Special Mission Units. How does a soldier get to a SMU and what makes you appealing to these units?

2014-02-06T16:54:54-05:00

A question that stemmed from another question I asked!

What are ways to apply for a SMU and how can I find out where SMU's are and what they do?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 4:57 PM

2014-02-06T16:57:45-05:00

I kind of hinted at this in the other thread you started, but SMU's are mostly an "invite only" kind of deal. You have to meet certain minimum requirements, GT score, time in service, rank, and MOS to name a few, and they will send out an email inviting you to a selection briefing.<br>

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 6 at 2014 5:09 PM

2014-02-06T17:09:15-05:00

SPC, <div><br></div><div>SMUs do roadshow briefings around major military bases. At Fort Campbell they even advertise the event in the local post paper. However, you generally need more experience than what you currently have under your belt though to be considered. If you are interested in learning more about this path, I would encourage you to engage with Special Forces recruiters. Special Forces are a feeder for SMUs, and are also a great place to be on their own. Applying for the Special Forces may be the best option for you right now if you want to do the kinds of things you are thinking about. </div><div><br></div><div>There is a Special Forces recruiter office on Fort Campbell. You should give them a call or just drop by to visit. They are there to speak exactly with people like yourself. </div><div><br></div><div>Their contact information is listed on this USAREC page. You just have to take the first step and go and talk to them:</div><div><br></div><div>http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/sfas/poc.html<br></div><div><br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.usarec.army.mil/img/sfas_poc.gif"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/sfas/poc.html">Recruiter Locations and POC</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Ft Benning SF Recruiting
Bldg 75, McVeigh Hall, Rm 408

Ft Benning, GA ...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 12:11 PM

2014-02-07T12:11:42-05:00

Really?

http://bit.ly/1f1FOlA

Let me google that for you

Let Me Google That For You

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 7 at 2014 1:22 PM

2014-02-07T13:22:12-05:00

All the folks who have chimed in so far have really been spot on with the information and guidance provided. I would just like to add something to the conversation. Talk to you NCO Support Channel. Talk to your Career Counselor. There are a lot of appealing things and a lot of opportunities offered within the SMU community. You need to see what the prerequisites are (as of today), if you qualify, and if you do not, what you need to do to meet those prerequisites. I applied just after I reclassed into MI. I was told that I needed to get more experience in CI/HUMINT before they would "entertain" my request. That was an eye opener for me since I was told that I had the "tactical block" checked based off of my former MOS and experience.

My BLUF is to research what you need to do. Your NCOs can assist you along with your Career Counselor. I know a few folks that are working on that side of the fence and they say it is very rewarding. Good luck!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 8:42 AM

2014-03-15T08:42:12-04:00

The easiest way would be one of those briefs that we attended at school. They have them from time to time on the big posts as well. Just keep an eye open. As far as doing what you can to prepare yourself mentally, physically, tactically, and technically , SOF units are a great feeder. We have guys get snatched up all the time. Also, they generally want you to know a language, have deployments to at least 2 AORs, and be at least 25. If you bring something significant to the table without one of those though, exceptions can be made.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 8:47 AM

2014-03-15T08:47:13-04:00

Hey Battle, I still have the SMU recruiters info from a brief we got back in Monterey if you wanna PM me for it.
From what I recall SPC(P) is where they will start looking at you with a valid 35 series MOS qual.

Granted, It's been about 2 years since I attended one of those briefs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-12-09T12:35:45-05:00

do they send it to everyone or just a few people.