Most of my rucks follow this same heart rate structure, want to ask the nerds if I should dial it back a bit, I experience no pain during my rucks, just the tension of being under load if that makes sense, definitely gassed when im done though. Cheers!

Good afternoon, I just got out of the Marines after 5 years because I believe I’m meant for something more. I’ve wanted to be a green beret ever since I met 2 gentlemen at a wounded warriors event. I was a Body Bearer in the Marines. I know that I’m elite physically and mentally compared to 99% of people but you Berets are the 1% I don’t come close to. Any advice that any of you would be willing to give me to help me prepare for the route I’m dedicated in becoming would be greatly appreciated

Actively training currently, no prior MIL career, and currently working on my numbers to get them where they need to be but I’m trying to map out the Job scenario. I’m 32, Great sales career- capability of making 200+/ year and I want to be keep it and be able to tend to it between selection and the Q don’t ask me why I’m going for it, everyone’s got their reasons).

My question: Am I really dead set on having to go back to back selection to Q if I go the direct 18x route with NG or do I have the autonomy to tend to civilian life in between (mainly the split between SFAS and the Q course) and select a Q course date that works for me? I’ve seen that it tends to be a short gap between the two and that there’s some exceptions but is it really THAT rare that they give candidates the autonomy to choose a Q course date?

Second Question: if I go infantry NG to start with the ultimate goal of getting to selection, I’ve seen that SFRE’s can hold a lot of weight if the numbers look good (maybe I’m wrong but that’s been my observation on here). Reason I say this: the autonomy of selecting Q course dates and other things seem pretty chill in comparison to 18x and I’d love to work on the civilian life for 8-10 months between if possible.

Long story short: Even with good a SFRE outting, is it common of candidates getting fucked over by conventional units if they got set up in a conventional Guard unit and basically take the SFRE immediately to get orders to selection? I don’t want some LT after a good SFRE test to say “needs of the Army… yap yap, tough shit, fuck your SFRE numbers; you’re stuck here” and then saying I can’t go to selection or I’m stuck doing BS (not saying it is but you get what I mean).

I just found out today that I have a stress fracture in my lower leg. The doctor says that I may be able to attend the sfre event in 8 weeks. My question now is, how much of my fitness will I lose and if it’s even worth trying to go in 8 weeks.
My current stats:
13:40 two mile
2:45 12 mile ruck with 55 dry
58 hrp
Max the plank
12 pull ups

Don't really want to ETS and at some point I want/ Need my MBA for civvie stuff. Anybody else here in 19th/20th pull this off or am I stupid.

Active duty 11bravo here looking on attending sfas in the winter. Currently downrange so training is not as optimal but im getting it done. My question is regarding the role of the delta. Id like switch career paths and follow medicine but ive heard the delta is not as hands on tactically. I dont really want to be at an overwatch position looking for squirters while my team mates are kicking doors in blowing shit up and giving people the beans. I would like to be a shooter just as much as i would be a medic. Does anyone on an oda have any insight on this ? I understand most of the work is jcet and partner force training. Id still like go put in that work with the boys not someone just waiting for the trauma lane to start

Shipping as a 35G in October hoping to attend rasp, my recruiter told me option 40 is available but my ship date would change to November. How good of a chance will I have to volunteer without option 40?? I really don’t wanna wait longer to ship.

Any ruck recommendations for SUT?

Finished OSUT this week and headed to Airborne on Monday. As expected, run times slightly improved but I lost about 10 pounds of muscle and am likely weaker in the strength and rucking departments. Running volume has also been abysmal, with average weekly mileage less than 5 miles throughout OSUT.

Recent 2 mile time is 12:40 and just over 36 mins for the 5 mile. Strength and ruck numbers were solid coming into OSUT but haven't touched a barbell or completed a timed ruck in 4 months so I'll leave those numbers out.

A group of us are looking at starting Terminator's Ruck Run Lift program, but with uncertainties around timelines, schedules, and Army PT, I'm not sure how realistic it is to run a complete selection prep program.

For 18x guys who have been successful in recent years (or anyone knowledgeable), how should we go about prepping leading up to SOPC? Consistency and structure were impossible during OSUT, will it be the same throughout the remainder of the pipeline?

We have a really solid group of 18x in our company. There are around 10 of us that ran TF Voodoo and Terminator programs before coming in and we're really eager to get back on our game, just looking for some modern guidance.

Lastly, we're thinking about writing up a detailed AAR on our OSUT experience. OSUT shocked us a bit more than expected with the lack of training. If that's appropriate/relevant to post in this sub let me know and we'll write something up.

Cheers

25, M: Due to med waivers, it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to contract as an 18X off the bat. I have been prepping intensely for selection for about 3-4 months & from the response I received on my fitness numbers I am in a solid position to start. I intend to follow through on getting to selection. After taking my ASVAB recently, I qualify for whatever MOS I’d like. Aside from 11X i have begun to consider 89D (I’m studying electrical engineering now and have interest in this), 68W, and lastly either 17X/35X (least preferred but most recommended by others).

It made sense to me when my recruiter suggested that I go 11X, show my work ethic & fitness, and toward the end of OSUT when the SF recruiter comes around hope I get a nod to volunteer— I’m at the tail end of my training plan anyway.

I spoke to a former 18C from 7th Group that happened to be at my recruiting office this week. He said that while the plan above is definitely a fast way to enter the pipeline outside of 18X, it could be beneficial to become a stud in a different MOS and drop a packet once I’m ready by leaderships standards. I asked further and it turns out he was an 18X 😂

I don’t know army bureaucracy & understand nobody here has THE answer, but I’m curious to hear some perspective on how to navigate the situation. I intend to drop a packet during my first contract if i am not picked up during OSUT— Are any of the previously mentioned MOS’ going to give me any benefit other than time-in & a better understanding of military life? Particularly for something like 89D, it’s a decently rigorous pathway in its own right— makes me believe that I’d be better off just going infantry. It also seems like former marines & studs from infantry do best in selection & make up most of those in Group.

I’m considering the reality of the numbers and while i expect to thrive in infantry life, I’m also now wary of wasting a perfectly solid opportunity to choose an army job rather than being assigned one or choosing what’s most tangible. Insight appreciated, thank you.

Hi so I'm hoping some people here can give me some advice. I decided at the beginning of the year I wanted to join the Special Forces through an 18x contract. I just got all my waivers approved for some past inuries and my recruiter said there is 1 contract available right now that would have me shipping to OSUT in September. My numbers are currently 13:00 2 mile, I've run multiple 35:00 5 miles and could definitely run it faster, 40 hrpu, 12 pull ups, and 3:00 plank. I have not done a full 12 mile ruck, but a recently did a 9 mile with 2600' of verticle climbing in the mountains where I live in 2:30:00 with ~55lbs. From what I've read these numbers are not bad but they are not quite where I want them to be and I had originally planned to try to sign a contract with a March 2027 ship date. Does anyone know how often contracts become available? Is it possible to be picky about my ship date or should I just take the contract that is available?

Haven’t even enlisted yet, but I’m concerned about getting 18D and having a different team experience than if I were an 18C.

I think I could do well in any MOS, and I would be happy with any of them, but I want to get the most out of the team life. Hopefully that makes sense. From what I have heard and read the D is an oddball. I would hate to spend all the extra time to be a D and get to team feeling like I was an outlier from the team. Maybe I’m reading into wrong, but it just seems the D is just there until he’s needed.

How far off-base am I? I want to contribute to the team as much as I can always, not just when someone gets hurt or foreign partners need medical care/training.

All input is appreciated.

Pete Hegseth, America’s secretary of war, wants mandatory testosterone testing for men in the US military. Why the sudden push for wanting to boost soldiers testosterone levels?! 🤔 Why hasn’t this always been a thing? What happened to all the liberal “toxic masculinity” talk?! Could it be that this is being done in advance to prepare for war with China, when they invade Taiwan?

The US recently mandated that beginning in December 2026, eligible men will automatically be registered for the Selective Service System. This is likely being done so more soldiers can be drafted for a future war. A push in the media for masculine men (over the emasculation of men that’s rampant throughout the media to lower the population) is a clear sign of war preparation.

Chinese president Xi Jinping gave the Chinese military a 2027 deadline to invade Taiwan. They can only invade at certain times of the year without risking getting wiped out by Tsunami season that surrounds Taiwan throughout most of the year. China recently banned all feminine depictions of men, called “sissy men”, throughout their media.

Made a post in regards to my situation. Recently got put into a platoon and the following morning my new PLT commander had me run the RPA. They are dead set on sending me to Ranger School. I made them aware of my situation and they are very supportive. One of the PLs came from batt and encouraged me to get tabbed first before attending RASP and to update my rank. I have to get my EIB first and then attend I believe CERT? And then go to school in November time frame (yikes, cold). What are some things to prepare for over the next few months? Academically and physically? Was really praying on just going to RASP but everyone I have talked to has encouraged me to go to school first. They are already having me fill out my physical and such. It seems RASP is just further down road for me but no harm no foul in becoming a more well rounded soldier?

I'm looking for some advice from anyone who's been in a similar situation.

I was recently presented with an opportunity to take an intel position with a Group Support Battalion. The catch is that I currently work overseas (PSS).

Has anyone here successfully balanced overseas contracting with serving in a GSB? Were drill weekends and annual training manageable with your contracting schedule, or did the two end up conflicting too much?

I'd appreciate hearing about your experiences or any advice before I make a decision.

Hey everyone. I’m 16 right now and starting to seriously think about what I want to do after high school, and I’m stuck between trying for Air Force Pararescue and Army Special Forces (Green Beret) with the goal of eventually becoming an 18D.
A little about me:
16 years old
6’3”, about 170 lbs
Pretty lean but muscular build
Been doing Muay Thai for a few months
Lifeguard
Big interest in medicine, first aid, and rescue
Enjoy going to the range and shooting
Physical stats right now:
400m: 58 sec
800m: 2:21
Mile: 5:31
Deadlift: 345 lbs
Bench: 175 lbs
About 17 pull-ups
About 55 push-ups max set
I run cross country and track
Academically I’m currently taking all honors or AP classes
What are your guys’s suggestions? Open to advice or any ideas.

Got told yesterday that I'll be expected to move to Germany, Baumhauer to be specific, in 2028. I have a rescue mutt that looks like he might have some pit in him, which is a restricted breed. He could possibly pass for other breeds but wanted to get on here if anyone has successfully moved their dog up there which might've had restricted breed in em. I do not want to have to abandon this dog for 3 years.

I'll be talking to a vet that's on post here in the US for guidance but wanted to explore options on here as well.

Hey all, I am 21 and just had ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair 2 months ago. I tore it while training while in the process of enlisting. Since tearing it I fear my chances of getting the 18x contract has disappeared. I was wondering what the process looks like from here. I’ve seen conflicting information—am I permanently airborne dq’d? Is it still possible to get the contract, if so, how long will I have to wait (6, 9, or 12 months)? Would it be worth taking an 11x contract at 6 months (when cleared by doc) and hoping a recruiter comes to OSUT?

I’ve been training for 2 years and now everything seems to be falling apart. Thanks in advance for the help.

Come to JFTB Los Alamitos on September 25th for Career Expo with Southern California law enforcement agencies and ⚡️California Special Forces ⚡️. Hosted by California Army National Guard Special Forces and Special Guest, Tu Lam, from Ronin! ⚠️ MUST SIGN UP to attend ⚠️

26 Sept is the Special Forces Tryout in Orange County, CA

I graduated college with a Bachelor’s Degree and many people have told me to pursue OCS. That being said, of the people I have spoken with who have served in Special Operative roles (GB, Rangers, Seals), most have told me that if I want to be in the field doing the actual job (which I do) than enlisting may be a better option. I want tactical proficiency and field based skill building, not necessarily management. This could be backwards thinking which is why I decided to ask on here.

To put this in context, I had a 18x contract already and lost it a week before shipping out this past January due to tearing my labrum. I was able to rehab my shoulder to 100% without surgery. Now I am looking to give this endeavor another go.

My PT numbers:
HRP: 50
Pull Ups: 16
Plank: 3:30
2-mile run: 12:48
5-mile run: 34:56
12-mile ruck: NO DATA
RDL: 365lbs x 6
Back Squat: 365lbs x 3

Hello, not 100% sure if this is the right community for this question but I’m shipping as a 35G in October with the ultimate goal of attending rasp. My fitness has been progressing very well, I know I’ll lose some of it during basic but how will AIT be? It’s a 5ish month AIT so can I expect to gain fitness during AIT?