Hello,
I am a freshmen in high school, and in a bit of a delema about what I want in my future and in life in general. I am seriously thinking about joining the Army as a career. One of the only sectors I am actually that interested in is the SF because of the independence, and the mission types seem very multi-dimensional. Another thing I like about the SF is (from as far as I can tell) the lack of "machoism". One of the things that really turns me off about the Army, particually the Rangers (which I would want to attend to increase the chances of me passing q-course) is all the "HOORAH!!!!"'s and the whole ego thing. Now, before I go on, i'd like to state that I don't think I'm like most ppl who want to join the military. I don't think guns are cool, I don't think big explosions are "awesome", and the prospect of war scares the hell out of me. Thats not to say I don't think I would be able to execute any of those actions, it's just not something I'm looking forward to. Those things come with the job, but I am definatley not seeking them par-say.
So, if you've made it this far into my topic w/o dozing off to my life story, I have a very simple, but serious question for any current/former Green Berets. Do you have any regrets about joining the military and specifically the SF? I could see it being very rewarding job (maybe not monotarily but in ways that money can't buy), and any input from an actual SF guy would be much appreicated.

God Bless the Troops!

I can't honestly answer the question about regret. I'm in the process of starting the journey to become a Green Beret.

I can however give you some info that might help.

You're still a freshman, don't worry about joining the military right now. Focus on your school work right now, who knows, maybe by the time you're a senior you'll wanna go to college.

But if at that time you decide you still want to join the military. If you want to go SF, you'll need to wait until you're 20 - 21 to get an 18X contract. If you don't want to wait to join, then you'll need to enlist as another MOS and hope you can attend Selection.

Granted, that could all change in 3 years.

One more thing you can do to help yourself is talk to a recruiter, and read up on the Green Berets.

'Some' of my suggestions for a high school freshman.

-Sign up for a foreign language class.
-Take as many science related courses as you can.
-Study anything having to do with mechanical studies.
-Participate in sports teams.
-Eat well.
-Stay away from drugs.
-Choose your friends wisely.
-Get away from the video games and work out.
-Read, read, read...be a sponge. Military History.
-Join the Boy Scouts or an Adventure Crew.

Regret is for losers utilising pizz poor prior planning.
Make a decision-follow it.

You want a bunch of guys to say-yeah, yeah, and then blame them if you don't cut it?

On training to be a Green Beret-forget it, you are apparantly a human being-a Green Beret is a funny little hat and you can never become one of those.

You're right, there never was a macho man anywhere in the history of Special Forces.

snykypt, I'm not quite sure if your jokeing, but on the assumtion you are not...(tho the smiley face at the end might be your way of telling me you are).

You are way off in interpreting my intentions. I'm not asking for people to tell me whether I should or not. In fact, I welcome people to tell me negative things. It's alot better I find them out now, than, after I sign away 4 years of my life.
You talk of formulating a plan. Thats EXACTLY what I'm doing. But, when making a plan, one needs all the information (or at least all that is attainable). It's not like this is the only outlet. I've been reading up on Q-course and unit history for about the last year now, and I've talked to many people, both for and against the miitary. I'm not half-assing it (as I belive you were implying), and I refuse to gointo anything blind. I consider this recon on the "landscape" before I comit to anything I cannot undue (for example...lets say....a 4 year contract to the United States military.)

Yes, I know I will never be a Green Beret. But I would be more than happy to possibly earn the right to wear one.
Btw, that little phrase above your long tab can be quite misleading

quote:

Btw, that little phrase above your long tab can be quite misleading

The good man has been a member here for over 4 years and avarages about 8 comments a month.

I would say that is quiet professional.

You should feel priviledged that he took time out of his busy life to respond to you.

Now drop and start doing push-ups until I get tired.

quote:

Originally posted by KravKid510:
I consider this recon on the "landscape" before I comit to anything I cannot undue (for example...lets say....a 4 year contract to the United States military.)

One problem with that, no such thing as a 4 year contract in the Army anymore. It's 8 or bust for active duty. And SF now has a minimum of 5 years of active duty.

But like I said, you're young. It doesn't hurt to be informed, but don't put anything in stone.

Here's the part I don't like and if you feel that way...DON'T JOIN!!


"Signing away four years of my life"

If you feel thats whats its all about..then stop right there and take another direction with your life that you feel more comfortable with.

quote:

Btw, that little phrase above your long tab can be quite misleading

Gents, we have a smart a_ss amongst us.

You have no idea what that phrase is referring to, hot nuts.