Is there some strange reason why SOF operators are the measuring stick for all service members?

2017-08-20T08:06:13-04:00

Is it because SOF is the only thing that pops into the heads of civilians? Or maybe because they receive the most media attention? Should we blame video games? What is the reason that when our careers are discussed with those unfamiliar with our jobs that SOF is where they start to measure what we have done? Do you think this plays into why people lie about their extent of service?

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Aug 20 at 2017 8:18 AM

2017-08-20T08:18:09-04:00

SGT great question, 1st is people dont have a clue what anyone is doing. I think it is easier to say SOF does it this way. Well, I spent the majority of my 20+ in SOF and rarely is does the news or anyone else get it right. I remember one of my guys told me he liked the way I always talked to the the nonSF guys. I stopped him, thanks but I am not doing it for points they are part of this unit and provide a service. I went into great detail about their importance and said yes their jobs are different but we all part of the same team.

I would send cooks and mechanics to A-camp deep in bad guy country, the guys were always excited and said thanks. I said, life is different there you have to do everything, but you are part of the team.

SGT, I am not worried about the news they dont get it right most of the time anyway, however, I always had to take care of my guys. Because I would not think twice about getting them to go to bad places.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Aug 20 at 2017 8:44 AM

2017-08-20T08:44:39-04:00

I do think it plays into the fakers out there. When you're in long enough you can really see how the big one team one fight that all of us brings to the table plays a vital part. Even the SF operators aren't gonna get enough saddles or ammo for their next mission without the logistic experts in all the services getting it shipped over there( ships, planes, airdrop).

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 20 at 2017 10:00 AM

2017-08-20T10:00:09-04:00

Must be a local thing, I can not say I have ever encountered civilians using SOF as a measuring stick to judge me or my career.
But I also don't get in to those kind of discussion with random civilians. Folks that might talk with me on those topics know me already at least somewhat.
I don't wear "army" stuff, don't advertise my service, don't go around telling all I served..so random folks are not apt to ask me "So did you do that thing where you don't shave, live with the locals and teach them how to kill the bad guys?"

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 20 at 2017 12:02 PM

2017-08-20T12:02:38-04:00

Great responses so far...I would add that career fields that are less sexy just don't get the selling that SOF gets in the media. No one wants to know about doing lateral searches for zero balance parts to get pacers up, or being knee deep in USR slides and Grenade pins.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 20 at 2017 2:27 PM

2017-08-20T14:27:26-04:00

I served AD for over 30 years and have never felt that SF was any sort of a measuring stick. The SOF world have very specific mission sets and are trained, manned and equipped for those missions, and they are damn good at it. No differently than a transportation unit delivers, while an Infantry unit fights on the front line. They too are damn good at what they do. Each military organization has specific needs and selects and trains their personnel based on those needs. The measuring stick for all of us are the techniques, tactics and procedures required to fight and win in combat.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 21 at 2017 11:14 AM

2017-08-21T11:14:24-04:00

Because many people can't be satisfied with themselves and want to be Walter Mitty. Just because you're a POG doesn't mean your job is not important. I got taught this lesson when I deployed in 2003. I, instead of being with an infantry unit ended up being the V Corps Rear G3, SGM. We made sure the tip of the spear stayed sharp with bean, bullets, fuel and such. I felt left out because I spent most of "my" war as a REMF. I was humbled, and did my job to the best of my ability. Later on after we moved north, I'd go out on night patrol with an infantry platoon. Really enjoyed getting to do what I'd been trained to do. I don't try to be someone I'm not because I am happy with myself.
I am guessing those who have to be more than what they are have visions of grandeur and are not happy with their lives.
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Response by SP5 Norman McGill made Aug 21 at 2017 12:19 PM

2017-08-21T12:19:37-04:00

What is "SOF?" Wish ya'll would spell these things out for us old timers who never heard of the things you have now.

Response by SSG Jeff Hane made Aug 22 at 2017 4:52 PM

2017-08-22T16:52:18-04:00

That IS a great question... People (non-military folk) don't realize that SF has their missions, just like ADA has theirs, & Transportation has theirs, etc. etc. etc... In this day & age, nobody is really more "bad ass" than anybody else, because IEDs & RPGs don't know the difference. The media does seem to focus on SF/SEALs, so I think THAT is why people embellish their service, or outright lie about serving... they are either looking for recognition, or feel that their MOS wasn't important...

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Aug 23 at 2017 10:51 AM

2017-08-23T10:51:21-04:00

To add to the great responses from everyone else.
I blame it on the media. Afghanistan is a heavy use SOF type of battle environment. The media has given the impression that the only folks fighting there are SOF types. It kind of dilutes the rest of the military in the minds of the uninformed.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Aug 23 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-08-23T14:46:02-04:00

I think it's a little bit of everything. I remember growing up when I heard anything about the military I thought about the boots on the ground taking out the enemy. So naturally the SOF guys tend to be the stereotype of the military as a whole.