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LTC Stephen C.
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Edited >1 y ago
1SG(P) (Join to see), I served in the 20th SFG(A) from 9AUG69 to 3DEC74. Back then, SF was not a branch nor even a non-accession specialty. The 18 series did not exist, of course. I went to BCT, AIT(11C), jump school and then straight to Fort Bragg/Camp Mackall. After Camp Mackall for Phase 1, I returned to Fort Bragg and took the Weapons NCO Supervisor Candidate Special Forces Course. Upon completion, you either became a light weapons specialist (11B/11C) or a heavy weapons specialist (11C/11B). Each operational detachment was supposed to have one light weapons guy and one heavy weapons guy. Since I was 11C at AIT, I became a heavy weapons specialist. Phase 2 came after that, and that was it! There was no tab back then, so wearing the beret with full flash denoted SF qualification. At the time, all the SFTG cadre personnel wore the white flash. I didn't get orders for the SF tab until 2OCT84.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
9 y
Thank you, CPT Michael Barden. Just a dinosaur still roaming the earth!
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1SG(P) First Sergeant
1SG(P) (Join to see)
9 y
Sir, coincidentally COL Mize was awarded his MoH for his actions while an NCO in my first regiment, the 15th Infantry.
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LTC Stephen C.
LTC Stephen C.
9 y
383414
1SG(P) (Join to see), very nice! The story goes that he walked into a tent where a few officers were discussing Mize. They asked who he was, and when he identified himself, one of them is supposed to have said, "You can't be, he's dead!"
Here's a photo of COL(ret) Ola Lee Mize at the 50th anniversary celebration of the 20th SFG(A) on July 18, 2009 in Birmingham, AL. The stone marker to COL Mize's right rear was placed there to honor him and was rededicated that same day.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
9 y
Just "history", my humble brother.
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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I am pretty sure when I become eligible I will be trying out for this. We have two companies in my state and I live close to Bragg. I am very interested but I have to wait for my 1LT(P). I am getting 1LT in Feb and will just have to wait.
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CMSgt James Nolan
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This is directed at SFC Callan. I love the use of RUMINT. I am stealing that phrase, as it applies to all aspects of military life and sadly, it is a new one for me. So thanks for that.

For those willing to attempt to man up and put on that Beret-good luck and thanks for your efforts. If you make it, you will make a Nation proud. If you don't, take comfort in the fact that most do not.
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