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In your opinion what is the most elite school and why?
Of course each school has its different needs and reasons for being around in todays Army. If you had the chance what school would you like to attend and be proud to attend?
From my 4 in a half years in the Army I've heard everything from Airborne (Bragg Babies mostly) to Special Forces for obvious reason. In my opinion the Pathfinder badge is most elite. For reasons unknown to myself even. I think the reasoning behind the people being around that are certified are for excellent reasons. I have not had the opportunities to attends any schools this far. One day I'll be rocking Air Assualt, Airbone, and Pathfinder.
Just my thoughts.
Of course each school has its different needs and reasons for being around in todays Army. If you had the chance what school would you like to attend and be proud to attend?
From my 4 in a half years in the Army I've heard everything from Airborne (Bragg Babies mostly) to Special Forces for obvious reason. In my opinion the Pathfinder badge is most elite. For reasons unknown to myself even. I think the reasoning behind the people being around that are certified are for excellent reasons. I have not had the opportunities to attends any schools this far. One day I'll be rocking Air Assualt, Airbone, and Pathfinder.
Just my thoughts.
Airborne Student
Air Assault School
Pathfinder School
Special Forces
Diver
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 57
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Good Question!!! SSG (Join to see)
Well, as Soldier (or Former Soldier) I can't comment on other branches or their schools, aside from opinion. So my comments are all conjecture, and opinion based on my vantage point (service based like most comments on here), what I have read, and what I have seen. I think it is really a matter of opinion.
I have heard many times (in a joint arena) this is order:
1. BUDS - SEAL
2. Army Ranger School, and then RASP for the Batt Boys
3. SFAS, and then SFQC (different approach that than Ranger School)
But, I also know USAF Para-Rescue is up there... and I saw them getting smoked (running with a giant log or rope) when I was a young private and LAFB...
I know USMC had Force Recon... (and some where in my Ranger Class) and now they have MARSCOC.
I think many would argue SEAL training vs. Ranger School in terms of shear mental and physical exhaustion, hazing, and drop/fail rates. Again it is a matter of perspective. All are extremely difficult in their own right, and all are different.
I think the best metric, if you could norm the quantities that start (as each is different) to the completion rates, you could tell which one as really the most difficult; if that is your best measure. Also remember, many of these schools want to be considered the most elite, so who knows what numbers are really accurate.
I can only speak personally about my Ranger School Class: Over 300 candidates showed up, 250 started, and 101 graduated.
Well, as Soldier (or Former Soldier) I can't comment on other branches or their schools, aside from opinion. So my comments are all conjecture, and opinion based on my vantage point (service based like most comments on here), what I have read, and what I have seen. I think it is really a matter of opinion.
I have heard many times (in a joint arena) this is order:
1. BUDS - SEAL
2. Army Ranger School, and then RASP for the Batt Boys
3. SFAS, and then SFQC (different approach that than Ranger School)
But, I also know USAF Para-Rescue is up there... and I saw them getting smoked (running with a giant log or rope) when I was a young private and LAFB...
I know USMC had Force Recon... (and some where in my Ranger Class) and now they have MARSCOC.
I think many would argue SEAL training vs. Ranger School in terms of shear mental and physical exhaustion, hazing, and drop/fail rates. Again it is a matter of perspective. All are extremely difficult in their own right, and all are different.
I think the best metric, if you could norm the quantities that start (as each is different) to the completion rates, you could tell which one as really the most difficult; if that is your best measure. Also remember, many of these schools want to be considered the most elite, so who knows what numbers are really accurate.
I can only speak personally about my Ranger School Class: Over 300 candidates showed up, 250 started, and 101 graduated.
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I'm going to have to go with the USASED assessment and selection. 30 days of doing god knows what to get put on some type of task force. Maybe someone can shed some light on USASED but the fact that the information about the place is practically non-existent makes me believe its where the real heavy hitters go.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Its a special task force. That operates through all agencies around the ft belvoir area better known as "orange" or "JREG" very small community. They choose you. Great opportunity for any willing to endure the process. Not necessarily a "heavy hitter" they have their dedicated mission and definitely among the elite as well as those at "CAG" or whatever they call themselves these days.
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CPT (Join to see)
Some things are better kept in the shadows. This is one of them. The next thing you know you will see posers calming to be farm boys or trying to email the detachment thinking they can get in.
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CW2 (Join to see)
Yeah, theres stuff that needs to be left inside, at a minimum, secure email servers.
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Every military special forces has a unique and contributing factor in the overall success of a mission. Not one special force is better than the other in my opinion. I am sure every special force element is capable of carrying out the same mission from their sister service. This overall "eliteness" is categorized by the media and Hollywood.
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CW2 (Join to see)
Very true, they all have different mission sets, selections, training, and make up. One may be for surgical strike, another for special warfare, and another for downed pilots. Each has its purpose.
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Basic.... At least the version portrayed by John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson in the movie Basic.
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I mean you wanna talk elite school, the OTC wins by far. No other details on it, but its THE school. As far as non-SMU courses - SOCM. Special Ops Combat Medic, ASI W1. 9 months of intensive medical training. For Non-SOF courses its tough to choose because different courses are tough for different reasons, Ranger, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster are all very tough for different reasons. Ranger you have to endure a lot of crap, Pathfinder you gotta memorize a ton of math and nomenclature, JM you gotta keep your fingers from falling apart. Some courses are easier than others for different people. I know people that got through Ranger by just always carrying the 240, guys who are all about some physical stuff, but you put them in Pathfinder and they fail epically because its a more "thinky" school.
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This is a stupid survey. You want to find out which is the "most elite Military school". Put in a packet and find out yourself.
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LTJG (Join to see)
Put in a packet for them all? Navy buds? Marine marsoc? Army SF? AF PJ? I don't see how it's stupid to discuss other people who have experienced different things what their thoughts are. I do think telling people to put in a packet, spending your unit's money just to see if that school tough and if they can do it as opposed to doing it because it's the job you want to do is stupid
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SFARTAETC
Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course.
Only active duty SF guys can go. Best course I've ever been to.
Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course.
Only active duty SF guys can go. Best course I've ever been to.
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Hello Sergeant Swanson.
In my opinion, the most elite school is the school you never hear about.
If I had made different choices in my past regarding my military career, I would attend all the schools so that I could attain the informal title of Spartan. All the specialized training courses are unique, challenging, and invigorating. Every one of these schools will serve to better the Soldier experience, and provide unmatched quality in learning anywhere in the world.
Have you noticed? In most campaigns, when American Soldiers are called to duty: we move in; we take control; we take action when needed; we sacrifice selflessly for the sake of our comrades, our unit, and our nation; when we are attentive to our surroundings, we take names; we face the enemy head-on; we defeat the enemy, and we secure the objective.
We are feared far and wide because of our determination and our confidence. Those who fear us say we are arrogant; but, when was the last time we noticed someone with no self esteem persevere in the worst environments, under the worst circumstances, at the greatest odds against them? That's right, they don't, because they lack fortitude.
Fortitude comes from the heart. And, a dire need to succeed improves our effort.
One day, you can be rocking Spartan Sergeant! Try not to limit your horizons, and best of luck to you in your ventures.
Cordially,
John Roscoe Gemmell, Jr.
In my opinion, the most elite school is the school you never hear about.
If I had made different choices in my past regarding my military career, I would attend all the schools so that I could attain the informal title of Spartan. All the specialized training courses are unique, challenging, and invigorating. Every one of these schools will serve to better the Soldier experience, and provide unmatched quality in learning anywhere in the world.
Have you noticed? In most campaigns, when American Soldiers are called to duty: we move in; we take control; we take action when needed; we sacrifice selflessly for the sake of our comrades, our unit, and our nation; when we are attentive to our surroundings, we take names; we face the enemy head-on; we defeat the enemy, and we secure the objective.
We are feared far and wide because of our determination and our confidence. Those who fear us say we are arrogant; but, when was the last time we noticed someone with no self esteem persevere in the worst environments, under the worst circumstances, at the greatest odds against them? That's right, they don't, because they lack fortitude.
Fortitude comes from the heart. And, a dire need to succeed improves our effort.
One day, you can be rocking Spartan Sergeant! Try not to limit your horizons, and best of luck to you in your ventures.
Cordially,
John Roscoe Gemmell, Jr.
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