How often do Special Forces support MOS's deploy in the National Guard, and which NG support MOS deploys most often?

2018-09-02T01:49:21-04:00

I'd like to enlist in one of the National Guard's SF support positions, and since I have a very flexible civilian job, I'd like to pick one that can deploy more often then not. Thanks!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 2:09 AM

2018-09-02T02:09:26-04:00

At least until recently, Special Forces civil Affairs & psychological operations soldiers deployed more often than the other branches. I'm sure southcom, centcom or africom has a place for you. I'm sure you can deploy every other year or more often than that.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 2:17 AM

2018-09-02T02:17:43-04:00

Special forces support units are civil Affairs & psychological operations are in the Army Reserve and the active duty. Special forces are in the active duty and National Guard.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 11:59 AM

2018-09-02T11:59:33-04:00

Are you talking about being in group or outside like CA or PSYOP?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 6:06 PM

2018-09-02T18:06:06-04:00

You'll have to ask the Guard Group you're trying to go to if they'll even accept you. Being a non-MOSQ, non-Airborne recruit makes you almost worthless to the unit. Guard SF Battalion positions are by interview only - for the most part. They don't have a lot of difficulty finding experienced personnel to support them.
If you join the Active duty, go to Airborne school, have a 100 GT and a secret security clearance, you can get stationed at an SF group for a while.
Just remember, there's no such thing as a SOF support MOS. If you want to stay in SOF, go to Selection.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2018 8:32 PM

2018-09-02T20:32:42-04:00

All NG SF units have the capacity to deploy thier support MOS (low density/soft skill) but usually they take few non SF folks with them in a non combat role, this is due to force/mission cap, their risk aversion to taking non SF folks and thier internal belief that they can do pretty much anything they need on a JCET/MEDCAP etc. they will take some Logistical/Intelligence/Signal Support if they need folks to manage the day to day stuff, especially if that detracts from thier SF mission in any way.

In Combat, complete opposite; they will take as many folks as possible to conduct operations, and love to have extra folks to work with them at outstations since it frees them up from CP duties, Guard etc. Usually a non SF Soldier will go indiginous in 2-3 months; and the teams and AOBs love those they trust and work hard and cover them. It’s a weird relationship but in certain occasions it works out. Some soldiers decide to go SF after the experi nice, and others who know there place and love the environment can stay in the system thier entire career and have a great time being kinda special ;)

It is of course unit specific, AOR specific and personality dependent. You either love working for White SOF or you hate it. Very rarely have I found any grey :)

Good luck and of course-De Opresso Liber

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Sep 3 at 2018 8:33 AM

2018-09-03T08:33:48-04:00

Let me cut to the chase – Currently the deployment cycle for NG Special Forces Groups is every 3-5 years dependent on requirements. This requirement comes from DOD channels to mobilize NG units by executive order in order to supplement and ease the burden from active duty units.

With that said, I gather from reading your post, you are looking to join a National Guard SF unit in Florida in a Soft Skill MOS? If this is the case, that narrows the playing field to 20th Group HQ in Camp Blanding Florida because the majority of the support MOS reside in the Special Troop Battalion and HHC Company.

My recommendation would be to reach out to the unit full time staff – there Facebook page is the following:

https://www.facebook.com/320thSFG/

And get the facts right from the horse’s mouth. On a final note, I will impart some friendly advice; your intentions to become part of 20th SFG should be because you have a desire to serve your country and want a chance to prove yourself worthy of being part of regiment with a very proud lineage.

I’m not saying you don’t have these intentions, but you should know even as a soft skilled MOS, it will take a year maybe two depending on your situation (work, school, family) before you get through unit interview, trails / selection criteria, basic, training, MOSQ, Airborne and other advance schooling before you can be of any use to the unit.

Sooooo any deployments will be far in the future. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.

De Oppresso Liber

320thSFG

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2018 12:30 PM

2018-09-03T12:30:57-04:00

You need to be a very experienced soldier before you can even contemplate SF.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 6:38 AM

2018-09-08T06:38:27-04:00

Talk to a Florida Guard Recruiter in your area about the SFAB they will let you know everything