Advice on going into the Army

[94 formula]

I have been thinking about going into the armed services since I graduated highschool and now with my second year of College nearing an end it occured to me that if I don't do it now I'm going to graduate in two years and want to settle down not go into the Army. I've done some research on my own and went and talked to a recruiter and I'm thinking of going into the army for Special Forces. From what I've found special forces suites me best, I'm not looking for a career I would just like to serve my time and be done. I also found that I will be able to complete college while I am there so when my 5 years are up I'll be a college graduate as well and they will pay for the two years I've already went for and the rest of my schooling. What do you guys think about this? Also my main reason for wanting to do this is to serve my country not for the money but the recruiter said something about a $20,000 signing bonus .

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Anything but infantry - we used to call them cannon fodder. But then I was dumb enough to be a Navy corpsman with a 2-1/2 day life expectancy. Of course anything we (Marines) did, we were always gone by the time the Army got there, so I guess you're safe with them. Good luck in special forces - maybe you'll be oneof the 3% that makes it..

[94 formula]

Anything but infantry - we used to call them cannon fodder. But then I was dumb enough to be a Navy corpsman with a 2-1/2 day life expectancy. Of course anything we (Marines) did, we were always gone by the time the Army got there, so I guess you're safe with them. Good luck in special forces - maybe you'll be oneof the 3% that makes it..

3%? From what the recruiter told me...which I try not to take too much to heart since I know its they're job to get you to sign that piece of paper. 80% of those who sign up for the Army Special forces make it and only 30% who singed up but not for special forces and try to get in later make it. He said there are 3 levels of special forces starting with Army rangers then something and I think that Green Berets are the highest.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

"100 men we'll test today, but only 3 for the Green Beret" - Barry Sadler.

[94 formula]

"100 men we'll test today, but only 3 for the Green Beret" - Barry Sadler.

So its just 3% make it to the Green Beret. You had me worried for a minute when I read that. I would love to make it to that level but if not thats fine. I'm not looking to start a career in the Armed forces I'd just like to serve my 5 years and know I've given back to my country. From what I've found the Special forces whether it be Ranger, Green Beret, ect seem right for me.

[Dave M]

So its just 3% make it to the Green Beret. You had me worried for a minute when I read that. I would love to make it to that level but if not thats fine. I'm not looking to start a career in the Armed forces I'd just like to serve my 5 years and know I've given back to my country. From what I've found the Special forces whether it be Ranger, Green Beret, ect seem right for me.

The army also has Delta... those are some bad mothers... I've had some training with Delta Force members through my work. Very informative stuff, very high speed guys. And I only got a very small portion of the training, mainly Close Quarters Battle, room clearing, and weapons proficiency. Very, very informative training.

[Nightrage]

My brother is doing this as well. He wants to be an infantry guy. I sweat bullets thinking about it. I'd assume your family members are throwing themselves (assuming you've told them). Good luck bro. I wish I could tell you more about what you're getting into, but I don't know too much about the military. All I've been told is that the recruiters promise the world, but rarely do they keep their promise. Make sure that this is definitely what you want to do. Once you're in there, you're in. You can't say "This bites. I'm gone" like you would anywhere else. Obviously you know this already, but try to keep it in mind before you jump into anything.

[wood]

If I could do it over again I would have let the military pay my way through college then repay them by giving four or however many years as an officer.

A.) More money.
B.) Actually worth staying in as a career.
C.) You can still be special forces, in fact I think a large percentage of special forces are officers.

Just an idea to look into, I really really wish I could have my choice of going enlisted back. There are kids coming in that make alot more then me and I salute.

[Red20170]

If Ranger Bob still post here he should be able to give you the inside scoop on ARMY special forces.

[Red20170]

The Marines have special forces coming online this year. Something to think about.

[zebragirl83]

My cousin in law is Special Forces...
He's career, so it is probably a lot different... but if you're planning to have a wife you better choose wisely...
My cousin is like the ideal military wife because she's always been a really independant person... but he's gone for 6-8 months... is home for maybe a month AT THE MOST and deploys again...
There have been times that she doesn't know where he is and many times when he'll be home...
He can't talk about some of the things even after they're over... it's a very weird life...
Just some food for thought!

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Hope you like the beach. You'll be spending a lot of time playing in the sand...

I don't know how many times I've heard of someone going into the Army to join the special forces. It's one of those "if I had a quarter for everytime I heard that" kind of things. I'm not saying don't do it, but be prepared for some real challenges and a lot of stress. If you play your cards right and walk the straight and narrow it's possible to get a lot out of it. There will be sacrifices along the way though.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

3%? From what the recruiter told me...which I try not to take too much to heart since I know its they're job to get you to sign that piece of paper. 80% of those who sign up for the Army Special forces make it and only 30% who singed up but not for special forces and try to get in later make it. He said there are 3 levels of special forces starting with Army rangers then something and I think that Green Berets are the highest.

I guess I'm busting your chops a little bit, but I thinks it's admirable to serve your country. Once you get int he service though, it becomes a big joke - all the stuff the recruiter will promise you. If you get it in writing, like bonuses and specialist training, you will get that, no problem. You might even be guaranteed to go to your first duty station and they can even guarantee you can stay with a buddy at least through training if he joins up with you. But as far as orders go, that is up to the brass in Washington, and that's why your choice of duty stations is called a 'Dream Sheet'. There's guys who have spent their entire career going from one base to the next trying to get transferred to a better duty station (this was called the Zombie Jamboree), and each place they end up at is worse than the last. We used to get superstitious about it and called it "Being followed around by the big Green Weenie". It was ever present and just hovering around to catch you offguard just for you to bend over so it could give it to you in the backside. And if you ever have beers with the other soldiers (which you will no doubt do) one of the favorite topics of conversation that always comes up is which guy has been to the absolute worst duty station. Anyway, Good Luck.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

The army also has Delta... those are some bad mothers... I've had some training with Delta Force members through my work. Very informative stuff, very high speed guys. And I only got a very small portion of the training, mainly Close Quarters Battle, room clearing, and weapons proficiency. Very, very informative training.

We trained with them once in some kind of wierd experimental training where they brought us up to the top of a mountain in helicopters and made us play volleyball on this craggy peak. We figured they were trying to see if we could do it without falling off and develop the kind of coordination that lets you jump around on uneven surfaces like Aeon Flux. Some guys got cut up pretty bad and they called a halt to it, but no one tumbled off the edge. It was very, very competitive, since in any kind of athletic contest with simulated war undertones, second place is not too good.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

The Marines have special forces coming online this year. Something to think about.

What happenned to Recon?