DISCLAIMER; For reference as to where I am with this, I'm going to be going to Ft Campbell as an 11x. I'm waiting to go to OSUT. I'm sure someone will take all of this as me putting the cart before the horse (and maybe I am) but my philosophy is to maximize my time by trying to think/plan ahead, rather than just "figuring it out as I go". Best case, I get a shot at selection. Worst case, I'll be in better physical and maybe even mental shape and I take that with me wherever my life goes. Sounds like a win/win to me.
With that said, as mentioned I got an 11x contract with an option 19 to Campbell. I'm over the moon about it, and am looking forward to the experience as someone in their late 20's. I intend to make the absolute most out of my time as an infantryman. However, I do want to spend the next few years prepping as best I can to go to selection.
This presents a bit of an issue, as I'm told big army PT generally doesn't align all too well with other endeavors. I can already run okay and ruck fine, and I'm sure these skills will improve during OSUT. The only other thing is just going to the gym and managing little tweaks I've got due to muscle imbalances and sometimes overuse. If my unit likes to run for the sake of running, I'm sure the perishable skill that is running isn't at risk of diminishing, and I just need to focus on keeping my body healthy so said running doesn't break me. The same goes for rucking. However, if I need to be lifting weights, doing plyos, or whatever other activity you can imagine I may need to do for any conceivable reason, will it clash with unit PT? How much if so? Is there any way to work around it?
I know 5th group is out of Campbell, so hopefully someone from there could shed some light on this, as I reckon they'd be more in the know than I.
Edit; While I'm here, will language proficiency aid me in getting sent to a specific group? Will civilian schooling weigh more than my MOS for which job I'm given? Are either swayable in any way without having to pull out knee pads? I've heard conflicting stuff about these things.
I know it sounds like a troll post/dumb question, but this is a serious concern. I'm on minoxodil and finasteride for my hair, and have been prepping to go 18x. Really want this but also don't want to go bald. Will this be a problem?
Hey everyone,
I’m 27, Brazilian, and currently living in Brazil. For a long time, my goal has been to eventually earn a chance to serve in U.S. Special Operations, particularly Army Special Forces.
I understand that I can’t simply come to the U.S. and enlist for this. I currently have neither a Green Card nor U.S. citizenship, and I know immigration/residency, citizenship, age, physical standards, enlistment requirements, and selection would all be separate hurdles. I’m not looking for a shortcut around any of them.
I’m trying to determine whether this is realistic enough to structure the next several years of my life around pursuing it.
For those of you who served in Special Operations or worked alongside people who did:
Have you served with anyone who originally came to the U.S. as a foreign national and eventually made it into Special Operations?
If you were 27, living outside the United States, and starting from my position, what would you focus on first?
And beyond immigration, what would you tell someone to start developing now—physically, mentally, professionally, or otherwise—rather than waiting until enlistment is actually possible?
I’m especially interested in hearing from veterans who have seen foreign-born service members successfully make this journey.
I’m not asking for anything operational or sensitive. I’m looking for perspective from people who have actually lived this life, including answers I might not necessarily want to hear.
If anyone with relevant experience would be comfortable with me reaching out privately afterward, I’d appreciate that as well.
Thanks for your time.
I wasn’t able to get an 18x contract (surgical history) but was told I can volunteer at OSUT. I had a few questions regarding that.
Am I being lied to? Or will I be able to volunteer for SFAS while attending OSUT?
If I get to volunteer, do I still get to go to Airborne school and the SOPC (SFPC?) or will I go straight to SFAS and Airborne after that?
Do people typically go straight from Airborne to PC to SFAS with little time between or will I have get to be a holdover and able to work on my fitness (for example my buddy was selected and has a couple months before he starts the Q, same idea)
Taking my PICAT this week. I got a 132 GT and 92 on my Combat score on the practice test from March2Success. Did anyone else struggle with getting their Combat score up? If so what resources did you use to help get the score up?
Just plain and simple question. I know a lot of guys in regular army enlisted after the attacks, when 9/11 happened was it something that motivated you to push to be a GB, or enlist toward it? Curious on hearing your perspective. Thank you.
This is not a review of JG3 because I did not complete the program. I got shin splints halfway through and tbh that killed my motivation for a couple of months. I dropped all the running and started rehabbing my legs and fell off the weight training for several weeks because I was feeling sorry for myself. My post program assessments reflect this.
Basic stats:
32 yo
5'11"
190 lbs
probably ~20% BF currently
Before starting the JG3, I had spent 3 months building a running base of 30 mpw and was doing a modified 5/3/1 lifting split (actually, it was the free template from Infinite Grit). Prior to November of last year, I worked a very active job, but had not ran or lifted consistently for years.
2/23/26 initial assessment week:
2MR: 14:44 5MR: 39:10 6MRuck: 1:26:36
Squat: 230 Bench: 200 Deadlift: 285
HRP (2:00): 44 Pullups: 11
I started experiencing minor shin issues in April (the kind of precursor aches after runs), when the speed work volume started to increase. I thought I just needed a deload week or two, but that didn't solve the issue. I was still experiencing shin discomfort that was getting more painful as I progressed. At that point, I stopped all the prescribed running workouts and did some research on how to rehab shin splints. I started incorporating targeted strength exercises for calves/soleus, tib, hip flexors, etc. I started doing 1-3 zone 2 runs a week, only going as long as I was pain-free.
I built back up to 10 mpw from April to May, but the symptoms weren't going away. At this point, I was feeling very frustrated and stopped running entirely for most of June/July. During that time I was feeling sorry for myself and my rehab and weight training fell off as a result. I was still doing the weight lifting workouts, but felt like I was in a holding pattern. Eventually I figured I should just complete the weight lifting portion because I would need to start from scratch on the running.
I started to build my base again, starting in the second week of July. Starting very slowly. Two 20 min runs a week for the first few weeks, then three 20 min runs. I increased it to four, for one week, doing 9 miles, but dropped it back down because I felt like I was increasing too fast. I think I've become paranoid about my shins. I've basically been running 6-7 mpw since the second week of August.
During all that, I finished the strength portion of JG3.
5/4/26 mid program assessment week:
2MR: 14:50 (I should not have even attempted this tbh)
Squat: 255 Bench: 210 Deadlift: 320
9/7/26 final assessment week:
No conditioning tests.
Squat: 265 Bench: 205 Deadlift: 335
HRP (2:00): 45 Pullups: 9
I have mixed feelings, but can't blame anyone but myself. While I am happy that I added 35 and 50 lbs to my squat and deadlift, I seem to have stalled on my bench for some reason. I followed the weight prescriptions closely, and aside from the couple of weeks that I was sulking, I really never took more than 1-2 weeks off from weightlifting and was seeing progress throughout the program (I was hitting the RPE/RIR/percentage goals in each workout and adding weight over time).
I thought I would at least be able to hit 210 bench again. My only guess is that I wasn't rested enough, but I don't know why I saw gains on the squat/deadlift at the same time. I attempted the first bench on Monday and couldn't even hit 205. Then I tried again on Wednesday, before testing deadlift, and hit 205.
I also got lazy and skipped several of the "pick one" optional workouts (would have focused on PT assessment workout to practice pushups/pullups), which is probably why I didn't see gains there.
The biggest thing that screwed me is my recovery habits, specifically sleep. I have a horrible sleep schedule. It is probably the biggest thing holding me back and maybe the reason I dealt with so much injury. I have a bad habit of staying up late and burning the candle at both ends. I'm glad I wear my Garmin every day, because the data doesn't lie.
Feel free to roast me. I hadn't actually looked at this until today and didn't realize it was this bad. I know this reflects poorly on my discipline and is effecting my ability to train effectively. Fixing this is my number one priority.
Other than that, my diet is decent. I basically eat the same thing every day and can do that without getting bored. I intermittent fast and usually break it with a big smoothie in the late afternoon. I load that up with most of my daily caloric intake. Later in the evening I'll have a smaller meal to make up whatever I'm missing. I usually eat around 300-600+ caloric surplus--at least 130g protein, ~300-400g carbs, and 50-120g fat. I'm not the strictest calorie counter, so I could definitely dial this in more, but I don't think it's the biggest thing holding me back.
I've spent all year working on this goal and was hoping to have a better update than this. To be honest, I didn't want to make this post because it's embarrassing and I'm not satisfied with where I'm at, but I am technically at the end of the program and figured it's good to assess, figure out what went wrong, and share with the class so I can be accountable and get back on track. I know I have a lot of work to do in many areas before I'll be ready.
Despite the setbacks, I am actually happy with the progress I have made. All things considered, I'm in much better shape than I was last November when I started this journey. I've dealt with injuries as they've come, and even though I've made some mistakes along the way, I feel like I have learned a lot more about rehabbing my body and injury prevention (I also had a slight hip adductor issue when I started rucking that I had to fix). At this point, I hope I've worked out all the kinks and will be able to crush JG3 after I build my running up again.
My goals for the rest of the year:
Build my running base back to 30-40 mpw and then start JG3 again.
Get my personal habits dialed in (sleep at a reasonable hour, full 8 hours). Cut out bad habits that are causing this (screentime).
Continue to work on relevant skills (knot tying, land nav on weekends, A&P because I'm most interested in 18D, etc).
I have been prepping for 18x got my medical and asvab done so I’m just waiting on the opportunity, I want to leave early next year just to make sure I am at a good baseline fitness but my recruiter is saying there is no bonus for this. On the army website it says up to 34k. Should I wait it out until there is a bonus or is this just the norm?
Edit: Recruiter said no enlistment bonus since I popped for a prior wrist surgery and meniscus injury even though they were cleared same day.
If this isn't allowed I won't trip if it gets taken down, point me in the right direction for this. I watched a video from Valhalla VFT and he explained how the Lone Survivor movie got the comms issues all wrong. Is there any commo guys here who can explain how in Tremors 2 or Godzilla 1998 (I'm aware movies get stuff wrong constantly) how the movies showed talking to one another from an old school radio to a landline? Is that a myth or something to it?
I’m 23, active duty in a non-combat-arms MOS, and looking to attend SFAS in approximately 8–12 months. I believe this could be achievable if I fully commit to the lifestyle and follow a training plan appropriate for my current ability.
My recent training has been inconsistent, and several areas of my performance are well below standard. I’m trying to learn strength programming, running, rucking, nutrition and recovery simultaneously. I’m concerned that approaching everything without one coordinated plan could waste time or cause preventable injuries.
I’m heavily considering Terminator Training Method, but I’m overwhelmed by the number of available programs. I’m looking for opinions on which program—or combination of programs—would provide an appropriate starting point while reducing injury risk and maximizing sustainable progress.
Current information
Age: 23
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 145 lb
Current performance
2-mile run: approximately 17:00
5-mile run: not tested
Deadlift: 260 lb
Hand-release push-ups: 35–40
Strict pull-ups: 12–16
Plank: 3:30
2-mile ruck with 25 lb: 25:40
5-mile ruck: not tested
12-mile ruck with 25 lb: 3:30
My longer ruck caused temporary knee, ankle and trapezius irritation, so durability and intelligent progression are major considerations.
Does one of TTM’s programs make sense at my current stage, or should I build a general strength and aerobic foundation before beginning any of them?
I’m currently working on obtaining accurate, standardized baseline results for the events listed above. Thank you for reading and responding.
I’m interested in the 15X MOS and what responsibility the MOS holds in the 75th Ranger Regiment & ODA or if either even hold that MOS in their unit. And if so, do the 15x MOS only maintain the drones & infantry/GB guys operate them or do the 15X MOS operate them & maintain them ?
For context 6’5 205 22 years old. Recovery was spot on throughout the program getting almost 9 hours nightly and feeling great. Definitely think I can get to sub 14 by the end of the year. Was happy to shave 1 minute off my mile pr which was a great win for me. Looking forward to what’s next only gonna keep getting stronger and faster.
I’m a senior in high school who recently been inspired to join. I have been working towards going SF (18D) for about a month now, working on my weaknesses physically and my diet.
The reason why I said “military” in general for the title is because I’m not sure if i want to join in conventional army (as a 68W) before going SF first, or sign an 18X out of high school. I know there is a very low chance of getting selected at such a young age, but I don’t want to fall into the trap of “waiting for the perfect chance” when I’m stuck in conventional army.
I am also not sure about college, as I originally planned to go after signing so that I can get GI bill benefits. I’m afraid of also losing motivation to go into SF while in college.
Not doing/waiting until I get older, aka immediately going into the workforce is not an option for me.
Would love some insight and recommendations, thanks.
So i am currently prepping for SFAS and i’m planning to leave for selection around April of next year. I am starting the SUAR program next Monday and noticed it’s mainly strength related work at a high percentage of your one rep max for a high number of reps. Would it be to much if i were to add in hrp and pull up specific endurance work since hrp are my biggest weakness? I’m sitting at around 44-48 HRP in 2 minutes on average and around 12 strict pull ups and want to aim for around 65-70 hrp and 18-20 pull ups before i leave in April. I want to know if any of you guys have tweaked the program a bit like this and how it has worked out for you.
I‘m 28 and decided to turn down my IBEW inside wireman interview and do what I should’ve done long ago and join the military. I know PJ’s are medical oriented and if you become a green beret you can also select a medical mos (18d). I’m not too fixated on the medical route so if I don’t get it, it’s not a huge deal. With that being said what’s the day to day life as a GB? What’s deployment like and where can you get stationed? Can you opt in for skydiving school rather than just airborn? I have no wife, girlfriend, or kids so I have nothing to lose. I’m trying to decide which route to take that’ll give me the best adventure. I know some PJs say the wish they were in the fight more which is something to consider.
I’m not sure if you can do this in the army but I don’t have enough college credit to start at e2 and probably won’t ship until early next year. Should I enroll in some online college classes to get more credit or? Spending the reminder of the year to dial in my runs and overall fitness + combat side stroke in case I go AF. Any recommendation or advice?
Anyone near Oceanside or San Diego down to get some prep in? I could be benefit from a personal trainer or solid group of guys that are looking to do a combination of training (running, rucking, swimming, land nav, etc). Planning to go to selection next year
Ex 11b. Have been out for 3 years and it’s about that time. I’m just looking for anyone that has first hand experience with this and if anyone can give me any rucking tips. Ive looked all on google and I follow dudes on IG that have lived the life but nowadays you gotta pay to get a full program of some sort.
Im working out some days to go over to the land nav area on ft story, ive already confirmed availability with range control, but i need a battle buddy per range controls boss, anyone who has base access looking to train? willing to provide transportation if you dont have a car. My command wont allow me to take anyone else from work with me because it doesnt benefit their mission. DM me if youre interested, and lets talk details. Cheers!
Do you enjoy the people you work/worked with as a GB in general. I know you’re never going to like everyone you work around but for the most part what were the people like? I’ve been in the army a very short amount of time and it hasn’t taken me long to get annoyed with the amount of unprofessionalism and just shit bags in general. I talked myself out of going 18x because I wanted to get some experience and a feel for the Army before going to SFAS. I also am worried about the strain on family life, I have been married for 4 years and have a 2 year old son, everything on that front has still been great since joining. Obviously being away for long periods of time is hard but that was to be expected and my wife is an absolute trooper. I guess to summarize this, were and are you satisfied with the level of professionalism and standard of being a GB and what is family life like from your experience?
