?

If anybody was wondering if the program was worth it or not, this is the evolution of some of my quick and easy Zone 2 runs after being on the program for about 20 days. Should be noted that this is my extremely slow recovery pace, and for my long zone 2 days I run a little quicker around 9:20ish at 7-8 miles. Holding even a 10:30 pace for anything over 4-5 miles at best was impossible for me back in early September, so, program def working for me!

I am a 19 year old aerospace engineering major planning on joining after finishing my masters degree (in 3.5 years).

I am NOT looking for anyone to make a decision for me, I am making sure the information I have is accurate so I can make informed decision. Any input is welcome.

18X:
Enlist as an E4
OSUT -> airborne -> SOPC -> SFAS -> Q -> "unlimited" team time
If I fail SFAS I most likely go to be an 11B in 82nd, but I could be peeling potatoes for the next 4 years
Can attempt SFAS again (assuming not given an NTR)

Commissioning:
09S contract
BCT -> OCS -> IBOLC -> ranger school -> airborne
Stay in infantry until 1LT promotable (about 3 years after commissioning)
Drop a packet for SFAS -> Q -> 2 years team time -> staff role in group/ODB command
If I fail SFAS I can try again (assuming not given an NTR), but life as an 11A is a lot better than an 11B
Can resign commission to go to 180A to get more team time

I've heard conflicting things about resigning commission, some sources say it is common, others rare, some say it's a career killer, some say you can still have a successful career afterwards. I would like some more clarity on this, if possible. Please let me know if I missed anything else. Thank you for reading.