18x enlistment question

[lacountyemt]

Hello, this is my first post on this site but I have been reading the previous posts and the FAQ for a few days prior. My local recruitment centers are not very knowledgeable on 18x information. Saying that, I have all the respect in the world for anyone and everyone who serves in the U.S. military(especially Special Forces). My question is about the enlistment process of an 18x recruit. After an 18x recruit passes bct, what happens if they fail any part of the Special Forces training? In the FAQ it states that the 18x recruit will be assigned to airborne and a possible worldwide assignment. In saying this does that mean that if the recruit fails a part of SFQC they get sent to airborne without a choice? Does this mean that if they fail a part of SFQC they don't get another chance at completing SF training? Thank you for reading my question.

Some personal information about me, i'm 21/6'1"/195 i'm athletically inclined, a team player, I have a big heart. I'm not the fastest person in the world but I can train to be fast. I'm an LA county EMT. I train in Muay Thai. I love law enforcement (my future job). I want the best training I can have since I want to be in an ERT, SWAT or HRT team for a PD some day. I have my AA degree and i'm working on my ba in criminology, law and society. I love my country and the armed forces. I have enormous respect for everyone in the military (especially special forces). Any feedback would be much appreciated since this is my future and i'm trying to plan it out in an efficient fashion.

Thanks.

[robcc23]

First off I wouldnt worry to much about failing any one part of the course, 95% of the time if you dont complete something or you fail you will get several times to redeam yourself. If you do fail and are a recycle you do the phase again. Some great friends of mine have had a recycle and they did just fine the second time through. As long as you always keep your head on straight and dont anger the OCE's or cadre you will do great in every phase. It sounds to me that you are exactly what S.F needs so go into it with a positive attitude and you will be fine. I am a former 18x so any other questions please ask.

[lacountyemt]

Thanks for replying, good to talk to someone who has been through it. DId you pass the Q course? Do you know any tricks to give myself better preperation for it all?

[lacountyemt]

Well I just got my ASVAB scores back and they are as follows:

AFQT: 90
Gen Tech :123
Gen Math: 126
Elec: 126
Clerical: 123
Mech + Maint: 128
Surveilance + Comm: 126
Combat Ops: 127
Field Arty: 127
Op + Food: 127
Skill Tech: 126

So I'm pretty happy with my scores, I qualifed for any job in the army.

[robcc23]

Yeah I am in language right now. The only thing I can say to prepare you is Never Quit. There will be times when you regret it ,but every phase you finish its the greatest feeling in the world. Good luck and any more questions please ask.

[lacountyemt]

Thanks again for replying. If you fail any part of the 18x pipeline do you have to take the whole pipeline over again or is it just that one section. Lets say you get through all the programs but fail SERE training. Do you get another chance at it or do you have to go through the whole Q course again? For physical training I've read around and did some research and it looks like training to run 8 miles is about standard (for the running portion) of SF training, is this off at all? If you don't mind sharing, whats been the roughest part of training for you? Thanks so much for the replies, your the first person i've talked to thats been in the 18x pipeline.

[robcc23]

8 miles is a bit much in sopc we did some runs like that and PLDC we did a few that long but dont overdo it maybe once a week do an 8 miler it will help your stamina. No if you fail any portion they only send you back to that portion, once you have completed a phase you are done with that phase. There are a few people who were so bad that they sent them from phase 4 back to phase 2 but that is one in a million, and it was just to have them brush up on SUT. I cant say which has been the hardest each phase was demanding mentally and physically, ecspecially for an old man like myself. Like I said if it is something you want, do it, but dont ever quit, they wont let you back if you VW (voluntary withdraw). The regular army is not an option, have one goal, and that is to make it.

[lacountyemt]

I've read around and found some training routines to get prepared for the SF pipeline. If you don't mind answering, what kind of preperation did you undergo before starting? Do you feel like your in competetion with the guys around you or do you feel like they are your brothers? Also, how are the Cadres (sp?) do they urge you to VW or try and make you try harder to stay in it? I can't tell you how much respect I have for everyone in 18x and SF, thanks for the replies again.

[robcc23]

Theres always competition, but for the most part its all in good fun. My buddies here are some of my best friends and I only have known them for 2 years. The cadre are pretty good SWC duty is not their favorite so they try to encourage as much as possible, I have had some really great guys as cadre.

[Swift_Precision]

robcc I must say that you answered those questions very thoroughly man. I appreciate when a person of your stature gives answers---especially thorough answers. I have one question in regards to 18x since I'm considering entering the program myself. What is the prerequisite for swimming? Do you have to be an excellent/average swimmer to actually BEGIN the course? What is done if a person can not swim but would still like an opportunity at the course? Are lessons provided? Thanks a lot for your time and consideration.


Swift

[robcc23]

Yeah the only prerequisite for swimming is a 50 meter pool swim in BDU's and boots if you dont make it they provide swimming lessons for you for two weeks following SOPC. I think only one guy out of like 130 didnt make the swim, you will be fine.

[scuba72]

I was just wondering what the drop out rate of the 18 X program is? Do a lot of people make it to SFAS and pass or do a lot get dropped/quit?

[robcc23]

I think the program is doing great in basic we started with around 30 or 40 guys and we finished phase 4 with around 7 or 8 but these we all the guys that never quit anything and didnt do and say stupid sh*t to cadre. Very few of those even made it to phase 2 because they were just stupid.

I will put it this way, SFAS was a welcome break from SOPC. SOPC prepares you like no other for selection. I think out of the 68 guys we sent to selection as SOPC grads 67 made it. As far as quitters I cant remember, I think we had 9 or 10 at the beginning of SOPC. Quitting isnt the big deal people get dropped from the program for the dumbest things or guys just arent prepared physically after airborne. There are a million ways to get dropped from the program, just keep your mouth shut, be a mature leader and dont act stupid to these guys.

[ZoneOne]

rob i would just like to say -- you have been a great help on this forum.

btw -- im taking more Tom Brown Courses this year

[robcc23]

You bet man, anytime.

[Burner1]

First off,
This is the first time i've ever visited this section of the sight. I just wanted to commed you all, on this section of the sight. There has been alot of heckling and bashing in other forums as I'm sure you all well know..Seems you guys got it down pat...Young people asking questions and wanting to learn from those of you in the know. Rob and others..seems your really here to help..I find this refreshing after some of the other forums...I don't want to take up your time..I just wanted to let you all know what a welcome change I found this section. I may have to check out ya'lls section more often..if for nothing else, then to find a little maturity.. however I have to admit..I haven't read all the topics...I only hope they hold as much positive influence as the one I've read here..I basically just wanted to commend you all....I'm not in the military and won't be..I work in the private sector, but I was just impressed..based on the inmaturity and flak that has been flying around this site lately..I think you guys are holdin to the true nature of what this sight was meant to be and are a model others should follow around here...Be safe...burner out!

[DevilPup]

hey rob, did you have any say in what specialty you were going to be assigned, area of operation, and language?

[robcc23]

You fill out a bunch of forms and you tell them what MOS you would like, I think we all pretty much got what we wanted. Language and group, good luck! You fill out a wish list when you get to SWC and take the DLAB, which has no bearing on what language you get, you get whatever language falls into your group. I got lucky.

[DevilPup]

Thanks rob, appreciate the help.

[chriss25]

robcc23,

Your responses are thought out and detailed throughout the forum. Without even having to post a question, I learned quite a bit.

Basically, I'd like to ask you a question not concerning my own abililties or determination, but rather about the ARMY getting me to SFAS once I sign for the 18X program (next week). What I mean is should I worry about them taking me off track or not living up to what they've promised: BCT, AIT (INF), jump school, SPOC, SFAS, Q course?

Also, I've been told about the durations of each training, but how about the times between the training classes (e.g. AIT to jump or jump to SPOC, etc...)?

How long did it take you to get to SFAS from MEPS?

Are there any other pitfalls I should worry about.

Again, I have the best attitude going into this and am choosing 18X over an OCS commision to have a chance as a SF shooter. Determination is not an issue for me, my concern is working successfully through the system to attain my goal.

Thanks.

PS What have you seen as the 18X contract terms? 4 years, 5 years, 6 years?

[robcc23]

Once you have the contract as long as you make it through basic and Airborne without making someone really mad you go straight from Airborne to SOPC to the Q. Dont quit, keep your mouth shut and do your job you are good as in. I have never heard of an X-ray not making it because the army wanted to screw you, they wont trust me. You will follow that course as long as you keep making it from phase to phase. We lose the most guys to the dumbest things you wouldnt believe it, 10 minutes of their lives they act dumb and next thing you know your in the 82nd.

From MEPS to SFAS i think it was 7 months but I signed up on the delayed entry and I sat at 30th AG for a month before basic and then a one month hold at SOPC but it wont take you that long. AIT to jump one weekend, Jump to SOPC you graduate on Friday report to SOPC on Sat. afternoon then some start as early as mon. I didnt, I had a month hold. It will be over before you know it. No pitfalls and dont worry about the officer thing I am a 31 year old college grad who gave up everything, enlisted is where you want to be without a doubt.

[chriss25]

Thanks for the data.

You mentioned being on hold at some points. Can anything be done, prior, to minimize "hold time" at reception bat, like you mentioned, or any other time? Do dates on the reservation sheet "lock in" those class dates (for OSUT, etc)?

Old information from FY02 mentioned 18X was only for weapons and engineer sargents' MOS and was a 5 year contract, I heard that this is not still true (MOS part). Comments?

Again, great info and thanks.

[robcc23]

Yes not true all MOS will be given to X rays and no hold is hold just hurry up to wait. And yes I did the 5 year deal, that is a minimum for a reason.l