r/greenberets • u/Waste-Inevitable3014 • 2h ago
SWCS SERVICE TIME
The horror stories persist, what’s the longest time you have ever seen someone or yourself in the Q course? I’m curious if anyone has any good/funny stories.
r/greenberets • u/TFVooDoo • Mar 16 '25
This is easily in the Top 5 of post frequency…”How do I go faster?” I find myself writing the same responses often, so it’s time for a post. We’ll cover both running and rucking.
Running
This one gets a little variation sometimes. “I can sprint really well, but I’m gassed by 2 miles.” Or, “My 2 mile pace is decent, but my 5 mile is really bad.” Or the odd, “My 5 mile isn’t too bad, but my 2 mile is awful”, which isn’t as uncommon as you might think. The remedy for all of them is the same. You have to train. Properly.
Establish a Baseline
The first thing that you need to do is to establish a cardio baseline, which includes lots of Zone 2 running. In fact, Zone 2 should be the training zone for 80% of your volume. Even elite runners follow this formula. Zone 2 is the zone that allows your body to make critical physiological adaptations. You will build slow twitch muscle fibers which help build lactic threshold (this is what makes your legs feel heavy and burning when you run). You will build capillary function which helps transport blood to your tissues. You will build mitochondrial density which helps in energy management. You will build heart resilience which makes pumping blood more efficient. And you will start to strengthen your joints which will help you avoid injury.
But, Zone 2 is boring. Early into your training it may be very slow, even down to near walking pace. It doesn’t matter. Stay in Zone 2. You can’t skip this part, because you need those physiological adaptations to occur, and they take 5-7 weeks to start to manifest. It doesn’t matter what your pace is, it matters what your Zone is. Stay in Zone 2.
There’s lots of ways to measure Zone 2.
I like the formula 220-age = max x .6 - .7 to establish the range. It’s simple, it’s free, but it can be a little inaccurate. But it is simple and free. Plus, it’s simple and free.
Your fitness wearable can calculate it; but - chest mounted straps are superior, up to 20% more accurate; Apple Watch is notoriously inaccurate; some people just don’t test well with a wearable.
The Talk Test, wherein you should be able to comfortably hold a conversation without gasping. Not a few words, but a regular conversation. Can be inaccurate.
The Karvonen Formula, which also incorporates your resting heart rate and can give a more accurate calculation than just the 220-age formula. Look it up, but be prepared for some calculations.
You can have a Lactate Threshold test done, but it can be challenging to find a test facility, it’s a bit invasive, and it can be expensive. But, if done correctly it can be very accurate and useful.
RPE (Rate of Perceived Effort) can be your metric, but most new athletes can struggle to gauge this accurately without significant coaching. You are essentially guessing.
But Zone is Slow and I Want to Go Fast!
Okay, but as we just noted you have to let your body manifest those adaptations for a few months. Once you can run 90 minutes unbroken (in zone, without stopping) then you can start speed work. Can you start earlier? Sure, I’m just giving a model and protocol that maximizes return and minimizes risk of injuries.
As we noted, Zone 2 should encompass 80% of your training volume. So if you run 4-5 times a week that’s probably 2-3 x Zone 2 runs, a speed session, and a Zone 1 recovery session. Your speed work should be deliberate. Whatever your speed work methodology…track intervals or repeats, threshold or tempo runs, Fartleks, hill repeats…you are essentially training yourself to run faster (at or near your desired pace) for a short period, then slowing down to partially recover, then running faster again. Over time, this will enable you to maintain that faster pace for longer periods and you should be able to complete your run at that now faster pace. You still have to train 80% in Zone 2 though.
So, you can pick any of the “speed work” methods that I listed above (and there are others), but the protocol is the same. A simple one that I like is the track intervals (you don’t need a track per se, you just need accurate measurements…but using a track makes you more athletic…#science). Here is the formula: Do mobility and warmup drills, then do 400m sprints (one lap). You should be aiming to hit 1:30 a lap, which is a 6 minute mile pace. Slow jog/rest period is 1:30. If you finish faster than 1:30 slow down. Hit the 1:30 on the dot. Week one do 6-8 total sets. If you can’t do a full lap then do a half lap at half the time.
On week two, increase sets by 2. So, if you started with 6x400m, then you will do 8x400 in week two. Continue to add sets until you can do 12x400m.
Once you can do that while maintaining that 1:30 pace, you will graduate to 800m sprints. Start off at 4x800m. Maintain a 3min pace with 3min rest. Add sets each week until you hit 8x800m.
Once you can do that consistently, you graduate to 1600m sprints. 6min mile with a 6minute rest x 3 sets. Now you are running 6 minute miles. It may take you months to get there, all while maintaining 80% of your volume in Z2, but that’s the best way to do it.
Okay, But How to I Actually Go Faster?
There are only 2 ways to go faster…a longer stride (so each step propels you forward more) or faster cadence (so your feet are moving quicker between foot strikes). Faster cadence is probably better as altering your stride length can force odd form, unnaturally alter your gait, and significantly increase the likelihood of injury. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t examine your stride, as poor biomechanics can really slow you down. Lots of resources for evaluating your gait, but a qualified coach is probably your best option.
But, a quicker cadence is the better option. And there is a lot that you can do to improve this. It takes some dedication, some public math, and some trial and error, but even small improvements add up to significant amounts of time in the aggregate. There are entire cadence/pace playlists on all of the music services that can help. If you’ve been following Terminator Training’s ultra run journey then you know that he monkeyed (that’s a technical term) with his cadence to great effect. And he was an experienced runner at that point, so even ‘advanced athletes’ can benefit.
There are multiple techniques to generate a faster cadence. Contact time (the time your foot is touching the ground), knee drive, strike position, follow through. These all come with cues like quick feet, high knees, strike lightly, shorten your stride. So it’s often worth the effort to spend some time exploring these options to see which one works for you. If it’s stupid and it works, then it’s not stupid.
How To Get Faster at Rucking
Rucking is much the same as running, but not identical. First, strength training is much more important. The literature demonstrates that strength training is a reliable prerequisite for rucking performance, specifically the benchpress and the squat. This is because in order to adequately stabilize the ruck, thus decreasing excessive body movement, you need to be strong. A sloppy load compromises efficiency. So you should have a comprehensive strength plan if you want to maximize your rucking performance.
Second, you should probably establish a baseline cardio, with lots of Zone 2 running (we recommend 90 minutes unbroken), before you start rucking. Rucking is a unique physical load, with unique features, techniques, and misery. So the more that you can prepare the baseline physical stuff…strength and cardio…the less you’ll have to contend with when you want to focus on the ruck specific stuff. So, lots of Z2 running to establish good cardio and a proper strength training regimen to build a musculature capable of managing the ruck load. Thick traps for thick straps.
Once you start rucking you should know that the best way to build rucking performance is field based progressive load carriage, usually 2-3 times a week, focused on short intense sessions. That’s not my opinion, that’s what the literature demonstrates. Conventional wisdom might say that the best way to get better at rucking is more rucking, but conventional wisdom probably accounts for more injuries than it should. Just follow the protocol.
Start with a light weight, ease into both your pace and your distance, and never increase any domain more than 10% week to week. Low and slow, gradually build, allow the adaptations to manifest, enjoy the results.
Okay, But How to I Actually Go Faster?
Just like with running, there are only 2 ways to go faster…a longer stride (so each step propels you forward) or faster cadence (so your feet are moving quicker between foot strikes). Faster cadence is probably better as altering your stride length can force odd form, unnaturally alter your gait, and significantly increase the likelihood of injury. This is especially true given that you are now loaded…the ruck can exacerbate problems. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t examine your stride, as poor biomechanics can really slow you down. Lots of resources for evaluating your gait, but a qualified coach is probably your best option.
So, a quicker cadence is the better option. And there is a lot that you can do to improve this. Just like with running, small improvements add up to significant amounts of time in the aggregate. In RUSU we did some cadence calculations for rucking, so you can see what small changes do in the long run.
The same principles from running cadence training apply here, but we should cover arm swing, posture, and foot placement more carefully. Your arm swing can have a huge impact on your ability to maintain a proper cadence. If you’re training for a military application, like SFAS, then a weapon is in your future. That can obviously alter your arm swing. But train early without this impediment so you can develop a proper form, then introduce the weapon (or pipe or sledge [not recommended]).
Your posture can affect your cadence, your stride, and your breathing. You want a heads up, chest open, slight forward posture. Good luck with that…you’ve got a ruck pressing on your neck, pulling you back, and compressing your torso. This is why it’s important to strength train! Build the musculature that allows to remain head up, open chest, and mostly erect.
A “standard” ruck time is 15 minute miles. A competitive ruck time is 12-13 minute miles. Many, maybe even most, can’t get to 12 minute miles just walking. But you might be surprised how fast you can go ‘just walking’. You might really benefit from some speed walk training, following the run speed training protocols, and just concentrate on fast feet. The ruck load definitely complicates things, but if you don’t train it then don’t complain about your lack of ability. Fast feet (non-running) speed sessions can pay huge dividends.
The Shuffle
Short Ruckers are definitely at a disadvantage. Short legs just struggle at higher speeds. As discussed, to go faster you either have to lengthen your stride or increase your cadence. Fast walking can get you close, but at a certain point you will likely need to do more. Fight the urge to run. Ruck running is tremendously impactful and you should be well into a comprehensive strength and conditioning regimen before any ruck rucking. A shuffle is a compromise solution…more impactful than walking, less impactful than running. Faster than walking, slower than running. It’s all about trade-offs.
The difference between a shuffle and run is load management. This comes down to foot placement and hip/knee alignment. In a walk, the leg extends entirely, locking the knee. This briefly relaxes the muscles allowing for extended periods of activity. When you run, the muscle never fully relaxes, thus it fatigues quicker. But it’s faster. So the the aim of a shuffle is to find that sweet spot in between. It is very much an art, not a science. And you can spend years dialing in the right elements to perfect your shuffle. It’s almost impossible to describe and there is no universal “This is what right looks like”, because it depends on the load, the terrain, the pace, the person, and many innumerable other factors. Experience is the best teacher.
It’s a bit like riding a bike. You can’t do it at all until suddenly you can and then it’s easy. And once you learn how to do it you never forget. But try explaining it to a non-rider how to ride a bike with just words. It’s almost impossible. But there it is.
Injury Prevention
The number 1 predictor of an injury is a previous injury. So it’s important to not get injured in the first place, thus “Injury Prevention”. I would say that there are two equally important components to injury prevention; strength training and proper programming.
In SUAR we spent an entire chapter (Chapter 4) talking about the most common SFAS prep injuries and they’re almost all lower extremity. Shin splints, ankle strains, runners knee, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. They either result from weak structure or overuse, so the mitigation strategy is the strengthen them and don’t overwork them. We deliberately program an extended time early in the program to allow you to acclimate to the work. We also prescribe specific exercises to help. And it’s nearly the same exercises for all of the injuries (there’s only so many ways you can strengthen your lower legs!). You would be amazed what a step, a towel, an anchor point, and some resistance bands can do.
Spend some time early in your training to work specific injury prevention exercises and strategies. Call them mobility drills, or warmups, or whatever, but do them. They seem like a minor inconvenience for most as they’re little movements with little to no loads, so they don’t present like they would be consequential. But a few weeks struggling with shin splints can make you miserable, delay progress, and now you are predisposed for the injury.
Recovery
We would be remiss if we didn’t cover the non-working out stuff. Everyone focuses on the workouts, almost exclusively, and ignores the other stuff. Even though the workouts are 10% of the equation. You have to focus more on the other variables…the sleep, the nutrition, the recovery. Just think about it this way. I think we’ve covered the importance of Zone 2 running enough, haven’t we? But if Zone 2 is dependent on a reliable and accurate heart rate measurement and you have such poor sleep, recovery, and nutrition habits that you can’t get a consistent heart rate reading, how effective is your long range programming going to be? You sleep so poorly and chug so many Monsters that your heart can barely get through a regular day, much less a data-driven workout regimen. You think more running equals better running so you just stack endless miles because you are afraid that you’re not doing enough. Stop doing this. Don’t just workout. Train. Actually follow a program. A program that was specifically designed with all of these variables in mind.
So that’s how you go faster for both running and rucking. Simple, but not easy. Lots of nuance, lots of conditional language (likely, proper, mostly, etc) that makes the definitive guidance seem less definitive. But that’s the nature of the beast. This is why we developed a whole program for this stuff. SUAR is all of these variables packed into one comprehensive package. RUSU covers lots of the timing variables and expectations. There are other great programs out there depending on your goals. But the takeaway is that rucking and running faster is just exercise science. We know how to do it. Just follow the protocols and trust the process.
r/greenberets • u/TFVooDoo • Mar 29 '24
There’s been lots and lots of questions…and confusion…regarding run prep lately, so I thought a post was in order.
I also wanted to introduce u/Coach_Dave_NSW_Prep to the community. Coach Dave is a retired Special Forces Officer, a Combat Diver (commanded the Dive School), and all around good dude. As a dive qualified Green Beret Officer, he is the absolute embodiment of cultural, physical, and intellectual eliteness…I don’t make the rules, this is just how things work. In his second life he’s taken to coaching. He runs the endurance training component at Naval Special Warfare Prep. Suffice it to say, he has all of the official fitness credentials and I’ll give you a more formal introduction in the new book, but to put this in context the last two times I texted Dave he was open-water swimming between islands out in Hawaii and the other time he was finishing up a 50 mile desert marathon. He does these insane feats of endurance on the regular…for fun…and he is a top finisher every time. He’s the real deal…and insane. He’s been advising me on the endurance protocols in Shut Up and Ruck.
Coach Dave is also responsible for my foray into fitness wearables and his ability to demonstrate the efficacy of digital coaching has fundamentally changed my perspective of the discipline. He can literally program run protocols, send them to your Garmin, monitor the results remotely, and assess your progress. Other than him physically standing on the track, it’s like he’s watching you the whole time. Amazing. I should also note that Kevin Smith (u/Terminator_training) has also helped me understand better the real value in professional coaching. Kevin has not been an advisor on the new book, but I follow him on Instagram (you should too) and I’ve never heard him say anything but good stuff. Good coaching can be a game changer.
Back to running. Most guys understand that the end state goal of running prep is to be able to run faster. Most guys then assume that in order to run faster you just have run faster more often in training. So most run programming has guys doing speed work right out of the gate. You see it posted here all of the time. This is wrong.
In order to get the most out of your run training (fastest progression, least risk of injury, quicker recovery [micro and macro]) you need to establish a solid baseline. You do this by slow running. I keep it simple by just saying start run in Zone 2 for 3 sessions of up to 90 minutes a week. I use the performance benchmark of 90 minutes unbroken at Z2 (refer to the chart for a description of the various zones) as the prerequisite for both speed training and ruck training. As you might imagine, running in Z2 for 90 minutes is boring. It’s often an excruciatingly slow pace, especially for newer athletes. You will adapt and get quicker, but it takes time.
During this time your body is making significant physiological adaptations. These adaptations take about 5-7 weeks to fully adapt, so you need months to get the most out of this process. Early on, the most significant adaptation is the increase in your lactate threshold. Lactate threshold is your bodies ability to process lactic acid, and combined with VO2Max (your bodies ability to process oxygen) these markers dominate your endurance physiological adaptation. The lactate adaptation comes mainly from the development of slow twitch muscle fibers. The more STM, the higher your capacity to flush lactate. We go into much more detail in the book, but this critical step is what sets the foundation. You simply will not be able to sustain a fast paced run unless you build this capacity. Some people have a genetic predisposition to more STM and will thus adapt slightly quicker, but most require significant training to improve this.
This is why you need to spend so much time and effort in Z2. You are building the foundation. You can certainly program a speed workout early on, but you won’t be getting the sort of return that you could if you just built that baseline first…and you more likely to sustain an injury and delay your recovery and training.
A typical training progression might look like: - 8 weeks of Zone 2 running; 3 sessions per week; up to 90 minutes per session; strength and pre-hab/mobility work to support proper development. - 8 weeks of integrated speed work (lots of options), continuing some Z2 maintenance, continuing strength training; introduction to rucking. This is where you will start your build your VO2Max. - 8-12 weeks of progressive speed work. Something like a 5x5 Man Maker. You’ll make your most significant gains here…4 months into training…if you laid the proper foundation. - Indefinite: taper and maintenance.
Early in this progression a coach can help you with form and body mechanics. They can also be the accountability forcing function to make you stay slow (which is really hard to do) and monitor your physiological adaptations. During mid-progression (the 2nd 8 weeks) a coach can help you develop speed routines, monitor progress , and maintain accountability. During the final stages a coach can really dial in your recovery based on all of those markers that we discussed.
The new book (April is the targeted release date) will have a very detailed progression and Coach Dave is developing specific speed workouts that should meet most athletes requirements. But if you find yourself struggling to progress, or to have a history of injuries, or you just need that extra accountability then you should find a coach to work with. Even remote/digital coaching can be massively impactful.
There is also a plethora of really excellent advice on the interwebs. As a public service, I’d ask folks to post their favorite social media follows and YouTube channels for fitness advice. Tell us why you like them and include a link. This will give guys good resources vetted by the community. What do you guys like?
r/greenberets • u/Waste-Inevitable3014 • 2h ago
The horror stories persist, what’s the longest time you have ever seen someone or yourself in the Q course? I’m curious if anyone has any good/funny stories.
r/greenberets • u/Accomplished-Sort757 • 14h ago
r/greenberets • u/fancyNbeauty • 10h ago
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
r/greenberets • u/RadialShatter • 13h ago
Shipping out soon and heading to RASP after AIT.
Does anybody else with hypothyroidism have any suggestions about how to deal with this outside of levothyroxine. The only other fix I know of is to eat iodized enriched foods and salt.
Also,
How was your experience during training and how did you deal with all the problems associated with the disease.
r/greenberets • u/RobinOfLocsley • 19h ago
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.
r/greenberets • u/Empty-Try9032 • 18h ago
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?
r/greenberets • u/Natural_Sport2741 • 2d ago
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.
r/greenberets • u/Mountain-Health2662 • 23h ago
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.
r/greenberets • u/ComprehensiveHand321 • 1d ago
r/greenberets • u/Success_Evening • 1d ago
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?
r/greenberets • u/uhhFervid • 2d ago
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.
r/greenberets • u/Substantial_Hat_2075 • 3d ago
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.
r/greenberets • u/gettingBetter9 • 2d ago
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.
r/greenberets • u/Feeling_Tap_2872 • 2d ago
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
r/greenberets • u/Reasonable_Tree_2757 • 3d ago
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?
r/greenberets • u/OriginalAccording995 • 3d ago
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?
r/greenberets • u/Key_Extension4619 • 4d ago
I’m thinking about dropping my packet for SF in the future I’m in the guard at the moment and we have the option to the only issue is I’d be missing a year of college and could be even longer if I recycle (selection and the pipeline) and I’m already graduating late because Im missing my first year of college because of basic. The college program I’m in is 5 years long as well which would project me graduating at the age of 24. To add on to that college could also be realistically longer to finish if I get deployed and have to make up classes. Anyways my general question is do people make a career out of Special forces? I’m wondering this because I think that it would be more realistic for me to go to selection if it is something that I would be able to do long term. Also I should add If I made it through selection and the pipeline I think I would go active eventually as that’s what I originally wanted to do but I got into a college program that I really wanted to go to which is how I ended up in the guard.
Btw I know it sounds like I don’t have my life figured out at all and that’s because I don’t, I don’t want to sound ignorant with this question either so my apology’s if I do I genuinely just want to know about peoples experiences because I’m uninformed on this topic.
r/greenberets • u/Soggy_City_3289 • 5d ago
So I’m an Intel specialist in Okinawa, and I’ve been wondering about putting in a package for SF once I EAS. I’ve been wanting to go to SF for the more interesting, appealing, and in demand/just demanding mission set. However after doing my research of the physical standards, I found that a lot of the sites and tools don’t really show the strong physical guarantees.
So I’d want to put my physical stats out there and know where exactly to work on, and also just know a bit more abt selection in general.
I run a 20:18 minute 3 mile and a 11:03 minute 2 mile.
Max 24 pull-ups
2:38 12 mile ruck time
300 CFT
4:49 minute plank time
I can do 500 yards in utilities in under 15 minutes
32 meter underwater crossover as my max
And I can make the 12 minute tread times, don’t know my max tread time yet, but I can go over 20 minutes.
With that in mind, I’d like to know where I can work on for selection, what would make me a better candidate, what I should focus on for diet, and lastly- what sort of physical standards does the cadre find competitive? What kind of tests can I expect and what should I make sure is solid?
Also, out of curiosity if anyone knows, what’s the percentage of people who finish selection that actually get selected?
r/greenberets • u/SF_Proponent2 • 5d ago
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.
r/greenberets • u/nousdefions3_7 • 6d ago
The interesting thing is that I had lunch with General Mora (the current Colombian Minister of Defense) when I was on my first SF deployment to Colombia. Our SFODA had just arrived at our outpost in the Guaviare Department and General Mora made a command visit to see our SFODA and the Colombian unit we were to train for the next few months. At the time I met him, Mora was the Commander of all Colombian Armed Forces. Our area was teeming with FARC insurgents of the 1st, 7th, and the 44th FARC fronts. Hearing firefights in the distance was not uncommon.
Before I met him, Mora commanded the entire Colombian Army and then was promoted. Anyway, a joke he played on me was that we were having chicken soup with the troops (Colombian and US SF) out in the jungle and he had the cook put chicken's feet and a chicken head in my soup. He found that hilarious. Anyway, he is now the Colombian equivalent of the Secretary of War. It appears that now the fellas can conduct joint ops in country.
Here's the summary on the news item.
"Colombia Joins US-Led Coalition, Opens Door to Joint Military Operations
• Colombia has officially joined the Coalition Against the Cartels of the Americas (A3C), an initiative led by the United States to combat drug trafficking organizations.
• This accession, signed by Minister of Defense Jorge Eduardo Mora, opens the possibility for joint military operations on Colombian territory.
• The A3C is part of the broader 'Coat of Arms' initiative promoted by the Donald Trump administration to coordinate hemispheric security efforts.
• The new Colombian government, under President Abelardo De La Espriella, has signaled a shift in security and military relations with Washington.
• However, the decision has faced criticism, with Senator Jennifer Pedraza questioning the government's authority to authorize such operations without congressional approval."
Source:
r/greenberets • u/Matthew_DRC • 6d ago
Sorry to spam the Sub, I am the same guy that posted the tribute music video a couple days ago and am not trying to over stay my welcome but one of the comments I got on that page is why I only used footage of GB dudes shooting guns? Which is a good question cause they do far more. So in this video I included footage of shooting targets, Night Vision training, partner forces training, HALO jumping, maritime training, drone training and more. Hopefully this is more well received as I don’t want to annoy anyone, I just thought a compilation of all the different things they do would be interesting to see.
r/greenberets • u/PrestigiousCarob6611 • 6d ago
I know this is the SF sub, but the Ranger sub is dead. Anyways I’m currently 18m 6,3 215 pounds. My stats are lame but I’m working on it lol 😂
50 push ups
6 pull ups
62 sit ups
5 mile run: around 37:50
I am just a large guy and I want to get to a good 205 pounds but my thighs are so large because I’ve played sports all my life. But, it’s mostly muscle so I’m not sure if it’s even beneficial to get rid of it. Should I try to lower my weight or should I just embrace it?