What can i expect from the 5th SFG?

2018-03-20T15:47:25-04:00

I am a 25B soon to be fresh out of AIT and Airborne School with orders to fort Campbell, KY. I have no idea what to expect and to be honest i am kind of afraid i will be sticking out like a sore thumb in a special forces unit. any tips or info about the 5th SFG would be greatly appreciated!

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 20 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-03-20T15:58:25-04:00

Eric its simple the best way you can fit in is keep your head down. Do the best job you can, nobody is perfect but strive for it. Remember being in Group is an real every day. Wartime or peace time it does not matter it is always dangerous. If you are half ass in your work you most likely will be ran off pretty quick.

Not trying to stress you out, if you work hard and do a good job you will see pretty quickly the unit will take care of you. SF is a very unique part of the Army. Keep you eyes and ears open, learn, and work hard. It will be the best tour in the Army.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 20 at 2018 4:03 PM

2018-03-20T16:03:10-04:00

I've only worked with them once or twice, and usually at an arms distance. But if you act like a pro you wont have any issues.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Mar 20 at 2018 4:03 PM

2018-03-20T16:03:37-04:00

google it learn their history. You are Not part of the group ,and you are not 1st private to go there.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 4:07 PM

2018-03-20T16:07:22-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Stay squared away and give your absolute best at all times. Adapt and overcome all obstacles in your way. Good luck.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 4:45 PM

2018-03-20T16:45:23-04:00

Expect to learn a lot. Expect that you got one hell of a lucky first duty assignment. Expect that the subsequent duty assignments outside of SOC will be a whole new experience!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 4:50 PM

2018-03-20T16:50:22-04:00

Yes, everyone will know that you're the FNG, but they will take care of you and teach you everything you need to know.
I worked with the 5th at Bragg 1974/5, and I tell you, even the B-Team surprised me in training.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-03-20T17:08:08-04:00

Do what you’re told so long as it is ethical and legal.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 20 at 2018 6:01 PM

2018-03-20T18:01:44-04:00

Just don't be "that guy" who can't keep his mouth shut or not do his job. There is a reason why your going there, strive to do you best.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-03-20T18:54:13-04:00

Yeah dude you will be fine you will be assigned to their support company with the rest of their support MOSs

Response by CW4 Scott Kjendlie made Mar 20 at 2018 7:14 PM

2018-03-20T19:14:03-04:00

It’s a really good assignment. I learned a lot during my time in 5th. The Fort Campbell area is nice as well. You’ll be put in the unit with other support soldiers so you’ll have the time to learn from them. First things first get through AIT and Airborne school.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 7:33 PM

2018-03-20T19:33:25-04:00

What is the motto “silent professionals”. There is a term in selection called grey man. Adopt it. You want to be proficient but initially invisible. Speak only when spoken to. Provide direct answers to direct questions until you are established. Community will always be somewhat hard for guys I affectionately Call box kickers. Long tabbers will always rule the roost but if you know your stuff and prove your worth you will have. Great career with a better schedule, more Kinney for salary and for purchasing and more privileges than your peers. think silent professional and then be in the top of your group for physical fitness , pass airborne and you are a go

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 20 at 2018 11:25 PM

2018-03-20T23:25:48-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Do your best every day, and all will be fine.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2018 9:20 AM

2018-03-21T09:20:43-04:00

Just come here and be prepared to work. You will go through a course during this time you will take a PT test so be ready to give your all and make sure your push ups are on point. You will have a lot of other events during this time also. You will have a projected battalion you will be assigned to but after the selection course you will get your final assignment when all the CSM's come together at the end. Also be prepared to deploy it can be you leave as soon as you arrive to your unit or it can be you getting a free months to train up with a upcoming rotation and leaving.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 21 at 2018 9:21 AM

2018-03-21T09:21:09-04:00

SSG Chris Erickson Any insight for this young man

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 12:18 AM

2018-03-23T00:18:20-04:00

All groups are the same. You need to tab as soon as they are willing to send you. Remember that even if you are on a C-Team you are a combat soldier first and all other duties second. Be humble & soak it all up. Consider branching to SF.

Response by Matthew Torrelli made Mar 24 at 2018 12:21 PM

2018-03-24T12:21:36-04:00

when I got to Ft. Campbell back in 2003, I was at 21st replacement and watched a Pvt get his ass smoked by his spec ops unit sponsor because he was not wearing his Airborne Wings but they were from the old LRRP unit not 5th SFG. Do what your told, wear your uniform right and keep your head on a swivel and you will be fine

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2018 5:24 PM

2018-03-24T17:24:56-04:00

Work hard and don't do dumb shit!! You will be fine!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-04-10T09:51:32-04:00

PV2 Eric Demel- Have no fears. You will not be treated like a regular army private. Know your job and be confident. Be prepared to interact with higher ranking people (Officers/NCOs) in an almost casual but professional way. Do not let the less stressful environment get you complacent to where you have issues in your next duty station. I have seen people unable to cope in the regular army units after spending time in SOF units. If you good at your job and your leaders like you, you can leave Group as a SSG. I have seen people now leaving as SSG who came here as Privates. Each battalion is different and we deploy a lot.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Apr 11 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-04-11T12:17:31-04:00

PV2 Demel,
I was actually assigned to 5th SFG from 2005 til 2007 as a combat cameraman under the Signal Detachment or under the HQ Company. The number one thing I can advise you is to learn your job as much as you can, and also take advantages to train with the teams when the opportunity comes...don't shy away from training because is going to make you a better Soldier in the long run. When someone comes to ask you if you want to jump on a Sat, do it because that's how you will gain the experience...and expect to do some good PT considering the nature of the unit. Good luck brother! You will like it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 8:52 AM

2018-04-16T08:52:38-04:00

It is okay to be scared. I am about to PCS to SD and I am nervous. You just gotta stay out of trouble (below the radar), do what you are told and always be willing to learn and you'll be just fine.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2018 8:42 PM

2018-11-21T20:42:35-05:00

Your gonna like it here just dont try to know everything do your job and dont get into trouble and you'll he fine im in bco gsb and it's not to bad you'll,like it

Response by PFC Michael Sears made Nov 23 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-11-23T11:41:36-05:00

They took our barracks when I was stationed there in 1985 , 20 the Engr bn. I use to see them 20 miles off post humped over with gigantic rucksacks good luck soldier !

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2019 11:40 AM

2019-04-27T11:40:58-04:00

Their sole purpose in life is to be teachers. Expect to learn a lot. I’ve worked with 5th group dudes in the field and stuff and have never learned more in a short period of time than with them. You’ll love it I’m betting. Campbell as a whole is a nice place and clarksville is fun. 45 minutes from Nashville as well. It’s a great time

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2020 2:10 AM

2020-02-02T02:10:31-05:00

Everyone will know you are new. It doesn’t matter what type of unit you go to. Keep your head down, strive to be the best you can be at your job, learn as much as you can from those with more experience, ask if you don’t know, and keep out of trouble. In other words, be a professional soldier and you will succeed in any unit you go to!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2020 4:56 AM

2020-02-02T04:56:52-05:00

Talk less than you listen and also do your best to keep up. Don't whine or bad-mouth anyone. Don't criticize command decisions. Do not share your inner thoughts or doubts with anyone other than your priest. Find a well disposed NCO and ask if they would consider as a mentor until you get the hang of it. Don't try to associate socially with any of the teams or their members until invited. Then stay sober and do a lot of listening. Remember everyone also had their first day at group whether Q-Course qualified or not. If you can attend the Q-Course, do so at the earliest time after you have reached the skill levels expected.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Feb 2 at 2020 12:10 PM

2020-02-02T12:10:58-05:00

Everyone on this forum has good advise but I'll add one thing and that is to keep your mouth shut. Your opinions don't matter until you are asked. Everything said, you will go far if you excel at your duties. The end result will be operational support assigned to a team.