What should I consider before dropping a packet for Special Forces?

Advice #1: Definitely do your research. Know what you are getting yourself into. I don't say that to dissuade you at all, but I think a mental obstacle a lot of folks face is unrealistic or inaccurate expectations. As an officer, you are only going to get 18 months to 2 years on an ODA, and life will change again. (In the ARNG, you might get a little more time on a team, but the bell tolls on everyone's team time.) With that said, if you make it through the Q and get to your team... just know that you don't have years to get in the swing... every minute that passes by is one minute closer to your assignment to a Battalion staff. Don't waste it. As an officer, your priority number one will be to take care of your guys. Build cohesion and leave a positive legacy. Pursue making O-6 or above with your awesome Powerpoint and briefing skills as a staff officer, as a Det Commander, it's about the team, not your career.

Advice #2: Being the highest rank on the team means you will be given awesome power and responsibility... but know that doesn't equate to tactical competency, expertise, or divine wisdom. The finest SF Officers are those that know the greatest asset they have in their inventory is the guys they are working with. Cultivate your ODA's expertise. Listen to the grey beards. Don't be afraid to "lead" but make sure leadership decisions are reinforced by deliberate and thoughtful discussions with your guys. SF is an A type social dynamic. Passiveness will get you run over and over-aggressiveness will get your tough boxes in the hall way outside the Team Room. SF is not the environment where "because I said so" works very well. A former company SGM (who's now a prominent CSM) once told me when I was a brand new 180A commanding a team on a OEF rotation (a lifetime ago) "The British Navy did a good job with their ships because they had the structure and rules that created order and discipline, but this ain't the British Navy. And if you want to command a Pirate Ship, you better understand how to be a Pirate Captain."

Advice #3: "The Green Beret is a Learner's permit." You will expend a lot of personal energy getting through SFAS. The Q is challenging, but you will enjoy most of it. If you find yourself putting on new headgear at a particular "donning" ceremony, know that you have reached the beginning, not the end. Less than 1% of the US Army will ever become Special Forces Qualified, but in Group, you are one of the 100% of qualified SF Soldiers. What I mean by that is having a Long Tab in the Regiment is not what will "set you apart." You will have a million career choices to make, avenues to pursue, schools to attend. The world is your proverbial oyster, but you will have to continue to reach deep in the motivation bank and keep the feet moving. There's no "coasting" just because you got your 1059 from SWCS. The true education is about to begin.

SFC Jack S. had some great tips. It looks like there are a lot of folks out there willing to give you a good azimuth. I can't recommend a better Regiment. The mission is awesome, the training is exciting, but the greatest aspect of the job will be the phenomenal people you will call "brother."

Good Luck!

While in Special Forces, Mission is ALWAYS first, regardless of your own personal safety, yet consider the safety of your soldiers. I served in Special Forces as both an enlisted man and as a Military Intelligence Officer.

1st SFG(A), Military Intelligence Company, Special Operations Detachments Alpha 102 & 103. Long Range Reconnaissance. 1980's circa. Rank: Staff Sergeant

350th Civil Affairs Command, Command Information systems Officer. 1990's circa. Rank: Captain

A FEW mental notes:

Maintain loyalty, honesty, and selfless service, to our nation and the SF Group you decide upon.

Be technically and tactically proficient. Exceed the Army standard in the following events:

Physical fitness (Maintain 300+)
Weapons qualification (Maintain Maximum scores)
Skill Qualification Testing (Maintain the maximum score)
Common Task Testing (Maintain Maximum scores)

***Always remember, the word "Special" in Special Forces, means beyond the Army standard. Those that exceed the Army standard, in every event, are truly Special Forces***

***If you are the leader, be an individual first and a team member second.

***If you are a team member, be an individual first and a team member second. A Special Forces team is a group of individuals performing as a team above the Army standard.

Holding true to the above values and standards, I was promoted to the rank of E-6 at only one year and four months in Special Forces; four years time in service. I later returned to Special Forces as a Captain and performed well. Hold true to the above standards and perform well. I sincerely wish you the best in all your endeavors.

James Hill
Major / 0-4
United States Army

2LT Dennis, SF is a tight community. If you seek a higher standard for yourself, better than the rest, follow your heart to the green beret. I grew up in SF units mostly in Panama. Wonderful men. My dad would have loved to be your mentor. There are plenty others out there.