sopc advice

[jhoward]

I have been training with the 20th group for 3 months now. I am being given the opportunity to attend SOPC before going to selection. I had put in to attend the SOPC class in May and then immediately go to selection in June. However, I am being told that for an older guy like myself (age 30), the 4 weeks in SOPC and 3 weeks in SFAS will break down my body. I was under the impression SOPC was to "harden" the body similar to doing the 5 week program. I think that attending the next SFAS date in September will negate much of the fitness I will have achieved in May. Any thoughts on this matter?

[makane]

Go for it! Make sure that you always stretch for at least 15 min or longer to keep your muscles from being too restricted. You are fortunate that you're able to get SOPC. I will be a long 7 weeks, but it will be worth it when you get selected. Which unit of the 20th are you training with? I was training with B/3/20 SFG in Virginia. Trying to go back to selection this year sometime. I'll be 30 in June. We had people to pass selection at 36 and 38. That's your motivation.

[jhoward]

I'm with 1st battalion in Al. The person in charge of us (the NQP's)made the recommendation. I value his opinion, but I was just looking for some other opinions from those that have some firsthand knowledge about the training in SOPC. They must be doing something write at SOPC since the selection rate as SFAS seems high for those finishing the course. I think late 20's or low 30's is the best age for this business.

[greyman 271]

from what i've heard it isnt so much the fact that SOPC does a great job teaching or preparing (although they do), its the fact that all the wankers are weeded out during SOPC b/c it sucks too. so they quit before they even get to SFAS, upping the pass ratio of SOPC grads.

kane, good to see you the other day.

[Legdude]

I'm going to start drilling with the 20th here soon also.
The Guard recruiter, being a pogue, didn't know much about what I"m going to be doing as a LEG infantryman in an SF unit....regarding the trainup and prepartation for SFAS, Q-course etc...
-I've heard (rumor) that they will interview me, and that I will take a PT test, and most likely do a roadmarch. And if they like me, then I get to stay and train with them until I go to SFAS.
Does this sound about right to you guys who have done it?

[TOW Gunner]

Originally posted by jhoward
I think that attending the next SFAS date in September will negate much of the fitness I will have achieved in May. Any thoughts on this matter?

Go to SOPC. I had a two day break between the end of SOPC and the beginning of SFAS. My feet were a little tore up going into selection, but nothing anyone couldn't handle. The cadre at SOPC are excellent and they do a great job conditioning students for SFAS. The PT is hard but will build you up, and the land nav is challenging, but the distances aren't like in SFAS. So your body won't get banged up too bad. I suggest you go; it can only help you. Good luck.

[Para]

Originally posted by jhoward
However, I am being told that for an older guy like myself (age 30), the 4 weeks in SOPC and 3 weeks in SFAS will break down my body.

BS....The land nav course is tougher then selection and sure it breaks you down. Put it positioned just right for the body to recover again and make another go at it in selection. SOPC serves its purpose.

[abnremf]

If you don't have any real prior experience with land nav, and I mean REAL experience with land nav, then you definitely want to go to SOPC. I just graduated from selection in March and most of the SOPC kids did just fine. If you have a natural fear of the woods (especially at night) you'll get weeded out there. I chose not to do SOPC prior to selection only because I felt comfortable in the woods and had a pretty good plan on what I needed to do for trainup. When you get to selection, other than the land nav, it really is just going to be a gut check for you. I woke up every morning expecting the hammer to fall and it really never did. Amazingly people were hauling ass out of there anyway. Leave your pride at the door regardless of your rank, listen to what the cadre are teaching you in the classes, attach yourself to the guys that have good attitudes and really want to be there and you'll be fine. It really wasn't that bad.

[DocL18D]

90% of the kids we send forward to PH I from SOPC I do just fine. Your age has nothing to do with it. Most of the Cadre who will be conducting your physical training have you by at least 5 and C1 has you by 12 years...

It all depends on your mental and physical conditioning not age. You come here mature, in somewhat decent shape, and without an attitude, and we will prepare you and set you up for success.

[jhoward]

I wanted to thank everyone for their input. I had also contacted SOPC operations and they concurred with the advice given here.
They had also said that the course is not designed for you to "peak " while you are in SOPC. (For those that don't race, peaking loosely means attaining optimal fitness to coincide with race day(s).)

My only obstacle is to actually get orders for the 5 May SOPC date and get ready for June selection. I have been training for 6 months now and am looking forward to learning better techniques in land nav etc (and getting paid for it!).

Anyone know if the May class is full? I have been harassing my unit to send me, otherwise I'll have to wait until Aug.

[DocL18D]

we are running about 125-135 pax per class lately....but by the end of the first week of class it is usually a little more manageble.....