Just wondering

[wonderboy]

Once in Special Forces how can one be assigned to an "A"- team? I heard that there are also other assignments in SF Groups ... what would they be? I alos read that upon completion of training that they sometimes a chance to attend any course like ranger or scuba school? Also what would be the best course to take so that you could really be an asset to the team? Also what MOS is in demand in the "A"-teams .... anyresponse is apreciated ... thank you for your time

[wonderboy]

Ohh yeah ... just trying to protect myself from being a kid who asks stupid questions and just wants to wear the name ...... granted i am 15 and in high school but i could care less about the name i want o play the game ... maybe it sounds naive but then again why else do people join these units to serve their country and to do things that they couldnt do anywhere else like parachute and scuba and travel and meeting new cultures and people all the while getting paid to do all this (the pay has nothing to do why i like the SOFs anyway) .... again please any response is greatly apreciated and i just didnt want to be classified as an immature high school kid

[Door Kicker]

Wonderboy,
there is nothing wrong with a simple question, but the answer unfortunatly is not quite that simple.

First, there are both A and B teams in Special Forces. Refered to as ODA's and B's
There are also support units in the SOF comunity that exist only to support Special Forces missions. i.e. 528th Special Operations SUPPORT command as well as JSOSC that supports Delta Force. There are many others as well.
All members of these units are Special Forces by definition, but only 18 series MOS qualified members wear the green beret and SF tab. They go through the Q course.
These guys make up the ODA teams, and the B teams are made up of both 18 series and a few other MOS's (commo intel some medical and riggers) mission dictates which non 18 series make up the B team, and B teams do not always accompany an A team.
The members of the A team will be either Medical, commo, engineer, weapons, intel, or officers. And will be on the team full time.
Members of support elements will be almost any MOS, but along with their regular training, they will receive "Special" training that makes them able to provide a value to the ODA .
These members will be pulled from support companys as missions dictate, but will remain with the ODA only through mission completion.
These members will have an "S" identifier added to their MOS designation showing their Special Ops training.
All members must be airborne qualified and complete certification showing proficy in SF common tasks. Members also receive language training for the specific region of deployment.
All MOS's are important.
This may be a bit detailed, but you asked.
Door Kicker

[Whammer]

Door Kick (and anyone else with the scoop),

I am considering trying out for the 19th out here in CA. There is the availablity for 18C, but I am also interested in the intell sgt (18F I think). I've been hearing conflicting stories regarding this position. Is it a secondary MOS or a primary? And is it typically E-6(P) at the least, that take these positions on an ODA?

This is somewhat off the topic of the post, but was curious nonetheless...

Please advise.
thanks in advance.
di

[E19]

SF O&I is not an entry level MOS. The requirements have changed from time to time and so has the course.
You must be SF qualified (18B, C, D or E), and serve a minimum of 2 years (as I recall) on an ODA before you can train for 18F (11F in my day). Intel Sgt is an E-7 slot on the ODA and E-6 is (as I recall) the lowest rank that can take the O&I course. Operations Sgt. (Team Sgt.) is an E-8 slot on the ODA.

[SOTICgrad]

O&I is no longer a seperate school. It is now part of SF ANCOC. There have been cases of guys just getting the O&I portion, but it's rare. However, there is talk here that O&I will be seperated from ANCOC very soon. I hope so, it's never really worked right since they combined them. Since it's this way now though, to get 18F you'd have to get slotted for and pass ANCOC.

[Whammer]

SOTIC,

Do you think they will open it up to new SF troops like the other 4 MOSs or will it remain as a SR NCO course/MOS/skill identifier type of situation?

di

[E19]

Whammer,

Last year at the Retired CSM-SGM Conference it was recommended that O&I be seperated from the SF Advanced NCO Course (ANCOC) and be placed in either Phase II as an MOS producing school or as a stand alone course
for SFG's to send their best to. It was suggested that an 18F could teach everyone in the ANCOC.
In addition it was suggested that a Senior NCO course was needed.

I'm not sure what the powers to be's final decision was. I'll be at JFKSWCS later this week and will see if I can find out for you.

[This message has been edited by E19 (edited 05-17-2000).]

[Bro]

As a Ranger aspirant, I enlisted as an airborne medic. I am told by my recruiter that if I want to be a Ranger, the best option for me is to see whether or not I want to stay with airborne or go to Ranger. Obviously I'd like to attend RIP and eventually Ranger School, but I am uncertain of the chances of that. And out of curiousity, what are the odds of making SF medic from the airborne unit? Thanks for all your help.

-Bro
Just another gonnabe that needs some answers...


In addition it was suggested that a Senior NCO course was needed.

I'm not sure what by the powers to be's final decision was. I'll be at JFKSWCS later this week and will see if I can find out for you.[/B][/QUOTE]

[SOTICgrad]

Hey E19...I hope it does get seperated. Think it worked a lot better when it was. I've heard they're on the verge of making a decision. I'm here now at weapons committee, waiting to hear, so put it out if you find out the scoop. Thanks

[Whammer]

E19 and SOTIC,

Thanks for the skinny. If you do find out please advise.

di