Is the 82nd a good place to start if my future goal is to work among SOF?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 10:30:32 -0400

Recently I applied for a position in a SOF unit. However I was turned down due to personnel management timelines not matching up between said unit and myself. That being said I am still on projections to the 82nd Airborne Division.

I understand that various Soldiers who ended up serving as operators within the SOF community started their careers within the 82D and were successful. However I am not too familiar if this is also the case for Combat Support MOS's. Thus I was wondering if my future goal is to serve within the SOF realm, that whether or not spending the rest of my lieutenant years with 82D will be good preparation or looked upon favorably as a stepping stone into working for/with Special Operations?

Response by LTC Steve Mannell made Aug 3 at 2018 10:39 AM

LTC Steve Mannell — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 10:39:53 -0400

Fort Bragg is the home of the Airborne and Special Operations. There are lots of different opportunities here if you're interested in exploring SOF.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 11:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 11:42:00 -0400

You can never go wrong getting airborne unit experience at Ft Bragg. Plus, it was jokingly referred to as "the Center of the Universe" by various SOF Commanders because all of the major Army SOF Commands are there, plus JSOC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 12:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:23:02 -0400

It's weird how often I hear people say that. I always tell them, SOF support is not an MOS. It's a position you pass through. Enablers who spend too long in SOF are disadvantaged in their skill set.
There is a perception that SOF does things differently or that there is a special skill set needed, but it's actually the opposite. Enablers need those Big Army skills and experience in order to really be an asset to SOF units. Sure, there are internal protocols that are SOF specific - but one of the 5 SOF truths is "Most SOF operations require NON-SOF support".
The second major issue is that you will never develop your leadership skills in SOF. You have a small group of people there and it is very NCO heavy. Group babies who start there and leave as NCOs struggle when they make it to a regular Army unit because they've never been in a position where they are in charge of a dozen, or dozens, of soldiers all at once.
Starting at the 82nd is an excellent way to develop your skill set and especially your leadership abilities. Once you do move to a SOF unit you will quickly be able to tell who grew up as a Group baby and who did not.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 12:28 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:28:14 -0400

The 82nd is good thing for your career. The most important thing is you work hard and preform well.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 3 at 2018 12:38 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:38:51 -0400

I didn't start in the 82nd but in the 101st. I spent 6+ years in the 82nd before going to selection. 82nd does produce some good Soldiers. If anything, the 82nd is a great unit to serve with.

Response by SSG Michael Carrigan made Aug 3 at 2018 1:54 PM

SSG Michael Carrigan — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 13:54:33 -0400

i started in the 82nd as an MP and changed my MOS to engineer with being in the 82nd you are already Airborne and it's just down the street. you will know Ft. Bragg and see SF in action somewhere at Ft. Bragg. It is a good fit

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 5:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 17:38:53 -0400

Anywhere is good. Learn how to be the best Signal Officer you can be. I would go make friends at 112th Signal Battalion. The BC used to be in charge of placing a majority of the group S6's although that may have changed. Are you willing to PCS for a job? I went from Korea, 112th to 3d SFG. Networking is a big part of it, but timing factors in as well. PM me your .mil and I can introduce you to the 112th Signal crew.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Aug 3 at 2018 6:04 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 18:04:25 -0400

My advice, go to Jump School, then go to the 82nd. Once there get prepared for Ranger School and go to Ranger School. Then if your current future goal is to go to an SOF unit, have a successful tour in the 82nd and try for the Ranger Regiment. Those steps will greatly assist in your education and knowledge from a base level to an advance level in those areas AND assist in developing your leadership skills and capability. SFC Private RallyPoint Member has some excellent advice in his comment and he is quite knowledgeable in the SOF career arena since he spent a good portion of his career there. LTC Private RallyPoint Member also has some excellent advice, and I would suggest that you take him up on his networking support if at all possible.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 6:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 18:05:29 -0400

Yes that is true for many. Make friends and be known for drive to excel, energy and competence. Be ready and able to always pass the PT test at the highest level of performance (not just within your age bracket). Run, shoot and jump as often as possible. Be really good at land navigation without the GPS unit, use the lensatic compass instead.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Aug 3 at 2018 6:50 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 18:50:07 -0400

This is kind of funny. How is SOF Support a goal for anyone? It’s not like it’s career progression? And what’s the rest of your LT years 1 maybe 2 years? Operators may come from anywhere and any background but unlike Support there’s a few Equalizers along the way: selection/SFAS and Q-Course at the very least. You being support will only have to be Airborne, have the right MOS, and be accepted into the position (job vacancy), which BTW you were already turned down for once. My advise to you is focus on your upcoming 82nd assignment. Get in the 82nd Hooah Airborne America’s Guard mentality as you will obviously spend the few LT months you got left there. Don’t go there talking SOF transfer cause they will eat you alive if you’re trying to go before at least a year or two on the job. Get linked up with the senior BCT SIGO and get a feel for what the SIGO cycles look like for you guys. ATW!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 10:16 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 22:16:27 -0400

Great Soldiers who qualify are in every unit. The advantage of being in the 82nd and going SOF is the location and you are already Airborne qualified. If you want to go SOF, donit while you are young and able. Best wishes and I truly wish you the very best.