Questions only a pogue would ask

[REMF]

Just saw the SRB list for my MOS (supply puke, although you can add extraordinaire on the end in my case), and it shows that I can actually reenlist specifically to support an SF unit or a unit in the 75th. I have a couple questions.

What do the support personnel get to do in an SF unit, aside from their jobs? By that I mean, does the supply guy get a chance to train on some of the equipment in these units or does he just get left behind when it's time for a stroll through the kill house or whatever is on tap for the day/week/month?

Does everyone in the Regiment get a chance to go to Ranger school? According to the school website, only personnel in Ranger coded slots are authorized to go. Does that mean the support guys are unable to go, or is it just certain leadership positions in the support elements that are authorized?

There is one catch to all this. The only reason I would not do it is because I am putting in a warrant packet at the end of this year. I would not want to PCS back to one of these units from overseas, and then 4 months later leave for WOCS and a probable PCS move after that. It's hard to find people in my MOS that really want to do anything hard, and I wouldn't want to take a slot from someone who could be there for 2-3 years. I also wouldn't want to fuck over a unit like that. Whenever I have seen a low density MOS not get backfilled, someone out of the line platoon had to take it over and that's not the way it should be. Now, if I go to Ft. Lee and screw over a quartermaster AIT unit, who cares. They will then have a great training opportunity for their privates.

Don't think this is "Oooh, that would be a neat thing to do for a couple months". I'm hoping that after my warrant schools I can get assigned to an SF Group or Ranger Battalion. Apparently they have a problem with 920A's riding profiles and avoiding combat arms assignments (at least according to their homepage). So I should have a good shot at getting either one.

I know I'll get answers saying how support personnel get to shine team sergeants' boots, etc., in addition to their namby pamby paper pushing jobs, but if you could sprinkle a few real answers in, I would appreciate it.

Oh, and this might give you a little insight into me:

As far as SRB listings-

Go support an SF uit= $13,000

Go support a Ranger unit= $0

But if there's a chance at going to Ranger school, I would have a hard time deciding. I'm leaning towards the school over the money.

REMF

[BrandonD]

Depends on what you want to do. If you want to stay in Special Operations, maybe do some cool stuff, but generally work in a headquarters service company, then go to an SF unit. Word of advice though, you're normally way too undermanned in those cases. You might be lucky to actually get a supply slot in a company, but that can be a double-edged sword too. Personally I would go to a Ranger Bat. It's going to be much MUCH more demanding, but you'll be able to do quite a bit more. And yes, you'll be able to go to Ranger school in that case.

Trust me on this. I was a logistics guy in 10th SF for a number of years.

[Whatever]

1. As a 92Y in Group you will probably only get Airborne School and a "S" (Special Forces Support) identifier.

2. You won't strap-hang with a team on missions and team training.

3. If you're going to stick to the 92 series Career Managment Field recommend you go to Batt if you want some of the cool-guy schools.

4. If you want to go into S.F. go to Selection and the Q Course.

Mike

[armybrat04]

Yea what WHATEVER said sounds good to me.But It is to my understanding that you can be in a support unit that supports SF,but on the subject of training, no you would not be able to train or "Go to the kill house" unless of course you become an
CMF-11B
CMF-12C
CMF-91B
CMF-96R
and I am sure there is other MOS's included. But hey what do I know I am just a 15 yr old that gets his Intel from his father.

[This message has been edited by armybrat04 (edited 07-20-2001).]

[REMF]

Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning towards supporting a SF unit. It probably sounds cliche, but if they are undermanned (support wise), then I could help out more there. Plus, it may just get me a foot in the door once I make warrant. They have slots for supply warrants, and if I've been there before, it may make it easier to get back there. Oh yeah, the money isn't a bad motivator either.

Question though: I wear glasses (about 20/150 uncorrected). Is that a problem? I wouldn't think it is because anyone can pass out toilet paper and pens blindfolded. Just want to make sure.

And damn! Do I have to go from REMF to strap hanger? Tell me that's at least a little step up. I would be happy with going through jump school and getting to see some different weapons in the arms room. The only other thing I would want would be the chance to go to the range with something new.

Thanks again,
REMF

[BrandonD]

You do have the danger of ending up in a SOSC when going to an SF Group. Avoid that if you can, because it's purely admin work for 92Y. The best possible position for a supply guy in an SF Group if you really want to do cool stuff, is to fill the supply sergeant slot in a company. If you end up in a support company you won't do anything high-speed unless you get in with some of the teams. This actually happens automatically if you do your job well, keep high standards, and generally watch out for them. If you're an anal supply guy you won't make any friends.

Still, if I had the choice I'd go to a Ranger Bat for about 3 years. Then go to SF. Actually, if I had the choice I would have avoided CMF 92 in the first place.