SFAS and Ranger School

[mopar1991]

That was my original question, wasn't it? "Do you know what you're saying you want to do?" If I ask you what Special Forces does and you say "I dunno, they go shoot bad guys and stuff" then I'd say that you're definitely a victim of the mythos. If you said "they conduct missions across the full spectrum of SOF capabilities, with emphasis on direct action, unconventional warfare, and foreign internal defense," then I'd say you've done your homework and have some idea of what you've decided your life is meant to be. Neither of those answers would require any firsthand experience, but one is certainly more informed than the other.

My point isn't anything personal against you. You're just the latest in a long line of kids who come to SAF and proclaim that they've always wanted to be the next beret-wearing / trident-sporting / knuckle-dragging (Marines) maniac. Most have almost no concept of what the term SOF even means. When you say you want to be SOF, that means nothing. Do you want to be a Special Forces officer? Do you want hand out bags of seed and teach women how to use cloth diapers? Do you want to drop leaflets out of airplanes? Do you want to make propaganda broadcasts in foreign languages? Or do you want to teach Iraqis how to fly helicopters? Every one of those jobs is a "SOF" job, but only one of them is in line with what you seem to want to be.

In a larger sense, you're putting the cart before the horse. It's not a terrible thing, nor are you the first to do it. It's great to have goals and I applaud you. Make sure you know what the goal actually is, for one. Secondly, worry about doing your best for your first two years at USMA. If you get a chance to go to SFAS as a cadet, great. But doing so isn't an advantage. I know two guys from my class who went as cadets. Neither is in SF now. Neither is even in the Army now. Things change.

Be patient.


One of the dumber remarks I've heard on here in awhile. Most of us had intensely personal reasons for joining the communities we did, and wanting to do it "because it's cool" doesn't get one in the door.

All of his quote was relevant, but I think what scout pilot is getting at is that being SF is being more than yourself and it's not just about yourself; like their motto "De Oppresso Liber" (To Free the Oppressed). Also in the SF creed it says, "I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession." I think he just wants to guy to understand what he is saying.

 

[Art.Perea]

Do you want to be a Special Forces officer? Do you want hand out bags of seed and teach women how to use cloth diapers? Do you want to drop leaflets out of airplanes? Do you want to make propaganda broadcasts in foreign languages? Or do you want to teach Iraqis how to fly helicopters?

I will admit I was one of those, "I want to be SF because they are badasses" kids then I did my homework and realized that they do more community building, like you said Scout, and it completely changed my perception of SF. Now I want to do SF because I like the idea of making a difference in the lives of people who live under extreme conditions.

I share this because I want to second Scout's statement and tell OP that SF isn't about kicking in doors and shooting bad guys, it is about building communities and relationships with people in countries that are living under oppressive regimes.
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[AcademyHopeful_50]

I apologize for using the term 'SOF' in a broad context.. I believe you understand what exactly I want to do. I would have added more background as to why I want to become a Special Forces or Ranger officer, but my OP was to ask about opportunities/programs at USMA for those, not why I wanted to be one.

I appreciate all of the thoughts from everyone

 

[BigBear]

There's a difference between slots available and how many they actually send.

And USMA makes every effort to fill those slots with qualified people. Ask around, I'm sure it won't take you long to find more than 1 or 2 people headed to SFAS and CDQC this summer...

 

[Aglahad]

I agree with Scout on this one. His tone and demeanor are neither condescending nor harsh, he is being realistic. As a current ROTC recruiter I screen people all day when it comes to future goals in the Army and I hear SOF or Ranger probably 70% (80% say at least infantry) of the time with males. It really is a mythos that is embedded within our culture for better or for worse. Having goals is great, but a 17-18 year old really has no idea what SOF means, it could psychological operations, civil affairs or the most common Green Beret motif. Essentially, many think they know.

The Army teaches short term and long term goals. Right now your focus should not be on long term when your short term goals will dictate the former.

 

[MemberLG]

And USMA makes every effort to fill those slots with qualified people. Ask around, I'm sure it won't take you long to find more than 1 or 2 people headed to SFAS and CDQC this summer...

Any idea what West Point considers at "qualified?" I am sure there are number of cadets that will meet the initial physical standard (PT score, 5 mile run time, swim test, 12 or 18 mile road march). I can't speak about SFAS, but I can talk about Ranger School. What makes Ranger school tough is not individual challenges, rather never ending challenges with not enough food and no rest.

 

[BigBear]

Any idea what West Point considers at "qualified?" I am sure there are number of cadets that will meet the initial physical standard (PT score, 5 mile run time, swim test, 12 or 18 mile road march). I can't speak about SFAS, but I can talk about Ranger School. What makes Ranger school tough is not individual challenges, rather never ending challenges with not enough food and no rest.

The competitive MIADs (SFAS, CDQC, Sandhurst, SOF CTLT, etc.) have a general tryout - APFT, IOCT, Ruck, etc. Most then have a school-specific tryout (swimming, rucking, etc.) and then have interviews with 1. Officers who have been through the course/are from those communities and 2. Cadets who successfully completed the courses last year. I can't tell you exactly how they rank people or what they are looking for, but I do know that we have a pretty high success rate at those types of schools in comparison to the rest of the Army

 

[hawk]

Here's a pretty good article on USMA/ROTC SFAS/CDQC:

http://www.army.mil/article/42044/

Though from a couple of years ago it appears to be fairly accurate to what happened last summer.

The USMA/ROTC cadet slots appear to be an exception to the normal RA "O-2 (1st Lieutenant) promotable to O-3 (Captain), or existing O-3s" requirement for non-enlisted entry to SFAS.

As to this summer's competitive MIAD's, I'm aware of at least one CDQC assignment for this summer.

Have no idea about the number of slots, etc, but DS indicates they were briefed that the competitive MIAD's were the highest priority to retain, and should not be impacted by any budget issues etc.

One other note for cadet candidates: Guidance to TAC's to date have been that before a cadet can try for a competitive MIAD (Sapper, SFAS, CFQC, etc) they have to have successfully completed at least one regular IAD (MIAD, AIAD, or PIAD).

This means the earliest you could try out would be as a rising cow. So you have lots of time to plan & train. Those seriously wanting a competitive MIAD usually start focued training no later than the beginning of their yearling year.

Another data point: the competitive MIAD tryouts start with major smoke sessions. You'll want to be an APFT stud/studette, especially on pushups & situps, etc. IE: If you are not capable of scoring above well over 100 on the pushup/situp APFT you will have a very hard day. Rucking (not jogging) is also critical.

So if you think you want to head that way, now would be the time to start training. Will make CBT easier as well.

 

[SuaSponte]

So if a cadet passes SFAS, they still have to wait until promotable to Captain right?

 

[Nick0726]

Get an Infantry slot, and you're guaranteed Ranger School. Congrats on the appointment!

 

[BigBear]

So if a cadet passes SFAS, they still have to wait until promotable to Captain right?

Yes. Getting selected at SFAS is no guarantee that someone will get a slot to go to the Q-Course or ever make it to become an SF officer. It's just a step in the right direction

 

[NavyHoops]

Scout is spot on. I am more familiar with the SEAL side of the house, but I lived with SOF units for nearly a year of my life in some remote locations. Besides the length of time and intensity of the training, the lifestyle is something you need to really consider. This is something that is really hammered home to those who are at BUDS for USNA SEAL prospects. The lifestyle is grueling and difficult on families. I know at 17 or 18 this is not something that is at the top of your list for considerations, but as you get older, have a spouse or are looking to get married, children, etc these are significant factors. Your determination is great and needed to make it where you want to go, keep your ears and eyes open over the next few years and absorb as much as you can.