I have an interview coming up in a couple of weeks with a Florida Army National Guard SF unit (3/20th SFG).  I am an E-5 in an Air Defense unit, and have been enlisted for almost six years.  I am confident that I will make it all the way through if I am accepted into the unit, and plan to take the 18C MOS (Engineer).  

  My question for all of you is this:  How much swimming should I be doing?  I have not seen a whole lot of information on this.  I can swim and tread water, but have not really done much of either.  I was even thinking about finding a swim coach in my area, but don't want to go overboard, pardon the pun.  

  Anything that any of you have to contribute about all aspects of SF would be much appreciated.  Thanks for looking.

  I understand what you are thinking, but I have been on active duty for fifteen months now, and worked with three SF soldiers from this unit for ten months.  They are all highly professional, extremely physically fit, motivated soldiers, who show none of the typical "weekend warrior" attitude that I am so sick of in my current unit.  While working at the Florida National Guard headquarters as a guard, I was given a number of classes in CQB and H2H by these individuals, and recieved a lot of excellent training and tips from them.  Believe me, they are "quiet professionals" all the way.

  Not to mention that Airborne, SFAS, SFQC, etc.  are all the same for active and reservists, so I will be as highly trained as any other new SF soldier when (if) I complete the training.

  Also, Florida's SF support company staging out of Camp Blanding is preparing for its second six month tour in Afghanistan as we speak, and will be leaving soon.  No one can say they aren't contributing as much as anyone else.

 I am not trying to be rude, just saying they don't cut any slack in that unit, just because it isn't full time.

I can think of some reserve/NG SF troops that wouldn't like your insinuation.

Bubba brigade?  Are you SF or former SF that you can call these guys that?

Just curious.

Alex

 
 308wood, when I first interviewed for this unit three years ago, the Sergeant Major told me that nearly all of the men in the unit are DEA, Customs, local law enforcement SWAT, etc.  I was impressed by what I saw.  At the time I was a 19 year old brand new E-4, and the SM told me they were looking for older more experienced guys, and to come back when I got promoted to SGT.  Now that I am an finally an NCO, the time is now.

  Again, not busting your chops, just telling you what I have seen and heard.

I think what 308wood is saying is if you want your ass covered by professionals, go with a professional unit. Alot of guard and reserve units are low speed, all drag units that were kept on the books because it looked good for manning stats. I spent 6 years in the reserves and saw it first hand. I was luckey, my unit was an MP unit full of full time cops. Some supply and support units don't see their weapons 11 months onut of the year.

I had the opportunity to shoot against a reserve SF team at the 1st Army rifle match at Quantico two years running. The full time grard and reserve teams won everyhting, but the SF guys were the most helpful of the bunch. True professional soldiers.

If I remember right (not from taking it) but the indoc for Marine Recon was treading water for 30 minutes holding a brick up out of the water, then running some 5? miles and then a pft? I know it's hell, I knew people that passed it though.  Those are some tuff fellows, let me tell you!

 What is your military background?

[:k]

So, can you give some advice on his swim training or not?
[edit]I don't have any to offer myself, but if some dude on the internet is pissing you off, just think about what those instructors are gonna do.
CHRIS

 
    You seem to think that because you have a high postcount and a cool picture underneath your login name, that that makes it OK to ridicule people who come to this website seeking information on how to make themselves better soldiers and citizens.  

    Well you can think whatever you want.  The reason my postcount is so low is because I have been far, far out in the desert away from computers and casual internet access for the past few months.  

    I think your style would be better served somewhere besides the Veteran's forum.

ibtpmcal

in
before
the
pi$$ing
match
causes
a
lock

can you?  perhaps you could give us an example.  i mean, since going through 44 weeks of the toughest training in the world will only elevate these 'kids' to 'bubba' status and all.  exactly what made those old days different, and how do you know this?

I think you are full of BS:

You have never served, and yet you feel fit to badmouth NGSF troops:

Kinda like a flake with an eigth grade  education criticizing a "Nobel Laureate":

There is a website which specializes in specops, why don't you bring your expertise in this area over there:

SOCNETcentral.com

Terry J Gwinn
CPTAUSRET

Yeah woody - and I don't have to know you to know that you are a troll...

[img]http://hem.passagen.se/markusyt/skola/fysik/troll.jpg[/img]

A troll with a lot of posts, but that fact alone doesn't mean you are very smart.

No, you don't have to be SF to comment.  But if you do choose to comment, you should at least know what the hell you are talking about.  You should do some research before you open your crap spewing gob.

The NG SF groups are heavily composed of former SF active duty folks.  New personnel joining the units, such as the motivated young SGT here, go through the entire active duty training pipeline; there is no such thing as a dumbed down weekend warrior Q course if that is what you have envisioned in your mind.

But you would have known that had you bothered to research before posting your retarded dribble.

I would hardly characterize them as the "bubba brigade".


P.S.  It is a 50 meter swim with BDU's & boots. Any stroke, no time limit.  You just have to live.

And you sound like a punk wannabe who likes swingin his dick on bulletin boards over topics you have no experience over.

NG-SF groups are busting ass overseas still... Bubba Brigade my ass... Why don't you pull your fat ass out of the recliner and toss a uniform on before you decide to knock a unit you don't have the stones to join up.

-Reaper375
C-Co, 3d Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment
1995-2001
Ranger Class 3-96

Having never served in the Military... how exactly are YOU qualified to give advice to anyone regarding Indoc procedures? That's like me telling someone how to build a house... but I'm not a builder.

Asshat.

Sounds like someone pissed in your cheerios at some point. Why don't you spout some of that shit off to the men of 2/19 SFG(A)?

http://www.groups.sfahq.com/19th/gene_arden_vance_kia.htm

I love how anyone who's never served a day in the militay has LOADS of advice for other folks who are going in. Sorta like the fat guy at the bar that offers advice to everyone about everything.

Secret Decoder ring... it's not that. It's a way of life. until you've lived it, shut your suck. Plain and simple.

I bet you have a whole draw full of those, Just like a wannabe!

I just took that last drill...it's tougher than it sounds.

Who am I?

Merely an individual who wore his country's uniform for 20 years until I was retired:

I was an E-7, CW-3, and received a direct commission in Vietnam. I flew B-model gunships in Vietnam in 65-66, Cobras in 68-69-70. I flew in support of special ops troops:

I was shot down numerous times, shot a couple, and have a few scars from edged weapons that the "little F--kers stuck in me:

That enough of a Bio for you?

You had the audacity to dump on NG SF troops, yet you have never worn a uniform:

Who the f--k are you "HERO"?  What gives you the right to denigrate a selection process that you neither understand, nor qualify for?

Terry

Amazing what you can find on eBay isnt it.

No shit, I bet this turd burgler has an entire set of BDU's/Fatigues decked out. Never served but thinks he can talk shit about the men who do serve!!! Fucking Monday morning quarterback....

The vast majority of the shit they sell on ebay related to the military is sold by wannabes and neverhavebeens.

I hate to say if you think that he is a punk kid with a little advanced training then what do you think of the not so new program that is enlisting 18 Series MOS's off the street? Are you willing to enlist for this.. if not shut up!!!! I know some Reserve / National Guard Special Forces Soldiers and they all can hold their own with the active duty Special Forces soldier.

As for help getting ready for training, Find out what type of team you will be assigned to. If it is a scuba team then tread water with scuba weights and get used to be putting all your equipment on underneath water. (Clearing your mask and stuff like that). Good Luck.

You wanna bet huh???

Do you own a AR-15?

Read the history on it Designed for the MILITARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---------
[img]http://www.cobuck.ang.af.mil/IMAGES/Romero_600_dpi.jpg[/img]
SFC Daniel A. Romero, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Colorado Army National Guard


CENTENNIAL, Colo.—A Colorado Army National Guard soldier was killed in action yesterday near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class (E-7) Daniel Aaron Romero, 30, died from injuries sustained during an ordinance disposal operation involving 107mm rockets.

The explosion killed three other U.S. soldiers and wounded one at approximately 3:00a.m. EDT. The injured was evacuated to a medical facility near Kandahar.

Romero was a member of B-Company of the 5/19th Special Forces Group of the Colorado Army National Guard. He was a Special Forces Communications Chief (MOS 18E40) and is survived by his wife and parents.

Romero was born February of 1972 and joined the Colorado Army National Guard December 18, 1991. He attended basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in July of 1992, AIT (advanced individual training) at Ft. Gordon, Georgia in September of 1992, and went through airborne school at Ft. Benning, Georgia in January of 1993. Romero’s decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, Non-Commissioned Officers Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and the Colorado Emergency Service Ribbon with device. Romero also earned the parachute badge and Special Forces tab.  Romero was a traditional guard member and was self-employed in the construction industry.

Romero was part of approximately 100 members of the B/5-19th Special Forces Group (A) that was called to active duty. Headquartered in Pueblo, the unit was activated December 5, 2001and been placed on active duty orders in support of Operation Noble Eagle for 12 months, not to exceed 24 months.

Romero’s body will be escorted back to the United States from Rhein Main Air Base, Germany. Arrangements are pending.

For further information, please contact the Colorado National Guard State Office of Public Affairs at the numbers listed above.

[url]http://www.cobuck.ang.af.mil/HQStatePAO/onlinepages/breakingnews_kiasoldier.htm[/url]
-----------


[img]http://www.genevancejr.com/vance5b.jpg[/img]
SSG Gene Arden Vance Jr., 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, West Virginia National Guard


SSG Gene Arden Vance Jr. was Killed in Action of a gunshot wound Sunday afternoon, 19 May 2002 while taking part in Operation Mountain Lion, designed to locate, isolate and destroy al Qaeda and Taliban fighters in eastern Afghanistan when his unit, The 19th Special Forces Group, came under heavy fire, he was shot in a mountainous Shkin area in the east. An Afghan soldier fighting alongside Vance was wounded in the firefight, which also left an attacker dead.

Gene is a representative of the true American Heroes which fight to defend our freedom each and every day.

[url]http://www.genevancejr.com/[/url] (Lisa Vance's tribute to her husband)



-----------

[img]http://www.theeagle.com/septanniv/Photos/091102soldier.jpg[/img]

1LT Greg Miller, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Colorado Army National Guard


Army Lt. Greg Miller of College Station returned to active duty after being shot in Afghanistan.

Army Lt. Greg Miller of College Station is back on active duty and recovering from a bullet wound he suffered while on patrol in Afghanistan last April.

Miller, a combat medic and member of a special forces patrol, was shot in the face by a unidentified attacker in Kandahar. The bullet passed through his jaw, severing nerves and leaving him without feeling in his mouth.

With his mouth wired shut, Miller returned to his home in College Station in April. On May 10 he was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Medic Badge at a ceremony in San Antonio.

“I felt overwhelmed,” Miller said about the awards. “I think the real heroes are the ones who are still over there,”

Miller was back in the news later in May when screeners at [b]San Francisco International Airport[/b] denied him permission to pass through security with wire clippers used to snap open his jaw in an emergency.

Since then, Miller said, he has received a written apology from the U.S. secretary of transportation and was promised that airport security policies will be dictated by “common sense.”

Miller shed the restraining wires after his final surgery in July. He is stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and he said his recovery is going well. He is unsure if he will be sent back overseas.

On Wednesday, Miller will be taking medical training classes, but he plans to keep in mind his six friends who were killed in combat within the past year.

“They were some of the best people I’ve ever known,” he said.

When he is not on active duty Miller lives in College Station and works for Scott & White Clinic in the workers’ compensation department.

[url]http://www.theeagle.com/septanniv/091102soldier.htm[/url]
---------

Also, 1LT Tallas Tomeny, the soldier who was killed while attending the Special Forces Qualification Course last year, was to be with the 20th SFG(A), Alabama Army National Guard.

308wood, isnt it nice to talk trash from behind the safety of a computer.

These countrymen of yours who came from SOCNET are who they say they are. They just could not ignore the insults hurled towards their fellow soldiers, from your direction.

Peckerwood308,
Any chance you might ever come to AL? I can hook you up with some 20th SFG guys that would change your heart and mind about NGSF troopers. Hell son, I could hook you up with some leg recon troopers that could do that. You run your head about stuff you have no clue about and expect not to be called on it. No doubt you are a 'net troll who enjoys the excitement and thrills of cyberworld. Even the slackest, low speed canteen repairman with a P3 profile assigned to the IRR has made more of a dent in the national picture than you. Put your mouth on safe, lock your tongue to the rear and shut the hell up.

You know what though, when someone first told me there were USAR and ARNG Special Forces Groups, i thought he was BSing me. And if there were any, they couldn't be any good.  Images from the movie "Southern Comfort" and "Rambo" started running through my mind.  

I thought this until I met a reservist who was with the 12th SFG(A) right before they inactivated. He was previously RA then got out and went through Airborne, SFAS, Q-Course, DLI, etc. while in the USAR.  At first glance he was a little tubby and couldn't be all that hooah, that was until he ran the two-miler in 11 something minutes. I said to myself, "how the hell could such a big guy run so fricking fast?" It was unreal. Also, he didn't brag about it, but when I asked him about their training and their deployments, all my misinformed preconceptions of reserve component Special Forces Groups evaporated (along with judging fat people).

Wow - a lot of familiar names with low post counts here. Hey guys! I guess I know which website I need to hit next!

308wood: The silence is deafening. We are truly curious as to what experience you ar epulling from to have an opinion on the NG SF folks. Also, as Tuuka pointed out, you are not witnessing arfcom regulars in disguise - you are instead witnessing an outpouring of disgust from a group of folks who have zero tolerance for BS.

 
    To all of you who have come over from SOCNET, I appreciate your support.  God willing, I will be joining your ranks within the year, with an Airborne school ship date in early August.  

    The swimming advice I have recieved is much appreciated.  I will definitely find out what my team's specialty is ASAP.  In the meantime I will continue to run and ruck as often as I can.  

Look - he doesn’t' have to apologize to any SF mo' fo' out there.  he doesn’t have to answer to anyone, he's hard as a coffin nail.  

he is so hardcore there were only 4 dudes left in his selection class.

see the class pic:

[img]http://www.lilligren.com/Redneck/redneck_special_forces.jpg[/img]

Bill Oliphant
Former 7th SFG

How's that for a real name?  Why don't you psot yours?  POS.  You need my GIC class  We have a term for people like you on our board.  Come on over.  You can post anywhere you like.  I'm the nice guy out of this bunch, you'll see.

I've known people like you my whole life.  Never done anything, never made an effort for anything bigger than yourself, always criticizing those that try.  You're a pathetic AC. Like the others said, don't hide behind the anonymity of the internet, go on down to Florida and tell the "Bubbas" face to face what you think of them.  You remember when SF was "Special"?  What do YOU know about it?  You make me sick.

How long it take you to come up with that ass clown?  Hasn't posted anything since 18:00 - big man until somebody calls your bluff.

Why don't you come on down here and play in my neighborhood?  If I told you were I am, you'd probably piss your pants just from hearing the name of the place.

[img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/IG_LoadBioPic.asp?sAccountUnq=11004[/img]

Uh,huh...

308wood, you are just making yourself look like an idiot on a regular basis.

AvengeR15, Good luck, don't quit. Swimming is important. Nobody cares if you are a fast swimmer, but being a strong swimmer will serve you well. Lot of water on this planet. I spent a good number of years on Reserve ODAs. Some of the best troops I've ever served with.

308Wood:

You have had the introductions and a Bio or two, I also left my name for you. The reason we are all are here is that someone posted your totally unacceptable remarks (ie SF being punk kids/Bubba brigade) on SOCNET:

You have insulted the people who allow us, you included the freedoms those in this country enjoy. The freedom for instance to sit behind a computer and throw insults, you have insulted people who willingly put their lives on the line not for the glory, certainly not for the pay, but merely to preserve and protect those very freedoms:

The best way for you to put this paid, would be to issue an apology:

Suck it up and apologize:

Terry J Gwinn
CPTAUSRET

So, because you know some WW2 vets and have heard their opinions (which they earned), you feel it's time to open your suck and spout like you were there with them, in the thick of it, and have earned the right to criticize the warriors of today?

Next time, leave it to the old men to tell the stories... make your own opinion based on your own experiences rather than what someone else tells you.

I'm a combat vet, and I've seen the worst in people.  I don't say "wow, you people have it easy today".  The job gets done regardless of when, WW2 or Iraqi Freedom.  

You?  You have no dog in this fight, as has been pointed out by others in this thread.

Alex

308, bud, you should really just say "I'm sorry." and then stop talking about this.  Every time you open your mouth you make it worse.

308peckerwood.  Let me be the first to say it - BULLSHIT!  You have any idea how many times we hear this "Oh, I know vets and they tell me secrets.  Try sitting on the edge of the bed while they tell you their inner most thoughts."  Bullshit.  So you run your suck because some old dude doesn't like Camelback?  Bullshit!  Got news for you boy - we are those guys, not from WWII, but from Korea on through still serving.  Did you not read Terry's little bio?  The troops today have Camelbacks, M4s with laser sights, HSLD armor, better radios, etc.  None of which I had.  But I'm glad for them.  As would any vet be.  I hope they do use modern technology and any other advantage they can get.  And yes, I may chide them a little about it, but that's been us.  Not for some never will be civilian to comment on.  By the way, I'm in Bogota if you still want to come play in my neighborhood.  Vidor?  I grew up about 30 minutes from Vidor.  The people that are counseling you on this board would laugh if they could see that nice little town you think is so tough.

You fail to realize, most of us that visit this part of the board are Military (Active and Retired, all Branches) We stand beside REAL HEROS every day!!!!!  I still visit VA hospitals and old paratroopers that jumped in to WWII on multiple occassions. So unless you STAND, WORK, AND ARE WILLING TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR THE HEROS THAT WILL DO THE SAME FOR YOU AND ONES THAT THEY DON'T KNOW, then I am asking you to SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSG KIRKPATRICK

SOCNET crew

Checking in the Net over here-

.308, you need to re-examine your attitude and not develop a superiority attitude toward people with whom you have NEVER served. There are even some good Leg Infantry units- even in the Guard- guys who aren't SF (and a few who are) who are soldiering for ALL the right reasons. I am proud to say that I was one such Soldier and I am still damn proud of it- and the great guys with whom I served. Anybody who hasn't had such a great opportunity has missed out on one of life's great "things"- being with a group of guys you could bet your life on - and who could bet theirs on you. But you have to earn your place there, just like any other great organization....With a condescending attitude you will miss out on MUCH.

Humble pie is in order...

AvengeR15,
Best of luck to you.  Don't quit, ever.  When things get real bad, laugh - hard and out loud.  It'll make you feel better and they'll think you're crazy.  And EVERYBODY likes the crazy dude when the chips are down.

Hey, I like Sneaky... you know, as a person.  And he's a crazy dude.

:)

My take on this:

1st:  Any taxpayer can comment.  You might not like it, but you work for us so we can make stupid comments if we want to- don't forget it.  So, KwitUrSnivlin people.  It ain't a secret club. Exclusive, sure, but not secret and certainly not sacrosanct.

2nd:  I knew some of the Special Forces Bubba Brigade and some RA SF guys, they were all damned professional soldiers.  Unless something has changed in the past 13 years, the NG, AR & RA all go through the same training program.  The only difference is that RA troops spend everyday doing the SF shit while the AR/NG troops go home to their civilian jobs.  Many of hte NG/AR guys are RA people who ETS'd and wanted to cotninue serving thier country.

3rd:  to the moron that posted 308wood's picture, that's pretty fucking weak dude.  Not kosher at all.  Maybe someone gets your photo and photoshops a little something special up your ass, like your head.  Not a bad photo 308wood.  

4th:  to the dude that came up with PECKERwood308, that's funny, really funny, in a 7th grade sort of way.  Good one.

5th:  since the 1st amendment doesn't apply here and I can't comment on this thread without supplying my credentials:  I spent 4 years active, in a forward support battalion in the armpit of hte world (Ft. Polk), 4 rotations in 3 years at NTC and then 2 years in the NG.  The RA troops w\ seemed better trained and more dedicated than the NG units I served in.

6th:  308Wood, dude, you stepped in some stinky, sticky shit.  I would try the high pressure hose to wash it off.

Who was doing the SF test?  

I never took it.  Not tough enough and Damn sure not motivated enough.  I would talk to some S/F guys who recently went through the training and see what they say about it.

The standards should be clearly published. Read them and conform to them.  That just gets you in the door.

I had a friend while I was at Ft. Polk who wanted to go S/F, don't know if he ever did it b/c he got married and had a child, He would load his ruck up, don his kevlar and go run 5 miles every afternoon to prepare for the trest and the training.

I worked for an E-6 hwo had just rotated out of a ranger unit, he was the most squared away NCO that I ever worked for.  Low key, things were just squared away around him.  Other NCOs were fucking lost, yelling, upset pissing and moaning.  This E6 just had his troops doing what they were supposed to be doing.  No muss, No fuss.  Damned good leader.

I, on the otherhand, would pop a few beers and watch his show.  Fucking hardcore for sure.

Why don't you take a look at 308wood's profile, Mr. Brightness?

I'd be careful who you call a moron, considering your own intellect.

Obviously you spent those four years in a "forward support battalion" in a motor pool.  Again, this qualifies you as an expert on SF?