Any SEALs or former SEALs on here?

[fivehourfrenzy]

My original dream when I was kid was to be a fighter pilot, but it's shifted a bit. I've always wanted to be a part of some kind of special forces military group, and what better one to be than the SEALs?

I've talked to lots of people that have served in the Marine corp, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, etc. All have been very encouraging about me making my dream a reality.

My dad, on the other hand, thinks I have no chance of even being considered. Of seven children (four brothers, two sisters), he was the only male to not go into the armed forces when he was 18. He thinks me wanting to join any of the military branches is silly. I have no idea why. He says I want to be a SEAL so I can go around and brag about it. I mean wtf? Who says that kind of crap? My dad's a good man, but he says some pretty stupid stuff sometimes. Senility hit him like a ton of bricks.

Anyway, I've been told the SEALs are extremely hard to get into, but if I want it bad enough, I'll get in, and enjoy every minute of it. I'm finishing up my undergraduate so I could go in as an officer. I've heard everything from, "Dude, you're not tall enough" to "Yeah right, you can't eat a meal in three minutes." S**t really gets old when people have nothing better to do than cut you down because they're insecure little b****es. I realize it takes more than the average joe to even consider putting himself through the so-called "punishment" of training. I love it...there's nothing better for me than someone getting in my face and screaming at me until I finish the job. I need to be pushed to reach my full potential in anything, which is not something I'm proud of, but definitely something going into the SEALs would give me.

I really have no desire to go into the Marine Corp, Army, or National Guard. Special forces are what I take a very high interest in, and although I'm aware that other military branches besides the Navy have their special force teams, I'm not familiar with them.

If anyone's been in the military and could give me some friendly advice on following through with what I consider to be the best job on the planet, please post up! I've got another year of school after this semester, and after that I'd like to start a career in the special forces, whether it be SEALs, or any other branch.

[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.

[gsh341]

I'll admit, the SEALs are pretty bad a$$. But what about all the other Special Forces out there? Believe it or not they do some pretty crazy stuff too.

You can start your search for more info here.

Special Operations Center - Military.com

I will let you in on one little secret about the SEALs. If you want to join them you had better love, Love, LOVE getting wet. Almost everything they do has something to do with the water.

Whatever you decide, research everything about it before you decide. Learn everything you can about ALL the various SF groups and the path to joining that group, or you may regret your decision later.

[fivehourfrenzy]

I swam competitively for 11 years. I fish every chance I get. I whitewater raft and almost got into whitewater kayaking, but I didn't have a vehicle to transport it. I LOVE water.

[TacoMalo]

Sounds like you've had a lot of people telling you what you can't do which is exactly the kind of person that has the motivation to go out and do what you put your mind to, good luck with whatever branch you decide to go for and keep your head up remember what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Btw, go out to a B&N, Wal-Mart or Waldenbooks and pick up a copy of "Lone Survivor" it's a great book written by a SEAL from Texas the first half of the book describes what he went through in training the rest is about a mission that went terribly wrong it's an awesome book.

[Loves2Shoot]

I've known a couple old frogs and they never talked about the missions, but I've heard a story or two about the training. I think you have to be a bit crazy to want to do that job.

I would suggest that you read the book, "Lone Survivor." It is a pretty good read and pretty consistent with what I've heard first hand about the training and the rest.

You must love COLD water and sand. If you have quit in you they will find it, and that is why they have a high wash out rate. They don't want soldiers who have quit in them.

Good luck!

[gsh341]

Oh yeah, the other thing about many SF groups is they are historically VERY well trained and VERY rarely used.

In the current war-time environment this has changed somewhat, but SF isn't generally used for anything the average infantry can do. This really limits the amount of real-life missions they get as compared to standard combat troops.

The missions they do get are typically VERY dangerous and have a high probability of someone (or everyone) getting killed or wounded if any little thing goes wrong.

But, if that's your kind of deal, go for it and have some fun!!

[fivehourfrenzy]

Originally Posted by TacoMalo

Btw, go out to a B&N, Wal-Mart or Waldenbooks and pick up a copy of "Lone Survivor" it's a great book written by a SEAL from Texas the first half of the book describes what he went through in training the rest is about a mission that went terribly wrong it's an awesome book.

I will go out and buy it tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Loves2Shoot

I think you have to be a bit crazy to want to do that job.

I'm more than a bit crazy. The higher the risk of serious injury or death, the more appealing I find it.

Originally Posted by Loves2Shoot

If you have quit in you they will find it, and that is why they have a high wash out rate. They don't want soldiers who have quit in them.

I've blacked out several times during weight training because I refused to quit and my body gave up.

Originally Posted by gsh341

Oh yeah, the other thing about many SF groups is they are historically VERY well trained and VERY rarely used.

In the current war-time environment this has changed somewhat, but SF isn't generally used for anything the average infantry can do. This really limits the amount of real-life missions they get as compared to standard combat troops.

The missions they do get are typically VERY dangerous and have a high probability of someone (or everyone) getting killed or wounded if any little thing goes wrong.

But, if that's your kind of deal, go for it and have some fun!!

Definitely my kind of deal. There are many things in life that someone can do to me that are far worse than death.

[buttstroker]

5hf, go for it!

go to officer candidate school... i believe you're supposed to attend during your sophomore/junior and/or junior/senior summer break(s) being paid as an e-5/sgt, then you get commissioned as a butter bar when you graduate college and then go to your specialty training... i don't think you go straight to bud/s... when you do go to bud/s you'll train right along with the enlisted... at least e-4s i believe... you'd better have a leader personality... i went through some of their training down there in coronado... rubbed shoulders with 'em the chow hall, but couldn't talk to 'em... even us jarheads looked wimpy compared to them sorry-ass look'n fish

[fivehourfrenzy]

Originally Posted by buttstroker

5hf, go for it!

go to officer candidate school... i believe you're supposed to attend during your sophomore/junior and/or junior/senior summer break(s) being paid as an e-5/sgt, then you get commissioned as a butter bar when you graduate college and then go to your specialty training... i don't think you go straight to bud/s... when you do go to bud/s you'll train right along with the enlisted... at least e-4s i believe... you'd better have a leader personality... i went through some of their training down there in coronado... rubbed shoulders with 'em the chow hall, but couldn't talk to 'em... even us jarheads looked wimpy compared to them sorry-ass look'n fish

Is it possible to go after graduation if I'm not able to go this summer? I've got a leader personality...I don't like looking at the rear end of anyone in front of me.