foreign courses

[enderr]

Alright, if any superlifer wants to chew me out go ahead. But, what is the process involved with getting on a foreign course ie. ranger, spec for, french commando. How does a young guy who isn't 6A, MOI, adv recce, PPF, SOA qualified go about finding the prerequisites, necessary paperwork etc. Even if you have to be a the best troop in the battalion in order to be considered for a foreign course, it would be nice to know how to go about it instead of waiting for a mysterious fellow to approach you.

[TonyM]

If you don't have any personal contacts on the other side, it looks pretty bleak. If you do, and you've got time and money, it's still bleak but hopeful. Even so it takes lots of time to develope these relationships. Anyways, nothing ventured-nothing gained. To make some foreign contacts try these:
1) Find out who (Brits or Yank) your Regiment is affiliated with. Travel on your own to meet them. Buy some rounds in their mess, make friends. Try to get an invite to "observe" their training. Don't be too pushy, it's got to be their idea.
2) If your jump qual'd, contact Rob Krott (para6@hotmail.com) he heads up the Military Parachuting tours. Get on one his "Friendship Jumps" with the IDF,SADF etc. It's usually a 1 jump thing, mostly for US military, just to get some extra wings. Expensive, but worth it for the contacts. Try for the C130-water jump with the SA 44 Paras. Supposed to be a shit-hot go.
3) Try to get your unit to sponsor you for a US Army Reserve Component correspondence course. It's free, but a hockey sock full of admin and paperwork. You'll need some pull from an officer for this. Go for the LRS Leadership Course (Reserve Component). If you pass all the modules you've got some ammo to ask to go onthe field portion, held in Benning, for 2 weeks once each year.
4) This board is a good source of contacts and intel. "Tracy" on the SF section is a good start. He's got ton's of time under his belt and knows the score. He helped us out on the FIBUA side last year.
5) A lot of Guard units are always looking for a "Sister" unit to have in Canada. Again, you'll have to travel on your own, press the flesh and try to stir up some ju-ju. Then take it to your command and pray they don't fuck it up.

I don't know what else to tell you. Hope this helps. Just don't listen to the wasters, regardless of rank or prior service, telling you that it can't be done.

And don't give up.

PS: I almost had #3. Came real close....

[TonyM]

Enderr-

Try this out for a start: UK Reserve Forces Association. A good letter asking about next year's programs might be in order.

"The RFA assist in may events throughout NATO by co-ordinating with other NATO countries their Military/Shooting competitions as well as exchange vists with other NATO Forces. Information about these competitions/exchanges can be found through your unit RFA Representative and your orderly room/company office.

If you can't find the information within your unit contact us atany of these locations, but check first withyour own unit. "


Reserve Forces Association HQ...................WO2 R Bell
Duke of York Barracks...........................3rd Royal Highland Fusiliers
Chelsea........................................... .........Walcheren Barracks
London............................................ .........Hostspur Street, Glasgow G20 8LQ
TEL: 0171- 414- 5588................................TEL: 0141-224-5460

[Reverend B]

ahhh...wait out. I spent a few nights on the piss with a Canuck that went Fusiliers....I'll check with some people that know him better and see what he can dredge up on his side, if anything.
Just ask me in a bit what is up with that, my memory is so shot, I thank God some times that the CF provided me with a name-tag. I'll probably forget as soon as I go get another coffee.

[enderr]

Cool, soon as the new fiscal year starts apparently some of the guys are going on a Air Assault course run out of Fort Drum.
Thanks for your help.

[Marauder]

You QOB lads have any room for a po' little EKSCOT PTE to tag along?