PSYOP missions?

[antennafarm]

Hopefully this question won't get you guys on my ass for being a gd idiot (assuming that any detail can be given that doesn't violate OPSEC):

What sort of missions do PSYOP units get? Specifically the tactical PSYOP teams...

I know the dissemination (seems like a bulk of it?). Civil Affairs-type stuff. Surrender orders. A culturally aware set of ears .. when applicable, driving around fooling listening posts... all the stuff on psywarrior.com

but ...what other sorts of missions are there? After reading and reading through this forum, I've noticed a few references to missions that sounded a little bit more clandestine, like pirate radio stations ... what else?

On the armyranger.com forum, someone was talking (well, really, more like bitching) about his experience with PSYOPs and mentioned that basically, the ones that he worked around, were either in production or "thinking up things to get inside the enemy's heads" (rough quote, don't sue). The thread is here (http://www.armyranger.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=4556&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15).

Or is an open forum on the internet just a plain jane bad place to ask this question? Or should I wait until I'm in AIT to ask stupid questions like this?

Either way, excited, excited....

[CATAtonic426]

The drill sarn'ts there at the school will tell you about some cool stuff. Just be ready for the first 3 weeks or so, they will be tough. Pay attention, move with a purpose, do the right thing, respect your NCOs, your fellow soldiers, and yourself. Shut up and listen, don't ask stupid questions, show them you are there to learn. Do your best, don't give up, never fall out, and don't complain, there are worse schools out there. Should you make it (and not get recycled), you will be a special operations warrior. Think about what that means to you and how much you want it. Remember that everyone you talk to, no matter how hard they are on you, just want you to exceed the standard. Take their advice for what it's worth, drive on, and move out smartly. Focus on the mission at hand, this AIT is pretty darn sexy.

[TPD1280]

Or is an open forum on the internet just a plain jane bad place to ask this question? Or should I wait until I'm in AIT to ask stupid questions like this?

BINGO!

[antennafarm]

In that case, I'll scold myself for asking a question I sorta knew the answer to!

[TPD1280]

I have a silly question for you

You have a B.S., why are you enlisting? Why not become an Officer?

[antennafarm]

A few reasons, not necessarily in order of importance:

1) As an officer, I wouldn't be able to choose my branch. Wishlist be damned, I don't want to end up managing shower stalls.

2) If I'm not mistaken, PSYOP doesn't allow officers until O3? Or are they letting O1's come in right after OCS when they get their new branch?

3) I'm not terrrrribly comfortable with the idea of leading folks when I don't have any experience doing what they're doing. I think it'd be better getting field experience, get some time in as an NCO, and THEN, maybe, put in my packet!

4) From what I can suss from this board (and the trickle on others), psywarrior.com, etc, 37F is exactly what I want to do.

5) I think PSYOP is one of the major keys to success in the future, and I'd like to do my best toward that end (pardon the armchair general hue of this comment).

Of course, if I can't get 37F, I have to have a backup.. one of my considered plans DOES have OCS in it (another is seeing if I can get 11B with airborne and first unit assignment in the contract.. and if I can swing it, language), but I have to research that a little bit more.

[ekaphoto]

A few reasons, not necessarily in order of importance:

1) As an officer, I wouldn't be able to choose my branch. Wishlist be damned, I don't want to end up managing shower stalls.

2) If I'm not mistaken, PSYOP doesn't allow officers until O3? Or are they letting O1's come in right after OCS when they get their new branch?

3) I'm not terrrrribly comfortable with the idea of leading folks when I don't have any experience doing what they're doing. I think it'd be better getting field experience, get some time in as an NCO, and THEN, maybe, put in my packet!

4) From what I can suss from this board (and the trickle on others), psywarrior.com, etc, 37F is exactly what I want to do.

5) I think PSYOP is one of the major keys to success in the future, and I'd like to do my best toward that end (pardon the armchair general hue of this comment).

Of course, if I can't get 37F, I have to have a backup.. one of my considered plans DOES have OCS in it (another is seeing if I can get 11B with airborne and first unit assignment in the contract.. and if I can swing it, language), but I have to research that a little bit more.

If you have to go 11B, just go to OCS instead.

[antennafarm]

Well, it's not a matter of "having" to go 11B. 11B (and 19D) are pretty high up on my list of what I'd want to sign up for if I can't get 37F.

If I put in Infantry as my #1 choice for branch on the wishlist, are they likely to give it to me?

[TPD1280]

Sounds like you have given the issue some actual, grown up, serious consideration.

Good for you.

You should have no problems enlisting for 37F, slots are available. As long as your physical profile meets standards and you have the required test scored on the ASVAB and DLAB, you should be good to hook.

[CATAtonic426]

Well, it's not a matter of "having" to go 11B. 11B (and 19D) are pretty high up on my list of what I'd want to sign up for if I can't get 37F.

If I put in Infantry as my #1 choice for branch on the wishlist, are they likely to give it to me?

It's not really a wishlist, it's accessions. So I'm told, OCS is at the bottom of the list, along with direct commission, for choice of branch. The USMA leads with ROTC following. I'd suggest you look into an ROTC program...

[antennafarm]

Sounds like you have given the issue some actual, grown up, serious consideration.

Good for you.

You should have no problems enlisting for 37F, slots are available. As long as your physical profile meets standards and you have the required test scored on the ASVAB and DLAB, you should be good to hook.

Well, fingers crossed! I take the ASVAB on Wednesday and, from the looks of a practice test I took, there should be no problem getting, well, any MOS that I want. I suspect I'll do okay on the DLAB, too, since I know some Greek and the word formation (gendered nouns, different cases applicable to all nouns [not just the personal pronouns and easy ass possessive, like in English), active/passive verbs plus endings depending on tense and person, etc).

Physical profile, I'm assuming that I'll be okay. Out of shape, but I'm actively getting IN shape.

I guess I'll know for sure after MEPS, to which I'll go in early November, when I return from a month long trip visiting family in Greece. Want to get in a little better shape to ASSURE that I don't get turned away (I'd have to be tape tested at the moment and would pass, but I want to drop a few more pounds and add a little more girth to my neck just to make sure -- I've come a long way since I decided to enlist, dropped about 30 lbs over the summer, and I'm not chancing anything).

I get to run on a paradise island. Poor me, huh?

[TPD1280]

Good on you for getting in shape.

Adding girth to your neck? That's a Bullshit way to get around the test.

Either you are a fat body or you are not a fat body.

Do it the right way. Short cuts are for the weak and lazy.

[antennafarm]

Well. It's a good thing I can pass it!

Although I'm still waiting until after I return from Greece.

[antennafarm]

A little update. I no longer have to worry about ASVAB scores: I got a 98!