Does anyone have experience with the National Guard's 19th or 20th Special Forces Groups?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:00:44 -0500

I am currently a full time active California Peace Officer with 5+ years of experience. Additionally, I am a 28 year old E-5 in the Army National Guard with 8 years of service as an MP with 2 deployments.

There are 2 aspects to this question. The first would be getting some information on the process and timeline for a currently serving National Guard soldier with high PT and marksmanships, as well as no flags or disciplinary issues.

The second would be information for my partner at work who is also a California Peace Officer with 8+ years experience, but no prior military service or experience. He is currently 28 years old, in phenomenal physical shape and very bright. I was hoping to provide him with some knowledge from my brothers.

Both of us also have Bachelor's Degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

I know the process takes some time and neither of us are worried about spending a good chunk away from work for training and selection.

Thanks for the help!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 7:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:42:45 -0500

There is a ton of info out there about this. While previous experiences may help you be successful, they are not directly weighed during selection events (supposedly). The only thing that is assessed at SFRE and SFAS are your actions during the events.

First, NG Soldiers/civilians volunteer for an SFRE. It's basically a drill 2-4 day drill where unit members put you through all or some of the evaluated events at SFAS. At the completion, you may be invited to join the unit's training team. If you are NG, you will complete an IST or transfer (or attach) to the unit. You will then drill with the unit where you are trained for SFAS. When they believe you're ready, you will go to SFAS. Then, the journey is basically the same as active duty SF until the completion of the Q course, at which point you return back to your unit as an 18-series Soldier.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 8:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:21:34 -0500

i dont know much i know that B co. is here is colorado, and A co is in Cali. both of the 19th group

Response by SFC Michial (Mike) Bergen made Jan 22 at 2020 9:05 PM

SFC Michial (Mike) Bergen — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 21:05:46 -0500

Absolutely glad to help. So first locate your nearest SF Guard Unit. Go to them and start asking questions. The training NCO should be there. Now it is important to know how your state treats the SF unit. Not every state treats their SF units with respect. Ask them that question. Do not be intimidated, do not slouch, have a firm handshake and present a positive and respectful attitude. Do not do this if it’s just to wear the hat. It’s just a hat and it’s the man under that hat that makes it Special. They will have all of the answers to your questions and will help you as much as they can, however it will ALL be up to you to execute on the information they will provide. Good Luck!!!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 9:37 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 21:37:17 -0500

You will spend a good chunk away from work: 3 weeks for SFAS, 3 weeks for Airborne school, 14-18 months for SFQC.
A Co does not consider nonprior service, as you must have an Army MOS to go to SFQC, and they are not in the business of getting someone another Army MOS, your partner would need to enlist and go 11B or 31B locally first.
Send me an email for detailed information.

Response by PV2 Bob Ondown made Jan 24 at 2020 2:44 AM

PV2 Bob Ondown — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 02:44:21 -0500

In addition to info already given, you can go to this site.http://professionalsoldiers.com/forums/index.php

Most of your questions have been answered there. Just lurk and sponge.

Professional Soldiers

Home of the Quiet Professionals. A website dedicated to the Special Forces Soldier.