Posted on Oct 6, 2015
Opinions of opportunities in Special Operations: Ranger/SOAR?
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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.
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 9
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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CPT (Join to see) 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.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thank you for taking your time responding, and giving insight on the matter. I cannot change station for at least another year if I remember correctly, so in the mean time I plan on finishing SSD1 (taking the final test tomorrow), trying to get slots for as many classes for my MOS as possible, focusing a lot of time on PT, and trying to get E4 within 6 mos so I can go to WLC before I go to RASP or any other selection. I have a few friends who went Airborne out of AIT and almost everyone in my graduating class with airborne in their contracts got group slots. I was wondering if I wanted to pursue SF support, is getting Jump school somehow and praying for a group opening the only way to get a SF support position, or is there some sort of selection process like RASP/Green Platoon that I may be unaware of?
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CPT (Join to see)
I have so many try. They want the Tab or the Beret but they don't want to be a Ranger or a Green Beret. It is a sign that they are not ready.
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SFC (Join to see)
Some SF Groups have their own Green Platoon. It's a selection process for support personnel. But that is Group dependent. Because, if you can't hack it they can send you to a conventional Army unit on the post they are in. However, in 7th SFG, we are on Eglin AFB, FL. We cant send you away if we don't like you. And if you get Airborne, call your branch manager and talk to your career counselor for requisition spots open within each of the SF Groups. Trust me, call the manager, don't be mislead by people saying you should never call them. It's all a big a myth, if you want something done in your career you have to do it yourself.
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SPC (Join to see) - 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.
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.
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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.
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CPT (Join to see) 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.
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