Any SEALs or former SEALs on here?

[SeabeeDiver]

Originally Posted by BEEFCAKE-NMCB1

Did five years in NMCB-1 I'm guessing your with a UCT unit are you still in?

Still in the yacht club. If the world turns the right way in 2 years, I'll be taking command of UCT-1. If not, there's a lot of interesting work in this field that will still be pretty exciting.

I'm presuming you're still with NMCB-1? If so, I know your prospective CO....a real stud, but unfortunately, is a Penn State football fan (be sure to hold that against him at every opportunity).....I also used to run past him like he was a panting old lady at our weekly Ultimate Frisbee games. A few other old friends are down there in Gulfport in various CO/XO/Ops positions.

I also think we had a guy from your battalion in my dive school class ("SW3 Tattoo's and UFC"....if he was from 1, I'm sure you know whom I'm referring to). It's a small world.....

[Reborn]

Originally Posted by trelane

I have no affiliation with any American SF unit, nor will I discuss anyone I know that's in any SF unit anywhere, but I do know quite a bit about American SF, so you might want to consider what I have to say.

First of all the SEALS are not the only SF units in the US, they're just one of the best. There's Force Recon, the Green Berets, Air Force Pararescue, and various Army reconnaissance units. Each has their strengths and weaknesses. If you want to see active duty you might even consider the Coast Guard which is active 24/7 and get a billet in the Gulf of Mexico. I can flat out guarantee things will be interesting, and you'll see more action than in an SF unit.

Another thing to consider is the acceptance/failure rate, and what happens to you if you wash out. IOW wash out of BUDS and you may find yourself scrubbing decks because the Navy is somewhat lacking in ground forces. The Army would still give you options such as Airborne/Air Assault, and Rangers. The Marines would also have me mention that every Marine gets basic combat training, and that they're always happy to prove to you that you are not nearly as hardcore as you think you are.
My Advice:
Talk to several recruiters, ask about compensation packages, incentive programs and the chance that you'll actually see active duty. Ask about each MOS in each branch, what it's acceptance rate is, and what happens if you don't make muster. If they don't know make them find out before you sign on the dotted line.
I love the military but I also know exactly who's army of one you are, and to whom your ass belongs as soon as you take the oath. Be smart and do your research beforehand.

Just to clarify, the proper term when referring to SEALs, Force Recon, etc. is special ops. SF (Special Forces) is specific to Army special ops. Also, they only wear green berets, they do not call themselves green berets. You'll thank me in the future.