What is the ideal soldier to you?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 10:57:10 -0400

What traits would be present in a soldier, specifically a SOF soldier that would make you say "Wow, I wish that guy worked for me." or traits that would make him especially well-suited for the SOF world?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 11:23 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:23:58 -0400

It doesn't have to be just SOF. This particular idea works in the conventional forces area as well.

To me, the ideal Soldier is the one that leads from the front (regardless of rank); gets their tasks done on time (or earlier) with little to no guidance/prodding; always gives their best on APFT; maintains proper military bearing; accepts responsibility for their actions; teaches the new troops right from wrong; team player.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 11:29 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:29:11 -0400

Follow this:
MISSION
MEN
ME

Period.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 11:32 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:32:37 -0400

Follow this:
MISSION
MEN
ME

Period.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 11:45 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:45:26 -0400

There are common traits that apply to the military and civilian world that make up an excellent soldier or employee. Know your MOS (job) and the basics of the jobs of the people that you work with and may need to cover for. Know the military. Always strive to improve your skills and keep up with the latest changes. You never stop learning and always strive to be one of the best in your profession.

The best do not wait to be told to do something. If you see something that needs to be done, do it without thought of recognition. You are loyal to your teammates and make sure that you have their backs.

If you are weak in an area, work on it to make it a strength. Follow through on all missions (tasks) to completion and never quit.

Be known as a hard worker that gets the job done with little or no guidance and do not shy away from leadership opportunities.

Even the best will make an occasional mistake. Learn from your mistakes and do not make the same mistake twice.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Sep 11 at 2020 2:17 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 14:17:12 -0400

Some people will say it's the Solider (Sailor, Airman, or Marine) who upholds standards... and they wouldn't be wrong. Others will say it's the person who always gives 100% to every task, no matter what it is... and they'd be right too. Many will say it's having a sharp intellect and loads of common sense. Still more might suggest it's having natural abilities to lead... and here again, they'd be right. I might say it's the person who knows how not to "quit".

I'm not SOF, but my guess is they are looking for someone who is at LEAST all of the above.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 11 at 2020 5:24 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:24:40 -0400

My step-grandson completed Special Operations training and deployed as a SOF Soldier. I think the things that helped him succeed:
-Persistence: keeping at a task or assignment until it's completed
-Mental toughness: ability to keep cool under pressure. Ability to compartmentalize your thoughts so you can concentrate of the mission at hand. Firm understanding why you believe in your God, Country, and buddies.
-Physical fitness: meet or better the physical fitness requirements for your job. Do so with a positive attitude.
-Woods craft: ability to live and work in a remote, austere environment using resources at hand to survive and complete the mission. Not scared to be alone in the woods. Know enough folk medicine and biology to use plants and animals safely.
-Personable: relates well with people of all types; likable guy
-Integrity

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 11 at 2020 6:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 18:40:48 -0400

I had a tank loader he was young and inexperienced but damn I loved his positive attitude.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 11 at 2020 8:38 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 20:38:45 -0400

Top notch field skills, fighting skills, weapons proficiency; and the rest is in the link

http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsoathlaw.asp

Boy Scout Oath, Law and Motto

U.S. Scouting Service Project

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2020 4:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 04:17:16 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member having worked with SOF and having friends in the SOF community it is important to understand that they are people just like you and me. The things that set them apart from conventional forces are their training and skill level. If you want to go SOF you will have to be dedicated to going through the selection process and meeting all their requirements. The rest applies to all conventional forces: dedicated, self-learner, self-motivated, self-starter, willing to put in extra time to perfect their profession, an advocate for their profession, a good leader, a good follower, seeks to help others to achieve what they want and help others to get to where you are and beyond, and a team player yet still willing to do what is ethical, moral, and legal at all times and report those who do not.

I highly suggest that you seek a mentor. Seek someone who you admire and either is or has been in position that you want to strive to be, but is not currently in your chain of command. And when the time comes become a mentor for at least one person who wants to go where you are/have been.