contemplating an 18x enlistment option

[tgb336]

I've been looking into the 18x enlistment option which is an "off-the-street" option to try out for special forces. Any guys on the green screen that are former special forces or have family members who have gone through the 18x pipeline? Just trying to find someone to get in touch with to ask a few questions.

Thanks in advance

[Fordman]

I was not a special forces soldier when I was in the Army but I knew a couple of people that went thru it.
Unless you have the physical capabilities of an really good olympic athlete I suggest you pass on this option. You can always go for it once you reach the rank of E-4.

[biglew]

I'd probably wait until after the next presidential election and see what happens then before you decide to sign up. Just sayin...

[Jason19]

I was not a special forces soldier when I was in the Army but I knew a couple of people that went thru it.
Unless you have the physical capabilities of an really good olympic athlete I suggest you pass on this option. You can always go for it once you reach the rank of E-4.

Not true... You can make it. Yes, you need to be in shape before you attend but when they started this program you were required to take a test before enlistment anyways. Assuming your GT score is high enough as well.
The biggest hurdle you are going to face is lack of experience. You will be shown the basics of course at basic training which I would view as good and bad. Good: map reading/land nav is all fresh in the mind Bad: no real world practical use of it. Little experience in decision making under military situation may hurt as well.

Bottom line, selection is used to determine your overall character, physical and mental shape. Teamwork is key.... Q course is anybody's game. Apply yourself and you will succeed.

[whiteboycustom]

Had a few buddies train for selection....they were ruck running with 100lbs for several several miles a week

[flyby]

If you haven't seen it, look for a show called Two Weeks in Hell (it's on netflix if that is available to you). I believe it's the only Army sanctioned show that allowed camera's/documentary of the SF Selection process (Selection is actually 3 weeks- this was filmed during a short period of time when they dropped it to two weeks). Realize though, that this is only a VERY SHORT part of the process. You first go through basic training and infantry training, then you go through Airborne training (very high dropout rate). As an X-ray, you will have to go through a pre-selection (mini version of selection- another high drop out rate). If you make it through selection- you may not be selected. If you are selected you're not done. Must go through an MOS school, language school, SERE school, etc.

Those that make it are my hero's- best of the best in my opinion.

If you haven't researched it I encourage you to. You need to know what you are getting in to. Good luck.

[tgb336]

I have researched it for quite a while and I am educated on the entire pipeline, OSUT, Airborne, SOPC, SFAS, etc. I was more or less hoping to get in touch with someone who has been through the process so I can hear their experience first hand.

[BirdRanger]

Get with Benny PBFrijoles, he has a vast back ground. Have you gone through SFAS yet or planning on it.

[MDEER101]

ALOT of people wash out . . .

[Tuffbroadhead]

Personally, I would attempt to get a option 40 contract before going 18x...

[whiteboycustom]

It's what a good 1-1/2 year to 2 years of just training right?

A buddy of mine made it 2 weeks into bud/s training till he blew his back out.....couldn't imagine the hell that would be

[SUMMIT3]

I personally would go 11B first get the post you want and work your way from there. Me and my buddy went in at the same time back in 2004 I went 11B with RIP(Rangers) my buddy on the other hand went 18x he almost made it,but got super sick during selection, needless to say he got washed out and because he didn't have a designated post the Army put him wherever they wanted.

From personal experience man, I would start basic with 11B. I wanted so bad to be like my two cousins who are both in ODA's(special ops) but what they do man is really heavy,I got my fill as a infantryman,after seeing what I've seen it blows my mind that they are even alive still.

Good luck with choice. All I can say is what you plan on experiencing in the future buddy there is nothing that can prepare you for it. God Speed

[flyby]

Check you PM's