51: Part 1 The Pathway Into Special Operations Explained
Sep 29, 2023
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Learn about the challenging pathway into Special Operations, including steps from recruiter talks to graduation, prep courses, and selection courses. Hear personal stories from host Jason Sweet, detailing his pipeline experience and an exciting PJ story with his father, Maurice. Dive into the high attrition rates of over 90% and the intense selection process for aspiring special operators, emphasizing perseverance and teamwork.
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Quick takeaways
Entry process into special operations includes passing ASVAB, attending airborne school, and potentially taking prep courses before selection.
Airborne school is crucial for special operations candidates to become 'basic parachutists' and progress in different branches' pipelines.
Perseverance, teamwork, physical fitness, and meeting academic standards are crucial for successfully navigating the intense selection process of special operations.
Deep dives
Career Fields Under Special Operations Command
Different branches, such as Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines, have various career fields falling under the Special Operations Command umbrella. For instance, in the Army, primary fields are Army Rangers and Green Berets. In the Air Force, there are PJs (pararescue men), CCT (combat controllers), SR (special reconnaissance), and TACP (tactical air control party). Navy's career fields include SEAL team members, SWIC (special warfare combatant craft crewmen), and Navy EOD (explosive ordnance disposal), while the Marines have MARSOC (Marine Special Operations Command), known as critical skill operators.
Entry Process into Special Operations
The entry process into special operations includes passing the ASVAB, meeting physical standards, going through MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations), obtaining a specialized contract, completing basic training, and potentially attending a prep course before selection. This process varies for officers who have to pass a screener before selection. Once enlisted, candidates may attend airborne school before starting the selection course, depending on the branch and career field.
Airborne School Impact on Career Fields
Airborne school plays a significant role in many special operations career fields, such as those in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Navy SEALs. Candidates attend this 15-day program where instructors, known as 'Sergeant Airborne,' train them in static line jumping. Completing airborne school is essential for gaining the title of 'basic parachutist' and advancing in different branches' special operations pipelines.
Role of Prep Courses in Readiness for Selection
Prep courses have become essential in improving candidates' readiness for the grueling selection processes of special operations. These often eight-week programs help individuals regain fitness and introduce them to tasks and challenges they may face during selection courses. By participating in prep courses, candidates enhance their physical and mental readiness before entering the demanding selection environments.
Selection Process and Training Challenges
The podcast episode delves into the rigorous selection process and intense training challenges faced by individuals aiming to become United States special operators. The selection process serves as a tryout to showcase one's skill set, physical and mental abilities essential to excel in the demanding role of a special operator. Emphasizing the high attrition rates in various specialized courses like Buds, SFAS, ANS, Marsok, and RASP, the episode sheds light on the arduous journey from initial recruitment to earning a contract through intense physical and mental screening. The narrative underscores the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and meeting stringent physical fitness and academic standards to successfully navigate the selection process.
Training Persistence and Personal Growth
Furthermore, the podcast episode narrates a personal anecdote highlighting the challenges faced during the medical phase of the PJ pipeline, showcasing the journey of overcoming failures and embracing discipline. The speaker shares their experience of struggling with the EMT paramedic national registry test, facing setbacks and intense study periods. The narrative underscores the crucial role of resilience, study habits, and mental fortitude in achieving success, highlighting the transformation from initial failures to ultimate triumph. The story serves as a testament to the significance of pushing through challenges, learning from setbacks, and maintaining a resilient mindset in achieving career milestones.
How do you get into Special Operations? What is the pathway and how does it all start? Get your notes ready and join SOCOM Athlete for this educational and exciting episode featuring host Jason Sweet. The episode describes in great detail the pathway from talking to a recruiter, to earning a contract, graduating basic military training, prep courses, selection courses, and more. The process to earn a special operations contract and simply get your foot in the door can be extremely challenging. Over 90% of those who start the journey will fail. SOCOM Athlete is here to equip you with the tools for success to accomplish your dreams. Later in the episode, Jason shares several stories about his personal pipeline experience and an exciting story during his time in special operations as a PJ with his father, Maurice. Enjoy this incredibly valuable episode loaded with helpful information covering this complicated process. "Send Me!"
