r/greenberets

Hey looking for advise or help from the community, I failed my asvab twice (19 the first time 29 the second time) but I qualified for the 09M program, I have a little idea of what the program is about but does anyone know if I score high enough for a ranger option 40 contract I’ll will still be given it even though I’m going through the 09M program or do I have to just take the MOS they give me? Also is it realistic to go from scoring a 28 on the asvab to around a 50 for a option 40 on contract I don’t know if it is because I don’t know how well the 09M program works also the second time when I took the asvab I studied for 2 hours a day for 4 weeks and still got a low score of 28 my goal is to get a high enough score to get a option 40 contract so if anyone has any tips/ Info / or advice it would be greatly greatly appreciated also I know this might be a dumb question but I don’t know much about this and any advice or help would be appreciated thank you keep fighting the good fight and god bless you guys

Any affordable ruck sacks around 200 dollars?

Hey guys, I’ve got the millionth program selection question for yall. Used the search bar but just wanted input given my individual stats

Leaning towards 2 and 5 mile because of my run stats and my lifting foundation but also looking at increasing ruck volume; hybrid programs sound fun too but I lift a lot as it is.

Selection (given I pass an upcoming SFRE)would be march.

Lmk 🫡

Stats:

S: 450
B: 335
D: 495
2 mi: 13:40
5: 43-45
12 mile ruck w/50 is about 3:00 flat

So this is where Im at: 30y/o, 12years AD, currently on a try 1 NG contract, VA rated me 90%.

I was honest about my injuries, was really only expecting like 50% at the most. Idk how the math works but they gave me 20% for both my shoulders for a jump injury and then 10% for everything else and that ended up being 90%?

Regardless Im interested in going SF. My question is, are the injuries themselves the disqualifying factor or is it the total rating percentage?

And a follow up to that would be is my rating at risk if I do submit a packet? I dont care if I lose the rating if I am successful but obviously I dont want to have it taken away just for asking to go.

And to clarify that comes from the difficulty Ive had finding a job since ETSing from AD not just wanting to keep the money. Since February Ive submitted legitimately over 400 applications and only received one interview; so the VA is basically keeping me afloat at this point while I figure that out.

As the title says, what happens if I fail sfas. Im an 18x and I’ve heard various things, I’ve heard you either get reclassed (or the opportunity to), you get the chance to try again or you get sent to an airborne infantry unit. I have no idea what to believe and not believe. So any guidance would be great thank you.

Title: Korean immigrant preparing for 18X around age 30 — looking for recent firsthand experiences

Hi, I’m a Korean-born first-generation immigrant in my late 20s, currently living in Texas. I’m married and have a young son. I plan to pursue an Active Duty 18X contract after receiving lawful permanent resident status, most likely between the ages of 29 and 33.

I have trained in boxing and endurance sports since my teens, including local boxing competitions and running events, and I have continued training throughout adulthood. I currently work in construction and plan to continue training after work, just as I did while working construction in Korea. I have also spoken with an Army recruiter and received preliminary guidance on ASVAB preparation and the 18X process.

About a year ago, I underwent surgery for a benign bone cyst in my upper arm (proximal humerus), which was treated with curettage and bone grafting. After rehabilitation, I gradually returned to regular training. I intend to disclose the surgery fully and provide all required medical records to my recruiter and MEPS.

I understand that 18X is an opportunity, not a guarantee. I also understand that official age limits, medical qualification, immigration requirements, waivers, and contract availability must be determined by the Army, my recruiter, and MEPS. I’m not asking for an eligibility decision, medical diagnosis, or details about selection events. I’m looking for recent firsthand experiences.

1. For those who entered the Army as lawful permanent residents, what administrative steps or delays did you experience between enlistment, initial training, naturalization, eventual security-clearance processing, and entry into the SF pipeline? Please mention the approximate year if possible, since policies may change.

2. Has anyone here signed an 18X contract, shipped to training, or attended SFAS between the ages of 29 and 33? Did age create any administrative or waiver issues, and how did it affect your recovery and preparation?

3. Did your height, weight, or overall build create practical advantages or disadvantages with rucking, load carriage, carries and grip strength, running, durability, or recovery? What preparation helped most?

4. For those who balanced construction or another physically demanding job with family responsibilities and 18X preparation, how did you organize training and recovery without overtraining?

5. For Korean-born, East Asian, or non-native English-speaking candidates, did you encounter practical challenges involving military English, cultural adjustment, overseas documentation, naturalization, or integration into the team? Also, has anyone been evaluated by MEPS after surgery for a benign bone cyst or a similar upper-arm orthopedic condition? What medical records, orthopedic evaluations, repeat imaging, recovery period, or waiver procedures were requested?

Recent firsthand experiences would be especially helpful. I will verify all official requirements through Army sources, my recruiter, and MEPS. Thank you, everyone.

Hello everyone :)

This is my first time posting on Reddit. I thought this would be a good place to ask U.S. service members who may have more experience and different perspectives than we do.

I'm currently serving as an NCO in the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command (ROK-SWC). I'm still relatively new and have a lot to learn, so I'm trying to study and learn as much as I can.

I understand that ROK special operations training and U.S. special operations training can be quite different, but I'm very interested in hearing your experiences and perspectives.

I have a few questions about long-range reconnaissance:

Does the U.S. military conduct long-range reconnaissance missions covering distances of 100–150 km or more?

If so, what are the most important factors you consider when preparing for and conducting this type of reconnaissance?

What lessons or practical tips have you learned from long-range reconnaissance?

What are some things you believe are essential to do—or avoid doing—during extended reconnaissance operations?

I'm especially interested in lessons learned from personal experience, training, and field exercises.

I realize that some information may not be appropriate to discuss publicly, so I'm only asking about things that can be shared openly.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences you're willing to share.

I’m 30 years old, I’m 5’11 188.5LBs, body fat percentage is at 11-13% and work full time as a blue collar maintenance mechanic with a 60-70 hour week job. I’m looking to join the national guard and get a 18x contract and get into the SFAS pipeline. This is my current workout plan. Open to any suggestions and ideas. Keep in mind I also get from 10k-14k steps just alone from work some of the days depending how busy it gets.

TRAINING PLAN

Mon
Easy run + Lift A: chest/arms/pull-ups
6 mi
Tue
Easy aerobic run + push-ups/planks
6 mi
Wed
Quality run: tempo/intervals
6 mi
Thu
Easy run + Lift B: chest/arms/pull-ups/grip
6 mi
Fri
Easy/recovery run + push-ups/planks
Rest day
Sat
Long run/easy pace
10–12 mi
Sun
Ruck —
12 miles

Any site out there that sells legit MOLLE 2s that are in great condition? Not worried about the price. Just need a legit one in good condition. What’s reliable?

33 YO Male. Speaking with my recruiter. Have to drop some lbs and get my MK/AR up. Practice ASVAB 71. Looking to join as 68W in the CA ARNG. I want to spend some time as 68W before even trying out for SF. I also need to train for a few years before even attempting to humour the idea of SF. I did the SOCOM ATHLETE 18X Challenge hosted by 19th SFG on Pendleton last year, where people who passed got LOA's on the spot, so I'm familiar with what the preliminary standards are and what I have to work on just to get my foot in the door. I failed miserably, but know what I need to improve on.

What's the route to try out for SF after being part of a unit for a few years? Do I wait for my 6 year to end my contract or is there a way to try out at like year 4-5? Thank you

Hey everyone,
I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and will be around 24 when I graduate. I’m seriously considering enlisting afterward with an 18X contract and attempting to become a Green Beret.
I’m about 5’7.5”, 140 pounds, and lean. I know I have plenty of work to do, especially with running, rucking, endurance, and functional strength, but I’m willing to train seriously before shipping.
I’m drawn to the challenge, purpose, and opportunity to push myself. At the same time, I’d be leaving a comfortable life, my family, and possible career opportunities related to my degree. I also understand that if I don’t make it through the pipeline, I could end up serving elsewhere in the Army.
For those with experience, is pursuing 18X worth that risk? What should I know before committing, and what should I focus on during the next year to give myself the best chance?

I know this is an obvious one, but seriously stop boozing. Im not opposed to alcohol completely, one or two has its own time and place. But casual boozing will 100% cause problems. Im currently coming off a round of Achilles tendinitis. 2 days before it flared up, i just so happened to go out w/ friends and had my fair share of drinks. Was it the culprit? Who knows. All i know is that the past 2 times i have gotten injured, alcohol was consumed 1 or 2 days prior.

Im traing to join either of these unit and i cant decide on which unit to choose force recon has that black side recon that i like but ppl are saying they are dying a slow death afsoc recon has the cyber capabilities i like and cool schools but they arent utilized well and arent getting any missions. Can anyone from either of these units help me decide and give me insight on each of the unit

Closing in on the last week before I ship out. Here are the numbers.

2 mile: 11:15-11:30 (depending on the day, but that’s the range)
5 mile: 31:45
Plank: 3:30
Pull Ups: 17

Can’t think of all the other numbers off the top of my head currently. Will provide if asked.

Contracted as 11x, volunteering for SFAS or RASP during OSUT. Wasn’t able to secure an op 40 or 18x due to a waiver, and recruiter said ETP was unlikely (which I later found was probably an exaggeration or a lie). So working with what I got.

Hello. My uncle joined the Green Berets recently.

My parents are almost divorced, and they don’t live together. I’m not American, either. My father is incarcerated and my mother is always working in another city so she usually doesn’t come home.

Because of that, I spent most of time with my uncle since I was really young. Actually, he is the only family member who I truly trust, and he is everything to me.

I don’t know much about the Green Berets or the U.S. military, but I’ve heard that they go on more dangerous deployments than other military units. I know that it wouldn’t be dangerous every single time or every single moment, and I encourage my uncle to follow his dream, but I’m scared of something might happen to him.

I know that there are many service members in the U.S., and that many military families live with a certain level of risk because of the dangers their loved ones may face.

This might sound like an immature concern but I can’t help feeling this way. So I’m curious about how often do Green Berets actually go on really dangerous missions where there is a genuine possibility of an exchange of gunfire.

I can’t say for sure, but it seems like he waited until I was old enough before pursuing this dream. I’ll always be grateful to my uncle for everything he has done for me.

I don’t know that much about the U.S. military, other than hearing that during the years of bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, American troops were regularly deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and saw a lot of combat. I heard that the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. So I’m wondering whether things are actually less dangerous now compared to back then, or whether U.S. service members are still going on dangerous missions in other parts of the world besides Afghanistan and Iraq, meaning that the level of risk is still fairly high.

I’ve been looking into the news a little, and most of what I’m seeing seems to be about U.S. forces occasionally going to South America to carry out operations against drug cartels. I also feel like this might be something can’t really answer in detail because of security...

I know I’ll get used to these worries before long, and I’m going to start being someone my uncle can rely on, too. I’ve been studying really hard, and I actually came in first in my entire school this time. I will get into a good university. But other than that, is there anything else I can do to help my uncle?

I’m not very familiar with military culture or the way things are usually done, so there may be parts of what I wrote that come across as inappropriate or disrespectful. I’d really appreciate your understanding if that’s the case.

I'll be as detailed as I can but essentially I had a gnarly skateboarding Incident that involved me dislocating my right foot and fracturing my tibia and fibula on my right leg when I was trying to pull off a trick down a quarter ramp.
I had received orthopedic surgery that involved 12 screws and 2 plates in my leg and a 4 month recovery maybe 6 months at the max 8 months.
Can I still qualify and tryout for airborne school or volunteer for RASP?
I thank you all for your time.

I have a felony arrest on my background. Nothing ever came of it. No convictions, orders, time served, etc. Is that going to hold me up after my initial contract as an 11x?

I am currently looking to get an Airborne Option 4 contract for a combat arms job in hopes of eventually attending Special Operations selection. The problem at hand is that my eyes are only correctable with glasses to 20/25, so my recruiter says Airborne might be difficult to get a waiver for.
My question is: if I can’t get a waiver for Option 4, can I just sign an infantry contract with Option 19, choose Fort Bragg, and go to Airborne School through the 82nd? Or how should I circumvent this issue if I can’t get an Option 4 contract?

This is an open forum post from SF Proponent, to ensure potential SF prospects, candidates, and current students in the pipeline are getting accurate and up to date information.

We can provide guidance on SF training pipeline expectations, but we won’t disclose specifics on official training events, graded material, or assessment standards in order to preserve the integrity of the training. However, any and all guidance we do provide is based on direct knowledge, anecdotal evidence, and the most recent trends.

Our office does everything from initial accessions requirements, assigning SF MOS, assigning languages / SF Groups, Force Structure, compensation, sustainment, and much more.

In conjunction with partnered offices and commands, we are focused on SF accessions, preparation, and producing the future generation of Green Berets.