Jim Ryan 2066131 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He has spoken casually to recruiters from the Air Force and Navy, including a family member who recently retired from the Navy. <br />ASVAB score: 92. <br />He is in outstanding physical shape and has been told he has a good chance at making the cut (if he doesn&#39;t, which branch would be better?). <br />The PJ&#39;s are fewer and, perhaps more elite? <br />Any advice on how to help him make a decision between the two? 2016-11-12T11:46:31-05:00 Jim Ryan 2066131

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He has spoken casually to recruiters from the Air Force and Navy, including a family member who recently retired from the Navy. <br />ASVAB score: 92. <br />He is in outstanding physical shape and has been told he has a good chance at making the cut (if he doesn&#39;t, which branch would be better?). <br />The PJ&#39;s are fewer and, perhaps more elite? <br />Any advice on how to help him make a decision between the two?

2016-11-12T11:46:31-05:00 2016-11-12T11:46:31-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 2066206

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Does he want to shoot someone in the face or save lives?

2016-11-12T12:12:38-05:00 2016-11-12T12:12:38-05:00 SN Greg Wright 2066215

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>PJ&#39;s are definitely elite, but they&#39;re not Tier 1 like Delta or DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6), I don&#39;t think. Anyway, as for what he should do, the big thing I&#39;d look at are career opportunities, obviously, but then, things like, he&#39;ll probably get a much more diverse set of options in terms of where he can be stationed in the Navy. In other words, he&#39;s a lot more likely to see more of the world in the Navy.

2016-11-12T12:15:23-05:00 2016-11-12T12:15:23-05:00 TSgt William Meyer 2066333

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The AF also has Tac-P&#39;s who go along with other special ops units and call in air strikes, also there are combat weathermen who get special ops training as well. Just depends on what he wants to do.

2016-11-12T12:37:30-05:00 2016-11-12T12:37:30-05:00 CPO Private RallyPoint Member 2066337

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would ask whta does he want or think he will be doing as a PJ?<br />PJ&#39;s are a SOF asset that conduct SAR personnel rescue and recovery, not a DA (Dirct Action on contact Force).<br />If he wishes to do DA stuff and in the Airforce in needs to look into TACP, as they work Directly with ODA teams and other SOF elements that can and do Direct action missions.<br /><br />You also have SOWT (Special Operations Weather Technician) this are Special weather operators assigned to ODA teams to support them in combat and team operations. I had the pleasure to meet and work with several on my SOF deployment in Afghanistan, and one ODA team the SOWT on the team was the acting JTAC and was one of the two team Snipers/overwatch. <br /><br />The other is CCT&#39;s (Combat Control Teams) they work directly with Army and Navy SOF elements to provide command and control and direct air traffic in remote, and often hostile,areas. <br /><br />He needs to decide what type of work he wan&#39;ts to do not just be a SOF guy, to be elite.<br /><br />Navy has several options<br />SEAL no explanation on that, training is long and hard.<br /><br />Navy also has EOD, and they are Special operations capable and support and work directly with all military SOF units. They are a direct action combat unit. <br /><br />Then you have Navy AIRR Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers. They do water SAR like PJ&#39;s, definitely not going to do any Direct Action stuff at all. <br /><br />You have SWCC but I leave that there they are boat guy&#39;s that conduct insertion and extraction of SEAL&#39;s into areas, They are not Direct action but are combat support, meaning they stay on small boats

2016-11-12T12:37:41-05:00 2016-11-12T12:37:41-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 2066370

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>needs to bring that score up, even though need to look at spec ops vs special forces it all depends on what he is interested in, army spec ops include ca, psyops, rangers, sf, airborne, from experience navy seals are the toughest, followed by sf and rangers, physical shape doesn&#39;t cut it mental endurance does, just my thoughts

2016-11-12T12:45:51-05:00 2016-11-12T12:45:51-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 2066521

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Something you should consider is what about joining a reserve unit that can do most of the same thing.<br /><br /> I know guys who join infantry units in the AC or the ARNG<br /> going who Ranger school or like my old unit ,Civil Affairs here in Southern California, that&#39;s Airborne qualified that allowed you to go to Airborne, air assault and even Ranger school if you were one of the better soldiers.<br /><br /> I was in Civil Affairs units this is a unit that is related to Special Operations( SO) that&#39;s why many of them are airborne qualified and they get deployed every other year and they work side-by-side with special forces.<br /><br /> I knew of a Civil Affairs staff sergeant who worked under me he became soldier of the Year, soldier of the Civil Affairs command he got his wish to go to Ranger school. he passed that that then he applied for Rotary Wing Aviation school and now he&#39;s a Warrant officer flying blackhawks but his civilian job is being in LA county Sheriff&#39;s Deputy!<br /><br /> There are lots of opportunities in the reserve component in case your son wants to go to school and earn a degree and once he gets his degree ,he can be a commissioned officer if he wants. I joined at age 31 and I became an officer almost at 34 years of age in the ARNG. This may not apply to your Son but I&#39;m showing you that there are also lots of opportunities in the National Guard and Army Reserve and they&#39;re even in Special Forces Army National Guard detachments all over the USA. Just want to give you my opinion. hopefully Rallypoint will help you and your Son make the best decision.

2016-11-12T13:24:01-05:00 2016-11-12T13:24:01-05:00 LCDR Private RallyPoint Member 2066554

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He needs a bit better ASVAB score for many of these vocations. Spec Ops training is pretty rugged physically and MENTALLY.

2016-11-12T13:39:35-05:00 2016-11-12T13:39:35-05:00 ENS Private RallyPoint Member 2066585

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Navy all the way! The Navy SEALs do it all! <br /><br />Contact a recruiter and start taking PSTs. <br />500yard swim.<br />2 minutes of Push ups. <br />2 minutes of Sit ups. <br />2 minutes of Pull ups. <br />1.5 mile run. <br /><br />Competitive scores:<br />Swim: Under 9 minutes. <br />Push ups: Between 90-100.<br />Sit ups: Between 90-100. <br />Pull ups: 18+<br />Run: Under 9 minutes. <br /><br />When I contracted for BUDS my scores were:<br />9:04 Swim. 98 Chest to Ground Push ups. 102 Sit ups. 16 Pull ups. 8:54 Run. <br />FORM is the most important piece. No cheating. In BUDS, integrity is EVERYTHING.

2016-11-12T13:52:58-05:00 2016-11-12T13:52:58-05:00 SSG Shavonde Chase 2066594

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would say approach it like any other job decision. Look at the different fields, career progression, and opportunities. Ask the recruiters directly and get online to do some research. Find people in both branches and ask what they like and what they don&#39;t.

2016-11-12T13:57:52-05:00 2016-11-12T13:57:52-05:00 GySgt Kenneth Pepper 2067130

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A big concern should be what options will he be left with should he fail to qualify in the SOF MOS. I&#39;m sure the kid is a stud, but reality is reality. Plan B should be a huge part of the decision. <br />Has he seen any of the stuff the re-designated Marine Raider battalions are doing?

2016-11-12T17:42:12-05:00 2016-11-12T17:42:12-05:00 SPC Phil Norton 2067270

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not to sound harsh but 92 is a borderline score he should try to raise that. SOF is as much mental as physical. You have to be able to think through highly complicated tasks at an extreme level of distraction. That being said PJs are focused on the medical aspects SEALS have a variety of specialized positions. He needs to decide on a branch of service first then go from there

2016-11-12T18:35:49-05:00 2016-11-12T18:35:49-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 2067531

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think higher ASVAB scores are needed for Special Operations. What does he prefer, flying or floating?

2016-11-12T20:13:41-05:00 2016-11-12T20:13:41-05:00 SFC George Smith 2067766

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>an ASVAB of less than 105 will preclude him from Army SF... unless they have lowered the scores...

2016-11-12T21:11:08-05:00 2016-11-12T21:11:08-05:00 SSgt Michael Cox 2068449

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Like the others have said PJ&#39;s aren&#39;t SF they are SOF. The is a good TV series called Combat Rescue that he can watch on YouTube that will give him an idea of what it is like day to day while deployed. Also PJ&#39;s do have a very long school as they go to a bit of the schooling of the other SOF teams but also around a year of medical training before they graduate. One last thing is that PJ&#39;s don&#39;t always get assigned to AFSOC some get assigned to ACC or Air Combat Command which is the fighter command were they aren&#39;t treated the best.<br /><br />I can&#39;t say much about the Navy since my only interaction with the navy was joint forces commands while deployed as AFSOC aircraft maintenance on Pavelows. And Port Ops at Hurlbert helping load Seal Team equipment on aircraft and talking to the commanders.<br /><br />I do know if he wants the most comfortable life while at home station and deployed the Air Force is definitely the way to go.

2016-11-13T03:09:41-05:00 2016-11-13T03:09:41-05:00 PO3 Michael James 2070474

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, Interesting.. I side with the NAVY... However, if for some reason he does not make the &quot;Cut&quot; remember he would likely end-up onboard a surface Vessel.. Of Course he apply for Sub-Duty, which in itself is a specialized division of the NAVY.. But Remember, Should he end up on a surface vessel.. He is a SITTING DUCK!!! A surface Vessel is difficult to camouflage (it just doesn&#39;t work), they move Like Congress, they don&#39;t fit into any foxhole !! THINK, Just one good typhoon and she is tossed around like a bar of IVORY soap !! ... If underway and she is fired on... Well, you have to WAIT, sometimes up to 10/15 min.. Heart pounding.. /// ROE /// Congress has to approve , after all; the ship may offend some other country, so hold on to the life memories you have... After all, Congress does NOT want you to offend any other country (we might hurt someone) !! If response is approved.. Well ..... Secure what is around you.. Let the Hot LEAD Fly, and observe All Hell Breaking Loose... GO NAVY !!!

2016-11-13T19:00:24-05:00 2016-11-13T19:00:24-05:00 PO2 Private RallyPoint Member 2071087

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No bias here, but if he wants to go with the best then he should join the Navy... in my humble opinion :)! Now, I hope this doesn&#39;t start one of those inter-service contests (where the points don&#39;t matter but everything else does... just saying)!

2016-11-13T22:16:33-05:00 2016-11-13T22:16:33-05:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 2071962

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He needs to decide on a MOS/Rate. The special forces option is only available after having some time in the service he wants to serve. It&#39;s not given right off the bat when at the recruiter&#39;s office. Have him start with a regular MOS, go to boot camp, school and have some time in the actual service. Friend of mine was gun-ho about Special Forces and he joined the Navy as a airman working with mechanics for F/A 18s and hasn&#39;t looked back since. He loves his job. <br /><br />Telll him one step at a time; have him choose a service first, then move to boot camp.

2016-11-14T08:17:08-05:00 2016-11-14T08:17:08-05:00 CPO Dave Homan 2072513

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not the navy. Seals are hard to get into and you need to get into the navy first. It&#39;s a pussy navy and I&#39;d never recommend anyone join today. I did 22 years active duty in the navy. Sign me BTC retired. It&#39;s a pussy navy!

2016-11-14T11:06:15-05:00 2016-11-14T11:06:15-05:00 SP5 Melissa Carlson 2072860

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Navy, I&#39;d say more opportunity

2016-11-14T12:57:47-05:00 2016-11-14T12:57:47-05:00 Maj Private RallyPoint Member 2316371

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A few years old, but overall a good reference: <a target="_blank" href="https://fas.org/irp/agency/dod/socom/factbook-2012.pdf">https://fas.org/irp/agency/dod/socom/factbook-2012.pdf</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="https://fas.org/irp/agency/dod/socom/factbook-2012.pdf">factbook-2012.pdf</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">é0µ;»ÉÌSåÒZìÁù[\AÀçÖ3\áøþÀöT)nP¿ñ#Q%»Éü.qpnS¿,|ÿÊïhöNßéHóÊû[^çRãÅ#KñÍÒòG0uþZ6]Òû5v:V1úåuUèòJs:baÀÍ*eïøüg$;5¿7Q+éÔZ7¡fõù7źcJL¿Ö/O_:Sújf\ZÜ,êoY6 ùí ÊüDµ|&#39;N2(ÏãmE-6ræüö~eq`ï?6ijç·é9j¡çN»ËuJm&amp;ÃåäX%C.o%êudXûbÍ:ðCQÎåKtñb]yÙ¶dXÌMÆùoÉù3µmOÖyø^ÎáÿþV-!Hë Ôg endstream endobj 287 0 obj stream hÞA1E9Å_Í4i¶{A\.`3ä«öÕU;ÕÃI1ÒÈmÊn+{ïo&#39;qµKçMpE&quot;Wó«ÿÕqë·iaß4¿Ï&#39;ÂZKËÌã,Ø?[å åØ endstream endobj 288 0 obj stream hÞwTTÏwz¡Í0Òz.0ô. QfÊ ÃMl@DE¡Hb!(`HPb0dFÖJ|yyïååÇ...</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div>

2017-02-06T01:00:22-05:00 2017-02-06T01:00:22-05:00 SFC Jim Ruether 2317847

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;d tell him to go for it but he&#39;s going to have to improve his PT score. He may be something special where he is right now but he will be in the presence of soldiers who max that PT test and then some.

2017-02-06T16:12:17-05:00 2017-02-06T16:12:17-05:00 MSG Dan Castaneda 2320103

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If he wants to be in &quot;Special Forces,&quot; my first piece of advice, would be to join the Army. If he wants to be in Special Operations, then either one would suit.

2017-02-07T13:00:55-05:00 2017-02-07T13:00:55-05:00 AN Earle Brown III 2320167

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Para-rescue is intense the main question he should be asking is what does he want after a successful career in the military? BUDS is tough also, It comes down to military life and after life experiences.

2017-02-07T13:22:18-05:00 2017-02-07T13:22:18-05:00 Lt Col Jim Coe 2320266

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Actually, I&#39;d recommend the Army. The Army has an entire branch dedicated to Special Operations. Rangers, Special Forces (Green Berets), psychological operations, and SF aviation are all &quot;special operations forces&quot; in the Army. This means there are a lot more Soldiers engaged in special operations than any other Service. Also, SF is a combat arm of the Army and is a &quot;main stream&quot; part of the Army. Opportunities are improved because of the number of Soldiers engaged in special operations.<br /><br />Air Force SOF is limited to PJs and the AF Special Operations Units. The C-130 and helicopter aircrews, which include enlisted personnel, are considered special operations forces. The entire AFSOF is small compared to the USAF and the opportunities are limited because of the small size compared to the entire AF.<br /><br />My knowledge of Navy SOF is very limited. The SEALS and small boat crews are SOF. Like the AFSOF, the total numbers of SOF Sailors is small. The opportunities will be limited in a small community.<br /><br />Hope this helps. I salute your son&#39;s willingness to serve.

2017-02-07T13:59:38-05:00 2017-02-07T13:59:38-05:00 PO3 Frank McCain 2320684

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With all respect to all special forces think if you are all in go SEALS he needs to have the mind set it is the only thing he wants through buds and training they have the best training program bar none. My hat is off for him looking to join hope he pushes through and makes the cut.

2017-02-07T17:01:49-05:00 2017-02-07T17:01:49-05:00 SMSgt Timothy Cathers 2327094

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Air Force

2017-02-09T17:03:27-05:00 2017-02-09T17:03:27-05:00 CPO Bill Penrod 2807940

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Navy has a SEAL challenge program. He should request a SEAL Mentor and get his swim quals at Coanado or Little Creek. Good luck.....

2017-08-07T01:01:34-04:00 2017-08-07T01:01:34-04:00 PVT Mark Brown 2807964

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am prejudiced but my answer is Army and then, depending on his goal or interest Ranger or SF (some have done both.)

2017-08-07T01:14:42-04:00 2017-08-07T01:14:42-04:00 MSgt Earle Clark 2958454

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let him decide, but Air Force Air Commando he would be close knit with Army, Navy, special Forces, and International Special Groups! If he is eagar and alert, I recommend this, but he needs comrade support!

2017-09-29T17:17:01-04:00 2017-09-29T17:17:01-04:00 PO1 Barbara Wagner 4900906

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Navy SEALS are the Navy&#39;s elite force. To the best of my knowledge, the Air Force does not have special forces. I served active duty in the Navy for 14 years prior to being medically discharged. BUDS training is exceptionally difficult and he can apply and if he meets the requirements, he will be selected. ASVAB scores are only part of the requirements. I can state that if for some reason he can&#39;t complete BUDS, the Air Force has better quality of life. The real question is does he want to go to sea or does he prefer to be more stateside? Being biased, the Navy SEALS are the elite fighting force. It all comes down to the individual. He also needs to understand the Navy cannot guarantee that he will be picked up for BUDS training or a guarantee that he will complete the training.

2019-08-10T06:49:17-04:00 2019-08-10T06:49:17-04:00 PO3 Mike Bek 4906869

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;d say don&#39;t let the movies pick your career. With that test score pick a good civilian career and start it in the service. Pick the career and that will probably pick the branch.

2019-08-11T22:10:01-04:00 2019-08-11T22:10:01-04:00 COL Gary Gresh 4910838

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Do your own homework. Everyone and all branches of the service are different but all serve the country well. Visit all the recruiters and read all you can before jumping! Education is the key. Know what you are signing up for. Think of the future and leave room for possible family, goals, and desires. You can easily make the right decision for your family. All of us think that our path was the right path and want others to follow to reinforce our own egos. Put your shoes on and follow your own path. You will be happier.

2019-08-13T07:49:15-04:00 2019-08-13T07:49:15-04:00 2016-11-12T11:46:31-05:00