I have a little mythbusting question.

First off I'm an active duty e-3 infantryman stationed at Ft. Lewis. I have a 141 GT and a 239 PT score. I've been told that with my GT score, I can get a packet dropped for SF no problem. But I know I don't make the active duty grade req. (E-4) or the PT req. (240)... I'd really like to drop a packet, but I don't wanna drive over to the SF recruiter's office just to get laughed out the door. so I'd appreciate it if an SF recruiter (current or former) could point me in the right direction regarding how hard it is to get that stuff waived? thanks

whoa there sir... my PT score is lower than my actual ability, I had bronchitis for 6 straight weeks when I took it, I just don't do profiles... and because my GT is really pretty damn high, and I get harangued every day to drop one...

I'd really like to if it's an option. I just need to know if it's an option

quote:

Originally posted by CiviLegg:
Crash, I'm not jumping on you. Actually, the BTDT's round here would prolly be much harder or not respond at all. Since you've been sick, get a new PT test taken. I dunno how easy that is. Anyways, you've been in 18 months maybe. By the time you reach your E4 you should be in better physical shape. I can tell by what I've read around here and a few other places that SF likes scores round 300. Patience is virtue and your E4 will be here in no time. Work on your PT in the mean time.

Civi, I think dropping the packet means they are going to schedule him for the program not that he is in the program tommorrow. That could be up to a year in the future. So thats probably why he is being encouraged to submit a packet.

Also, Special Forces Recruiters in the 1980's only came around like once a year or once every 18 months to Active Duty Infantry units. So that might be another reason they are pushing him.

So you have to take that into account. He might be about to get promoted to Specialist 4, only he would have a inkling to this.

quote:

Originally posted by CrashCobb:
whoa there sir... my PT score is lower than my actual ability, I had bronchitis for 6 straight weeks when I took it, I just don't do profiles... and because my GT is really pretty damn high, and I get harangued every day to drop one...

I'd really like to if it's an option. I just need to know if it's an option

A couple of points here for your benefit:

1. There are NO SF Recruiters that frequent this Forum that I am aware of. We might get one or two guys that are on Active Duty that are SF or that are National Guard that are SF. So your going to probably be waiting for a while for an answer.

2. It's not only your PT Score and GT Score, it's your Infantry experience they are looking at and I'm sorry but PFC is not a lot of experience in a Infantry unit so your gut feeling is probably correct here, your submitting too early. Another possibility, the folks urging you to apply have inside info your about to get promoted to E4 and they can't tell you yet. If you want my Cold War, 1980's opinion, you should be a E4 at least a year before applying to SF. I am not SF myself but I was Infantry in the 1980's and that was about the time a Specialist 4 would consider and apply to SF.

3. AFPT for record is good for a year (or is it 6 months) not sure. So while I understand not wanting to go on profile (I avoided it as well), when you score less then you could have. Doesn't matter your reasons, your last PT Score is your last PT Score. So if I were you and you were going to apply.....I'd take that again if you can. I think you should wait a bit though (see point 2).

So thats my non-SF input. The SF guys may or may not respond to this thread. I have a hunch it is going to be ignored but thats just me. They are unpredictable at times.

Take it for what it worth ,,

Maybe you need to concentrate on following simple instructions before you attempt SF.

quote:

Originally posted by ErichG2:

Also, Special Forces Recruiters in the 1980's only came around like once a year or once every 18 months to Active Duty Infantry units. So that might be another reason they are pushing him.

The 1980's are long gone and not relevant to the PFC situation.

He's at Lewis, and there's an SF Recruiting Station right down the block.

Fort Lewis SF Recruiting
Bldg 2082, Flagger Rd.
Ft Lewis, WA 98433-0903
COM: 253-966-7327/3901
DSN: 347-7327
FAX# 253-966-3905
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY:Fort Lewis, Alaska

quote:

Originally posted by ErichG2:

2. It's not only your PT Score and GT Score, it's your Infantry experience they are looking at and I'm sorry but PFC is not a lot of experience in a Infantry unit so your gut feeling is probably correct here, your submitting too early. Another possibility, the folks urging you to apply have inside info your about to get promoted to E4 and they can't tell you yet. If you want my Cold War, 1980's opinion, you should be a E4 at least a year before applying to SF. I am not SF myself but I was Infantry in the 1980's and that was about the time a Specialist 4 would consider and apply to SF.

a. Infantry experience or MOS is not a prerequisite for SF.

b. As I stated above, the 1980's are long gone.

c. Non-SF advice on SF matters should be taken for what it is.

The young man should speak to the SF recruiter on post.

http://www.bragg.army.mil/sorb...ruiting_stations.htm

For what it's worth...no SF recruiter is going to laugh you out of the office. SF wants motivated, intelligent individuals, and it's never too early to explore your options.
Go see the man on Flagger Road and see what he has to say - you may get some very good information at no cost.
Forget the jargon - go in with an open mind and ask pertinent questions.

Have a nice day

I'd say wait till you make SP4 and can regularly score 270+ on the APFT.

"Crash", what you have heard here is all valid in one form or another. It would appear tht you need to get your PT score up as high as you possibly can. I would suggest that you belly up to that task immediately. I feel pretty certain that when you think you could push out a score in the range near 300, you may apply for a retest and state the reason you are requesting this.

By all means make an appointment with the SF Recruiter. It could be 12-18 months before you are called up to attend the "Q" course.

Ask yourself is this long enough to make E4?

Do you have any language skills that might work in your favor?

Always thing positive, and not in the smart a$$ manner, either. A positive attitude will get you further then a pesimistic or negative attitude will.

With all that said, you will stand a better chance going in as an E4 then an E3....Ringo
Rotsa Ruck GI and have a better tomorrow.

thanks for all the input guys, def. appreciated!