View Full Version : History of SOCNET?
martialboxer
21 June 2004, 03:19
Again, I apologize if a thread like this already exists, but I have done a search for a thread with a related topic but I couldn't find any.
How did the SOCNET forum come to be? I've searched for the first members and of the 5 people who signed up on 10-12-99, only specwarnet has posts. However, I've searched this site and came across the fact that SOCNET has moved to its own server and as a result, lost some data which I'm assuming included user accounts as the very first members who signed up do not have admin access.
How did the verification process go for special ops groups or other military units that do not have a database back then? Who was/were the first admin(s) on SOCNET, and did you know the other admins of different branches so that the very first members were all verified BTDTs?
How did you personally come across SOCNET? I found SOCNET on Google following up SOF news.
Huey One Four
21 June 2004, 04:44
You know the ones who have been here for so long, they remember the Disco Theme :p
I remember the Disco Theme. IIRC, Hazen was overjoyed :D
Dark Helmet
21 June 2004, 12:18
You have asked several questions, almost all of which would take a very long time to explain in enough detail to be able to call the answer truly an answer.
I have been here for about five years and couldn't tell you how I found the place...
Originally posted by Dark Helmet
You have asked several questions, almost all of which would take a very long time to explain in enough detail to be able to call the answer truly an answer.
I have been here for about five years and couldn't tell you how I found the place...
Finslut told you about his place.
1st memebers were. TPW, Fred, Taskforcerangermember, Poly, Finslut, Lochness, Josepy, Ace, DFC (No longer here), Guy, and myself.
I know that these memeber have been here since I was on in 98.
RAT OUT!!!
JJC_15
21 June 2004, 13:48
I've been lurking here for a while now. The boards before this were nowhere near as organized or monitored. The site itself, I believe, was started by a guy named Tom Hunter. He ran the boards also.
Tuukka
21 June 2004, 13:57
If i recall correctly there was a board which had members from here even before SOCNET started...
Both of you are correct.
It used to be a place for the Men of SOF. Now it has changed to a moster of it's own.
RAT OUT!!!
Type-82
21 June 2004, 14:18
I'm a relative Newbie, however Magician hooked me up on or about 11-09-2002. Never heard of the place before then.
I popped in just after I PCS'd to Schofield Barracks, back in '98.
On the -original- board.
AirbornePaintman
21 June 2004, 15:32
HA. I was checking out a SEALs fitness forum and randomly Mac639 or something like that sent me a link to here (The old SOCNET w/ Tom Hunter). The rest is history...
Yea, it used to be completely different software (based on MS Frontpage...it sucked). I think it was 97' or so when it started up if I remember correctly when Tom added the board to the site.
BD
I am a rather new guy to SOCNET. RAT allowed me to join if I would dance with Princes Pat to the tune of the Marine Hymmmmm. Did I spell that right?
Scotty
21 June 2004, 16:21
Josepy invited me to come check it out back in '99(ish), he and I met (and fell in love) on another web board. I've been his daddy ever since.
Tha's mah boy! :D
Scotty
Sharky
21 June 2004, 16:44
The condensed version of the story as best I remember it.
Originally, most of the emphasis of the site was www.specialoperations.com
It was owned by a guy named Tom Hunter who started it from scratch and was the sole administrator.
The forum that eventually evolved into SOCNET was not originally the main emphasis, more like an added feature.
Jeff Rambo was brought on by Tom to help run the technical side of the website, as well as the forums. Somewhere along in this timeframe I believe is when these forums became SOCNET, which had taken on a life of its own.
Over time, the forums began attracting a fast growing membership. Tom was involved in other things that demanded more and more of his time, and the work fell more and more to Jeff as time went on.
Ace and I volunteered to do whatever was needed to help Jeff out with the work of maintaining the site. Tom agreed and Ace and I became administrators of the site, along with Jeff and Tom. A lot of thought went into deciding how this board would be ran during this period, as well as some of the traits that we felt would make this site more enjoyable to past and present members of SOF, if not the general public. We were given a free hand by Tom to run things as we thought best as far as these forums were concerned.
Eventually Tom sold the site to a new owner who told us to keep running the site as we saw fit. If it aint broke, don't fix it.
As time went on, even Jeff, Ace and myself were unable to keep up with the demands as the forums grew more and more active. The decision was made to add more administrators from different areas of the SOF community. (Ace and I were both Army) Admins were carefully chosen by branch and whom we felt would agree with the direction we had chosen to steer this board. The admins were selected and took over admin responsibilities within their own areas of the board. Most are still here as administrators and have contributed enormously to the success of this board.
As SOCNET has grown, it became necessary to add moderators to the forums because the admins themselves became more and more active with deployments and real-world matters. The admins selected the moderators that are present today who now moderate the more active and/or specialized forums and who have helped relieve much of the burden on the admins. They do a helluva good job too.
As for verification of BTDT's, it's pretty simple. SOF is a small community. If I dont know you, I know someone who does. Many of us knew each other personally from active duty time, such as Polypro and myself. As our ranks have grown it has become easier and easier to verify people as we now have a network that has a broad range of timespans from every facet of the SOF community. So, checking someone out isn't that hard anymore. Especially if we have the ability to ask them a few questions. Life in an SOF unit is very unique and each unit has a character all it's own. You cant fake being in a Ranger Batt. Not to a Battboy anyway. Same goes with the other units. If you weren't there, I'll know within seconds of talking with you. So will anyone who was really there.
I have no idea how I found the site. I just cant remember. Glad I did though. Anyway, that is the story as best I can remember it.
Originally posted by Sharky
.
The admins selected the moderators that are present today who now moderate the more active and/or specialized forums and who have helped relieve much of the burden on the admins. They do a helluva good job too.
Is this a good time for the Mods to ask for a raise? :D
This post about sums it up to the extent that you will receive in a public answer. Any more questions?
Originally posted by Sharky
The condensed version of the story as best I remember it.
Originally, most of the emphasis of the site was www.specialoperations.com
It was owned by a guy named Tom Hunter who started it from scratch and was the sole administrator.
The forum that eventually evolved into SOCNET was not originally the main emphasis, more like an added feature.
Jeff Rambo was brought on by Tom to help run the technical side of the website, as well as the forums. Somewhere along in this timeframe I believe is when these forums became SOCNET, which had taken on a life of its own.
Over time, the forums began attracting a fast growing membership. Tom was involved in other things that demanded more and more of his time, and the work fell more and more to Jeff as time went on.
Ace and I volunteered to do whatever was needed to help Jeff out with the work of maintaining the site. Tom agreed and Ace and I became administrators of the site, along with Jeff and Tom. A lot of thought went into deciding how this board would be ran during this period, as well as some of the traits that we felt would make this site more enjoyable to past and present members of SOF, if not the general public. We were given a free hand by Tom to run things as we thought best as far as these forums were concerned.
Eventually Tom sold the site to a new owner who told us to keep running the site as we saw fit. If it aint broke, don't fix it.
As time went on, even Jeff, Ace and myself were unable to keep up with the demands as the forums grew more and more active. The decision was made to add more administrators from different areas of the SOF community. (Ace and I were both Army) Admins were carefully chosen by branch and whom we felt would agree with the direction we had chosen to steer this board. The admins were selected and took over admin responsibilities within their own areas of the board. Most are still here as administrators and have contributed enormously to the success of this board.
As SOCNET has grown, it became necessary to add moderators to the forums because the admins themselves became more and more active with deployments and real-world matters. The admins selected the moderators that are present today who now moderate the more active and/or specialized forums and who have helped relieve much of the burden on the admins. They do a helluva good job too.
As for verification of BTDT's, it's pretty simple. SOF is a small community. If I dont know you, I know someone who does. Many of us knew each other personally from active duty time, such as Polypro and myself. As our ranks have grown it has become easier and easier to verify people as we now have a network that has a broad range of timespans from every facet of the SOF community. So, checking someone out isn't that hard anymore. Especially if we have the ability to ask them a few questions. Life in an SOF unit is very unique and each unit has a character all it's own. You cant fake being in a Ranger Batt. Not to a Battboy anyway. Same goes with the other units. If you weren't there, I'll know within seconds of talking with you. So will anyone who was really there.
I have no idea how I found the site. I just cant remember. Glad I did though. Anyway, that is the story as best I can remember it.
If I may,
When did the board become open to non-SOF? Was there a distinct point, or did the trickle of civilians just increase over time?
Thank you,
Solid
Wish the server never crashed - lost a lot of good threads when that happened.
Oh, and a big Bravo Zulu to JR, Sharky, Ace, Frog, DH and all of the Mods that help keep the site running!
Originally posted by Solid
If I may,
When did the board become open to non-SOF? Was there a distinct point, or did the trickle of civilians just increase over time?
Thank you,
Solid
It pretty much has always been an element of the boards, but it slowly increased as lurkers began to see that there were many different personalities from all walks, background wise, posting on the boards.
Originally posted by CTA
Wish the server never crashed - lost a lot of good threads when that happened.
Oh, and a big Bravo Zulu to JR, Sharky, Ace, Frog, DH and all of the Mods that help keep the site running!
Assuming you are referring to "The Great Crash of 2000," yes, we lost a lot of great posts and quite a few members as well. As you can see my profile shows that I've been here since August of 2000, whereas in reality it's more liike August of 1998 during the UBB days and a few thousand posts more. Unlike some other *nameless* admins, I've never manually changed my date! LOL
Raider Rakkasans
21 June 2004, 18:34
Red hair girl linked this site to me. Once she found out I was ex-military and bigger than Reaper375. He had no chance whatsoever! BAMB!
Yup... the "Great Crash" old timer! :D
Originally posted by Jeff Rambo
Unlike some other *nameless* admins, I've never manually changed my date! LOL
At least I didn't make my post count what it used to be, LOL.
LOL! I just did a search on that particular admin's name and the difference between actual posts and non-existant posts is over 5,5000! GOD DAMN...
martialboxer
21 June 2004, 21:24
Originally posted by Jeff Rambo
This post about sums it up to the extent that you will receive in a public answer. Any more questions?
I do not have any more questions. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to even visit this thread just for the sake of my curiosity.
Like the others, I would also like to thank the SOCNET guys on maintaining such a professional website. It is not my place to judge other military forums as a non-BTDT student, but SOCNET doesn't seem to have the problem of being run by kids like me flaming each other.
GracieLou
21 June 2004, 22:38
Yep, this site has had an interesting evolution and those whom have been invovled since the beginning have made it quite a neat place. This color sheme is quite a bit better than the old white and blue thing, better format too.
I showed up (the first time) around Sept. 2000 and hung out regularly for a year under a differ screenname. I can't remember how I got here except that it was a link from somewhere else. I had initially got on here to find some folks who may have known my hubby. I was successful and a whole lot more!
I left the BB in Sept 2001 to move to Cali and go to school F/T. I showed back up in 2002 and have been in and out ever since.
Originally posted by RAT
Should I tell everyone how we came acorss each other.
LOL You might want to rephrase that...
It is one of those one-in-a-million type things, ain't it?
Kristen
Sweetbriar
21 June 2004, 23:20
1st memebers were...
I remember Riflemaster, Triggerfifty and some other fine and very experienced gentlemen. It was the possiblity of hearing from them that drew me here. It still does.
Speaking of which: Has anyone heard from JY, or MSGT Hicks?
They havent been around in a while...
Huey One Four
22 June 2004, 00:51
What about TFRANGERMEMBER? Though he vanished when BHD came out, so he's probably just under another name....
Sharky
22 June 2004, 01:23
Originally posted by Snake
Speaking of which: Has anyone heard from JY, or MSGT Hicks?
They havent been around in a while...
JY is still here on occasion, as is Riflemaster. Just not as much as they used to be.
I got a PM from Brian Hicks that he is extremely busy with his new life in the land of civilians and doesn't have the time right now to post much, but he is still around occasionally as well.
TFR was commanding a desk last we heard and hasn't been on here in a long time. I miss old Shaft.
Sharky
22 June 2004, 01:27
Originally posted by Jeff Rambo
LOL! I just did a search on that particular admin's name and the difference between actual posts and non-existant posts is over 5,5000! GOD DAMN...
LOL.......yuck it up bastards. It was actually me being sarcastic. IIRC it was someone from another board (newsmax?) that I pissed off (go figure) who mentioned how many posts I had. So, I figured to up it a bit just to fuck with him. I never bothered changing it. Actually, I have absolutely no idea how many posts I may have.
What about Old SF'er, 1811, jn36crpd, Slug, ski....... haven't heard from any of those chaps in a while.
Any of them still around?
Originally posted by GirlCop74
Sharky and Ace were the two I remember distinctly other than Tom. Kristen
Tracy told me I might like it here back in July of 2000. I don't recall anyone except Hazen who was an FNG at the time and YOU! Oh my Lord! I couldn't believe how mean you were to some of those men! and that damned Mermaid of yours! Holy Shit Bat Girl! It's no wonder I like you.
Originally posted by C-M-R
I couldn't believe how mean you were to some of those men!
I know I don't know why I still put up with him making fun of my spelling. He has been doing this for at least 5 yrs now. :D
Fin became an Admin now he does not have time to proof read all my posts. ( I am so upset. :( )
HAHAHAHA
RAT OUT!!!
JumpmasterK
22 June 2004, 07:35
I remember that Tom Hunter's name was on the front page of Specialoperations.com. I came to the site when I was researching other nations' Specops forces. Once I came upon Socnet, I was hooked.
specwarnet
13 October 2004, 13:49
Meant to make this post Monday....
Five years ago Tom Hunter sent out e-mails to a few people about this new message board he'd started. He kept it small at first, for testing, and then linked to it on the main page of his web site. I joined the first day. RAT and Frog right after.
Tom has since moved on and SpecialOperations.com is much changed. But what hasn't changed is the dedication to this board that many people have.
SOCnet's Mods and admins have been a driving force for the long-term success of this board. So thank you, every one of you, who puts your time into SOCnet. It's been my pleasure to be here.
JJC_15
13 October 2004, 13:55
I've been lurking here since those first days as well and also want to say thanks to all who helped make this board what is is today.
quartz
13 October 2004, 14:02
Much thanks. The top quality of this board is a direct reflection of the dedication given by the Admin, Mods and users.
Andy0331
13 October 2004, 14:04
I remember the old "green & black bomber" of a message board. I was pleasantly surprised when it took on its present form.
We've got a hell of a community here!
Andy
specwarnet
13 October 2004, 14:09
Yeah, and the SOCmeets are great too!
Scotty
13 October 2004, 14:21
Anyone heard from Tom? I haven't talked to him in years. He was working on a book back then and asked me to try to get him introduced to a few folks, which I think worked out. Haven't heard anything else about the book since either...
Scotty
specwarnet
13 October 2004, 15:42
He's in DC. Ask Jimbo :D
socket
13 October 2004, 15:44
I remember the old old board - before UBB and before the vB it is now. I remember Fred, Frog (I think), LANman, and Demopup. It's been a long time.
But you're right, things haven't changed much here - and I'm very thankful for that.
Jimbo
13 October 2004, 16:39
Originally posted by specwarnet
He's in DC. Ask Jimbo :D
I see him often. Congratulations are in order for him, as well.
Scotty
13 October 2004, 17:22
Drop me a line. Tell him Scotty says hi...
Scotty
RAT
13 October 2004, 17:23
Damn it has been this long. WOW... LOL
Fred.... I PM him every now and then.
As for the 1st Days. The VBB was not very good at all. Old dial up and having to go to every post to see who was posting where. Talk about getting NO work done....
I have to say this place has been a great place to pass the time. I have made some great friends.
RAT OUT!!!
Wench
13 October 2004, 17:33
Oh Lord, that old black and white background at one time too. Those were the days...LOL.
K
Snake
13 October 2004, 17:43
I came on, back when it was VBB, and we had the mega-trolls like SuperSerb.
Good times.
GracieLou
13 October 2004, 18:02
Originally posted by GirlCop74
Oh Lord, that old black and white background at one time too. Those were the days...LOL.
K
Yeah, that is what it looked like when I rolled around here for the first time in 2000 (differ screename). Man, that white background on my old monitor just about blinded me;) :D !
Those were the days...
krader
14 October 2004, 01:45
I guess I am one of those old timers to. I just stumbled upon this board after seeing one to many Navy SEAL and SWAT shows on Discovery Channel. 18 back then almost 24 now, time flies but I love what has happened to this place, I think reading what you all have to say about this world and life etc has given me a different prespective on life then alot of my peers. Glad to still be here, keep up the good conversations. Maybe instead of SoCNet Corpral I should be promoted to Socnet oldtimer or longtimer or something. Take care all
krader
Stumbled upon it years ago. Been here about 5 years or so? I remember being vetted by JR over some nonsensical shit at one point...The site has definitely gotten tighter, and a lot less right-wing ;)
What the hell ever happened to Sneaky?
Seen a lot of faces come and go. Some I know where they are and can find them, others I have no idea.
Like Sneaky.
Baildog
15 June 2008, 18:46
Nice. Post 51 = Oct 04; Post 52 = Today. That is some serious thread resurrection!
I was hanging around mil.com, and it kind of scared me. Then Greenhat pointed me to this site.
I came on somewhere back in '98-'99 when I saw too many OPSEC violations and tried to get Tom Hunter to police up the site. He never did and I'm glad he's gone. He went so far to to attend SOF Trade shows and reunions and post pictures of our gear and faces of AD SEALs.
I'm much happier these days.
Bravo Five Romeo
15 June 2008, 19:18
I popped on here a little over 8 years ago when mods had names like TackDaBoat.
I found SOCNET while doing a search to try and locate buddies from my LRSD.
There used to be a LRS forum here but the fookin battboys couldn't be satisfied with taking our streamers to steal our lineage in the 80's... 20 years later they had to take our forum too. :D
MikeC2W
15 June 2008, 19:25
I think I met a bunch of folks over on a Ranger Yahoo Group site, then got directed over here....the individual that originally pointed me to here is long gone.
KidA - it's funny you bring up Sneaky, I've wondered the same for some time.
Greenhat
15 June 2008, 20:56
Sneaky is alive and well on ps.com
What the hell ever happened to Sneaky?
Seen a lot of faces come and go. Some I know where they are and can find them, others I have no idea.
Like Sneaky.
Sneaky is alive and well on ps.com
KidA, "Sneaky" goes by the name NousDefionsDoc, or NDD for short, over on PS.com.
KidA, "Sneaky" goes by the name NousDefionsDoc, or NDD for short, over on PS.com.
Ah thanks. I've been over there once or twice, but Socnet is home.
I know there was a group that went over to the place that shall not be named, too.
Ah thanks. I've been over there once or twice, but Socnet is home.
I know there was a group that went over to the place that shall not be named, too.
Thought I saw you online there before, wasn't sure if you knew his user name or not.
Shhh. :D Yep, but he's not there.
Massgrunt
16 June 2008, 04:14
Sneaky is alive and well on ps.com
I assume he's the same "SneakySFDude" on Lightfighter?
Greenhat
16 June 2008, 05:00
I assume he's the same "SneakySFDude" on Lightfighter?
No idea.
I came here 4 years ago, directed here from the NavySEALS.com forum. I stepped on my dick, screwed up a lot, grew up a bit, and just want to say thanks for not banning my dumb ass years ago.
universible
29 July 2008, 23:17
Came here when I was getting into law enforcement. I was looking into joining the guard at the same time and was searching for rep 63 info. Needless to say, my better half was all for LE and my other crazy adventures, but was afraid I'd disappear if I joined up. I've been lurking for 6 years I guess....
lavbo0321
30 July 2008, 01:43
How is Josepy doing these days?
Josepy invited me to come check it out back in '99(ish), he and I met (and fell in love) on another web board. I've been his daddy ever since.
Tha's mah boy! :D
Scotty
Just to clarify a few posts in this thread that I missed before:
1st memebers were. TPW, Fred, Taskforcerangermember, Poly, Finslut, Lochness, Josepy, Ace, DFC (No longer here), Guy, and myself.
This is correct, but DFC is still here, just under a different user name.
Admin run down was like this: Jeff and Tom was doing the Admin thing, they then brought Josepy on as an Admin. Not sure why but he wasn't an Admin long.
Jeff then brought me on as an Admin (username at the time was different), I brought Sharky and DarkHelmet on board within weeks of that, then the other Admins came on line, Doc was an Admin during that time.
A few yrs later we brought in the Mod's.
1st memebers were. TPW, Fred, Taskforcerangermember, Poly, Finslut, Lochness, Josepy, Ace, DFC (No longer here), Guy, and myself.
I know that these memeber have been here since I was on in 98.As a sidebar, someone might wonder at the history of RAT's spelling issues on SOCNET. Using all of the powers the admins have bestowed upon me, I was able to dig up this classic -- as possibly the oldest SOCNET evidence of RAT's abuse of the English language....:D:D
http://www.socnet.com/showpost.php?p=1895&postcount=4
3dRanger
31 July 2008, 13:53
As a sidebar, someone might wonder at the history of RAT's spelling issues on SOCNET. Using all of the powers the admins have bestowed upon me, I was able to dig up this classic -- as possibly the oldest SOCNET evidence of RAT's abuse of the English language....:D:D
http://www.socnet.com/showpost.php?p=1895&postcount=4
Isn't a recrutier who you go see to join the French military? :D
All I am going to say is
HOW NICE!!!
Friends I tell ya. hahahahhahaha
I am so happy I have provided so many yrs of bad spelling and entertainment over the years.
Yes, DFC is back...
LOL
RO!!!
Greenhat
28 October 2008, 06:03
All I am going to say is
Friends I tell ya. hahahahhahaha
I am so happy I have provided so many yrs of bad spelling and entertainment over the years.
Yes, DFC is back...
LOL
RO!!!
Nine years ... and you still can't spell worth a shit. ;)
Ronin 762
29 October 2008, 04:42
I first came across this board back in late 98 early 99, I don't remember exactly but it was between deployments, I kind of lost contact with it over my next deployment and when I came back my account was gone. I don't post much, just read, so I didn't bother registering again for a few years. I know Josepy and a few others on here from way back. Hell, I even knew RAT, before I knew who RAT was.
Anyway, good place to keep in touch with some old friends.
thecatsonpoint
7 November 2008, 03:48
How is Josepy doing these days?
He's good. Talk to him all the time.
Lancer33
14 December 2008, 23:48
Greenhat directed me here in 2003 I think. Still enjoy it.
Jim Kirk
20 June 2009, 12:18
SOCNET was recommended to me by Steven F. of the Yahoo Special Operations War group in '08. Read all of the FAQs and "advice to FNGs", lurked (mostly on the EOD forum) until I got comfortable; got some good advice from my "cousin" ;) , Ranger Kirk about posting on the 75th Ranger forum, and now I'm a full member with all of the privileges and responsibilities that that implies.
And I'm being quite serious. I may only be a Tabbed Ranger and a one tour EOD tech (and when I was awarded my Senior Tech badge, I had already shipped over to MI :smile:)... Sorry, but I'm losing it. :(
Incidently, I ran into Tom Hunter on the Houston Chronicle web site back in April, but I need to crash, so that's for another post....
My number 2, Biệt Động Mèo cat has the horn. :cool:
grim226
3 February 2010, 23:04
i first popped by back in 06 back before i was even 18 i was still back at military school then.... and i can distinctively remember reading one of RAT's posts and going... wait... WHAT? and going back over and rereading it over and over.
surprisingly that is what brought me back a few times after a while the site got me hooked
ive been an assclown a few times but slowly but surely im removing that clown wig frm my fourth point of contact
The91Bravo
4 February 2010, 04:29
I honestly do not know how I found this place, but am very glad I did. As a conventional Army veteran, I presumed that I would not be accepted here. I was sincerely wrong.
I first signed up with the username: Brother18ZuluSFAuthor (Since my brother was an 18D/Z and I was writing an SF novel) or some shit like that, and CB came along and showed me how others were receiveing that username. I changed it to my old MOS and have been here ever since.
The first instructions I read and listened to were; "Read more, post less". That is something I have tried to follow.
I have also seen the tenacity of a brotherhood that will not hold back when supporting those deserving, and flat out burning those who do not deserve their support. And I must say, it is a sight to see.
Thanks for allowing me to be here, and I continue to learn something from you all everyday.
Steve
I got my first computer in 98 I think.This was the first site I joined ever on the net.I was searching for all things Airborne and came across it.
I also remember it was one of the few places I could find that talked about guns and was so anti bullpup that I had to stay and argue.
Something happened on a site make over and everyone had to rejoin I think , which pissed me off cause I had time up.
Not pissing in anyone's pocket but I've learnt alot and been introduced to Crossfit.
This is also the first site I go to when the shit hits the fan anywhere in the world.
I've also done alot of lurking and laughing.My favourite saying from this site was from the bloke who came up with "I use to be a door gunner on the Space shuttle".I use that saying to this day at work.
I was just a wee little PFC that had come across SOCNET in my quest to learn more about RIP and SFAS. I lurked for awhile and typically didn't step on my dick (I was an 'older' PFC). I would comment and ask questions and continued to participate even during my deployment. When I was injured by an IED, some of the fine folks here took me under their wing. I vaguely remember Sharky sending me a gift-box of hot sauce!
Anyways, the rest is history :) I may not be able to serve anymore but this site is still great and I consider many here to be friends.
ET1/ss nuke
7 June 2010, 21:01
I'm not sure when I came here originally, but it was when the bulletin board was a subset of the old specialoperations.com with the black and green background. I remember the site going down at least once, probably in the 1999 to 2002 time frame. I'm listed as a member since 2003, but that's the latest incarnation.
Like many others, I'm not sure how I found this place, but it was probably while I was searching for some submarine-related information. I was never a special operator of any kind and never was interested in being one, but submarine qualified nuclear reactor operators are a pretty exclusive club of another kind. For a long time after I first came here, I limited my contributions to topics related to submarines or nuclear things, and I still tend to stick to the general boards and away from the specialist areas out of deference to others who deserve it.
Thank you to the mods and admins who have made this place possible over the years. I generally get clued in to stories by the news media, then head over here to get the real facts from an unparalleled store of knowledge and experience. I hope to someday achieve a sufficient level of income to afford to significantly contribute to the continued operations of this site, but for now I offer my prayers, whatever they may be worth.
ktek01
11 September 2010, 02:57
I know I first went online around 99, and I was looking for a good Infantry site, there wasnt one and somehow I ended up here. I do remember changing to the green and black VBB. A lot of good times, met some good people, and was lucky enough to get the chance to work with a few.
10 years later and there still isnt a decent Infantry website.
Brew_City_Guy
30 October 2011, 13:35
I figured this would be the best place to ask my question…
In the history of SOCNET, has there ever been a non-SOF member to receive the BTDT tab?
An example being a LEO turned IC.
iraqgunz
30 October 2011, 13:42
Oh my......this should be interesting.
Here's a hint- BTDT has ZERO to do with contractors or LEO's.
Brew_City_Guy
30 October 2011, 14:19
I understand that BTDT doesn't have anything LEO or contracting gunz. It was just something that I was thinking about while reading the history post. I could have used a more in depth example but I'll chalk it up to a wondering mind and let it go.
Respectfully
Ranger1
11 November 2011, 11:11
In the history of SOCNET, has there ever been a non-SOF member to receive the BTDT tab?
Strictly speaking yes. Not all SOCNET BTDTs are USMIL SOF in the strictest terms, but they might as well be. SOCNET is a joint operation in the truest sense. Special operations are not limited to the military and just the units/organizations you read about. You'll just have to trust us on this. Every BTDT is thoroughly vetted and personally known to us. BTDTs (MIL SOF or otherwise) are an insanely small community. If we don't know you, we know someone that will. Usually within 2-3 phone calls anywhere in the world. And some of the time you'll get a knock on your door. That's not bullshit or bragging. It's a fact.
There have been exceptions where a vetting has taken months, but we eventually clear everyone you see with BTDT under their screen name before the title is granted. Even if we have to travel internationally, which we've done. We've even done face to face vettings in war zones. I can personally attest that one vetting 'we've' done was under indirect fire. No, it wasn't planned that way.
I can honestly say we have the most thorough, pain in the ass vetting process on the internet. But that's why we're SOCNET and 'they' are not.
However, 'BTDT' will never include LEOs turned ICs, nor does it include people who are ICs with no Special Operations background.
And you don't need to know any more detail.
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