What should I expect at 1-509th?

2020-03-11T09:20:32-04:00

I'm currently in B co 1/3 (TOG). I have decided, for the sake of continuing my career in a combat MOS, that I'd like to go to Geronimo for my next duty station. I've already done all the necessary communication with leadership, my branch manager, etc. I'm wondering what I should expect out of the unit.
Why am I interested: Being in a non-deployable ceremonial unit as one's first duty station, keeps an 11B from being as technically and tactically proficient as one is expected to be when arriving at their second duty station. I feel Geronimo is the best place to be to regain that training.
What I know:
1; Most people hate it
2; their school budget is better than good enough
3; with the proper networking skills, I am in an advantageous position to make SOF contacts (I plan to go SOF after 1-509th)
4; Fort Polk sucks.

Any additional information, experiences, or WARNOs would be greatly Appreciated

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 11:00 AM

2020-03-11T11:00:28-04:00

What’s “go SOF” mean. SF, CA, RASP, CAG? Just go now. If you fail at whatever selection you go to that gives you more time to better prepare and go again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 12:22 PM

2020-03-11T12:22:25-04:00

Fort Polk isn’t that bad. And SOF is dependent on your ability.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 11 at 2020 1:17 PM

2020-03-11T13:17:42-04:00

I am just curious on your research here. How many SF tabbed Soldiers do you think raised their hands and said they want to be stationed at Fort Polk? Your comming from the Old Guard and your going to skip past the 101st and the 82nd Airborne both of which are known for their excellent 11 Series training and have several storied units along with SF units on the same post. Because you think Fort Polk is better.......why? School Budget? How many schools are on Fort Bragg and Fort Campbell......that you can attend for free?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 11 at 2020 1:29 PM

2020-03-11T13:29:47-04:00

How does being in a ceremonial unit keep you from being proficient? You can find opportunities to shoot, do land nav, ruck marches, and most areas of being an 11B. It is all about how good you want to be without making excuses.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 2:37 PM

2020-03-11T14:37:55-04:00

Everyone I know who was in Geronimo down there loved it. It's usually more relaxed the further away from the flag pole.

As for "SOF contacts" that's not a thing. No contact is going to help you pass selection and the only contact you need is the email to the entity you want to join. Also there are no SOF units located at Fort Polk.

If you want to be competitive as an 11B for a SMU assignment and Selection, go to Ranger school. As an 11B, if you aren't Ranger qualified then you just aren't that special.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2020 4:05 PM

2020-03-11T16:05:24-04:00

You are going at this all wrong my friend. You would gain more from being in a FORSCOM unit then at JRTC

Response by SGT Alex Garza made Mar 14 at 2020 8:15 AM

2020-03-14T08:15:30-04:00

fort polk sucks according to all...but for someone spending every 7 years at polk its bs....i turned down hawaii and louis for polk. it grows on you...if youre a vitty boy looking for quiet and wholesome....polk is the shit. great housing....good people....new orleans 3 hours south...13b.../11b cuz u cant not kill everyone in theatre sgt e5...3 tours oif 1...oef 7....oif 0709....trust in polk...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2020 10:45 PM

2020-03-15T22:45:51-04:00

You'll regain a little by going to 509th but you're better off going to an actual infantry battalion. If you think running around the "box" will make you tactically and technically proficient, be prepared for disappointment. SOF contacts are here but again, they can't do anything for you. Selection is an individual sport. If you want to get back to the basics, go to Ranger school. 11 rotations a year on top of regular battalion taskings and training is rough but it is what you make of it. Stick with the mindset that its what you wanted and you'll be alright.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 1:11 AM

2020-03-16T01:11:49-04:00

Just go for selection now. Almost everyone that says, I'll do it after so and so date never does. If it's something you actually want and are legit considering, go while you're younger so you give yourself more time on the back end. Anyway, 509th is what it is. Along with their OPFOR responsibilities, they also have to maintain actual unit readiness. They get their jumps in, they do eib, they do the regular squad training, etc. Don't expect much of a break over there, and you'll learn more watching RTU come in and mess up 10-11 times a year than you will probably thru anything else. Polk is Polk. It's 3-4 from Houston, Dallas, and New Orleans. Fee more hours and your in the Pensacola area and so on. Around the installation is small town central, you've got fast food joints, a Walmart, and a Chili's. If a slow pace is your type of style, it's the place for you. Oh, and it's hot and humid from April until October. After that, it's cold and humid.