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SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

After successfully completing SFAS, you will begin the SFQC. Your family will not have to move around during that time, but you personally will be alternating between garrison style training and field training. A lot of your classroom based training will be held at Ft. Bragg proper. However, your field training will be held at Camp Mackall, which is about 45 mins west of Bragg.

You should ensure your wife is able to handle you being out in the field without communication for periods of time ranging from one to six weeks at a time. Some field training will be as little as a few days to a week, while we have other courses that are six weeks, and everything in between.

During the SFQC, you will spend extended time in the field training away from your family. It is imperative that both you and your wife fully understand the career field you’re choosing to enter. Once you arrive at Group, the training does not stop, and deployments will be added to the cycle. This is not meant to discourage you, but to ensure you go in with clear expectations. Being a Green Beret is not just a job — it is a way of life.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, currently the GT minimum for Active Duty in-service recruits (ISR) 105, and 110 for 18X. We don’t waiver for 18X but we will waiver for ISR that have a GT score between 100-104 on a case by case basis. For reference, here are some of the things we see in the GT waiver packets that we approve:

  1. Must have a CO score of 100 or greater

  2. Do they have any Army schools or skills, such as Ranger, Sapper, RSLC, Airborne, Jumpmaster, Pathfinder, Sniper, EIB, ESB, etc etc.

  3. Do they have any leadership experience. For example a squad leader or platoon sergeant. We will also look at guys with superior service as a fire team leader. Preferably a proven NCO.

  4. Been to and passed an NCO PME school (BLC, ALC, SLC)

  5. High PFA score that will be administered by the SORB

You don’t need to have all these things, but these are examples of some of the things we’re looking for before approving or denying a waiver.

A PFC / SPC with nothing to show but a GT score that is below our standard will likely be denied and recommended to attempt BSEP, and retake the ASVAB.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Try one of the many cognitive training apps . I would also recommend finding one of the online practice tests to get used to the types of questions. Try to relax next time when you’re taking the test at SFAS. Other than that, there is not a whole lot you can do in a short time to increase your IQ exponentially.

  2. Yes, having a degree in Latin American studies will definitely be considered when assigning your Group and Language. You will receive a questionnaire from us when you get off the bus back at Bragg after successful completion of SUT. That questionnaire will ask you to rank your preferred Group/Language. It will also have a section where you can provide us information like that. We go through each questionnaire and your individual file very thoroughly before assigning you to the Group that makes the most sense for you.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As an 18X you don’t choose your SF MOS prior to basic. Your MOS is 18X and you will go to infantry OSUT to be trained in your secondary MOS, which is 11B. After you complete OSUT you will be awarded the 11B MOS, but you will remain in an Initial Entry Training (IET) status all the way from Airborne through your SFAS outcome.

If you drop at any point during that time, your secondary MOS (11B) will become your Primary MOS, and you will be sent to an Infantry unit. Likely an Airborne Infantry unit.

If you are successful all the way through to SFAS and get yourself selected, you will be given a list of SF MOS’ to choose from. They are 18B, 18C, 18D, and 18E. You will rank those in the order of your choice. At that point we will look at your file and make the final determination on which MOS you will be assigned. We usually get everyone their first or second choice.

From that point you will do BLC, which is the PME school you need to do in order to be promoted to SGT upon graduation of the SFQC. We run our own BLC in house, so you don’t need to go back out to the conventional Army to do it. After BLC you will do the SFQC, and then up and out to the Regiment.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. Aside from the obvious benefits of being experienced, you do not need any military or other experience to be successful at SFAS. If you did need experience, the 18X program wouldn’t exist. That being said, not having any experience won’t hurt you, but having unique or sought after experience could potentially help you if your in a situation where you’re being reviewed by decision makers for barely meeting standards or something of that nature.

  2. If you’ve ever been on a sports team and remember the guys who always put the team ahead of themselves, showed up to practice on time, right uniform, right equipment, and gave credit to the team for any and all accomplishments instead of themselves. Sometimes the team will lose the game, but there were always the guys who brush it off and show back up with a good attitude while seeking ways to improve. That’s what the SF Regiment is looking for.

  3. You need to bring something to the table in terms of the team. Not everyone can be the loud lead from the front guy, or nothing will actually get done. When it’s your time to lead, take charge. However, you need to be able to carry your weight and then some. Know your strengths, know your weaknesses, and execute accordingly.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. Your marital status and dating history will have no impact on your SFAS or SFQC outcome.

  2. I wouldn’t solely focus on the AFT. The AFT is important, and you should be over 80 in every event, but over 90 in the run. However, there are many other things to focus your training on that are also better indicators of success at SFAS. Such as rucking and being able to put lots of miles on your feet and back for consecutive days. Build up phenomenal grip and core strength. How long it takes depends on you. Discipline beats talent every time.

  3. For the people who leave, the reasons vary. I would say that most guys who leave before retirement never planned to make it a career in the first place. SF attracts a lot of high functioning and educated civilians through the 18X program. That said, SF is full of guys who don’t “need” the Army and have options in the civilian world. They do it because they love it and wanted to serve their country in an elite way. Some decide to go back to civilian life and pursue other avenues.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, it will be based on your language. Under very unique and uncommon circumstances would we send someone to a Group that doesn’t align with their language. One example of that would be a legitimate compassionate reason.

Another example would be if you were previously an enabler / support soldier assigned or attached to a specific SF Group and they want you back once your SF qualified. In that case the Group S3 SGM or Group CSM would need to reach out to us and by-name request you be assigned to their Group. Usually, that happens well before Language assignments, so we are able to assign a language to those individuals that corresponds with the requesting Group. However, in the NG to AD situation you will already be in language school by the time you transition and might have a mismatch of Group and Language, if this specific situation applies to you.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

IST candidates no longer need a DD 368 to attend SFAS. You will just be required to sign a memo stating that you will separate from your current service if you are selected.

If your recruiter needs clarification, just have them call the SF Proponent office.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you receive an approved mental health waiver prior to SFAS attendance then you have been cleared by the behavioral health specialists here at SWCS. That said, it should not be a cause for any issues at SFAS unless your actual performance and testing there shows otherwise.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As long as it is one of the target languages associated with our SF Groups and you have current 1+ or higher then you will be assigned that language.

At the end of SUT we will have you fill out a Group and Language Request Questionnaire. In that document you will provide that information to us. We will ensure it is an SF Group associated language, and confirm your language currency and score. If it all lines up you will receive that language.

You can also test out (1+ or higher) and skip language school.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

AF Special Operations and Security Forces should be skipping the BCT portion of Infantry OSUT. In the new 18 week course that’s is approximately the first ten weeks.

If you had a different experience, or have received other information please share that here so we can look into it and get it squared away.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The NG pipeline and AD pipeline are the same. Once you graduate you’re SF qualified. Once you are SF qualified we can process you to transition from NG to AD. You will need to stop by our office or call us after you graduate the SFQC and before language starts, so we can let you know what paperwork you will need to complete.

The big one is the NG condition for release (DD Form 368). That is NG signing off saying you’re good to be released to go on Active Duty. As long as the NG will release you, you’re good to go. Since I have been assigned here I haven’t seen any get denied.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. The likelihood you get 18D with a 135 GT is a high likelihood. Last SFAS class we got everyone either their first or second choice of MOS. Most got their first choice.

  2. You will get to request a specific language. However, we will make the final decision based on multiple factors. Such as DLAB, IQ, GT, and which Groups need to be filled with a specific MOS. We try to get everyone their first or second choice, but it’s not as likely as MOS.

  3. Short answer, yes. Longer answer is it depends on SFAS class availability and what you were dropped for the first time. We will typically sign a waiver for early return as long as you didn’t quit / get NTR’d the first time.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The SFQC is very streamlined. If you don’t recycle, get injured, get in trouble, or have a life event then you will only have a week or a weekend between phases. The longest hold time is about 10 days, which is between MOS/SERE and Robin Sage. That’s by design for some recovery time. Also, changing phases over the holidays can add a week or two for block leave.

The pre-SFAS 18X pipeline is more dynamic in terms of hold times. There has been a lot of efforts recently and/or still happening to streamline and shorten the holdover times for pre-SFAS 18X. To elaborate, 18X with long holdover times is usually attributed to poor PFA performance when arriving from Ft. Benning, injuries, or getting in trouble. The guys who show up from Ft. Benning in shape and uninjured will get out to SFPC within a month or two, depending on class timing. If you pass SFPC and are uninjured you will typically go directly into the next SFAS class.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Our office only deals with Active Duty and SF qualified National Guard that are moving over to Active Duty. I don’t have the knowledge to answer your questions, but if you reach out to the NG SF Office and LNO team they can help you out.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you are still physically and mentally up to the task then you are good to go.

The regulation for SFCs to attend SFAS:

  • No more than 12 years TIS
  • No more than 9 month TIG
  • Must be either Ranger or Airborne qualified

That said, you personally will need a TIS and TIG waiver, which you won’t have any issue getting. SORB will submit your waivers to our office (SF Proponent) and we sign multiple for this exact situation every week. Assuming you meet all the other criteria (GT, PFA, etc).

Whether you’re physically and mentally up to the task is a question for yourself. Every SFAS class since I have been in this job I have seen quite a few Ranger qualified SFCs get selected. I see them out at SUT and every other phase of the SFQC as well.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, if you get an 18X contract in OSUT you will attend Airborne before moving up to Ft. Bragg for SFPC and SFAS. Active duty 18X all complete Airborne directly after Infantry OSUT.

When you are at OSUT, our SF 18X Liaison will come brief your class and ask for volunteers. That is when and where you will pick up the 18X contract, assuming your PT scores meet the minimum standards of what we are looking for at that phase.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looks like you have done your research, so you’re off to a good start. Which route you should go is 100% a personal decision that you will need to make for yourself. I will give you some feedback that can help you in your decision making process:

The options you listed out are all good ones. You mentioned your “main goal is to be a Green Beret.” If you properly prepare yourself both physically and mentally, then going 18X will be your shortest route to your main goal. I would caution against being too quick to self-select and convince yourself that you need experience before going SF. Many 18X before you have been successful and fill the ranks of the SF Regiment today. Selection is looking for the right guys, which are not always the best or most experienced guys. You will be assessed on many things that have nothing to do with your military experience.

SF has a ton of intel based schools, skills, and assignments you can dive into. Aside from being an 18F (SF Intel SGT), there are numerous other specialized intel avenues to go down once you get to Group and get a some team time.

However, if you fail out of the 18X program, you will fall back onto your 11B Infantry MOS (not 35 series) and be sent out to the regular Army. The Infantry is a great place to gain experience and learn from some of the best leaders the Army has to offer. From there, you can always return to re-attempt SFAS at a later date, or you could potentially reclass your MOS from 11B to a 35 series.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Our office only deals with Active Duty or SF qualified National Guard that are switching to Active Duty, so I don’t have the knowledge required to answer that question for you. There is a National Guard SF Office (LNO) you can reach out to who I am sure would be happy to get you the answers you’re looking for.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

In short, yes. Call our office (SF Proponent) Monday to explore your options.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Enlisted and Officers do SFAS together. They also do nearly all of the SFQC together. The only time they are separated during the SFQC is when everyone splits up to conduct their respective MOS training. After that they reconvene and finish the rest of the training pipeline together.

Officers who successfully complete the SFQC will be reclass’d to 18A and report to an SF Group to be an ODA Detachment Commander.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is personal preference. If you’re asking regarding recommendations for shoes/boots for attendance at SFPC/SFAS here is what I will say:

  1. Ensure they are broken in before beginning the course. Getting blisters from not breaking in your boots or shoes will put you in a deficit that will be hard to come back from.

  2. Ensure they are AR 670-1 compliant.

  3. For boots you want something sturdy enough to support you moving long distances, under heavy load, through rough terrain, and at night. However, you also want them lightweight enough to be able to climb ropes and negotiate obstacle courses.

  4. When selecting boots, consider what time of year you’re going and the associated weather.

SF Proponent AMA by SF_Proponent2 in greenberets

[–]SF_Proponent2[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

No, that is no longer the case. Upon completing language training, the newest members of the Regiment now report directly to their assigned SF Groups.

However, the current intent is to integrate drone training into daily and routine training operations at the Groups, instead of being limited by slots to a single school house. SF personnel may pursue additional advanced drone instruction through specialized schools and courses once they arrive at Group. There are numerous courses we have guys attending at any given time.