I'm going SF....anyone have any words of wisdom before I step off?

2015-06-12T10:48:03-04:00

Any details or help will be appreciated! Never done anything like this before but I'm not coming home without a tab! I'll die trying or eventually make it!

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-06-12T11:35:01-04:00

Kick a$$ and go get you that tab!! :)

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jun 12 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-06-12T12:24:19-04:00

Can you rock a 75 pound ruck all day and then do a regular PT session and push a three-wheel humvee a few miles (with the same ruck on)? Then you might be physically ready. I speak from the experiences of others.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-06-12T14:25:48-04:00

If you are looking for advice online about SF you are already heading on the wrong path. Making the statement "I'm going SF" is wrong too. You are going to Selection. Nothing more. If you get to the Qualification Course then you are a student, nothing more. Even if you graduate you keep your mouth shut until you have enough experience to add to adult conversation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-06-12T14:53:46-04:00

Ok PFC, roger that lol first of all, I'm not asking for advice...I asked for mental notes to keep in mind. So, stay in your lane when your trying to correct someone on a question. I said I'm going SF bc that's exactly what I'm doing...I'm not trying, I'm going through it to get it and that's what I'm going to do! So stay in your lane private. Gain, some more exerience on adult conversations before adding comments like that that just annoys or pisses people off. I am striving for something bigger and better than myself and I'm sticking to it.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 12 at 2015 6:58 PM

2015-06-12T18:58:20-04:00

Here is the link to the SF candidates. Sorry that only 12/177 are verified (and 1/2 of those are suspicious), but for what it's worth these are the ones with the most recent intel. There are lots of SF members on RallyPoint as well, but they might have much older info. Best of luck, brother. I know that back in 1992, my infantry company commander went to assessment and looked like a cross between Rambo and Dave Shultz (Flyers Broad Street Bully era of the NHL) before he left. He came back about 20 pounds lighter and SMOKED. He made it through. Badass just for trying out! Keep us in the loop.

https://www.rallypoint.com/specialties/18x-special-forces-candidate/primary

Find Special Forces Candidate (18X)'s on RallyPoint

Connect with other 18Xs. Share you knowledge and get the career advice you need from others with your experience.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jun 12 at 2015 7:02 PM

2015-06-12T19:02:37-04:00

Make sure you know your land nav (for SFAS), that you can ruck like crazy, maintain your integrity, and be prepared to think out of the box!

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 12 at 2015 7:03 PM

2015-06-12T19:03:34-04:00

Best of luck to you!

Response by SFC Jason Porter made Jun 12 at 2015 7:56 PM

2015-06-12T19:56:45-04:00

Godspeed! I wish you well.

Ballad of the Green Beret
by Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler and Robin Moore, copyright 1966
Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret

Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret

Trained to live off nature's land
Trained in combat, hand-to-hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage peak from the Green Berets

Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret

Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her his last request

Put silver wings on my son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-06-12T20:14:15-04:00

Airborne!

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Jun 12 at 2015 8:36 PM

2015-06-12T20:36:31-04:00

Yeah. Go straight out of basic.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jun 12 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-06-12T20:38:00-04:00

You can do it, do what you are told and don't be afraid to step up when called upon. Green Berets are leaders of men. I graduated in 1966. Proud to serve with the best.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-06-12T20:38:47-04:00

While in Special Forces, Mission is ALWAYS first, regardless of your own personal safety, yet consider the safety of your soldiers. I served in Special Forces as both an enlisted man and as a Military Intelligence Officer.

1st SFG(A), Military Intelligence Company, Special Operations Detachments Alpha 102 & 103. Long Range Reconnaissance. 1980's circa. Rank: Staff Sergeant

350th Civil Affairs Command, Command Information Systems Officer. 1990's circa. Rank: Captain

A FEW mental notes:

Maintain loyalty, honesty, and selfless service, to our nation and the SF Group you decide upon.

Be technically and tactically proficient. Exceed the Army standard in the following events.

Physical fitness (Maintain 300+)
Weapons qualification (Maintain Maximum scores)
Skill Qualification Testing (Maintain the maximum score)
Common Task Testing (Maintain Maximum scores)

***Always remember, the word "Special" in Special Forces, means beyond the Army standard. Those that exceed the Army standard, in every event, are truly Special Forces***

***If you are the leader, be an individual first and a team member second.

***If you are a team member, be an individual first and a team member second. A Special Forces team is a group of individuals performing as a team above the Army standard.

Holding true to the above values and standards, I was promoted to the rank of E-6 at only one year and four months in Special Forces; four years time in service. I sincerely wish you the best in all your endeavors.

James Hill
Major / 0-4
United States Army

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 12 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-06-12T20:58:08-04:00

Here's my takeaway from SFAS: (by the way, I was selected) as best I remember it from 24 years ago.

Worry about PT, but not too much. Road march your butt off in preparation for SFAS. Trust me on this. Also, if you don't lift weights, start now.

'The number one thing is attitude. Be that guy that motivates a team. Don't be afraid to joke a little bit as long as you're serious when you need to be.

Be smart, then be physical. When you come to a water crossing on a road march, stop, sit down on your ruck, take off your boots and socks, cross, then reverse the process. The dipsticks that go full hooah and pass you while your doing this will be sitting along the road with tears in their eyes in a few miles....by the way, the last road march is longer than the training recommendations.

Think like a leader AND a follower. When you're team leader, solicit input from your team and make solid decisions from the best ideas. When you're not the team leader, give your ideas. Participate 100% in team events no matter whose idea it is. Follow instructions to the letter, give instructions to the letter.

Did I mention positive attitude? Keep positive ALL the time, no matter how much it hurts. If it hurts too much to be positive, do it anyway.

The swim test kills a fair amount of dreams. Practice the swim test.

Whatever your SF recruiter told you to do to train...do that and more. Trust me.

Land Nav: Don't screw this up. If you aren't good at it, get help now. Nobody can help you in SFAS.

Make it to lunch. Don't think about how many days until you're done, just make it to lunch. Once you do that, make it to dinner. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Show up rested. Once you get there sleep is a rare and precious commodity.

When you get woken up and told to report to a classroom, you're in for a long test. Shut up and do it. It's not that bad.

Did I mention Land Nav?

Lose any cockiness. That will kill you faster than anything. They are looking for smart, strong, agile team members.

NEVER, NEVER take even the shortest step away from integrity. I recall nothing with higher emphasis than that.

Did I mention positive attitude?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-06-12T21:39:37-04:00

I wish you the best.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 13 at 2015 12:03 AM

2015-06-13T00:03:12-04:00

Do not eat any Cheese during the SF intake/selection/training process. Keeping your bowels in proper moving order is a smart move!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 13 at 2015 2:01 AM

2015-06-13T02:01:16-04:00

I was never SPECOPS/SPECWAR myself, but I did help a few of my junior Sailors with their BUD/S packages and one thing I noticed in the one guy who actually made it through training and as far as I know is now a SEAL (I say as far as I know because after he finished BUD/S he erased his online footprint) is, CrossFit. He did a lot of CrossFit as that style of PT was actually invented by SEALS and other people with very physically demanding jobs like fire fighters.

So that's my advice to you. PT like your life depends on it (as it kind of does since you want it so badly, LOL) and don't sweat the negative posters (like the locked out unverified PFC).

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 8:54 AM

2015-06-13T08:54:51-04:00

Just do whatever it is you are told to do until you are told to stop. It worked for me 15 years ago, guessing it still applies now. Oh and land nav sucks in NC because there is only two types of terrain usually, swamps or non swamps and both seem to have tons of thorns. Seriously though work your land nav with some extra effort on dead reckoning and pace count because terrain association can be a little hit or miss in the Sandhills. Good luck!

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 13 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-06-13T10:36:56-04:00

Jump off 2x4s and eat worms for 2 weeks before starting training. Slap your arms together like a SEAL 3 times and repeat contiouiously, "there's no place like Ft Bragg for two weeks every three years to visit my family."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 13 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-06-13T12:04:33-04:00

Don't accidently get pulled into a parade.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-06-13T12:43:12-04:00

Don't quit! Most people quit or as we say self "self select". It will be hard. Maybe the hardest thing you have ever or will ever do....but don't quit. Have all your affairs in order before you go. Too many guys go and then when it gets hard use excuses (my wife will be upset if I deploy too much; I think I left the light on in my bedroom :-). If you are left standing at the end you have a great chance of getting selected.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-06-13T12:46:39-04:00

All the physical preparation is important, true. But be sure to prepare yourself mentally. Resolve and determination are just as important as your ruck time.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Jun 13 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-06-13T13:39:15-04:00

I hate to say it's really simple, not easy but simple. Ruck a lot, your feet better be ready, learn land nav and not the basic training stuff but terrain association, be a team player and the most important thing, don't quit. See simple. :)

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 13 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-06-13T17:51:18-04:00

Best of luck to you!

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Jun 13 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-06-13T18:09:20-04:00

Before you leave your existing unit stay on your toes.
I was was sand bagged by my 1Sgt who did not believe in SF.
He was on me like stink when I wrote Bragg that I was meeting resistance to training.

I was granted a little freedom for training but had to be supervised by an E-7.
He was unaware there were many E-7s willing to help me train.

Eventually he used the SkillCraft on me enough and I lost a tripe that took me out of the Minimum rank qualifications for it.

It's all heart. Don't ever quit and work on where you are weak.

Wish you the best.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jun 13 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-06-13T23:31:53-04:00

I cannot give you advice on how to be SF, but as one NCO to another I can say this; you made it to your current rank because you believed in yourself, proved yourself as a leader and a follower, were technically and tactfully proficient in what you do, and those traits led others to believe in you. I would ask you to remember what you mentioned that SF is something bigger than you, and that you apply that when you graduate. I would also ask that you NEVER give up. There's always a way even if you have to attend the course again. Believe in the team concept, and gain their respect while giving yours. Don't look back and be proud of where you're going. Do good things SGT. Now MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Jun 14 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-06-14T10:28:39-04:00

Pray and or meditate to keep your head clear.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 2:52 AM

2015-06-15T02:52:22-04:00

Don't plan on getting married for awhile. Being SF is ROUGH on marriages: you're ALWAYS gone whether it is operationally or in training.

Start rucking!!! You'll be wearing that thing EVERYWHERE during SFAS. Work on getting your PT scores to 100% - they'll expect that once you earn your Beret.

How's your teamwork? That's the key thing they're looking for: if you can't play well with others? Forget it.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 4:47 AM

2015-06-15T04:47:53-04:00

If you need any outside motivation for any special program. .. why are you even trying.

Response by MSG Al S made Jun 15 at 2015 10:52 AM

2015-06-15T10:52:32-04:00

I went through Selection in 2004 time frame, was selected and later opted out while in the Q Course.... here's my input for ya...

1) Get in shape, and I don't mean PT Test Shape... do your ruck marches, when you do them do them off of any road or path... do them cross country, through the woods over logs and through the thick brush.... practice the swim test, it wasn't a "non select" kinda thing when I went through, but it will come back to haunt you when you least expect it if you fail during selection

2) Learn to be the "Gray Man", that is, find that happy middle.... if you are on a ruck march and you see a buttload of people in front of you and not many behind you... you're too slow and you better pick it up.... if your all the way out front and there is nobody in front of you, but a buttload behind... remember to pace yourself and don't blow your wad the first 2 days, it's got a bunch of ways to challenge you physically and mentally..... by being the Gray Man, in the middle I was able to pace myself and stay the course

3) Food and H2O and clean socks are your best friends, they give you energy and keep you in the fight... never skip a meal for sleep, never fail to start with clean dry socks (you'll be amazed at the blisters people get....and if you don't take care of your feet, your feet won't take care of you!!)

4) Attitude is everything, have fun with it... be professional and efficient in your tasks, don't be afraid to make friends and have an open mind to listen and learn

5) Be an expert at Land Navigation.... learn how to identify and use backstops and left/right limits so that you can put the compass away and move quickly from one point to the next by recognizing terrain and land marks you identified on your map when plotting your course.....

6) if you screw up, then own it, learn from it and move on.... everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone makes 2!!!!

Good luck,

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Jun 17 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-06-17T11:49:53-04:00

First, good luck and thanks for accepting the challenge. Second, direct all your focus to preparation. People fail selection for land navigation, lack of endurance, grip strength, fear of heights, lack of tactical troop leading skills, lack of being a team player, lack of leadership by example, lack of endurance, and, above all, a failure to go "all in" when you never know if years of preparation will pay off. Preparation with squats, lots of grip strength exercises, rucking, shoulder strength, and pull ups will all help. One of the best pieces of advice is to break selection down into 5 minute blocks - do the best you can for 5 minutes, then do the best you can for the next 5 minutes. By doing this, you give your all each and every day and event. Third, wearing any tab (Airborne, Ranger, SF, etc) is a daily and a hourly challenge - you always have to be better than the day before and sometimes the hour before. Earning a qualification tab is the start of the challenge, not the end. Best of luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 12:52 PM

2015-06-17T12:52:45-04:00

I will refrain from giving advice or tips on passing selection as that has already been covered and can be googled or read from the literature the SF recruiter will give you.

My question for you is; Why do you want to go SF?

Response by LTC Mark Beattie made Jun 17 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-06-17T13:07:53-04:00

It's been many years since I went through the Special Forces Qualification Course, but here are my words of wisdom. 1st. Ruck march as much as possible over different type terrain, including on asphalt, pavement, dirt roads, and rough terrain. 2. Toughen up your feet, and know in advance how to care for blisters. We lost several students simply because their feet became infected. 3. Practice land navigation using a map and compass. SF Land Navigation is advanced orienteering, not movement from point to point. You have to read the terrain and move quickly by the quickest, smartest route to your destination. SF Land Navigation will get you removed from the course quickly if unable to perform. 4. If you don't know small unit tactics, you need to learn to plan and execute Ranger type patrols. 5. Understand Unconventional Warfare, i.e. working through, by, and with indigenous forces...that was the essence of Special Forces when founded, though I know in Afghanistan and Iraq the force did a lot of Direct Action. 6. Establish and sustain an overall strength and conditioning program. You must strong in both your upper and lower body, as well as having a solid core. If you can remain uninjured, do your preparation, then it’s merely a mental commitment and unwillingness to quit.

Response by LTC Ray Morris made Jun 17 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-06-17T13:12:34-04:00

I am a 26 year retired Special Forces Officer (and NCO) and have held most leadership positions in five SF units, up to BN Commander, in wartime and peacetime missions. My advice is this: First off, you have to accept the fact this is one of the most dangerous jobs in any military and you'll be deployed away from your family for most of your time. Once you do that, when you think you are in the best physical condition of your life, do more, get better. In your first weeks you'll think you're going to die, and then pray you will. When you've gone as far and hard as you possibly can, and fall, get up and continue. There is always a reserve in everybody they don't realize they have. I've seen small men achieve what much stronger men can't. Be a leader in your group - quietly. Don't be too pushy about it. True leaders don't do that - they help, urge, lead by example. If you're lucky and good enough to achieve your goal, you'll find every man on your team is also a leader. Good luck.
LTC (ret) R.C. Morris

Response by MSG John Wade made Jun 17 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-06-17T13:25:22-04:00

First and foremost attitude and mental toughness is essential. The one thing I remember the most are the instructors in my ear "encouraging" me to think my way out of a problem. Its not always muscle that gets you out of, or through a problem. Sometimes its as simple as taking a breath, seeing the problem for what it is and then solving it appropriately. This is easier said than done sometimes especially when fatigued or under stress.
With that said physical fitness and toughness are also important. From my perspective it is almost equally important as mental toughness, almost. Concentrate your prep training on endurance. Road marches, long runs, etc. You will want to be in as good a shape as possible before starting. But, also realize that your instructors will discover your defined physical limit and then push you past it.
Lastly, focus on the goal and dont waiver. Dont quit. Just move forward. Ignore your brain when you feel pain. Ignore your body when it screams for mercy. Just keep moving forward and eventually you will be a part of the brotherhood of silent professionals.
Good luck!

Response by MAJ Ben Williams made Jun 17 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-06-17T14:03:10-04:00

You've gotten a lot of useful advice here. Also, check out this book, by the former OIC of SOPC, which you'll hear plenty about if you make it through SFAS. I read it shortly after it was published and the author has plenty of on the ground, how-to, info regarding foot care, etc., even going to down to what sole you should have on your boots for land nav versus ruck marching.

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Selected-Special-Forces-Successfully/dp/ [login to see]

Get Selected! for Special Forces: How to Successfully Train for and Complete Special Forces...

Get Selected! for Special Forces: How to Successfully Train for and Complete Special Forces Assessment & Selection [Major Joseph J. Martin, Colonel Ed Phillips USA Ret., Master Sergeant Rex Dodson] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Here are just a few things you'll discover in GET SELECTED FOR SPECIAL FORCES: Ø How to more than double your chances of success at Special Forces Assessment & Selection (SFAS) Ø The truth behind...

Response by SFC Brian Smearman made Jun 17 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-06-17T15:36:05-04:00

Don't assess yourself! Pay attention and don't get frustrated. Be the gray man. That's being the quiet professional. Getting it done with not needing the accolades that come with doing the job the right way.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-06-17T15:36:35-04:00

Be yourself. If you pass selection being you, then you'll probably fit right in on a team. That, and make sure your feet are prepared. There is nothing more miserable than messed up feet.

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Jun 17 at 2015 5:34 PM

2015-06-17T17:34:26-04:00

I have read all of the advice given here and I concur with it all. "Adapt and Persevere" should be the motto to remember.

Response by MSG Charles Pecka made Jun 17 at 2015 5:53 PM

2015-06-17T17:53:11-04:00

Rucksack need to be your friend, 13 minute miles or less need to be your standard. Learn to travel with the ruck so it becomes part of you. Not the bouncing bundle of pain on your back. Add weight gradually as you increase your miles.

Make your feet hard your feet need to be condition for what is ahead.

Drink Lots of water even in the winter class.

Master the Art of Land Nav because the terrain is so flat in the sand hills if you are not used to orientation of the subtle differences in the map elevation you will have an interesting time finding yourself.

Know the Basics of patrolling for your assessment.

Be positive

Be the problem solver

Be On Time!

Be the follower when time

Be the leader when it your time

Remember you are being assessed from the moment you sign in to the time your are told you have passed. Do Not Quit! No matter how hard you think it is, how much you hurt, or how tired you are. Stay awake everyone depends on you to do your part.

A rule I live by: The Special in Special Forces stems from the complete mastery of the Basics. It is because of this mastery that the SF soldiers are able to train to higher levels and are capable of doing greater things than his peers he has left behind.

If you want this bad enough you will bring it from the gut and you will make it. If you don’t make it, do not be down on yourself, you are in good company. SF soldiers do not give up, they just refocus and approach from a different direction.

Good Luck.

Response by CW4 John "Chet" H. made Jun 17 at 2015 7:13 PM

2015-06-17T19:13:32-04:00

Don't quit, don't whine and pull your load (and then some). You either have it or you don't.

Response by SFC Ronnie Merrell made Jun 17 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-06-17T19:29:14-04:00

Be prepared to be broken down! It's just what they do. Doesn't matter how good of shape you are in, you WILL be broken down! It's painful and delightful at the same time, if you want it bad enough. Don't go in as a no-it-all. Keep you mouth somewhat shut but not totally quiet. They're not call quiet professional for no reason! :0) Your night land NAV is a killer. You have plenty of time to do it, but don't lollygag. If you are a no-go at the first round of land NAV, you will probably be a no-go the second time around because you get a harder "lane" he second go-around. Don't get lost or nervous about the land NAV. TRUST YOUR COMPASS! Take your time and, again, TRUST YOUR COMPASS and pace count. Don't try to kiss any ass with the cadre. Stay out of their way and stay off their radar. Not just anyone can be SF. There's about 6,000 Active Duty and National Guard Green Berets, give or take. You do the math and see how elite they are and will ALWAYS be. There's about 2.2 million soldiers that are on Active Duty and in the National Guard. I'll do the math for you:0). It's .27%. If you can tell yourself that "pain is nothing more than fear leaving the body," when things began to hurt (and they will) it will help. It helped me and still helps me in difficult times other that SFAS and the Q course. Good luck my fellow future brother and believe in yourself.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-06-17T21:47:59-04:00

First off and luckily for you, you won't have to die trying SFAS is not about that. I see lots of comments on what you should do but no one I read has gold you the WHY. Why do you need to be in the best shape of your life? Simple people that are physically fit have a better coping mechanism to deal with stress. No matter what shape you are in they will break you down that is the purpose. You will be physically destroyed, tired, and hungry. All to induce stress to see if you can function as an individual, a leader, or a follower. If you want to function on an A Team then you have to be able to function in very stressful situations. Anyone can be thought how to be fit, but mental toughness is not that easy you either have it or you don't. Your comment about dying trying is the right attitude but that's just the beginning you can't be an army of one. When your in a leadership position lead, if your not in that position do what your told

Response by SFC Michael L. made Jun 17 at 2015 9:54 PM

2015-06-17T21:54:38-04:00

Ask yourself why you want it.
You say TAB like that is the goal.
A lot of guys pass selection and q-course training and still do not belong.
Have the mindset to work as a team member and care for another first whilst independently thinking and taking care of yourself.
It is in the mind.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-06-17T22:21:09-04:00

A lot of advice on this but I will jump in and join the fray...1st make a training plan. I suggest six days a week with a rest day on the seventh. Concentrate on travelling distance vs. carrying heavy weight or moving fast in the beginning. Depending on where you are at now, strive for alternating a six mile run with a six mile ruck each day. Start light and gradually move up in weight until you are carrying 50 lbs and can keep a steady 15 minute mile over dirt/sand roads. Incorporate strength training but it shouldn't be in a gym. Do push ups, pull ups, rope climbs, sit ups and squats with your ruck on. Maybe some dead lifts too. 2nd bone up on land nav. It is the best way to evaluate a candidates problem solving skills by making him get from point a to point b, c and d in a given amount of time. The better you are at it, the less you walk and walking will become a major chore by the end of SFAS. Every step matters. 3rd mental toughness. Accept this truth, you will be broke off, sore and tired before the hard stuff starts. The weather will be there and you will be out in it. Train your mind like you train your body. Map reading, tying knots, foot care, etc... Lastly, don't ever self select. Never assume you aren't making the standard. Keep pushing on even if you have a bad event. Shake it off and focus on the next event. Good luck.

Response by SFC John O'Brien made Jun 17 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-06-17T22:35:36-04:00

Don't quit,

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-06-17T22:39:12-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member John you're from Fort Drum so don't worry about it! I say that with a smile because some of the best Green Berets I have worked beside have come from Drum.

The physicality and land navigation is the easy part; either you're training or your not and you'll either be ready or you won't -- that is on you. I think the more difficult part is maintaining a good attitude, ensuring you're always working to better the team, and dealing with failure. You will fail at some point in selection or the Q-course -- and how you react is a test of your character and its difficult to train character. You'll have a bad ruck, a crapy land NAV night, a fight with another candidate etc. and there is the test. How will you deal with adversity?

Don't forget to have fun!

Response by LTC Roy McClellan made Jun 18 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-06-18T00:29:34-04:00

1. Do Your Best. (That's really the only standard SF has. If your best is good enough, you'll be selected; if not you won't be, and no hard feelings).

2. Everyone has some Master Plan for passing selection: there isn't one. Everyone has things they are better at than others, and Selection will test all of them. Unless you are a a Best Ranger, physically, you may be less inclined in one or another physical category. If you are weak somewhere, work on it, but don't over-do it either.

3. Don't over-train. Be in the best shape of your life, but if you don't normally train on two-a-days, for example, don't start that the month before Selection. You'll get a stress fracture in week 1 if you over-train. If you don't road march normally, get yourself into the light infantry somewhere, do regular PT and field work with your unit and wait a year before trying Selection.

4. Keep your cool. Its as much mental as it is physical. Chill out, and refer to number 1 when it comes to the physical. You actually CAN go three days without sleep, so if they ask you to, just roll with it.

5. Don’t never lie to a ranger or officer. (borrowed from Rogers' Orders). Basically: maintain your integrity. Whole point of having an SF soldier is so we can launch that dude downrange with Mission and Intent, trust that he is doing the right thing, and not have to have him in formation four times a day for accountability.

6. Special Forces is not a "tab" a "badge" or a hat: its a Military Occupational Specialty, and a Way of Life. Go Special Forces for the right reasons and you'll be immensely happy. Go for the wrong reason and you'll actually crave somebody that outranks you waking you up every morning to make sure you are standing in a line at 0630 to do whatever stupid thing they have planned for you to do that day. If you become "THAT GUY" in SF, the beret they issue you at the Regimental Supper will be almost unsullied because over the course of you career you will have spent years under a MICH in combat, a soft cap running around post, or in civilian clothes running in and out of embassies in foreign countries. You may still have to stand the occasional parade or inspection (still soldiers!), but even when you get to Group, you'll likely be in a "no hat no salute" area. Basically, even you see a "Green Beret" at the PX on your installation, you can be sure he isn't doing anything relevant, so why bother? It aint about the hat.

7. SF needs great individuals who are also great teammates. You can't fake this.

8. Do Your Best.

best wishes and DoL

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-06-18T00:42:45-04:00

I was a selection cadre from 2010 until 2013. Number one advice is that selection is a competition between all that attend so DO NOT become the gray man during team week. Leadership is no longer assigned so take charge like an NCO but at the same time do the dirty work like a specialist.

I always ranked the gray man on the bottom of my evals along with dudes that gave instructions but did not do any of the physical work...

Response by SFC Leslie Caudill made Jun 18 at 2015 2:38 AM

2015-06-18T02:38:33-04:00

It may sound odd, but I went barefoot as much as possible prior to going to jump school. While others suffered from foot problems, I did not. I did not do this in preparing for the Q course a year later and I had some bad blistering on my heels. Luckily, the medics took care of it but it would have been nicer to have not had any problems to begin with. I lost 25lbs in the first week of jump school, but actually gained 7lbs at Camp Mackall while losing another inch around my waist. (I went to jump school at age 27 and the Q course at age 29). I would suggest you identify personal weaknesses and strive to strengthen those prior to going. I was a weak swimmer and spent many hours swimming, for example.

Response by MSG Nathan Ellison made Jun 18 at 2015 6:28 AM

2015-06-18T06:28:09-04:00

PT your ass off, graduation is your single focus while you're there, not chasing fat chicks and drinking beer in Fayetteville, you are not the smartest guy in the room, you will see the guys who think they are, watch what happens to them, when it's time to lead, be a leader, all other times look for ways to support the guy who is in the top position, selection never ends, you make your reputation every day, don't EVER forget that, look at the people who teach you and the guys around you, if all goes right, before you know it, you'll be down range with them, it's hard work, long hours, dirty conditions and far from home, that's the job, sometimes it's as cool as the movies, sometimes it's not, come to terms with that now or don't bother to show up, plan on being cold, wet, hungry or tired most of the time, cowardice is not tolerated, understand land land navigation and the 5 paragraph op order, if you haven't studied the Ranger handbook, MDMP, you should start, most of all, take it seriously but keep a positive attitude at all times and have fun, I made through the first time on everything I ever did in SF and retire next month after 26 years, my only regret is I wish I had more time.

Response by SFC Jeff Stevenson made Jun 18 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-06-18T12:11:01-04:00

Never be first, never ever be last. Give 100% and set realistic goals. You are becoming a part of a team, so get that through your head. The only way to succeed is if the team succeeds. If you are strong, be stronger for someone that is weak in that area. This is a brotherhood. Your team is just that. You will fight, argue and at times hate members of that team, but be ready to back every last one outside that team room. They are family. Be humble, be professional, be caring, but also be ready to be a beast. Know when its time to stop talking and start shooting. And don't stop till its finished. And have fun. Best time of my life. The sun never sets on the RED EMPIRE.

Response by SFC John Lemke made Jun 18 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-06-18T13:50:25-04:00

Get your feet toughened up, by this I mean do a lot of walking everyday. Not with a rucksack every time but get used to walking as often as you can, and at least one day a week go for 10-15 miles with a 55lb ruck, the guys who said they rucked "20 miles a week with 90lbs" were not there at the end.

As for a 300 on your PT test??? Not really I didn't score 300 before I went and I made it through the first time (April 1989) be able to do a lot of push ups that are picture perfect as they will only count about half of them. (just like ranger school) the gym rats didn't fair any better than I did.

As for losing a lot of weight??? Not sure but I don't remember dropping any, you get 2 - 3 meals a day and 4-5 hours a sleep at night, I felt that Ranger school was physically harder than selection or the Q-course.

And during the MOS portion of the Q course you get weekends off, home every night, lots of chow and time to go to the gym. I will tell you that PT during MOS phase is no joke.

BLUF: DON'T QUIT, HE WHO DARES WINS!!!!!! Yes I know that's the SAS motto but it fits, and our selection is modeled after theirs. Good luck & God Bless

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 11:07 PM

2015-06-18T23:07:05-04:00

Toughen up your feet, go barefoot in the woods, concrete and house. build your feet into leather, this will save you on blisters. The road marching is nonstop. The selection process is the toughest I went through. Eat healthy and stay fit, and most of all "Have a Positive attitude always" You will enjoy the misery to be in the best unit ever.

Response by COL Edward Amato made Jun 19 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-06-19T20:37:27-04:00

Best of luck, and congratulations on stepping up to face such a challenge--only the best succeed, and they all have to take that first step. There is a ton of excellent advice below, much from brothers who have already been. Although dated as far as the course itself, I'd also recommend: http://smile.amazon.com/Get-Selected-Special-Forces-Successfully/dp/ [login to see] /ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=8-1&keywords=get+selected , a very good source of timeless information about how to prepare. Joe Martin is a good friend, and I can vouch that the advice is on target. You should take all this information and prepare yourself physically as much as possible--being physically as strong/tough as you can be is only your ticket for admission; it will keep injury and weakness from prematurely derailing you from your objective, and separate you from those who weren't serious enough to prepare...from there, you will need to want it bad enough to succeed. When I returned as the S3 for Camp Mackall, I saw this every day: many of those physically toughest did not have the heart to make it the distance...but often those you would never expect by outward physical performance proved to be some of the toughest, most committed human beings I've ever met. Commitment, attitude, and leadership. Hold nothing back; let the best of who you are lead the way, every day, one hour at a time if necessary, and never give up...

Get Selected! for Special Forces: How to Successfully Train for and Complete Special Forces...

Response by SGT Mike Rudd made Jun 22 at 2015 10:46 AM

2015-06-22T10:46:02-04:00

Yes keep your head, endure, painful, keep looking at the goal at the end, believe in yourself, believe in your team ,pray often, never give up and most of all I know you will make it and will enjoy this part of your experience from here on out!!! Let me know when you make it . You have my support all the way.

Response by SSG Shawn Perry made Jun 24 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-06-24T14:20:26-04:00

i agree 100% with ltc Chad storlie. "read below" follow!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-06-24T14:22:29-04:00

I wish you the best of Luck SGT Private RallyPoint Member
When it gets bad, remember, it could ALWAYS be worse. God gives you nothing you can't handle! Let us know how it goes!!

Response by SSG Michael Serman made Jun 24 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-06-24T16:38:24-04:00

Get in shape...No kidding!

Words of wisdom:
Don't get caught up in the monumental challenge that is SFAS. Focus on the task at hand and perform each task to the best of you ability. Remember that selection is designed to sap your energy to bring every weakness, fault, and character flaw to the surface. It seemed to me that most people who failed did so because they lack the belief in themselves and/or perseverance. That is something you either have or you don't. You are your own worst enemy and there is nothing like navigating across a chest deep swamp in pitch black to bring that out. No form of outside encouragement will help you.

I'd wish you luck but that is not what selection is about. Selection is an observed personal gut-check. The cadre will determine if you deserve the honor and privilege of serving beside the best soldiers the Army has to offer.

Response by SFC Bill Miller made Jun 24 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-06-24T18:42:07-04:00

Most people wash out in the start of the last week due to stress fractures caused by not being in shape prior to going and peered out due to lack of team work.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Feb 22 at 2016 5:23 PM

2016-02-22T17:23:33-05:00

Did you make it? If so what was the best words of wisdom you received?