Posted on Aug 4, 2018
Which would be a better JRTC experience, going in a scout platoon or a mounted unit?
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I'm gonna try and make this a little brief but forgive me if I ramble. So my unit is (temporarily, for the most part) getting split up and guys getting doled out to other companies in the battalion because they want numbers as high as possible in each company when we go to JRTC next summer. I'm a PFC in a light infantry unit (NG) and on my "wish list" I put either scout platoon or our mounted unit. So as far as scouts go, my PSG and SL told me they think that would be better for me because I wanna go 18 series in a couple years. That being said, I could change my mind or my already going-to-shit back could prevent that by the time I'm "ready" so option B would be to follow my NCOs to our mounted unit. My SL and TLs are great NCOs and I've come to be a go-to Joe for them and our PSG so neither end really wants to take that away. I want to have good leadership so when it's time for me to be an NCO I'm less likely to be one of those shitbag E5s that we all know and love. I also don't wanna leave them with the potential to get another piss-poor joe in my place. Plus the general consensus seems to be there's less than stellar leadership at the scouts. So, the kicker here is that this can be temporary and everyone come back after JRTC and it be business as usual or we can stay at whatever unit we go to. Obviously whatever unit I go to, it's on me at that time if I wanna stay there or not but I'd like some feedback on what experiences you guys have had with those type units or what your opinion is on giving up good leadership for what you thought would be better for your career. Thanks in advance guys.
Posted in these groups: 
11B: Infantryman
11B: Infantryman
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
First off, you need to check your attitude. You are not God's gift to the Army. You shouldn't be calling other soldiers "shitbags." As soon as I hear a soldier do that I instantly think less of them. I am glad you are not in my platoon. Before you start calling anyone out on their performance you should look at yourself. Soldiers that say they are going to SF are a dime a dozen. I have heard that so many times in the Guard and they never went anywhere. These were the same soldiers that I have heard complaining about my leadership. I will never call them anything derogatory but I will call them unprofessional. As a PFC you should be worrying about being a SPC and not a Green Beret. I would ask you questions like what is the effective range of a M240 on a bipod vs tripod or what is a FPL. If you can't spout these out right away you are not ready. Maybe you should try to get an EIB or Ranger Tab. Then you could lead soldiers and show them how to lead soldiers instead of focusing on yourself. You will never get past selection with that mindset.
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CPT (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) - I appreciate your comments. Soldiers like you are exactly why some view SPC in poor regard. But you were right in the time frame to which I was born. I was born in 1981. I joined the Army in 2000. So in my roughly 16 years of service I was a LRS scout in the Invasion of Iraq and a Squad Leader in Baghdad while I was enlisted then I commissioned. I am also RI certified from 4th RTB. So I am pretty sure I can find my location on a map. When you get half the time I have under your belt you might learn not to pick a fight before you know what you are getting into. If you would have simply clicked on my profile you would have seen my background. I am glad you are still a SPC and hope don't influence other soldiers.
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SPC (Join to see)
LOL... Oh shit 1LT.. there is the resume. I am less interested in the lettuce on your chest then guidance you provide to your fellow soldiers... And did you just assume my Rank...lol
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SFC (Join to see)
The answer is scout platoon, easily. Also, if you went to a scout platoon with the attitude you have, you’d probably need an iv by the time they said recover.
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I was a section leader in a Scout platoon. I wouldn't take you. Unprofessional, selfish, needy.
Do yourself a favor: start focusing on team.
SF? No. Not happening.
Do yourself a favor: start focusing on team.
SF? No. Not happening.
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SPC Joseph Durham
SF. Special Forces I'm assuming. Don't they have E-5 to qualify and many many jumps? And that's just to qualify? I had their qualifications in marksmanship and weapons when they were recruiting heavily in Hawaii. But lacked rank and jumps even to meet with the recruiter.
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SGT Mark Halmrast
SPC (Join to see) well said.
Scouts will advance your tactical acumen.
Good leadership is a blessing...we enjoy it while we have it and create it where it's needed.
Above all, commit to the team.
Mission, men, myself.
Scouts will advance your tactical acumen.
Good leadership is a blessing...we enjoy it while we have it and create it where it's needed.
Above all, commit to the team.
Mission, men, myself.
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Chances are, you don't really have an option. But if you do, ALWAYS stick with good leadership. Leadership is the most adaptable skill you can apply anywhere, from the gun line to the civilian sector. There will always be new tactics and techniques to learn, but great leaders are a precious commodity.
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Bro, first of all join scouts if your trying to go SF. I'm in scouts and you have way more schooling opportunities. Second, dont listen to these other guys even though you came off slightly arrogant it wasn't enough for everyone to get bent out of shape. If you a PT stud then you'll be excepted with open arms as long as your respectful and squared away. And dont apologize for asking a question a certain way, if people get offended because they where never the cream of the crop then let them.
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Forget SF. You said you’re already going to shit back. If you have back problems Airbotne,SF and Ranger schools are out for you. You will never get through them. Offer instead to go where you are needed. And take time to sit down and set realistic goals. Your PS or 1SG will be of great assistance.
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CPT Robert Boshears
Your back is your career. On my last PT run, I dropped. Neck, Thoracic and 3 Lower lumbar discs were out and at 65, I am still having surgeries from being hit one week after my 19th birthday... while in the last two “fight picking” months following Linebacker II. I healed very fast, and continued too many Infantry related schools. I lost 2 inches in height... take care of your back, hips and knees. Just curious, but did and Benning OCS grads have to sign a paper (before pinning on the bar) that stated their knees were perfect?
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1SG Frank Boynton
I list 1/2 inch from spine compression from jumping and playing infantry for my first 10 years.
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I recommend Scout Platoon. It was the premere platoon when I was mechanized infantry. I wanted a squad or platoon sergeant position but the slot did not need filling during my tour in Germany. Think of Scouts as mounted recon. You would like it!
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Lol, guessing no one has told you the difference between grunt line unit scouting vs scout platoon scouting, they call it scout for a reason as in it's supposed to be their way of life ... That being said based on your comments sound's like they could use a go-to man depending on what kind of go-to guy you are ? .. All kinds of so called go-to guy's in the Infantry , such as the PT studs ,they stopped bullet's the same as anyone else. Don't get me wrong specializing is a good thing but one should never be stuck in one thing especially those going for SF . If you are the go-to guy then the SF is the right place it's full of go-to guy's ....
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Hey stud.. The army is a machine.. it will continue when you move on.. do the best you can while in what ever position you are in and test yourself every day. if you want to go to selection, you better be prepared.. don't show up with with a low PT score and be prepared to get out of your comfort zone..
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