Army recruiters, I have questions!

[svtfocus2cobra]

Just need some info about SF. I'm currently a Cpl, almost a Sgt in the Marines as an 0311, but I'm on my way out in the next few weeks. I'm going to be 29 in Sept and I have plans in the civilian world but I've always wanted to join something higher but feel like I might have missed my chance. Reading about the 75th, SF, CAG, etc always gets me motivated again though and with shit getting bad around the world I'm not getting recalled to the fleet Marine force... **** that!! Lol.

I just need to know how likely I would be able to pass the requirements to just initally qualify? I have a 122 GT, clearance is in tact, high pft/cft scores, expert pistol/rifle, CQB qualifications, knowledge of DM and breaching, and I'll most likely have some more college under me. I've been a squad leader for most my time in the fleet, and a team leader otherwise. The downfalls I see are my age and I have a documented neck injury that hasn't taken me out of commission but it's bound to get me some disability.

Appreciate any help and I would also consider the 75th if that was a more viable route.

 

[97desertCobra]

I'm not a recruiter

I assume you are looking to stay active duty? And I assume you have read all the requirements for joining the 75th RGR or SF? Do you have a permanent profile for your neck injury ie does it limit your ability to perform your duty? I have known guys much older than 29 get selected at SFAS. I think any age issues would come with entering Army active duty as prior service and if they could get you an 18X contract or 11X with option 40 (75th RGR). I'm not sure if prior service can qualify for 18X these days.

If you consider Army NG that is a different game but the NG has the 19th and 20th SFG's spread throughout the US.

 

[Kornilov]

Just need some info about SF. I'm currently a Cpl, almost a Sgt in the Marines as an 0311, but I'm on my way out in the next few weeks. I'm going to be 29 in Sept and I have plans in the civilian world but I've always wanted to join something higher but feel like I might have missed my chance. Reading about the 75th, SF, CAG, etc always gets me motivated again though and with shit getting bad around the world I'm not getting recalled to the fleet Marine force... **** that!! Lol.

I just need to know how likely I would be able to pass the requirements to just initally qualify? I have a 122 GT, clearance is in tact, high pft/cft scores, expert pistol/rifle, CQB qualifications, knowledge of DM and breaching, and I'll most likely have some more college under me. I've been a squad leader for most my time in the fleet, and a team leader otherwise. The downfalls I see are my age and I have a documented neck injury that hasn't taken me out of commission but it's bound to get me some disability.

Appreciate any help and I would also consider the 75th if that was a more viable route.

Not Army and not a recruiter.

But why are you leaving the Marine Corps? Why not look into MARSOC or looking into trying to get a billet for BRC?

 

[svtfocus2cobra]

I'm not a recruiter

I assume you are looking to stay active duty? And I assume you have read all the requirements for joining the 75th RGR or SF? Do you have a permanent profile for your neck injury ie does it limit your ability to perform your duty? I have known guys much older than 29 get selected at SFAS. I think any age issues would come with entering Army active duty as prior service and if they could get you an 18X contract or 11X with option 40 (75th RGR). I'm not sure if prior service can qualify for 18X these days.

If you consider Army NG that is a different game but the NG has the 19th and 20th SFG's spread throughout the US.

I would be looking to go active if I were to join. I'm not committed to this plan which is why I'm posting it here first. It's just a back up plan I'm forming that could become a reality for down the road. I'll admit I know very little in regards to the 75th and their requirements, I just know a few details of their mission. I've read more about SF and their age range states 30 years maximum but I assume there's probably a waiver as there usually is. My only real knowledge of the 18x program comes from reading "Chosen Soldier". It seems like that would be a good program if it is still available for prior service.

My neck injury is documented and I have medication for chronic migraines that result from it. Thing is that it's hit or miss. Certain things make it worse and when they are at their worst it's basically incapacitating which I feel could be a deal breaker. It hasn't come around in over a year though so I don't know if it's getting better or what.

Not Army and not a recruiter.

But why are you leaving the Marine Corps? Why not look into MARSOC or looking into trying to get a billet for BRC?

I've had the pleasure to train with MARSOC about 3 years ago and see how they operated and I was very impressed, but I've heard different things about them recently and I have doubts about their future. I've heard better things about Force over battalion recon but Recon seems to have lost its reputation since the formation of MARSOC. Another reason is that they are water based. I'm a good swimmer and confident in the water but I just don't like that it's a prerequisite for those units. From my understanding it isn't required on that level in the Army groups but it's a qual you can pick up if you are fit for it. Aside from that I would like to be in SOCOM so Recon is out, and the Army just seems to have the most options in that regard and a strong history there to be a part of.

 

[hb712]

I apologize if I am out of my lane as I am not military, but I would suggest checking out SocNet.com and ProfessionalSoldiers.com for SF of Ranger information. Searching those boards will likely yield all the answers you need. If you're interested in SF, I would also suggest purchasing "Get Selected" by Major Joseph Martin.

 

[svtfocus2cobra]

I apologize if I am out of my lane as I am not military, but I would suggest checking out SocNet.com and ProfessionalSoldiers.com for SF of Ranger information. Searching those boards will likely yield all the answers you need. If you're interested in SF, I would also suggest purchasing "Get Selected" by Major Joseph Martin.

No problem, I appreciate the links. I poked around a little on there and found some useful information but not so much for my specific situation. I figure I would just have to be cleared medically and convince them I was good to go, but I also wouldn't want to bring that potential burden with me.

 

[768MPH]

Luckily, I AM an Army Infantry currently on Recruiting orders.

You would have to pass a SF physical, depending on the severity of your injury may prevent you to move forward. But if you are currently prescribed medication for pain management, according to AR 40-501, you will not qualify as it shows a dependency.

18x is open for prior service. Do you still have MSO to complete? Many factors to consider since a release must be signed for you to be able to switch branches. It is not a quick process.

 

[Tx5811]

My little bro got out of the Marines in 2012 and reenlisted army under an 18x contract. He was a corporal now a specialist. Both E-4. Think right now he's going through jump school.

 

[svtfocus2cobra]

Luckily, I AM an Army Infantry currently on Recruiting orders.

You would have to pass a SF physical, depending on the severity of your injury may prevent you to move forward. But if you are currently prescribed medication for pain management, according to AR 40-501, you will not qualify as it shows a dependency.

18x is open for prior service. Do you still have MSO to complete? Many factors to consider since a release must be signed for you to be able to switch branches. It is not a quick process.

I think I could prove that I can fulfill all requirements and the medication isn't needed. I have only taken it once as it's for preventative measures, but I have been getting headaches less and less. I understand it would be up to the physician though. Once I'm out of here in July I would have about 2 1/2 years of inactive duty to fulfill. I've heard you can switch branches in that time with relative ease as there are quite a few guys in my peer group joining the guard with similar inactive obligations. I would not be in a hurry really so if I made the choice I would be content as long as the ball was rolling.

 

[768MPH]

I think I could prove that I can fulfill all requirements and the medication isn't needed. I have only taken it once as it's for preventative measures, but I have been getting headaches less and less. I understand it would be up to the physician though. Once I'm out of here in July I would have about 2 1/2 years of inactive duty to fulfill. I've heard you can switch branches in that time with relative ease as there are quite a few guys in my peer group joining the guard with similar inactive obligations. I would not be in a hurry really so if I made the choice I would be content as long as the ball was rolling.

You can switch with IRR or without, you just have to send a request of release to two different command groups. Remember, the Guard is state governed. Not the same as Active Army or Reserves.

 

[svtfocus2cobra]

Ok, I see. I knew the Guard was state governed but I always thought they still fell under the same policies as the other branches. They often send guys from the reserves to go through assessment and selection, correct?

 

[Matts00GT]

Ok, I see. I knew the Guard was state governed but I always thought they still fell under the same policies as the other branches. They often send guys from the reserves to go through assessment and selection, correct?

Negative. The Reserves only have combat support MOS'. National Guard carries combat arms and SF. Getting selected for SF is much easier in the Guard from my understanding. Of course, from there you'd still have to complete selection and the Q course to qualify as an 18 series.

My buddy just went to the board on active duty for SF selection. He didn't get accepted which is crazy based on his resume. He did however get selected for Psy Ops. He is an officer though and selection is much more competitive.

 

[svtfocus2cobra]

Negative. The Reserves only have combat support MOS'. National Guard carries combat arms and SF. Getting selected for SF is much easier in the Guard from my understanding. Of course, from there you'd still have to complete selection and the Q course to qualify as an 18 series.

My buddy just went to the board on active duty for SF selection. He didn't get accepted which is crazy based on his resume. He did however get selected for Psy Ops. He is an officer though and selection is much more competitive.

Ok, I was mixing the two up. It made more sense to me that the reserves would have SF over Guard but I guess not. So once those guys get selected and complete the Q course where do they go? This may actually be the most viable option for me if I decide to go.

 

[768MPH]

SF is a tricky animal, its all about what they need. If the need officers, then theyll recruit more officers; if the need more enlisted... you get the idea.

SF is only a DA form 4187 signed by your commander (request for training). It's a volunteer approach IF you have what they need and are squared away.

 

[768MPH]

Ok, I see. I knew the Guard was state governed but I always thought they still fell under the same policies as the other branches. They often send guys from the reserves to go through assessment and selection, correct?

Reserves offers 120 careers related to support, medical, and the logistics side of the Army part time while keeping your career/schooling you are attending already. Active Duty has 150 careers, combat and those that support as well as medical full time.

National Guard is governed by their each individual state, same policies, different METL (mission essential task list). All three offer same MOS's and fall under UCMJ but career progression, training, and equipment is second to last with the Guard. They are not held to same standard as Active or Reserve.
Not saying that as a bad thing, just stating facts. Each have their own strengths.

 

[Matts00GT]

Ok, I was mixing the two up. It made more sense to me that the reserves would have SF over Guard but I guess not. So once those guys get selected and complete the Q course where do they go? This may actually be the most viable option for me if I decide to go.

Desert mentioned 19th and 20th group above. I know 20th group has a location in my home state but I can't really tell you what exactly they do. Technically, they are SF operators so I'm sure deployments occur much more often than any other guardsman, but I'm not sure if they drill like every other unit or what.

 

[97desertCobra]

Desert mentioned 19th and 20th group above. I know 20th group has a location in my home state but I can't really tell you what exactly they do. Technically, they are SF operators so I'm sure deployments occur much more often than any other guardsman, but I'm not sure if they drill like every other unit or what.

NG SF drill like any other MDAY unit in the NG, which is one weekend a month and two weeks a year. However, given that 19th and 20th SFG are SF their weekends are typically 4 days as opposed to other units 2, and the annual training is longer, 3-4 weeks vs 2 that the rest of the NG will typically do. With all that being said I've been told that in NG SF you can be as busy as you want to be between drills with plenty of training opportunities and schools. Thing to remember, its still not active duty so you can't expect to make a living off of the training, schools, deployments etc. You will need to have a civilian career as well.

As for it being easier to get selected in NG SF I would say that isn't true. They still have to pass all the same requirements that Active Duty would at SFAS and Q Course. However, I have read that NG SF has a higher selection rate compared to AD because the Groups train their candidates for months, maybe even a year before they send them to SFAS. So when you go they know you are ready and have a good chance of getting selected.

Going SF in the NG has its own hoops you have to go through. svtfocus2cobra I suggest going to http://www.nationalguard.com/forums/
There is a section dedicated to SF and SF recruitment. Search there and for unanswered questions PM SF Hunter.

 

[svtfocus2cobra]

Excellent information guys! I appreciate it and will follow up on the links. I actually like the idea of going through the Guard. I never thought they would have an SF force that wasn't active duty only.

I just got my VEERP fully approved today so I'm going to be out in about 10 days. I'm excited to start a new job and go to school but I still have that itch to do more. I want to keep myself on point as well because I don't believe we're going to be able to maintain peacetime for as long as we hope. When that time comes I want to be ready to offer my services again.

 

[97desertCobra]

Excellent information guys! I appreciate it and will follow up on the links. I actually like the idea of going through the Guard. I never thought they would have an SF force that wasn't active duty only.

I just got my VEERP fully approved today so I'm going to be out in about 10 days. I'm excited to start a new job and go to school but I still have that itch to do more. I want to keep myself on point as well because I don't believe we're going to be able to maintain peacetime for as long as we hope. When that time comes I want to be ready to offer my services again.

If you end up going into the guard you will have to find a conventional unit first, so most likely an infantry company while you wait the required year before you can attend SFAS through the NG. The guard has a somewhat equivalent program to 18X, it's called REP 63. Again, not sure if it's open to prior service but I'm sure all the answers are in the forum I linked above.

Also, if you go NG, keep an open mind. Don't expect to hold onto CPL.

 

[svtfocus2cobra]

If you end up going into the guard you will have to find a conventional unit first, so most likely an infantry company while you wait the required year before you can attend SFAS through the NG. The guard has a somewhat equivalent program to 18X, it's called REP 63. Again, not sure if it's open to prior service but I'm sure all the answers are in the forum I linked above.

Also, if you go NG, keep an open mind. Don't expect to hold onto CPL.

That link you posted answered a lot, the SF Hunter dude had all the answers. I wouldn't be concerned with my rank like I am now being active. With SF being the goal your rank doesn't matter as your skills are always utilized. In a line company it's harder to be fully utilized until you reach a certain rank. That's what I love about it.