What are the realistic chances of advancing to a RR/SOF unit while enlisted as an 11B?

2019-09-16T17:50:08-04:00

What are some realistic expectations within the Army to advance to those programs during my career?
I am currently trying to re-enlist in the Army. If all goes well and I’m cleared for service, I wanted to sign for an 11B contract and ship out as soon as possible. However, I’m really interested in opportunities to advance to a position in the SOF/Ranger Regiment, and I understand that signing an Op 40 contract guarantees RASP and AIT. But if that isn’t available to me for any reason at MEPS, would I still have a chance down the road during my enlistment time?
Thanks
Grant

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 6:08 PM

2019-09-16T18:08:34-04:00

SR Grant Just You are listed on your profile as a civilian/potential recruit. You state that you are trying to re-enlist in the Army, which implies that you have served in the past. Are you prior service? If so, edit your profile to indicate your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 6:39 PM

2019-09-16T18:39:03-04:00

It doesn't matter what your MOS is. 11B is prerequisite and these aren't "progression" steps in the career of an 11B.
I suspect you are somewhat misinformed about terms here. There is no SOF Regiment. SOF is a broad spectrum term and not a specific MOS or unit. 75th Ranger Regiment takes all MOSs and has many MOSs including 11B. Anyone Enlisted can volunteer for 75th.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 16 at 2019 8:06 PM

2019-09-16T20:06:48-04:00

Your info smells fishy- trying to re-enlist, yet no service data..2. SOF is a community, 75th, SF, Delta, Seals, etc. by no means a regiment. The 75th on the other hand is a regiment. You do not have to be an 11B to try for RASP, or even SFQAS, but in some cases it helps. The 40 option gives you the ability to attend RASP, never a guarantee of you making it to either.

Response by SR Grant Just made Sep 16 at 2019 9:50 PM

2019-09-16T21:50:23-04:00

Thanks for your replies so far. To those of you who are wondering about the ‘prior-service’ status, I was a Seaman Recruit in the Navy from March 2019-May 2019; I did not list that when I created my account this morning, because I was discharged in under 180 days, so putting ‘Veteran’ status wouldn’t be 100% accurate. I will update that... I attached a photo for verification that this is a real account. Thank you again!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 16 at 2019 11:18 PM

2019-09-16T23:18:13-04:00

I'm a little confused. Your profile shows civilian - recruit, yet you say re-enlist. What service branch were you in previously or are you just not understanding terms as SFC Private RallyPoint Member points out? Prior service is any person that has served in any branch and has gotten out and is seeking a return to duty. So are you this or have you never been in?

Also, and any recruiter or former recruiter can correct me, I am given to understand that the option 40 is not offered to prior service. You can go 11b and have Airborne in your contract and request Ranger school as it is a leader course. Also as has been noted, there is no SOF regiment.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 17 at 2019 7:09 AM

2019-09-17T07:09:18-04:00

OK, it seems you have a bit of information confused. There are two direct enlistments into Army Special Forces, Option 40, which will get you a shot at RASP (Ranger Assessment and Selection Program), then you get sent to Airborne if you complete RASP is my understand of how they operate today. Option 40 is available on MOS's outside of 11B, but the majority of them will be Infantry. If you can't cut RASP, you get reassigned to a regular Infantry unit. The pass rate on RASP isn't very high and you need to be in top physical condition. Make it through that and get assigned to the 75th, by the time you make E5, you will have to complete Ranger School, so another 60 days of abuse.
The other option is an 18X contract for Special Force. These are for Infantry only. You go to 21 weeks of Infantry OSUT at lovely FT Benning, continue on to Airborne School, then a pre Selection training program and at the end of that a chance to pass Selection. Again, the pass rate for Special Forces selection isn't very high and that is just the start of another year long + training program that you need to pass to get tabbed.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Sep 17 at 2019 7:48 AM

2019-09-17T07:48:49-04:00

Grant-I see you only served about two months in this man's Navy; just curious-what were the circumstances surrounding your discharge? Lots of things happen, so no shade here-just think you need to do some homework on your eligibility to enlist in the Army, relative to your discharge from the Navy. I'm certainly no expert on their career management protocols, but you're basically listing some of the most elite opportunities in the Army. As with anything, it's eating an elephant, and the only way to do that is one bite at a time. IF you can enlist into the Army, and IF you are 100% alright with a million possibilities on how that can turn out; I'd imagine that shooting for Infantry with an Airborne contract, then competing (key word, "compete") for other opportunities will put you on that path. Beyond that, someone with more knowledge regarding current recruiting policies can comment on other schools that may/may not be eligible to you under contract.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 1:00 PM

2019-09-18T13:00:11-04:00

You can go to Ranger school no matter what your MOS is. The day before graduation you will be given a brief on Regiment and SF as well as a business card from each person doing the briefing. All you will have to do is contact whichever one you want to go to and they will walk you though the steps you need to take to get there. Best of luck to you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 1:26 PM

2019-09-18T13:26:25-04:00

Op 40 isn’t offered to prior enlisted. And as a 11B enlisted, you will need to have a Ranger tab prior to attending RASP 2 if your packet is accepted. And that’s a hard “IF”. If you really want SOF than why are you waiting for down the road? Sign a 18X contract at the recruiters.