Opinions of opportunities in Special Operations: Ranger/SOAR?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:41:18 -0400

A few days ago I was in the MP and one of my NCO's pulled me aside commenting on how hungry I always am for more training, and how I always ask about the possibilities of deployment, and how motivated I always am, and said that if I focussed on PT a little more I would be an awesome candidate for Regiment. He said he has a buddy who is pretty high up the NCO chain within one of the regiment units, and asked if I wanted to think about possibly dropping a packet in a few months. I haven't actually thought about it too much, because truth be told I am kinda afraid of heights so the thought of going to jump school kinda freaked me out, but a lot of guys I went to AIT with said it was a cake walk, and I feel more confident now that I ever did before my enlistment (a year ago today actually). Now that I look into it special operations really seems like it could be right up my alley due to my high level of self motivation, and desire to be the best soldier I can be. I recently stumbled upon SOAR as well that also is currently accepting my MOS and also is Special operations, and seems really interesting. Any opinions on what would be better, and any insight for those who have gone through the selection processes, or sent their soldiers would be incredibly helpful.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 9:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:43:06 -0400

If this is what you want, go for it.

Response by MAJ Karl Monger made Oct 6 at 2015 10:01 PM

MAJ Karl Monger — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 22:01:27 -0400

Ask if he can set up a meeting or phone call with his buddy so you can learn what is ahead of you. Don't go into RASP because you think it might be cool, go because it's a goal to which you are willing to commit 100% and then some.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 7:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:44:38 -0400

Regiment. But, you have to want it with all your heart. If you are just doing it because you think it's cool you'll quit.
One day you'll be on a 5 mile death run and realize it's just not worth it, and you'll slow down, hop in the truck, and quit.
If you really want to be around the best group of guys you've ever met, go to Regiment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 8:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:28:31 -0400

I was there at one point too. I have seen many soldiers think the same thing. I will always say that one thing to all of them. "Put your time in first." I have seen countless soldiers go too soon and get crushed. The Special Operations community is an elite group of guys. They are extremely motivated but there is very little room for error there. It is not a place where you learn how to be a soldier at. In the infantry if a soldier wanted to SF they should try for Ranger School first and then try SF. Seeing how you are signal you really can't go to Ranger. But I am sure there are come certifications that would make you a better asset that you could get before you try out. I would try to get all the training you can first. There are a lot of cool opportunities for the Signal Side of the house in Special Operations. You may not be kicking in doors but they do more just that. There is also going to Selection and trying to be a Green Beret. Once again, I would say don't rush it. Get some time under your belt first. The greatest asset they need is leadership. That is why you have to put your time in first. They don't want followers there. Also, keep in mind that a high speed soldier in the conventional Army doesn't always equate to a good soldier in Special Operations. I have seen a Scout that was Airborne, HALO, and Ranger go to selection and not make it. He had all the schools and the training but he wasn't what they were looking for.

I would reach out to a SORB recruiter and find out what you have to do get there and plan to get on a track that will take you there. It may be a while but it will be worth it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 10:31 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 10:31:36 -0400

I'm just a REMF kind of guy, but I can say this. If THIS is what you want to do because its what you WANT/YEARN/DESIRE, then get it done and go for the gold. If this is just something that you think may be cool and awesome, don't go for it. With your career in your hands, ALWAYS ensure that something you want is truly something you want. If you go, I wish you the best of luck. And even if you don't go, I still wish you the best of luck in your career. Obviously your Leaders see great potential in you. Do your ALL to rise to and rise ABOVE those expectations.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 5:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 17:25:24 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Is 100% correct. I have been in the Special Operations community for the last 5 years. And he is right, get some time under your belt first. Regardless of whether you go into the SPECOPS as a Green Beret, Ranger, or support personnel for a Group, you need to have some experience. You also need to be able to blend into the environment of the unit you will be with. In essence your will have to change your persona to fit in. You also need to be mature, and know your job. Whatever MOS you are going into it. If you can't do your job, you're useless to the community. Too many Soldiers, men and women, from E-1 to E-8 have come here and couldn't handle the unit, what was expected of them in their job, or just couldn't wrap their mind around the fact that we aren't robots who sweep the motor pool everyday. And they wind up getting sent away earlier than their PCS date. You will be expected to think on your own, and solve problems in an unconventional manner. It's an awesome place to be, and I love it. And you will be rewarded for your hard work. But you have to really want it. You don't just come here to chill out and sit back with you feet propped up on the desk, like a lot of people think happens. So far, its been the best 5 years of the 13 years I've been in the Army.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 23 at 2015 8:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 20:53:06 -0400

SOAR .................. It is a fantastic unit.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Oct 24 at 2015 9:10 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 09:10:40 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member - It seems to me that you want to stay in your MOS, is that correct?

IF my statement is correct, most of the advice already given does not really apply.
Some items that have already been stated, but are worth repeating:
1. Determine what YOUR goal is, then strive for that achievement.
2. Be as physically fit as possible - BUT do not over do it.
3. As a support field - You have to be at the top of your abilities.

Now for the big question (same as a few others have stated) - What is your motivation to go to Special Operations??
WHY does this NCO think that you would be a good candidate for the Ranger Regiment or any other Special Operations unit?

For your field, you have to already be equated to be at the Master level for you grade. Special Operations will give you an opportunity to further your expertise in your field, but this will be at what is equated to as a Graduate level instruction.

In the next year, become an expert and master of the skill set in your MOS, you might be surprised at the doors of opportunity that open up for you without having to ask.

Response by CW2 Louis Melendez made Dec 14 at 2015 8:47 PM

CW2 Louis Melendez — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 20:47:44 -0500

There are unlimited opportunities in Special Operations for motivated, creative, intelligent, hard worker, and mature Soldiers. That being said, it is a different world that has no room for incompetence, laziness or selfishness.

Stay hungry for more challenges and remain humble. Be proficient in your MOS but also be flexible. Learn from other MOS's within your branch. Versatility is always a plus in Spec Ops units.

You are doing good so far. Keep your head up and don't stop until you fulfill all your goals and you have finished your military career, whether is ETS or retirement.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 5 at 2018 9:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 05 May 2018 21:31:03 -0400

If you join SOAR you will be joining an elite aviation unit that cares about getting the job done instead of police calls and details. You will not get muddy, but you will support those who do. It will be an eye opener as it is unit with a large budget for realistic training.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 15 at 2020 11:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 23:42:24 -0500

What is the verdict?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 10 at 2021 9:30 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 21:30:18 -0400

Well I can tell that you don't have a gratitude for people trying to help you. You are remiss and not mature. Do you find my input so valueless that you find it appropriate to not say thanks? Especially considering I gave you a first hand account.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 11 at 2021 11:25 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 11:25:03 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member has great advice. It is possible to go SF early in your career. My step-grandson joined the MS National Guard and went to basic training, jump school, SF selection, and SF school in just over a year. E1 to E5. He loves it! Takes deep dedication to make it through. Yes, l’m proud.