I have been a quiet anonymous read of these forums for a while, looking to make a serious change in my life. I am 27 years old, currently overweight (although I have hired a former Ranger as a trainer and going back to the gym). I am 6'2, 250lbs currently. Within 4 months I plan on being 200-210, within 6 pretty good shape as I am pushing myself.
I am giving a little background here to help people understand my mindset. This next line isn't too sound arrogant, but I am fairly smart. As a result, I get bored as hell with all employment I have ever had (I'm mostly a tech writer / computer guy). I learn something, and get incredibly bored not having a challenge. I need a career where i am constantly challenged. I need to feel like I am doing something important in my life.
I have always considered the military in the back of my mind, but basically blew it off. I am regretting that more and more. I think the army can give me the purpose / direction / challenges I am looking for. If I do this, it would be a career move, not a 4 year and run sort of event.
Now, the interesting thing I would like to ask is, I took the tests to see what I would do in the army. I am not amazingly mechanical by any means, but pretty good with people and computer. The top choices based on personality was Special Forces. Next was Military Intelligence typ positions.
I have done research for requirements and the like for most of these positions, but basically, is SF really an option for someone like me. I am working my ass off to get back into shape (I used to play sports and lift long ago) and the like. However, will someone like me have a chance to get into that, or is it mostly reserved for the younger guys despite the information saying you can be as old as 30.
Here is a tip on losing weight. Don't rush it. The first 20-30 lbs are pretty easy after that it gets progressively difficult. I'm only passing that on so you do not get discouraged at your aggressive goal (your probably going to miss a little on the time).
It's better to take a little time and learn how to keep the weight off and balance your food intake with activity. If your getting in shape from a period of inactivity (Computers) ease into the running to avoid injury. Also make sure you have some excellent running shoes that are months old NOT years old.
Can't speak to the SF stuff. Someone else will have to thats done that.
27 is young in my book still. Anything under 36 is OK for first enlistment, IMO. I would start to think more about it 37 and over for a first enlistment BUT they have people going that are 42 for their first time.
I just graduated OSUT and we had a 33 year 18X (SF candidate) but he also had a 290 pt score. Just make sure if you go 18X you show up in great shape. The DS WILL know who all the 18X are in the company and you will be held to a higher standard. Dont be the jackass that shows up with an 18x contract that cant even pass the pt test with a 180 because he thinks OSUT will get him in enough shape for selection. I would say about half if not more than half of the people in our company with 18x contracts were forced to drop their contracts becuase of pt. In return they got to choose where they want to be stationed with reasonable requests. So if 18x is what you want then great but show up in great shape. We had two 18x in our platoon that couldnt even run a full mile. Please dont be THAT guy, you will know THAT guy when you get there.
Anything is possible in the Army. the only thing that will limit what job you want in the Army is you. If SF is what you are wanting then give it a shot. Better to try and fail then to look back on your life and never have tried at all, right? If your good at tech stuff and you still want to do that but also want to try SF then you may be interested in the Commo SGT position. If you motivate yourself and drop the weight, keep it off and never give up at anything you set your mind to, then SF or even Infantry is good choice. Whatever it may be, its only you that will decide if you make it or not. and 27 isn't to old. Think of it like this, join at 27 then by 47 you can retire and still go find another job to retire from. Not bad pulling 2 retirement checks right?
Thanks guys, I am sore as hell now, my muscles aren't used to be worked this hard but it's something I need to do regardless of anything else.
I will say, it is a pain in the ass though, just moved to a new area, don't know anyone so I pretty much have to do it myself. I suppose this makes sense and is a measure of my own determination. There's that initial difficulty in forcing myself to go out and try running or going to the gym, even though I feel way better after.
I appreciate the responses, besides getting into shape I need to find some sort of gun class, since I have never fired one and would like.... some clue.
In military use, the term "gun" refers to artillery ordnance that fires projectiles at high velocity, such as naval guns or the tank main gun. In military use, all hand-held firearms are excluded from the definition of guns. Two exceptions to this include the shotgun, and the machine gun.
Say 'Rifle' and 'Pistol', Drill Sergeants swarm if they hear 'Gun' unless you are firing artillery.
Originally posted by EbonyDragon: There's that initial difficulty in forcing myself to go out and try running or going to the gym, even though I feel way better after.
That will subside after the first 2-3 months if you keep a schedule the first 2-3 months. Also as you run faster the runs actually get easier and less of a burden to do.
As you drop weight you'll have more energy even with the exercise during the day. You will find that you require less sleep.
Also, one other point. Losing weight and lifting weights at the Gym runs counter to each other to an extent. When I say lifting weights I mean lifting to build muscle mass not just doing the same reps and weight each day.
So best to layoff one if your doing the other, in my experience. Take a break when you overdo it as well, don't run the next day if your really sore from yesterdays run which may have been challenging.
Lots of good articles on this website in the Fitness area, WTC forum has good posts from prior service members trying to get back in, etc
Originally posted by EbonyDragon: I appreciate the responses, besides getting into shape I need to find some sort of gun class, since I have never fired one and would like.... some clue.
No need to take classes to learn how to shoot. You will get 3 weeks during bct just learning how to shoot. I had never shot any weapon (we were only allowed to call our m16s "weapons") before OSUT. I was one target away from qualifying as sharpshooter. You will spend many endless hours in full battle rattle laying on the ground doing different drills that seem pointless but really work. You work on your shooting fundamentals so much that when it comes time to qualify EVERYONE will qualify. The hardest part for me was controlling my breathing. One thing to work on is getting your heart rate up and work on your breathing while you are doing dime washer drills.
Dont mean to hijack the post but on a different note. I am in the national guard, will I have the chance to requalify with my weapon. It is embarrassing having a marksmanship badge being in the Infantry. As my DS used to say cooks and women shoot marksman we need to be shooting at least sharpshooter.
Originally posted by PittsburghChiGuy: Dont mean to hijack the post but on a different note. I am in the national guard, will I have the chance to requalify with my weapon. It is embarrassing having a marksmanship badge being in the Infantry. As my DS used to say cooks and women shoot marksman we need to be shooting at least sharpshooter.
You should be EXPERT by your second or third time. And I think we all agreed on this the last time the question was asked that you qualify more then once a year (although I only remember once a year in 1982-83 in the NG Light Infantry).
You have some kick-ass experienced shooters in both the NG and RA that will help you out....that you might not have had in OSUT.
heh, not to brag or anything but I have never, even in Basic, shot less than a 38 at the range. Heck, a qual day at the range is an easy day at the range. I have been lucky but all my leadership in my time have been focused on the tactical stress shoot type stuff. It is fun as hell and it almost forces you to become a better shooter. I have also been lucky enough to go to countless shooting classes and learn from pro-shooter. Plus I love to shoot in my off time.
Well... everyone can come to the Q course. It's definitely not just for young guys. Currently the oldest guy in the pipeline is like 52. Long story... either way, there are quite a few guys in their 30's in the Q course.
You have to be able to PT to do well here. I'm talking about being able to run in excess of 10 miles at a good pace. Be good at rucking. You have to be agile... just all around fit. You have to be willing to maintain that fitness level on your own once you pass Phase 1...
"The top choices based on personality was Special Forces. Next was Military Intelligence typ positions."
That's a pretty drastic change in jobs...
No computer can tell you that based on your personality you will be perfect for SF or any other job. Everyone wants to be joe badass till they are patrolling in the freezing rain and not sleeping or eating for extended periods of time.
Continue to PT... you dont want to come to SFAS with anything less than a 290. Continue to do research because despite what a computer said about your personaily based on your responses does not mean that the job is for you.
Originally posted by EbonyDragon: I feel way better after.
You're way up on me.
I never felt better after a run in my life. I always hear about this "runner's high". The only thing I ever got was this "runner's feeling like I'm going to puke and die". I always did the runs I was required to do in the Infantry, but I never liked one.
Heck, a qual day at the range is an easy day at the range. I have been lucky but all my leadership in my time have been focused on the tactical stress shoot type stuff. It is fun as hell and it almost forces you to become a better shooter. I have also been lucky enough to go to countless shooting classes and learn from pro-shooter. Plus I love to shoot in my off time.
