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Special Forces Soldier Interview | Tips to Become a Green Beret
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ค. 2021
- I had the chance to interview this 18 year US Army veteran who has completed the Special Forces Qualification Course twice! Once as an enlisted Soldier, and once as an officer. He has also served as a infantryman and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) officer.
Keep in mind, we were very careful not to disclose any sensitive information, and this video is for informational/motivational purposes only. Any specific information we discussed is available though open-sourcing. This video is meant to inspire those looking to challenge themselves, and to provide broad mentorship and knowledge. Drew was awesome to volunteer to do this interview!
We grouped together the questions you asked from the community section and got some solid information/insight into the trials of becoming SF, what serving in the regiment is like, and what you can do to be prepared to take on the challenge of earning the Green Beret.
If you have any questions or your own input drop them in the comments!
The Gritty Soldier fitness program to get you prepared for SFAS:
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#greenberet #specialforces #soldiers
This is INSPIRING STORY!!! I definitely subscribed. Not trying to one up but have heard from SF recruitment there's a sprinkle of guys in 45-50+ prior Army enlisted soldiers going thru getting selected ( of course they're machines). Way to move out fellas just finished mines!!! 143/173rd AIRBORNE INF.
I was cadre at SWC. I did see a 52 year old attempt to get through the Q course. He was National Guard and was having a very hard time. I didn’t see anyone active duty that old, maybe 37 and below. I was 34 when I went through. I’m 52 now, I was a machine. These days, I’m at the VA clinic twice a month. Two years before you get out or retire get with the Care Coalition or Task Force Dagger to help you with your medical records. I have Degenerative Joint Disease in my hips found two years after I retired. Wasn’t in my records……..You’ve heard the VA horror stories. I actually love the VA, I love my Doctor assigned to me, but if isn’t in your active duty medical records, IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!
@@HeyMikeyLikesIt2Thanx brother for your sacrifice and yeah I have heard they gt thier 2lbs of flesh outta ya. Ever thought about lookin into stemcell therapy. Just look at Tyson from 50 something outta shape to back in killin' machine mode and I know 100% people who are " overthehill" but back in the game because of it. Only thing its not cheap and not too many insurance companies wanna touch it.
Give us “old guys” a chance, 37 now and going thru OCS…
My husband and I found your channel because we were in the parking lot when you guys came back from your ruck. I have never seen another TH-camr in action before. LOL
That’s awesome! You should have said what’s up! 🤘
I was expecting some 6'1 guy with the jawline of greek gods, and jacked as hell. I was completely surprised to see him around my height and size. And only a few years older than me, but way more accomplished than I'll probably ever be. And he did EOD which is insane and brave. I have nothing but respect for him. Thanks for sharing.
The most high speed dudes I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with are also the most normal looking.
I’m 26 and did my PST for the SEALs on Monday. Passed it pretty well. There was a 19 year old out there that could not complete any of the requirements. It’s all about preparation. I know I’m not old but I’m getting there and I want to say, age is just a number. Take care of yourself and get after it, you’ll be fine. Nobody cares, work harder!
Lol....26 is a kid. You're far from "old". Even by military standards
@@broflo3875 he didn't say he was old, he said he WASNT old
@@randysavage1997 Forgive me Randal. I failed reading comprehension 4 times. Thanks to good people like you for helping me through these difficult things.
@@broflo3875 ;) np lol that's what I do best
Well that's reassuring to read ! I'm 26 and planning on becoming a SF operator. I will be one of the older ones too, everyone keep telling me I'm doing it late and that everyone will be younger, etc...
So it feels good knowing I'm not alone trying to go into special forces "late".
I 100% agree with his philosophy. The meaning of life is the meaning you give it and the best thing you can the is make the world just slightly better. That’s how I live my life.
Best interview for transitioning from enlisted ranks to officer in the SF pipeline...also for the Light Infantry route for "Mustangs". ❤️
👍 🙏
Drew is one the most humble leaders I have ever met. Also he’s legit a beast👌🏼.
That's absolutely best summarized difference between NCOs and officers I have ever heard and thought. Being myself NCO for 15 years and then switched to officer's rank at 2018, I can only totally agreed with that.
Been myself to Pre-Ranger and then Ranger School as well in 2010 btw. Unfortunately got kicked out for medical reasons (screwed my back). TBH, it was partly LOM. Therefore, I strongly recommend ANYONE who ever attends Ranger School to NOT QUIT under no circumstances (not even death).. It will stick to you till the end of your days 😔
Thanks for the great work you're doing on yt man.
RLTW!
RLTW! 💪
2 years later you prolly didn’t recognize but u definitely inspired that kid to become one of y’all one day
This video was extremely insightful. As an older officer looking at SF it’s nice to see someone who’s been there and done it twice. Appreciate the info. Great stuff
Do you have any recommended reading material to help prepare?
Thanks for putting this video together! I’m currently attending WOCS in my respective state and the last 10 minutes of this video were golden regarding leadership! Stay safe and stay healthy👍🏽🇺🇸
Can’t believe I sat and watched this 38mins video, ear perked up and fully awake without being distracted or bored. - which isn’t normal with the type of content on TH-cam these days that once it’s over 10mins long, folks fade out; This didn’t even have any after effects or loud soundtracks or crazy editing & I still enjoyed it.
Could this be a sign that I should reconsider pursuing my GB 18B dream or just keep watching these typa videos & feeling good for these guys they’ve achieved this!
This video was a huge help, currently working on my packet to commission as an officer with the ultimate goal of getting to SF. Awesome insight to the pipeline. Excited for the grind ahead.
Really appreciate both of your time on this. Great info and perspective
👍
Amazing interview! Especially that tidbit around 36 mins, concluded the interview in the best way possible.
This channel is amazing. What a path-not-taken it was for me to not go to West Point. At age 43 now, I can imagine I might have gravitated towards intelligence after a career in SF. Then again, the GWOT was sort of a pyrrhic victory in my view, and I'm not sure how I'd feel about being a part of it. But the experiences!
Thank you to both of you for taking the time to have an open discussion about this. I'm about to be 34 and considering giving up my career and going into the military and trying the OCS route. At my age, would it even be possible to one day be a special forces officer? I'm not sure on how the age restrictions work. I like the lesson he gave on leadership, trust your people's experience, get them what they need to succeed, and stay out of their way.
It's going to be tough to get an age waiver; OCS + OBLC+ PL/XO time, you will be 38 at a minimum.
@@tdgdbs1 what’s the cut off fur being a SF officer candidate ?
@@1anre You must 35 years or younger as an officer at day 0 of SFAS. You can turn 36 at SFAS. Waiverable, depending on quals. If you're coming as a qualified ER MD/PA or EMT-P or with high level (DLI 3+/3+/3+) skills in a high demand, high difficulty language, that max age limit is just a number and is meaningless. If not, well, you should talk to an SF recruiter. Not a regular recruiter, an SF recruiter.
@@ryhk3293 ok man. Thanks for the push
I like this format of interviewing. Walking and talking
I figure it’s something us Soldiers can relate to. The best time to get to know someone is when your back hurts and you still have miles to go...
These are the videos I’ll be recommending to my old high school when it comes to going straight to ROTC or enlisting and maybe doing green to gold later.
There’s not a lot of content that talks about the coalescence of vision and execution in the military…especially from the SF side. The web creates a lot of LARPers, that think buying kit makes you a soldier. Today we saw hard men with a brain. The NCO and honest CO perspectives on mission, leadership, and service is invaluable! 👌🏾
Bought the “get selected” training program and it’s great really pushes you!!! Thanks for all the content!
🤘 keep crushing it brother!
Big wongsungi is a team leader now ?? I’m coming back then! Congrats man!
Rucking interviews -- this is awesome!
I did 6 years on a submarine then 2 in the reserves with a riverine unit. I just got my associate's and I am debating finishing my degree and doing ROTC or enlisting to go SF. There are definitely pros and cons to both, it's a tough call. Great video.
You've stood in formation. Nows the time to stand in front of it. Good luck.
@@Jaxsolo how so?
@@1anre To be a good (junior) officer is just being humbled by those around you with more experience. As a enlisted solider you already learned this so your ready to learn from your NCO's and do your job properly, take that experience and do something good with it. Lead from the front.
Best vid yet
Thanks bro
I cherish you so much for uploading original content like this.
By far one of the best channels for fitness and military school preparation 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 keep up the good content
Thanks! Will do!
Hell yeah I'm 30 and trying to get into the army. I always wanted to be SF, but have to get some moral waivers just to get in. Life's been fuk'd but I'm hopeful. your all inspiration.
So much respect for him going through all the schools to achieve is dream. Having graduated from EOD school in 1991, that one is difficult enough. Adding the SF pieces is very impressive and I like how humble he was at the end saying he's an unimpressive guy. My ass, he's a straight up rock star! Since he's EOD, he does owe a case of beer for showing his face on camera. That rule stands for any EOD crab holder.
He wrote that rule ?
This is great advice not just for military careers but even for business and science/ medicine. Don't expect someone is going to pick you for a great career path. You weren't picked in gramer school for the stem class BOO HOO Buy and read books and do the problems ( ruck it). You didn't win the high school rotary business plan competition, O BABY! Get a summer job as a waiter or volunteer on an ambulance. Learn about and from people. Beautiful THANK YOU FELLAS .
This channel is underrated man. So much good information for such a small channel! Hoping to see more in the future!
Thanks brother, appreciate the support! Content will keep flowing, guaranteed. 🤘
This channel keeps getting better and better. Awesome vid. Can we get another 18C on talking about their role on the oda and their "day job" around the company?
Will work on it!
I’m going to use your “get selected” program to help prepare for RASP. Really excited to get after it!!
Hell yeah! 💪
31 years old here and you’re making me want to take my chance at rasp at this age.
I went through RIP and Ranger back to back in 1981. I was just lucky with the timing because I was smoked in RIP so taking a couple weeks break was perfect. But I wish there were videos social media to learn about what is out there would helped me so much in making decisions!
This is good sh*t!
#RLTW 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
I was going to ask if he had to go through SERE a second time. I can deal with stress, any kind of stress but thinking about SERE a second time gives me anxiety!!
Great Video. He made twice ☠️ great achievement. Regards from Germany 🇩🇪 🇺🇸
Is that the green tick on your back , love it
Great information! Wish I had this back in 2001 when I joined 😪 7.5 years 1st Cav. I feel your pain, I tried to go EOD after the 04-05 deployment got fenced in for the 06-07 one. Got Med Ret, and at times I use it as an excuse. Drew you motivated me to get off my broke D$% and take better care of my 38 year old self. You have a lot of great nuggets of wisdom. Please keep up the great videos. They will help the next generation.
Best advice my dad ever gave me was “find your sergeants, trust your sergeants and get out of their way”. Sergeants are the true leaders. As an officer, your job is to take the blame, smooth out any difficulties and just basically look pretty.
Awesome. I was an SF IODA SWC Cadre/Instructor. I had a few CPT’s that were former SF NCO’s, they fall into formations with our class at the start, and get to skip the SUT (Small Unit Tactics) phase of the Q course. In my opinion I would agree on this only if you can walk me through a full blown Murder board/OPORD. When I was at SWC there was an OPORD change. Nothing big, but you did say it took you 5 years to get back to the Q course this will knock away the cobwebs. I agree Ranger School would help the non-Infantry Officers. Officers only have 1 shot, maybe 2 to get through the Q Course, or they will fall out of their Rank/Year group and Small Unit Tactics gets most officer failures. If you sneak through SUT, the 18A committee will notice. You won’t be able to go to Ranger school once you’re in group, well not when you’re on a team.
the only interview ive ever seen done while rucking. Thank you
Just finishing up detachment command as a med planner in a forward resuscitative surgical detachment with 20 guys/gals that are much smarter than me. Your guy hit how to command the group on the head. Be the representative, set the conditions, provide the intent, have sound strategy, then get out of the way. Looking back, that’s exactly how I maneuvered my experience without realizing it. Just crazy to hear the approach, spoken in words.
Also, a green to gold guy so can relate to both of your guys experience. Great content, keep it coming 👍
The random kid at 5:39 lol. Awesome story and definitely very motivating as I get older!
Geez. Double Green Beret 😮💨 Motivation!
💪 👊
I was dropped in the 2nd class of SFAS. 1st week. But hey in the last 5mile run first week I was number 3! ;D Never went back they shut down the 11th Group. I was 37 years old about. Failed airborne school PFT later at 45years old in Civil Affairs missed my run by 4 seconds. There are standards that must be maintained. I agree.
This was very well recapped.
Was excited when he said for any mission anywhere in the world the GreenBerets represent the best tool in the defense department’s toolbox for solving kinetic problems globally.
I actually thought CCTs or PJs will fit that bill as they have all the training of other SOF & now have the extra skills of calling in hellfire & precision strikes on enemy targets from WhatsApp hahah.
They do deploy with green berets so you were not far off the topic
One of the best videos ever 🇺🇸💯
It would be amazing to see Gritty Soldier, FNG Academy, and Shift Fire on a joint ruck. Talk about epic
Hey check out operators association, a former GB zack huges runs it and there's a lot of guys wanting to go the GB route and would love to have you on for a podcast 👊
Solid video brother. Looking to join up next year in the national guard. My plan is to go infantry officer then try and go SFAS 🙏. I appreciate the content
Solid plan! Don’t leave Benning without that Ranger Tab.
@@GrittySoldierloud and clear brother 💪
That SERE school is no joke, some real ball breaking going on in that place.
Great video. Clearly a very smart guy.
He’s a very articulate and intelligent person for sure.
LOL I remember running the bike course you guys are on.
Green berets are brains of the Army. That was my goal.
Thanks for the knowledge! This pipeline is something that I may want to go down!
Down the rabbit hole I went. It was what it was. I wish I could do it again!
Great interview. Love the format. Thank you.
He's rocking the old school alice frame and pack. Am I being sentimental? Because I don't know the current equipment.
It's a decent channel this! I'm glad that I stumbled across it, G.S I didn't realise you were an officer, and I referred to you as "your man" on a previous video! After this video, I'll issue myself with some non judiciary punishment and take myself for a hill run Sir!!
Two hills runs, one for not calling me “Sir,” and one for assuming I would even want you to call me that on TH-cam 😛 😂
@@GrittySoldier I'll do the next one tomorrow! I'm a civvy now and I was never under your command! Plus I'm in the UK you'll never find me lol!! Google forres in Scotland, nice place, plenty baby hills!!
Thanks for the informative ruck walk. Ah, to be young again.
Awesome questions! I love this video.
Great interview, very inspiring.
I just want to know if he wore his long tab, that he’d technically be qualified to wear, during his second Q.😂 I’m so baffled that they make them go back through the Q as opposed to a Rasp style selection.
If that's the trail near the socceer complex I used to live right there. I miss it
That’s the one.
Not over doing it, but also not under doing It. Shoot for the minimum...and if you make it, keep going as long as ya can
No. Never shoot for the minimum. Ever.
Drew is a bad ASS! Really cool video!
Shout out to all my 55D, EOD tech, 144th eod Fort Meade MD, 91 to 95
Yooo Mr. Grit! I've done did it! Pushed 4.33 miles nonstop yesterday @ 36 minutes, at 235 (at the least I believe) to 245 (not sure how much I weigh, I'm gonna buy a scale!).
Hell yeah man! Keep it up!!
@@GrittySoldier Will freakin' do Gritty, and great video!
At 5:40 was that just some random lost kid in the forest you guys walked past lol?!
Pretty much LOL. I noticed that too and just had to leave it in for the humor of it.
That def got a ‘wtf?’ from me, had to pause the video and read comments to see if anyone noticed. Hope the kid is safe.
@@virtuoso1775 he was good we were on a pretty well-trafficked trail and his parents were just on the other side of us, he just looks lost af 😂
Awesome informative, interview! Really enjoyed it.
Man I’m currently waiting on a waiver I’m already 32 but I’m not letting that stop me I passed medical but had a problem with my right ear and now I’m just waiting on a waiver 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
I wish there was a book on how to better speak military, especially for an officer
Very inspirational
That's a nice walk you guys took.. Really cool looking path. Tennis shoes though? Aware me on this footgear? I'm old school AF and the last ruck I did was in the basic black combat boot - which I still say is the best boot ever! That's right, I said it.
Well I had boots, he had hiking shoes. But I can’t speak on the old school black boots, that’s definitely before my time.
Looks like merrell hiker shoes. And depends on the feet. Infantry guys often ruck a fuck ton. So their feet are conditioned for it
@@jakemontell.7415 Ayup.. I did The Nijmegen in 1986.
Thanks for the great insight and information! I watched the whole video and may have missed it, but do 18A’s see combat at all? Or does that depend on what team you end up on? Also do 18A’s have the opportunity to try out for CAG? Assuming this 18A was not prior enlisted and is straight out of OCS and being a PL
Short answers: Yes and yes. All of the above.
@@GrittySoldier sweet! Thanks so much sir. Stay safe
Excellent!
After Ranger Training, my son is wanting to do Special Forces! Any advice for how to prepare and what he will need, would be very much appreciated. Thank you and thank you for your service!!!!
Absolutely. We’ll work on a video for that.
Really interesting video.
Small world you guys went to Fayetteville State! I got my commission there as well 2010
Exceed the record
Great video guys and very informative because this is precious info that would not be on the internet. My question is about family and SF beginning. If, your going to enlist in to the national guard and want to do 18X but your worried about the length of time of training in terms of family; Is it possible that you get to see your family in between each stage of Q course until graduation, second question if your an older guy and I mean pushing 40 & you have family should you try it out the infantry unit because you will be home more, first to get your family use to you being away at times as a little buffer before you go tryout for SF? Thank you guys
I can’t give you a guaranteed answer for any of this unfortunately, because it’s all situationally dependent and I wouldn’t want to give you information that ends up being wrong.
That being said, if you really want to go SF, and I mean passionately and are willing to give everything you have to accomplish that goal, then do it. If not, then maybe you should try something else.
@@GrittySoldier thank you 🙏🏾 truly, also I purchased the basic training workout package is it any possible way I can contact you by email to ask you about some of the exercises and acronyms on there. Pretty new to some of the lango and exercises. Please if possible thank you again for all that you do for us in the civilian world.
That Dude is Scrappy as F . Great interview .
Great video, I'm thinking of going to selection. But first I'll tune in to your running videos. What pace was yall rucking at during this interview?
Not too fast for this one, just so we could talk, full disclosure. But definitely check out the running tips videos to help get better! 💪
Will do@@GrittySoldier
Maybe you’ve done a video about this, but I struggle to find a good meal plan. When I look up “what to eat in a day” I get overwhelmed. Trying to loose weight (15-20lbs) and get in shape for the Army. Anyone have any ideas, simple video, or @Gritty Soldier can you maybe make a video? My caloric intake should be around 1,500. Any help is appreciated. 👍
Here’s something that might help: www.precisionnutrition.com/nutrition-calculator
Give that calculator a try and look over the results
Then. Use an app like Macros+ or FitnessPal to help you count your macros.
I’ll definitely make a video for this subject.
To hell with calorie counting. Fill up on leafy greens (not lettuce) and veggies, then about a fist sized of lean meat. Do steady state cardio everynight. Like ruck marching.
Question do you get to wear two SF tabs... the ole Super Duper Paratrooper tab?
Definitely have some questions for you (both actually). I've done 11 yrs aviation in the navy. Just got out at E6 to cross over in full pursuit of an 18X contract. Is that the best way to go, or should I push 11B first then 18x?
Am I too far behind the timing to later go officer? That is the goal. Get in the community then in 4-6 yrs go O. I am currently 30 yrs old and in excellent shape by my measure.
Second question, what's the training program you'd suggest for someone in my shoes, 3-6months out from sfas.
I think you should go straight 18X. That way you don’t waste any time if that’s what you’re wanting to do! For training, we actually have training program specifically for SFAS: grittysoldier.com/products/get-selected-fitness-program
Naturally, I’d advise you give that one a go! 💪 😉
@@GrittySoldier glad I read this; gonna get that bad boiiiiii.
thank you both for your service. Why did he have to go through the SF course twice?
Do you have any information on how to improve endurance with Pullups and Pushups? I've been at a sticking point for a while now and can't get that 20 pullup number and 80 pushups!
Add strength training. Bench, Triceps, biceps, lats, rear delts, front delts, etc. Global strength with greatly assist that push strength.
That dude is bad ass
Will you be doing a video on CA or PSYOP in the future?
Absolutely, I’ll be doing both.
where were you guys when I faced budget cuts in 1987?
So we’re not gonna talk about at 5:45 seconds there’s a random children of corn kid with no* parents? Oh ok cool…
😆
Damm, how many schools did you go 2,and are you still in the Army, cuz I saw you were at Ft Bragg, but I have seen videos,on Ranger, Rasp,Airborne, Air Aussalt,Sapper,Sere,Pathfinder? I joined the Army back in 99, cuz I wanted 2 go 2 Airborne /Ranger school, but by the time they finally were gonna get my paperwork ready I would of had 2 reup. Going back,I wish I would of stayed in the Army, but I was still young and stupid, so I ETSd in Sept 02.
A lot brother! But I’ve got over 14yrs in so I’ve had the time.
@@GrittySoldier Are you gonna go SF,or try Delta? I wish I would of stayed in the Army. 😡
I wonder if his arm was getting tired
10th Mountain is the pedigree for Light Infantry
I just want to get this straight. If you go through the pipeline as enlisted but after a few years want to be an officer you have to go through the entire pipeline again? Or just a part of it?
Everything but SFAS and SERE.
Rangers went to the hospital, Shea offed his head, and a giant named Kyle got a hernia but they couldn't brake the Box.
When you go green to gold, can you keep your sf tab? Is that something like a ranger or sapper tab?
You keep it
@@GrittySoldier great content!
He had to go through SF twice once as enlisted and one as officer is that true
Yep, absolutely true. He had to go through the SFQC already wearing a long Tab.
I see thanks ! It seems you have to be a 1 Lt promotable to captain on paper in order to be an SF officer
Question! If you’re a GB and leave a GB unit can you still wear the Beret or is that a no go
Yeah the beret is still worn
Once an SF chap always an SF chap.
Get some.