Was at 1st group too. Switched to the guard. We're still very busy, only difference is that when you need to take a knee you can. You're as involved as you want to be unless a deployment is coming up, then it's all hands on deck whether you want to or not. The majority of guard sf dudes were former active duty. And once on team, it's pretty much your spot until you don't want it. So you'll see guys that have been on an oda for over 10 years. A huge wealth of experience exists in the guard
Another caveat, guard guys can also bring interesting skillets from their civilian employment and this can augment them compared to their active counterparts. Some guys work on local swat or federal HRT units and do more real world breaching than active duty guys, especially now in peace time. You also have guys that work as civilian skydive instructors in between drills and get way more jumps then any freefall team.
That’s awesome, I’m a law enforcement officer and I’ want to join the guard and try out for special forces, I would like to keep my law enforcement job thou . I’m 27 rn might be able to do it when I’m 30 ish thou. That is the plan.
I tried to join NG SF in 2019. I was the best shape of my life, even better than when I was in the Marine Corps and they denied me because of a Domestic AB I caught that didn't even fall under the Lautenburg Amendment. If I'm able to put myself back together before I turn 40 in 3 years, I will try again. Thank you for the info. You earned my subscription.
FYI, my office mate is in 19th group as an 18B and he graduated with multiple guys in their late 30s early 40s. It’s possible for you to make it. Good luck to you.
One of the main reasons I'm going active duty SF is that (I assume) active duty ODAs will be given priority over NG ODAs when it comes to more important missions. I hope that's the case at least. PS there are a lot of SOF guys with youtube channels but most of them feel too flashy/overly charismatic and it's kinda cringe. I appreciate how you don't have a super expensive camera or microphone and you just speak your mind. No overproduction, no annoying music, just info. Only criticism I have is that I think you could expand more on certain topics but that's kind of negated by how you respond to questions in the comments. Thanks again
National guard teams aren’t getting anything high profile, wouldn’t make sense. I’d put out more detailed videos, but they get too long, and long videos don’t do very well.
My office mate was an NG SF contract guy. He made it through his SFAS, at age 22. He was NOT selected at the end due to “not enough experience” he eventually got back to SFAS two more times and made it through. So one downside to the non experienced guys are they will be competing against dudes who have a leg up on them and that may be a deciding factor.
NGs got tons of experienced dudes that burned out, a smart kid lookin to get tabbed will pick there brains before they get orders to SWCS, plus if you wash out and they send your ass home, and if (big if) the Team Sgt doesn't kick you out of the unit, you can come back in a year and tackle the course again alot wiser and more mature.
Pretty sure the only difference is that in 19th and 20th, you have the ability to slow down for a minute instead of being constantly on the go and suffering burnout or family damage. You also get unique experience from guys who do other cool stuff as civilians.
On the downside is that the National Guard is generally WAAAASAY more political then Active Duty. So many Guard units are run by the Good Ol’ Boy system.
Not the most ideal situation from the obvious reasons you’ve stated, sir. However, I’ll take it even if it’s like a back door way into Army SF 🎉😊! Thank you so much for making this podcast 🙏
Hey brother, great video and super relevant. Your information is highly appreciated. If you could do a litttle video on the cultural differences between SF and traditional military as far as beards, hands in the pockets and other details that SF guys are known for that traditional army can't. I'm just trying to get the cultural perspective. God bless ❤
I was a corpsman with 3/7 and 3rd CEB way back in the 90s. Got out and joined the naval reserve and lasted 3 drill weekends. I'm convinced that the phrase "10 pounds of shit stuffed in a 5 pound bag" was coined at a naval reserve center.
I’ve heard that at the end of the Q course (as NG SF), you can choose to go active duty and then fulfill your NG SF time after your active duty time. Do you know if that’s true?
Yes. You can switch to active fairly easily and not just at the end of Q course. I was initially in 20th group and wound up in 7th. I would highly discourage doing that if you have a family tho. You will likely be sacrificing your family and it may ruin you as a person. NG gets a whole lot more time at home and, for lack of a better explanation, you get to choose how involved you are. In NG, you get a ton of interaction with guys who've been active SF for many years. You can learn a ton.
Totally random question: you mentioned having shoulder surgery. How long did recovery take and did you get back to 90-100% after...or did/do you have to live with 50-70%? Asking for a friend😎
In short, yes. You'll have to go through the mandatory courses, but once you have the beret, you can start trying for additional schools. It'll depend a bit on open slots, and active guys usually get first dibs, but you'll be encouraged to get more quals. As always, needs of the army win.
19th Group dude here. Yes, you can go AD at the end of the Q, but it is the equivalent of kicking your unit and sponsor in the nuts because the BN S3/RMO just tied up a year plus of a slot and funds for you to bounce. You can do it, but stay AD for a while because you are Persona Non Grata with the Group that sponsored you for ~5-10 years afterwards
Does the q course count as title 10 active duty orders ? Would be a shame too put all that work in and not qualified for the Va loan after the required 90 days minimum activate duty order
If you are in a guard sf unit and wash out what does the original guard unit do with you ? Send you to another unit? Or are you just the new coffee boy for the next 4 years? Ps.. great video
If I understand your question correctly, you'll be sent to an infantry unit. The army sure ain't gonna tear up your contract. That's the main reason you'll go to infantry school before you get into the meat and potatoes
@@sirloin9348 Just thought I would add something. Depending on which guard sf unit you choose to join, some will send you to their sf support if you washout of sfas or the q course. If you have been given a return date from SWCS cadre you can then return. Just don’t be a dick with the guard unit and don’t sulk about washing out of sfas or the q course.
My dad was 11th SF…I asked him about Q course, Robin Sage, Selections process and its cryptic at best from him at age ‘83. Wishing I’d have joined up after 9-11 and now at 50 am really regretting it. Hope to learn something about it.
If I have a clean record and worked at a desk job for years, Is it possible for a 34-35 yo to enlist in sf guard without prior service or college degree? I was able to check the pt requirements and I’m in good shape I hope as I exceeded the pull up and having a 6:30 min mile. Any tips will help. Thanks
Don’t need anything above a high school diploma to go SF. You’re definitely pushing the age though, I’ve got an entire video on going SF at 30+ I’d suggest you watch.
Depends on the team you’re on. Some teams do a lot of group pt, others not much. But you still have to be able to pass PT tests and physical fitness events.
Absolutely. I did exactly that. It's probably gonna rattle your personal life, but Uncle Sam will love you for doing it. If you have a family, tho, I wouldn't recommend
You do understand Narional Guard units have full time jobs in the GUARD! As I did full time for 9 years as 11B, primary MOS, but would work for my unit ON active duty orders and kept extending each year and put on orders. So this "weekend warrior" thing is with guys that have great civilian jobs and make more money in civilian sector they choose that. I liked working on the military base every day as we are put on Active Duty Orders while doing so. Also my unit is specialized in Mountain warfare and we have a school where Tier 1 guys come and train(foreign nation's as well), as it's the only one in the country originally till recent, as they opened another one on West Coast somewhere. We Also have a tab above our patch indicating our specialty, and have to go through that school 4 weeks total summer and winter phase. We f up more Taliban in our AO than most active units combined, as per 101st Airborne top Brass. Not gonna say other details, despite time laps from deployment, but Tier 1 dudes get their short missions and rack out till next one, while we are boots on the ground all day long when deployed for a 12 months or more. Those who have never served in the National Guard think we are a joke but have no idea.(Does it sat "National Guard on our left chest tab or Army!?!!!) Amongst us are so many Marines, Special Forces guys, Rangers etc who after their short active duty contract 3 years or so, decide to serve in their home state where home is. The ammount of training we to during MUTA 6, 5, 4 OR 3 yet alone AT each year or twice a year for 4 weeks total on top on regular monthly drills acitve units dont do in 3 months or more. We get bit less time training but that compressed time we do get is used to the point it's like AT every dayx10. From insider. Great channel.) Keep up the work.
@@ExtraRice365Whatever is required for me to do. I figure it makes more sense to go active duty if we’re already in a conflict. NG SF sounds great because I can focus on my civilian career alongside the Army and go to action if necessary.
@@sam117masit's gonna take a lot of time away from your career, just know that. From meps to beret is a lengthy process, and youll need a lot of training time in before that. If you haven't started a family yet, wait. Not fair to leave them as much you'll have to
I'm 58 and can do 200 two pump burpees in 75 minutes. I can also do eleven pull ups. I can run five miles in one hour and ten minutes Any chance of me getting selected for Special Forces? Just joking, helping with the algorithm. Love your channel. Great content 👍👍💪💪.
National guard up tempo years 2002-2021 was way more than 1 weekend a month 2 weeks a year it was thurs-sunday potentially more if you're orders either state active or federal 2 weeks became 3 or 4 weeks again missio dependent also did it twice if deployment was being cycled has a traditional national guard nothing was tradition state active local federal and overseas deployment you can potentially go Active duty guard which is active duty by state but also get called into federal roles too FYI and skill and task wise guard we did more than regular duty guys why cause what you guys get done in a week we did or do on a weekend
Was at 1st group too. Switched to the guard. We're still very busy, only difference is that when you need to take a knee you can. You're as involved as you want to be unless a deployment is coming up, then it's all hands on deck whether you want to or not. The majority of guard sf dudes were former active duty. And once on team, it's pretty much your spot until you don't want it. So you'll see guys that have been on an oda for over 10 years. A huge wealth of experience exists in the guard
Another caveat, guard guys can also bring interesting skillets from their civilian employment and this can augment them compared to their active counterparts. Some guys work on local swat or federal HRT units and do more real world breaching than active duty guys, especially now in peace time. You also have guys that work as civilian skydive instructors in between drills and get way more jumps then any freefall team.
Good info man. Like I said in the video I never did the guard route so it’s all here say from guys like you.
@@ValhallaVFT like the channel keep up the great work
That’s awesome, I’m a law enforcement officer and I’ want to join the guard and try out for special forces, I would like to keep my law enforcement job thou . I’m 27 rn might be able to do it when I’m 30 ish thou. That is the plan.
Can you do guard sf as a physician?
I tried to join NG SF in 2019. I was the best shape of my life, even better than when I was in the Marine Corps and they denied me because of a Domestic AB I caught that didn't even fall under the Lautenburg Amendment. If I'm able to put myself back together before I turn 40 in 3 years, I will try again. Thank you for the info. You earned my subscription.
Thought there's a age limit for NG SF?
@@Mattbriggs85 There's waivers for everything. Prior service has its perks.
Was that 20th sfg?
Prior active duty time is subtracted from age and 40 is /was cutoff age.
FYI, my office mate is in 19th group as an 18B and he graduated with multiple guys in their late 30s early 40s. It’s possible for you to make it. Good luck to you.
One of the main reasons I'm going active duty SF is that (I assume) active duty ODAs will be given priority over NG ODAs when it comes to more important missions. I hope that's the case at least.
PS there are a lot of SOF guys with youtube channels but most of them feel too flashy/overly charismatic and it's kinda cringe. I appreciate how you don't have a super expensive camera or microphone and you just speak your mind. No overproduction, no annoying music, just info. Only criticism I have is that I think you could expand more on certain topics but that's kind of negated by how you respond to questions in the comments. Thanks again
National guard teams aren’t getting anything high profile, wouldn’t make sense. I’d put out more detailed videos, but they get too long, and long videos don’t do very well.
@@ValhallaVFTwe love it when you make any videos! Make the content you want and we’ll watch it!
Great video, Thank you for the info!
My office mate was an NG SF contract guy. He made it through his SFAS, at age 22. He was NOT selected at the end due to “not enough experience” he eventually got back to SFAS two more times and made it through. So one downside to the non experienced guys are they will be competing against dudes who have a leg up on them and that may be a deciding factor.
NGs got tons of experienced dudes that burned out, a smart kid lookin to get tabbed will pick there brains before they get orders to SWCS, plus if you wash out and they send your ass home, and if (big if) the Team Sgt doesn't kick you out of the unit, you can come back in a year and tackle the course again alot wiser and more mature.
Quite a few of my buddies from former teams are NG right now for that exact reason.
Pretty sure the only difference is that in 19th and 20th, you have the ability to slow down for a minute instead of being constantly on the go and suffering burnout or family damage. You also get unique experience from guys who do other cool stuff as civilians.
awesome thanks so much for this:)
Thank you for this! I just transferred to Texas Guard, planning on going to selection this year.
@@patwxdaddy Texas
great video!
Thanks 🙏
Good shit
On the downside is that the National Guard is generally WAAAASAY more political then Active Duty. So many Guard units are run by the Good Ol’ Boy system.
that actually really blows
Can you elaborate?
please explain
Pls elaborate
@@shmunkytron8612 he most likely made this up and has no actual reasson behind saying this because if he did he would of replied.
Not the most ideal situation from the obvious reasons you’ve stated, sir. However, I’ll take it even if it’s like a back door way into Army SF 🎉😊! Thank you so much for making this podcast 🙏
The process isn't too bad:
1. NG 18X, finish pipeline
2. Say out loud you wanna go active
3. ????
4. Find yourself in 1st-10th group
Dream of becoming a Green Beret keep up the good work Pal! ❤
Would love videos on Foxtrot, Zulu and the Warrant Officer MOS in the ODA. Thanks
I could probably do that.
@@ValhallaVFT 🙏
Really appreciate your content. Any interest in going on the Shawn Ryan podcast?
If I was asked to do it then sure. Haven’t been asked though lol.
Hey brother, great video and super relevant. Your information is highly appreciated. If you could do a litttle video on the cultural differences between SF and traditional military as far as beards, hands in the pockets and other details that SF guys are known for that traditional army can't. I'm just trying to get the cultural perspective. God bless ❤
I was a corpsman with 3/7 and 3rd CEB way back in the 90s. Got out and joined the naval reserve and lasted 3 drill weekends. I'm convinced that the phrase "10 pounds of shit stuffed in a 5 pound bag" was coined at a naval reserve center.
I’ve heard that at the end of the Q course (as NG SF), you can choose to go active duty and then fulfill your NG SF time after your active duty time. Do you know if that’s true?
Yes. You can switch to active fairly easily and not just at the end of Q course. I was initially in 20th group and wound up in 7th. I would highly discourage doing that if you have a family tho. You will likely be sacrificing your family and it may ruin you as a person. NG gets a whole lot more time at home and, for lack of a better explanation, you get to choose how involved you are. In NG, you get a ton of interaction with guys who've been active SF for many years. You can learn a ton.
Totally random question: you mentioned having shoulder surgery. How long did recovery take and did you get back to 90-100% after...or did/do you have to live with 50-70%? Asking for a friend😎
I had both shoulders reconstructed. I’d say about a year to be back to about 80%
@@ValhallaVFT Thanks
💪💪👍👍
In guard can you sign up for as much training courses that you want ? Range times cqb , diving etc?
In short, yes. You'll have to go through the mandatory courses, but once you have the beret, you can start trying for additional schools. It'll depend a bit on open slots, and active guys usually get first dibs, but you'll be encouraged to get more quals. As always, needs of the army win.
Comment for the algorithm
Can you do a video about PT test and training AFTER you became a GB ? ?
If you pass the Q course in the NG can you jump over to active duty from there or are you committed to NG SF?
Probably after your initial commitment
You can go active pretty easily.
19th Group dude here. Yes, you can go AD at the end of the Q, but it is the equivalent of kicking your unit and sponsor in the nuts because the BN S3/RMO just tied up a year plus of a slot and funds for you to bounce. You can do it, but stay AD for a while because you are Persona Non Grata with the Group that sponsored you for ~5-10 years afterwards
@@ThePimpedOutPlatypus alright nice, here’s an answer from a dude who actually knows. Thanks bro.
@@ThePimpedOutPlatypus Yeah, I can see how’d that make you less popular than a biting saddle.
Does the q course count as title 10 active duty orders ? Would be a shame too put all that work in and not qualified for the Va loan after the required 90 days minimum activate duty order
Yes. You’re on active duty orders while you’re in the course. Not sure how that works for VA though, you’d have to look into that.
@@ValhallaVFT will do
If you are in a guard sf unit and wash out what does the original guard unit do with you ? Send you to another unit? Or are you just the new coffee boy for the next 4 years? Ps.. great video
You’ll be moved an infantry unit
If I understand your question correctly, you'll be sent to an infantry unit. The army sure ain't gonna tear up your contract. That's the main reason you'll go to infantry school before you get into the meat and potatoes
@@sirloin9348 Just thought I would add something. Depending on which guard sf unit you choose to join, some will send you to their sf support if you washout of sfas or the q course. If you have been given a return date from SWCS cadre you can then return. Just don’t be a dick with the guard unit and don’t sulk about washing out of sfas or the q course.
My dad was 11th SF…I asked him about Q course, Robin Sage, Selections process and its cryptic at best from him at age ‘83.
Wishing I’d have joined up after 9-11 and now at 50 am really regretting it.
Hope to learn something about it.
Anybody need further info on this topic should reach out to Tony Cowden hes done both.
If I have a clean record and worked at a desk job for years, Is it possible for a 34-35 yo to enlist in sf guard without prior service or college degree? I was able to check the pt requirements and I’m in good shape I hope as I exceeded the pull up and having a 6:30 min mile. Any tips will help. Thanks
Don’t need anything above a high school diploma to go SF. You’re definitely pushing the age though, I’ve got an entire video on going SF at 30+ I’d suggest you watch.
@@ValhallaVFT Found that video. Thanks
How much running do you do once you are on a team (after the Q and you receive your GB)?
Depends on the team you’re on. Some teams do a lot of group pt, others not much. But you still have to be able to pass PT tests and physical fitness events.
@@ValhallaVFT Thank you
Can you go active duty as a Green Beret after your guard contract is up? Assuming you're in 19th or 20th group.
Yep, I know a few guys who have done that route.
Absolutely. I did exactly that. It's probably gonna rattle your personal life, but Uncle Sam will love you for doing it. If you have a family, tho, I wouldn't recommend
You do understand Narional Guard units have full time jobs in the GUARD!
As I did full time for 9 years as 11B, primary MOS, but would work for my unit ON active duty orders and kept extending each year and put on orders.
So this "weekend warrior" thing is with guys that have great civilian jobs and make more money in civilian sector they choose that.
I liked working on the military base every day as we are put on Active Duty Orders while doing so.
Also my unit is specialized in Mountain warfare and we have a school where Tier 1 guys come and train(foreign nation's as well), as it's the only one in the country originally till recent, as they opened another one on West Coast somewhere.
We Also have a tab above our patch indicating our specialty, and have to go through that school 4 weeks total summer and winter phase.
We f up more Taliban in our AO than most active units combined, as per 101st Airborne top Brass.
Not gonna say other details, despite time laps from deployment, but Tier 1 dudes get their short missions and rack out till next one, while we are boots on the ground all day long when deployed for a 12 months or more.
Those who have never served in the National Guard think we are a joke but have no idea.(Does it sat "National Guard on our left chest tab or Army!?!!!)
Amongst us are so many Marines, Special Forces guys, Rangers etc who after their short active duty contract 3 years or so, decide to serve in their home state where home is.
The ammount of training we to during MUTA 6, 5, 4 OR 3 yet alone AT each year or twice a year for 4 weeks total on top on regular monthly drills acitve units dont do in 3 months or more.
We get bit less time training but that compressed time we do get is used to the point it's like AT every dayx10.
From insider.
Great channel.)
Keep up the work.
You sound like you’re from 1-157th Mountain in Colorado lol
That pic looks like CH0P's SF back in the day before they were tactfully persuaded by bikers to disband
Sergeant Major Bubbles
I served with both while down range. specifically 5th & 20th gp. did a lot of missions in northern iraq with 20 group guys
active duty guys on the SOF are just built different. As others mentioned, the NG guys are mostly active duty transfers.
algorithm
Since we’re in peacetime anyways I’m really considering this
What are you gonna do if you make it to an ODA and then a war kicks off?
@@ExtraRice365Whatever is required for me to do. I figure it makes more sense to go active duty if we’re already in a conflict. NG SF sounds great because I can focus on my civilian career alongside the Army and go to action if necessary.
@sam117mas Ah. Ok I misunderstood. Thought you were saying that you only wanted to be a GB because it's peacetime haha
@@sam117masit's gonna take a lot of time away from your career, just know that. From meps to beret is a lengthy process, and youll need a lot of training time in before that. If you haven't started a family yet, wait. Not fair to leave them as much you'll have to
Algorithm
Comment
I'm 58 and can do 200 two pump burpees in 75 minutes. I can also do eleven pull ups. I can run five miles in one hour and ten minutes Any chance of me getting selected for Special Forces? Just joking, helping with the algorithm. Love your channel. Great content 👍👍💪💪.
National guard up tempo years 2002-2021 was way more than 1 weekend a month 2 weeks a year it was thurs-sunday potentially more if you're orders either state active or federal 2 weeks became 3 or 4 weeks again missio dependent also did it twice if deployment was being cycled has a traditional national guard nothing was tradition state active local federal and overseas deployment you can potentially go Active duty guard which is active duty by state but also get called into federal roles too FYI and skill and task wise guard we did more than regular duty guys why cause what you guys get done in a week we did or do on a weekend
We’re you in Zamboanga