Personal question

Hey SF experts, I'm Scott...

I just enlisted in ARNG as 91W, Health Care Specialist for a Calvary Troop in Antigo, WI. I hadn't done any research into SF, and I was told by my recruiter that I could go SF later if I wanted to...but I wasn't told about the 18x contract or that Infantry has better chances for going to the courses needed for SF...Airborne, SFAS, SFQS, etc.

I've heard conflicting things the past few days, in which I've been intensely searching for answers on websites and other forums. One of the things I've heard is that if you aren't Infantry, there's hardly a chance you'll make it. Is that true?

Also, if I have a shot what would the timeframe be? I'm going to Basic this upcoming Monday, and AIT right afterwards. I will be there until August. If I apply for Airborne and SFAS, will I have to wait...a year...a month...?

Can I possibly pull something like the 18x, where I go straight from Airborne to SFAS, without having an 18x contract? I don't see why it's a requirement that you have Benning Basic/Infantry training for the 18x...since there is a SF medical position.

Thanks for any help in advance!

-Scott

[SR-25]

Question number one. No thats not true. Special Forces has Weapons, communications, engineers, medical, and intelligence sergeants.

If its not already in your contract you will have to wait at least a year or two. Or until your a Sergeant ( im fairly sure correct me if im wrong )

Unless its in your contract, 99.9% of the time you wont.

[crazy bay]

I think that you can apply for SF from any unit. Things may be different with the Guard though.

[Rusty24]

Like crazy said it may differ for the guard, however at Bragg they have weekly briefings that are held. After you attend one of these briefings you are eligible to enter selection providing you meet certian criteria.

Typical stuff, TIS, rank, knowledge, etc. When I was with 3rd Brigade, the cook tried out and made it. They reclassed him into a weapons SGT. He loved it, plus if you met this guy, I think you would rather have him doing the SF thing, rather than flipping burgers.

[Field_Sailor]

Ask, the worst thing that can happen is you're told no. I wouldn't take NO for an answer though. Do what you need to do get in!

[USAFDefender]

I just thought I'd commend you for even desiring a position like that. Though you haven't even made it through basic, it takes a certain type of person to push for not only a combat medic, but a medic in SF. I pray you get accepted, but making through it will be on you. Hooah and good luck.

SR-25, thanks much for your post. The qualifications at Bragg's website said you must be E-4 (Specialist). I'm still unsure of what they want exactly, because after further reading I've found that you become Sergeant by going through a leadership course beforehand. Still not positive but I will definitely find out and come back to this forum to share the exact pipeline I went through.

Crazy bay, thanks for your reply too. I'm near 100% sure it's the same for the guard. My unit will just be kind of angry with me since I could possibly (if I pass the Q phase) be leaving the troop and they'd have to wait for another medic. My unit only has two medics, and the other guy is even more unreliable than I am. I already outrank him, as well. In order for them to do basically anything on the weekends they NEED a medic present.

Rusty, your reply was very informative! I actually found Bragg's website for Special Forces and found the times for the breifings, so Thank you! Capital "T"! One remaining question I have is if there's really a TIS qualifier. It would make sense, but I hope there isn't, so I can attend SFAS within the upcoming year. By the way, I've NEVER met anyone I'd trust more with a gun than a spatula!

Field sailor, thanks for the inspiration!

Braezen808, thank you very much for what you said. I'll earn any respect by accomplishing what I set out to do, and doing it the best I can...freeing the oppressed.

I leave for Basic tomorrow morning so I won't be back for at least 9 weeks. Later everyone, and thanks again.

-Scott

[Rusty24]

I wanna say the TIS requirement is 3 years.

[RFleischman]

SF is desperate right now, they will send anyone to sfas that applies.

Okay, I'm not going for another couple of months because I have to get a plantar's wart removed and fully healed.

I found out that I can test for a National Guard SF unit in Chicago, and they'll be more likely to push me through SFAS that way. I also found out there's no TIS requirement, just that you have to be E-4...but that can be waivered.

So as soon as this damn foot heals up, I'll be on the way to being on my way.

[RFleischman]

If you want to move to Utah, you could be with me in the 19th group!

[Covertness]

At least you're not being a whiney little fuck on this thread. Good luck kid

[USMCRET6391]

:thank-god