How Hard is the 18X SPECIAL FORCES Program? Everything You Need to Know

The US Army has a program where you can enlist directly into Special Forces. It is called the 18X program. Let’s discuss the standard Special Forces Training Pipeline, the 18X Program Requirements, Training Pipeline, Difficulty level, Physical Fitness, and Pros & Cons. Personally, I’m a huge fan of the 18X program. The 18Xs I’ve known and worked with were all top-notch men.
*** I included commentary about how one of my best friends (18X) got killed and how 2 others (18Xs) got shot up badly to emphasize that this isn’t about glamour and being the tough guy… this is the fast track program to be the tip of the spear on the front lines of action.
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[@AyrSpeed]

Line infantry here. If you're thinking about 18x, do 18x. At MINIMUM, pick up an airborne or ranger contract. I didn't. Now I'm in a unit where sweeping the motor pool and cleaning gear take priority over knowing battle drills, building team cohesion, and generally anything related to being combat capable. Learn from my mistake. Take that extra eight months or so to get in proper shape, study the ranger handbook, and stand out.

[@joshrak5953]

Sounds like you're at a heavy unit like hood.

[@AyrSpeed]

@@joshrak5953 Worse. Riley

[@reece6235]

@@AyrSpeed I share your sentiments rasp heat exhaustion week 1 I now hate my life at Ft.Stewart 13fox here

[@cbro892]

You can pick up more than 1 contract?

[@LeBelt_James]

@@cbro892 no

[@traviswhite3488]

I ship on an 18x at the end of May. Super excited!

[@Nick-ns2us]

Me too...I guess I’ll see you there

[@ald.3500]

Go kick some ass, and good luck

[@samvarga5258]

I ship end of April!

[@m6504]

Good for you brother, when did you sign up?

[@LasVegasSlabs]

Who’s shipping around April 26th with 18x?

[@wryme1768]

Not to shill for someone else on your video, but for any SF hopefuls; there's a 6 part podcast by Zack Hughes where he talks about the road to becoming SF. Good listening while you're working out.

[@lukeishere4177]

What’s the podcast called and is it on Spotify

[@wryme1768]

@@lukeishere4177 "How to be a Green Beret. Detailing every step on the route to becoming a Green Beret." is the youtube title of episode 1. Off the Operators Association Podcast #18. Not on Spotify as far as I can tell. But if one were so inclined, there are ways to rip the audio then upload to your spotify as a local file.

[@lukeishere4177]

@@wryme1768 ah ok thanks! I appreciate it

[@wryme1768]

​@Fred Forbes As far as selection, SFAS is ruck-based while BUD/s and BCS are based in water and the cold. SF has specialized divers, but every seal can dive. Every Green Beret goes to language school, but not every seal does. I think both share a close to 2 year pipeline just to get to a team/ODA. Both do log PT. Both go to SERE and airborne. Both do Foreign Internal Defense (think training and assisting foreign nationals) and both do Direct Action; but Seals are more focused on DA while FID is SF's bread and butter. Both have Tier 1 units in their respective communities. I've heard a Seal talk about running until you get 'hamburger crotch' then having to go for a swim in salt water; and I've heard a Green Beret talk about carrying heavy shit convinced his hips were gonna pop out of their socket. So I'll go with equal but different.

[@quackwiththegat1747]

@@lukeishere4177 5/19/21 it is now on Spotify

[@robertevans428]

My grandson was an 18X'er right out of the University of Arizona. He survived it all and went on to become a member of 5th Group. He told me that the 2 years he went though the "Q" course was the toughest thing he's ever done, and this comes from a guy who came out of the womb already tough. He was the only 18X'er in his class to finish and get that coveted Green Beret and Special Forces tab. He says that his class had lawyers, a couple of stock brokers and various military vets who wanted the challenge and stepped up to the plate. God bless all of them.

[@mrn846]

god bless you and your grandson and thank you for your family service 🙏🫶

[@Dirk-my2zf]

Girls have graduated SFAS. SF is weak AF.

[@FlyingCircusAct]

Bless the USA!

[@Lucas_5092]

I'm been playing Call of Duty for 10 years and I can definitely think I can handle this.

[@TheNaturalCause]

Very original.

[@Pegasus_-lb7uy]

Your hardest challenge looks like it’ll be the ASVAB

[@pyeitme508]

Yeah I doubt that lol

[@beefling5390]

A bunch of haters in comments. With my 2.5 K/D this will be a breeze😴

[@hopliteoperator]

You are all hating but I bet he would clap your ass in a game

[@navE_CS]

The minimum PT standards are actually 57 push-ups and 66 sit-ups in 2 mins, a 2 mile run in 14:24 or less, and 8 pull ups. The Q course no longer includes Language School and advanced training. It’s now 24 weeks long and you don your beret and long tab after Robin Sage then they send you to LS and AS. Ps I’m at Fort Bragg right now awaiting training and have been briefed on the SF pipeline as recent as yesterday, good luck to everyone that’s looking to go 18x!

[@SG-bb8pq]

Good luck brother. You got this. Let us know anything after the 24 weeks thank you.

[@s3vensixtwo460]

Is airborne still offered before SFAS?

[@christiandinero8083]

good to know. really want to get an 18x contract in a year after i get my degree

[@joshsalud9257]

@@s3vensixtwo460 as of today, yes

[@navE_CS]

@@s3vensixtwo460 it was for me. I’ve heard they were gonna make it after selection for the same reason they did RASP (people only getting RASP contracts so they could get AB qualified and then drop out). I can ask our cadre on Monday to get a definitive answer for you if you’d like.

[@patlynch3816]

I was in the second 18X class, circa summer 2002. Prior to that I had spent 8 years in the Marine Corps infantry. For me, SOPC I and SOPC II were great refreshers and a perfect time to get tuned up for SFAS and the Q. The "pure" 18X-ers (those with no prior military experience other than OSUT) were a mixed bag, which leads me to one, simple assessment: It's all in your heart and in your mind. I've watched alleged studs flat out quit on the STARS course, quit during a ruck march, and of course the myriad of souls that scurried away in the middle of the night during SFAS for one reason or another. Those that made it in the class ahead of me and those in my class, we all went to the Q together and many of us ended up in the same group. Their successes were as diverse as their personalities, but not because of military experience or lack thereof, because they came into the Army at a critical moment when the nation needed them. Lastly, I would like to give credit to the incredible instructors and mentors we had back then - a stud every last one of them who had one goal and one goal only, to make us the most lethal and deadly warriors to wear the Green Beret. DOL to all my brothers in the 1st Special Forces Regiment and those that served.

[@fredcollins8919]

Having served successfully in USMC Infantry was most definitely a MAJOR PLUS for you & most, not just for SFAS but for ANY military force worldwide and equally important for life in general

[@nous_defions]

Lynch, a name that rings for SOPC guys circa 2002-2004. Lynch's lane anyone? Phase II Small Unit Tactics?

[@patlynch3816]

@JJ2K1 That's Jim Lynch, not me and not related - want to make that very clear. But I was in his squad in 02-03, the infamous ice storm.

[@Max-zv8hm]

Usually the more mature adults do well in selection. Exhibit A:

[@buddy-7086]

I’m in the Navy DEP right now and I’m working on getting my SEAL contract right now. Just passed the test yesterday and hopin to get the auto qual numbers within the next month. Wish me luck!

[@MysticErick]

I talked to my recruiter and he said I have to pick a MOS before I can get the seal contract. Did you do that?

[@nacon3396]

Wow so you could be a Navy Seal. Good luck to you brother. I wish to achieve the same dream in years to come. Wish you all the best.

[@ElmarSprong]

@@MysticErick From my understanding, you have two options Pick an MOS, and train for that, and move on to BUD/s, if you fail you have an MOS to fall back on Or you can go straight to BUD/s, but if you fail, the navy decides where you go Don't take my comment as fact, I am no authority on the subject

[@old]

@@ElmarSprong Nope, you're absolutely right. We had a lot of buds dropouts when I was in 10 years ago, and a lot of those dudes were pushed to become either BM's or worked as AB's on the carriers. Which is basically bitchwork for the navy, I know, because I did it. If you truly feel you're ready for that shit @Buddy-, then don't fucking quit homie. Just know if you do, your life in the navy will not be as expected. Do whatever it takes, take painkillers, ductape your feet, legs, arms, sneak donuts, whatever. Get through it.

[@trisgilmour]

Good luck 🍀

[@airassaults9462]

I was sadly psych dropped going into second week of SFAS. SOPC was no joke, it was definitely a great smoke fest but It definitely strengthened your mental fortitude if it wasn’t already tough. I remember being in the freezing cold during land nav, while raining thinking this is the worst moment of my life. I literally deep down to my core was willing to die before I give up or quit. Was given the opportunity to go back so definitely will but have been working on my education and bettering myself to make sure I comeback with way better then I left!

[@reallyhappenings5597]

What did your psych drop consist of? Can you elaborate?

[@Make-Asylums-Great-Again]

Don’t elaborate.

[@ctdvargas]

He was dropped for being "Frito Bandito".... thats a technical term@@reallyhappenings5597

[@Lumberjacked120]

Just remember this: if you wash out of the pipeline at ANY point, you will go to the Army as an Infantryman and likely spend you remaining years of contract there (minimum of 5 years).

[@jimgood1949]

Jesse Gillette Even though you completed Infantry OSUT, there is no guarantee that you will stay infantry if you don’t pass the course. You will be assigned to where the need is the greatest, so you might become a cook, or a warehouse worker, or anything else that the recruiters can’t fill at that time.

[@Lumberjacked120]

@@jimgood1949 I was not assigned a new MOS and was stuck with what the army already trained me with.

[@benhaney9629]

I mean... Not really. If you want out of the army bad enough they’ll let you go..

[@Lumberjacked120]

@@benhaney9629 then you would reach the end of your contract. lol

[@clarencesmith467]

Better then chipping paint

[@himprsjima8655]

My message to everyone thinking of taking an 18x contract, do not do it, if you do not get selected which 90% do not then you will not be sent back to 11b world like you may have been told, you will be reclassified to something dumb, the army does not care. Pick up an 11b contract, get to your unit and drop a packet after a year so you can fall back on 11b. I’m trying to save some of you kids from hating your career, best of luck with whatever you choose.

[@dangelini1137]

Can it son. We need 88Ms and fuelers in the 82nd

[@odiespunkmeyer6016]

I've been watching your videos for the past year and a half. I want to say thank you. You and FNG Academy have been getting me hyped and prepped to take on this challenge.

[@bigchicknboi6579]

Me too

[@bigchicknboi6579]

I read the FNG ACADEMY book

[@sammossbeck5250]

@@bigchicknboi6579 Nice! What did you think?

[@bigchicknboi6579]

@@sammossbeck5250 it was awesome dude! I really recommend it

[@christiandinero8083]

@@bigchicknboi6579 sounds like i should get it then

[@ChanceMaurin]

My son just swore in, shipping out 1/06/24= as 18x. Thank you for this vid ! Very helpful in knowing what he’ll be going through, which helps me to know best how to pray & support him from home. And thank you and anyone watching for your service. I still believe in this country, and appreciate the men and women who continue to make it safe. I bid you all good tidings, and pray you all come back to us safe.

[@TheTuscaloosa]

My son is currently trying. White phase in benning. Still loves it. As a father seeing this i am even more proud that he‘s even considering this path. Even if he might fail he will learn a lot.

[@mikeperry2561]

I'm in my 60's and have always regretted not enlisting. I'm thoroughly enjoying your videos and the experience based theme. I'm also honored to be an American and know what a bad ads you are, and yet, you are humble. Thank you Patriot for being a good man, telling your story, and for serving our country.

[@tyler8823]

That picture of basic training was actually my class. Echo 2-19. Graduated December of 2018. I recognize some of the DS and recruits. This is really cool actually. What are the chances.

[@BofaDee33]

Oh snap I graduated from E 2/19 in Benning but it was a long time ago. How's Sand Hill these days?

[@XeTylerr]

I was Echo 5-15 in 2018

[@user-qx7ym8yc1t]

I was C 2/58 sand hill 2016

[@IronVigilance]

C 2/54 - 2013

[@akaza7874]

@@BofaDee33 graduated Delta 1-19 the Drill Sergeant still maintain their ruthless demeanor, but some changes that I personally didn't like was the removal of Shark Attack.

[@immortancashb3676]

This is it. Forwarded to my father who was army infantry. I'm 30 with no previous military experience but I want it bad. I know at my age I'm more certain than I ever was coming out of highschool that this is what I want and need as my life.

[@immortancashb3676]

@@captainhoratius8192 been a roofer sense I was a child grew up on my father's construction crew I basically ruck 75+ lbs all day sometimes if I gotta I'm very confident my backs going to hold up fine. I'm just hoping my little background can be waived with the letters or recommendation I'm getting from a detective and a correction officer willing to vouch for my character.

[@kevincorrigan1754]

@@immortancashb3676 hows the waivers goin

[@quietiger1288]

Best of luck!

[@l.a.rankin]

I knew a guy who got SF in his 30’s, I think through 18x. He was a former Marine sniper and missed the military life. He trained HARD, hard charger that he was and made it. You just have to want it bad enough and stay healthy.

[@kerryclark1926]

Do it! I was in the best shape of my life in my 30's.

[@livefree1030]

I was a 37F (Psyop) and we had 2 "Blue Falcons". Both were sent to become 18X. They proved us all wrong as we always said "They won't pass selection". Well, they achieved their goal.

[@thelmadickinson6811]

In Service Active Duty Enlisted cannot go 18x. That’s a civilian route or prior service.

[@Bamx3]

What’s a blue falcon

[@Moto.Mitch.]

Could you do a similar video explaining the option 40 contract and pipeline? Another video suggestion could be explaining the different missions that a Ranger would operate on vs what a Special Forces operator would. Your wisdom and guidance is truly amazing and useful to us!

[@anonymousm9113]

As a Recruiter and 11B I learned the hard way that not everyone wants or needs to go 18X. I had a highly qualified and motivated Applicant (95 ASVAB, 132 DLAB, Eagle Scout, JROTC, college, with a brother who was a MSG in the Reserves) who I pushed to go 18X. He became my first DEP Loss, but asked about following up in a year of going back to college didn’t work out. Sure enough, he called almost a year to the day later and, unlike some Recruiters that would hold a grudge, I got him back in, this time in the Intel community with Language School. He did his time and got out but remains a Facebook friend to this day. Later, as an Infantry OSUT Drill Sergeant, I was spoiled when I reported during Day 1 of White Phase (Week 4). Most of the class were 18X, Option 40 (Ranger) or National Guard (who usually receive training prior to BCT/OSUT and are sometimes Split Option-BCT phases between Junior and Senior years of high school and AIT phase after graduation). All were highly motivated and following classes paled in comparison.

[@Halo47143]

I love your videos, they motivated me to advance my army career trough commissioning and to put my name down for every OML in regards to school/training.

[@SaltySeaCaptain]

Go pack brother

[@jaimesandoval1337]

Just bought both books. Been looking for a great program to help me get in shape and prepared for any selection I decide to go to. Thank you so much for the help.

[@No-One-of-Consequence]

You do a genuine service to your fellow servicemen publishing these videos, and I'm damnd proud of you, Colonel.

[@joshuareed390]

I couldn't get 18X or an Airborne contract back in 2005 when I joined due to hypertension, but I still went Infantry with the intent to keep trying. Ended up in 1/506th, 101st. Breezed through Air Assault school and quickly deployed to Ramadi three months after graduating OSUT. An RPG ended the SF dream for me, but I got to serve and fight in an absolutely badass unit. You wanna know about us, ask Jocko Willink about the 506th in Ramadi. We did a lot of ops with SEAL teams 3&5, along with Task Force 145.

[@carlmclelland7624]

I'm exactly two months shy of my entry into the Army, 18May67, 55 years ago. I did my year in Vietnam (68-69) at DakTo in the Central Highlands. Although I was an air traffic controller, I soon learned the NVA doesn't consider your MOS when they shoot at you, and trust me... I learned the sound of a shot fired in anger. I've told young men throughout life, you'll get out of the Army what you're willing to put into it. In my case, GS-14 when I retired from the FAA, and I never forgot my roots. I did a second career as a Deputy Sheriff in Reno, NV. Funny in a way... I came home from Vietnam without so much as a cut finger, and earned my Purple Heart as a Deputy. The 18X program is reminiscent of the "WOC" rotary wing program of decades ago. That's what I enlisted for, then went ATC when I busted a flight physical for vision. Looking back on life now (I'm seventy-four), if I had it to do over again and they had an 18X program, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Many of my best, most trusted friends were Special Forces or SEALS. At my age, and while the military is but a memory, if our nation ever faced a Ukraine situation, trust me... I can shoot as straight today as I could at DakTo. Carl RA18 848 606.

[@vermontsmostobesetubaplaye1988]

I thought I was the old timer here. 11 x-ray, SF, July, 1982.

[@groneAL]

Thank you sir for your service. It is very well appreciated.

[@mikecrowley7486]

@@vermontsmostobesetubaplaye1988 I was in SFGC 501-78.

[@vermontsmostobesetubaplaye1988]

Good deal! Glad you made it back ok. I wound up in the 82nd, meant to put that in my post but somehow didn't. I have some fond memories of Bragg and the bars outside of it. I didn't realize I was just a kid at the time. I was mortars, but later on wound up as a rifleman 11B in Korea, DMZ. I have no doubt you can still shoot straight! I did a year in Bosnia in the 90's (civilian) and that's where I really learned about the sound of an AK-47. It's an unforgettable sound. All the best to you.

[@mikecrowley7486]

Thanks for responding.501-78 graduated in April 1978.

[@JB-bo3vr]

Haven’t gone through the training but I’ve worked directly with these guys. Become a beast at pt (running, rucking, grip strength, etc) but that’s not everything. Their biggest drop numbers are from fitness level to sort out the people who didn’t or wouldn’t commit the time before hand to prepare. Working with the guys they said that mentality and internal discipline is the biggest part. Have to be a bulldog during an op but on the flip side is you have to be able to work with and communicate and teach absolute idiots without losing your cool. Keep a level head and be an animal with a 70-80+ ruck on your back. Good luck

[@cringemaster4360]

Not hard physically. Only mentally. Word of advice, DON’T QUIT! When you’re in pain, it means you’re rebuilding yourself to be better. 1SFG!

[@JustTuckedUp]

1st group? you in language right now, or did you get to your team yet?

[@110Nikita]

This is bullshit. It's definitely have physically lmao, but MOSTLY mentally.

[@randomdudeonyoutube.]

Love the Elite Performer Skills playlist.

[@wherecar54]

The Army has drastically improved since I was in the late 70’s right after the end of Vietnam. There were never these opportunities, and or the ability to have a contract, where they would honor it. Training is much better, the officer corp. has improved. Unlike in my situation there was no transparency, if you had a contract and you blew out your test scores they would mess with you. Sad but true.

[@jeffreygurwitch2894]

Actually the Army has gone way down hill the last decade, retention in SOF all time low. More than half who graduate SF dont reenlist after serving minimum time. Ranger Regiment even worse 70% dont stay. I retired in2017 most who I served with have gotten out that is including guys who have less 10 years in.

[@kevinmorthorst521]

@@jeffreygurwitch2894 Why do you think that is out of curiosity?

[@brycesolomon9933]

@@kevinmorthorst521 the left. Making everything “inclusive” and death by PowerPoint. I got out in ‘15 after 10 years, yes I regret it, but I can’t dwell on it. Friends of mine still in say they hate it and are out once 20 hits. Anything and everything is an EO complaint.

[@kevinmorthorst521]

@@brycesolomon9933 Sounds like I dodged a bullet. I did six and done.

[@deusvult6920]

@@kevinmorthorst521 same. I was in 05 - 11. Had a long talk with my dad (who originally went AD in the 80s and was still on the guard) and decided shit was way too weak I didn't want to stake my life on someone that just doesn't have the mental toughness to be a soldier and that have been coddled all their life and are coddled in the military.

[@looseygoosey1349]

I was thinking of just going Ranger but now? That last line convinced me to go all the way.

[@lubedupduck69bigpp16]

The way you worded it implies that rangers aren’t as good as special forces but both of them are good however rangers focus more on direct action combat where as special forces focus more on unconventional warfare.

[@mitchellsmith4690]

Attended PNCOC/CA we had a guy who was a former 18X, and was a 18B...he was also a PFC. A very impressive fellow, he had the least time in service and was the junior member by rank. His experience showed...the rest of us had to have a talk about some things...we were all Airborne, E4s with 2 to 3 years experience and had a better intuitive grasp of leadership and self management, we had to make him sleep..he would just keep going until his judgement was impaired...experience counts, even here.

[@PDogg6852]

I have an 18X contract and ship July 24th (20 Days). I'll see whoever else there, I am training hard every day and I hope everyone else does the same, lets crush it.

[@mez174]

Good luck

[@AFGixxeR88]

You following a specific program

[@thelmadickinson6811]

@@AFGixxeR8818x only get phone time 1x a week for 1/2 hr if they earned it. He’s not gonna reply for months yet.

[@josemexjr2844]

Updates?

[@dangelini1137]

How's the 82nd buddy?

[@SkcxSilent]

Stay motivated through basic/infantry school. I just graduated infantry school, alot of my buddies are 18x [we are a group of prior service] there was ALOT of young privates to lose their 18x contract for not being in good enough shape to pass the APFT, understand that the army trains you on thr ACFT now, not the APFT so you need to take extra time out of ur days to practice ur push-ups and sit ups. Make sure you don't fail an APFT because you're contract will absolutely get dropped. Best of luck to you! Hopefully this advice reaches many more candidates. 🙏🏻

[@josemexjr2844]

Are you 18x???

[@SkcxSilent]

@@josemexjr2844 no.

[@TheJuan_N_0nly]

I can appreciate these videos. I wish they were around when I was joining. I can only imagine where I would've been if I had the proper guidance and mentors..

[@dead_or_alive2649]

New subscriber. Fantastic video from a new subscribers perception. Clear, informative and interesting. Thank you and I’m grateful to have found your channel.

[@joaquina.5248]

Hello there. I hope you and your family is safe, since when I last checked in I think you were in Italy. God Bless.

[@kkkiren599]

Special Forces never stop training. 18 x is just one of the filters. As long as you serve you prepare for every latest challenge feasible but also know that operational environment will decide any outcome. The adversary also is an adaptive human. Battle psyche, physical endurance, subtlety, lethality and exploitability are factors that are never confirmed till achieved.

[@chrisgraham9110]

Before 9/11, I was a Reservist mechanic, and my contract ended and I was out by 99. In 2003, I decided to re-up after 9/11, with intentions of becoming 18C after being accustomed to military life again. Started training, but no resources like this available yet, and didn't know what I didn't know. I never found the courage to attempt 18X, and in 2005 found myself deployed, and a Reservist career after that. Fully retired now, and far too old to attempt half of this training. If you're young and curious and have a never fail attitude, go after it.

[@aaronlevy6054]

Excellent channel, De Oppresso Liber 🇺🇸🦇⚡

[@Csharp7707]

This is exactly what I need to hear, thank you for making these

[@TNCombatMedic]

Back in 2004 (I’m old), an SF recruiter obtained medics scores & went around asking who wanted it. Those who were offered did a PT test & course. If you passed, they pulled you out of class & could sign a new contract. This was at a time when army was short on medics & classes were about 950 or so students. With about 120 graduating. Should’ve signed. Mistakes were made.

[@fatmayo2293]

I enjoyed your video. - One free man who appreciates those who sacrificed and/or provide the freedoms I can enjoy

[@daviswebb8374]

Thank you so much I was really looking into this

[@ELSapp]

A former colleague of mine entered the Army as an 18X about 2 years ago. I recently found out he has made it through and is a Comms SGT. His original plan, I think, was Weapons SGT, but something changed his mind as he went through.

[@thelmadickinson6811]

That something that changed his mind may have been needs of the Army if they had too many 18B and not enough 18E.

[@josesosa208]

Shipping out April 26 as an 18x! 💪🏼... thank you so much for your content it’s invaluable brother 🙏🏼

[@josemexjr2844]

Updates bro?

[@victorherbiniv1454]

update us bro

[@cHuCkIeLeE2694]

So Army Recruiter here! They actually changed the pipeline now. So many people were taking 18X contracts and Opt. 40 contracts just to get airborne in their contract then VW at their respective selections. So big army realized that’s what was happening and put airborne after each selection. So if you get an 18X or Opt. 40 contract. You will go to OSUT then your selection and if you get selected you will then attend Airborne school.

[@jimwilton-sd5le]

Just want to say thanks all you guys who decided to make Special Operations a life

[@djmikeyoung]

The hardest part of 18x is when you get reclassed and go Needs of the Army. It's a open contract. No you will not keep your 11b status either. Know what you're signing up for..

[@LongRon6969]

They PT standards are higher for X-rays. You take a PT test as soon as you get in processed into SWCS and have to get a 240 overall w/ 60 points minimum in each category. SOPC got changed to SFPC and is 6 weeks long but before that you go to AT or “awaiting training” which is hard PT every day and is actually more physically intense. Nonselects will get a 6 month or 2 year return or a never to return. Most guys that quit for an injury reason will get a 6 month return

[@josemexjr2844]

Are you 18x???

[@KutWrite]

Wow! Impressive. Well researched, presented and produced. (I'm a retired Viet-era Navy officer)

[@eclipsewrecker]

I’ve had quite a few of my wrestlers, my ex-teammates, and other local wrestlers get in both ways to ‘tier 2’ Wrestle through high school, even if it’s not fun for you.

[@usarmytanker137]

Hooah! Thank you for your awesome Sacrifice. I went in after 911, I was 28 yrs old. Just turned 48 in February. If I’d done over I would’ve went in after the Gulf War of 1991. I’m a OEF/OIF Combat Arms Veteran. 19Kilo M1A1 Armored Crewmen. After our 2nd Deployment to Ramadi Iraq I got out. Now I’m ate up with Health Problems. Waiting on eye surgery on 19 May then late Summer for the other eye. I’m not Diabetic but have those type of Cataracts. My Thyroid is gone and my Testosterone as well. I’m already over a 100% Rating at the VA that’s why I get my eyes done. 3 yrs ago they’d to remove all my upper teeth and some of the bottom teeth in the back. Only have 7 front left. Not sure if it’s all related to the Burn Pits or got into something different Hooah. I love my Country and would love to do it all again. I did my OSUT at Fort Knox Kentucky back then, had the pleasure to do our Graduation FTX going up Pain, Misery and then Agony 😂 and yes if I was younger I most likely would’ve went into SF. My mindset would’ve been perfect for it. Even with all my health problems, my mind kicks in and it won’t let me fail at anything. If have a chance I know I’d do all over again Hooah. Tankers Lead The Way. Bandits Don’t Fail Those Whom They Serve. I was with the 1AD 1BN 37AR Alpha Co 1Plt. We’d Chris Kyle the US Navy Seal Sniper in Ramadi, Iraq. Our 15 Month Deployment in 03-04 with Stop Loss, 1st Iraq Elections and AlSadar BS we got additional 90 days added. We took Block Leave ounce we got back to Friedburg Germany then about or Roughly 7 Mo we went back into Ramadi. Our first was Bagdad then into Karabala Iraq

[@bjornsanjuan1846]

That's awesome! These military action heroes were really look like real-life LVN Action Heroes!

[@jonedge2283]

If you are one of the high speeds who still have a few months until you ship, get a ruck or backpack, put 50 lbs in it and start walking. Don’t wait until you get in to start rucking. There are some rucks over 20 miles at SOPC

[@escabrosa1]

Excellent video and review of the program. I'm a retired 18D who graduated the Q course in 1985. We had our version of 18Xs, and they turned out great. A couple went on to Delta and other SMUs. If an 18X fails, where do they usually send them, the 82nd?

[@EckRD]

Its an open contract. LoL No 11B status to fall back to. If said person fail, he can be classed as a cook for example 😂

[@adonis6193]

can you tell me more about delta? I am interested

[@username_3715]

they do infantry OSUT and airborne before so 99% chance they go to airborne units. one of my drill sergeants was a non select 18x in 2013, they gave them the opportunity to request an airborne duty station with no guarantee of getting it. typically they end up at the 82nd.

[@Leftyswede]

As a former Army recruiter I can tell you most guys with an 18X contract get purposely screwed during the Airborne PT test. They give out more contracts than they have slots for and saying you didnt pass the PT test is the easiest way to thin the numbers.

[@ppgkal3295]

No way brother

[@Dirk-my2zf]

The us army is slimy AF.

[@TheIndirectgaming]

In Navy DEP at the moment, close to a AutoQual numbers for SO, have used your workout programs in the past and a thumbs up from me.

[@yupmo2693]

thanks for making this

[@eichler721]

Honestly I only know 1 of 20 people that I talked to that made it through the X-ray option. Most people are just not ready for that level of dedication and physical and mental fitness.

[@jackson2308]

Thinking about going 18xx in a couple years when my contract with the Marines is up. Thanks for time video my dude 🤙🏼

[@kevinm4209]

Can I ask why not just put in a packet for marsoc since you are in the marines already

[@EckRD]

@@kevinm4209 If you are hot shit in your unit, your coc wont let you go that easy or will give you a hard time.

[@shootingbricks8554]

@@kevinm4209 CSO (MARSOC) swim standards are high as they are all expected to be dive qualified.

[@TAllyn-qr3io]

When I hit SFAS you had to be an E4 (P) as a minimum. Wish they would have had the X program but, being prior service Navy, if like everything else…it counted as my first enlistment. Switched branches to become SF. Blew (l) ACL on the “O” course. Stuck as a 52E for remainder of my career. Great videos! Hoooooah! 🤙

[@ikikatabudoacademy-okinawa1688]

Very good Documentary- A great insight to SFT

[@noninoni9962]

If you're going the 18X route, you BEST do a hell of a lot better than those minimum physical requirements upon entering... I passed those numbers in the beginning of my 95B (Combat MP) OSUT basic training course... when I was 30 years old...and FEMALE.

[@denno3124]

Back in the days when MPs were still 95 series...the wonder years

[@Jim58223]

I wish there was a channel like yours for Canadians

[@rogerclarke4760]

Canada has no 18x ray program you have to be contacted by CANSOFCOM to be a potential candidate for selection. It's harder to go into JTF2 kuz you first have to make it into CSOR before becoming a potential candidate for JTF2

[@Jim58223]

@@rogerclarke4760 Ah I see, thank you. Do you know any channels that cover such topics for the Canadian forces?

[@rogerclarke4760]

@@Jim58223 I don't know any SF channels for the CAF but 'Matsimus' does videos about the regular forces training mostly reserves stuff tho.

[@Jim58223]

@@rogerclarke4760 Will check them out, thanks.

[@rogerclarke4760]

'Brent 0331' is a US marine that has Infantrymans guide videos... 'A. Ryan' has old school Canadian army training videos for regular forces... 'Matsimus' a dual UK & Canadian soldier has reserves training videos for regular forces...

[@thomasodonnell2187]

This was an amazing & well prepared summary 👏. I'll subscribe to see the other videos.😉

[@hammanbanjiram1611]

Great video. Thank you, sir!

[@johneasley8691]

When I went through you had to be a E5, volunteer military, volunteer airborne, and volunteer for special forces training

[@ferramirez4570]

Damn the US has the best military forces in the whole world!

[@aaronamerica968]

Just ordered your fitness book. Good vid. Thanks

[@R12gsa09]

Fantastic explanation and encouragement. Truth spoken well: “Stop thinking about it! Just do it.” Hooah brother!! Former JSOC (11C to 18B), SSG (ret 1997).

[@user-kk8vc9ck3t]

We had an ex Green Beret in our platoon in Germany, and on one cold German night on a field problem our platoon leader came by and told us to set up our radar nets. I was in the same squad as this guy, and we spent two or three hours trying to get that radar net set up over a .50 cal. with a Starlight scope on it. We tried all night long to get our radar nets set up, but between all the hooks and latches on our M1113, and all the hooks and latches on our web gear, and the finger numbing cold. we never did get that radar net set up properly. That guy had spent two years with the Green Berets in Vietnam, too.

[@isairodas548]

I turn 19 on may 9th good luck god bless

[@moshedayan5890]

How about a video on special forces and their family matters Dating...marriage...raising kids...divorce...and deployments when being in the special forces Life is a special operations for sure❤

[@jonathanhendrix2925]

YES FCKN PLEASE no one in the army talks really about that side I have a babygirl I want to see that her dad can do anything

[@nvmbr7877]

This man is a real motivation I swear.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@mac-gyver1152]

Another great video, and more helpful info

[@alvinashagarwal3939]

I ship out for this in May of next year. Took me about a year to get in the right cardio/calisthenics shape and I'm still pushing. They are gonna have to kill me to get me to quit.

[@redacted3200]

Beast. Keep up the mindset and train hard

[@Wongton_soup121]

Did you end up making it?

[@ElForasterito]

hey did you make it?

[@jimgood1949]

There still seems to be a lot of confusion about what exactly the mission of Special Forces is. How about doing a video on the main differences between what an ODA does, as opposed to what a Ranger unit typically does. Differences in capabilities, missions, and other taskings that go to SF as opposed to the Rangers.

[@Steven_DunbarSL]

General Discharge has a video about the difference between the two units.

[@SwissArmyDud]

Thank you for the motivation

[@shawnweed265]

The 18X path really seems like an Army marketing program to help recruitment. You get the younger, Call of Duty generation guys to join, knowing x amount will hose it up, then reassign them according to the needs of the Army. I might be wrong, but that's how I see it. In the old days you have to be at least an E5 to go to selection...so at least you had some institutional knowledge of how the Army works, and basic infantry skills.

[@rangeralexaungkyawmin2789]

your videos make me wanna join the US army. but unfortunately, I m not a US citizen. I m an Asian, Myanmar(Burma). Currently, our country is under the control of the military junta Min Aung Hlaing. i wish I have a chance.

[@EdwinR1096]

Just passed my ASVAB/Physical and qualified for 18X ship out middle of the year 🔥

[@Llgb2100]

How it’s going?

[@masonmonroe1280]

Update?

[@Tak-ei3yo]

U make it?

[@thekitchenvillain]

Love the audiobook brother!

[@Eric_Casteel]

I have been watching some of your content lately and I really enjoy it. I graduated high school in 2000. My best friend and I join the military. I join the Navy. He join the army Darren, a bad ass, fucking army, ranger, and served 22 years. A day before his retirement ceremony he took his own life. Unable and scared to transition back into the real world. Sergeant, Major, Bobby King. Love you brother.

[@ubcroel4022]

Harder than being in a professional sports team

[@MoviesFreeGalore]

... That. That's your analogy. Gee, a hurkadur.

[@ifalone]

tsk tsk

[@chrismc410]

And nowhere near the money

[@morganmcadams6596]

My 18x peers here at airborne have all commented on a sharp decrease in their pre-enlistment fitness levels during OSUT, leaving them in a disadvantaged position heading into student company and SOPC. Do you have any advice about how to combat (aside from prison style workouts in the barracks at night) the toxic and apathetic approach to PT that seems to have taken hold of TRADOC units at Fort Benning?

[@AFGixxeR88]

I’ve heard that’s normal to dip in fitness PT form the lack of pt in OsUT. That’s what sopc is for I imagine

[@robbieguerrero3351]

Commitment Means Sweat, Blood, and Pain in the SF Community. Yet, Honor to All that Have Served. Team Always, Guerreros!!!

[@hexebarya7395]

And with tears

[@jakezweig]

FIRE content man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BofaDee33]

When I went it is was OSUT and only 14 weeks for 11b. How things change.

[@Alanthe918mobilemechanic]

It took quitting herion moving away starting recovery through AA when I need it and I’ve been working out CrossFit for 21 months now and I’m either gonna go18x or 11x op 40 I know I will make it if I can overcome what I have overcame these last several years nothing can stop me. They will have to kill me before I give up.

[@bxmully]

Dope withdrawal is a unique form of suffering. And youre prolly fit af now too. Good luck bro you got this.

[@Alanthe918mobilemechanic]

@@bxmully it really is before I experienced it I thought I was a bad dude and that no amount of pain could dictate how I think and act. I was so wrong nearly killed everyday I can’t even begin to recount everything I and my loved ones lost to my addiction, but it did make me who and what I am today so I am thankful. Can’t wait till I make it that will be one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced.

[@bxmully]

@@Alanthe918mobilemechanic you're well on you're way to making it. We both know many dont get out of addiction with their lives. Happy to hear you're sober and doing well. Keep going.

[@bxmully]

@@Alanthe918mobilemechanic also you know what's crazy? Ppl who are recovering addicts tend to forget the pain and misery associated with their drug of choice and rather remember how good it felt. And this is one of the multitude of to contributing factors to relapse. Just something to think about y'know? I feel like if I remember how withdrawal is and try not to forget it, it's easier to stay sober. It's an important lesson that cant be overlooked imo. For anyone recovering from any type of substance abuse that is

[@JohnGatesIII]

@Ranger Danger I got sober on 01 JAN 1988.....I joined the Army in SEP 89. I retired OCT 2011. I was a communicator my entire career. In my 22 years, I spent 17 years on Jump Status (and only 18 months at Bragg), and 15 of those years supporting Special Operations. I had a TS clearance 20 of those 22 years (tell the TRUTH....if you Don't get the clearance/contract, you haven't lost anything.....if you LIE, and they Catch that lie? Well, you're royally fucked). I spent my last 3 years on the Joint Staff supporting Nuclear Operations. I was stationed in Germany a total of 6 years with Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) in Stuttgart. I spent 7 years in Colorado Springs with 10th SFG (A). And I spent 3 years at MacDill AFB in Tamp FL with Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE). I had an arguably BLESSED career. I say all of this, not to brag, but to give you hope. It CAN be done, I'm living proof. You've taken the first (and most important) step....getting sober. As I'm sure you've figure out by now, getting sober doesn't mean everything turns into Rainbows and Unicorns.....Life STILL can suck. BUT, now you are completely present for all of it. Keep working the program while you're in, every base I was at had meetings (and if they don't? hook up with the base chaplain and get one started). The only piece of advice? Don't share, with your peers, any more than you're comfortable with. You have the ability to "recreate" yourself....take it. Throughout my career, there was a saying that was used......"Soldier your way out of it". It usually pertain to someone getting into trouble. To regain people' s respect, and their TRUST, a Soldier would have to become the absolute BEST Soldier they could be to gain back that Trust and Respect. You have an opportunity to "Soldier your way out" of your past. Take it.....Be the BEST you can absolutely Be. I never knew what sobriety was going to look like....but I KNEW I didn't want my life to look like when I was using (I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in the 80s....It was a hell of a time). Good Luck!!!!!

[@ScottSmith7964]

Dammmmn that’s so sick! Gets me pumped!

[@shantanusapru]

Excellent video!

[@nine552]

Do you think it is reasonable for someone to go from West Point to 75th Ranger Regiment?

[@SaraphDarklaw]

It’s possible but not likely. Your problem is slots. Think about it, for every 30ish enlisted, there’s 1 officer. That said, if you’re going to battalion, your best chance is coming from West Point. They want the best in the 75th. I knew a fresh 2LT in 2016. He came from West Point. He had an Airborne, Air Assault and pathfinder badge. He also had a ranger and sapper tab. But I met him because he got assigned to the 82nd. Within a few weeks, EIB came around and he got that too. He was strong and motivated and he still got passed up. I’m not trying to discourage, but understand the reality of your goals.

[@navE_CS]

@@SaraphDarklaw yeah that’s how SF is too. There’s 12 guys to an ODA and only one is and officer. For regiment it’s a platoon so probably not likely but I met a lieutenant at AB school that went a similar route (ROTC). Was in the infantry for 2ish years, saw combat in Afghanistan, then went to RASP late last year so it is possible but just less so for officers.

[@shootingbricks8554]

I worked with a Ranger Batt. Capt who was a West Point graduated. He was a HUMINT officer and dive qualified. It's hard to be an officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment, harder to be a non infantry officer in the regiment.

[@aidangrice9380]

Do some British and other forces ones?

[@josephporcheron195]

he always does American so doubt we'll see a British one, but there's a website called bootcampmilitaryfitness that details some stuff about UKSF (but this seems more detailed)

[@JD-jc5hg]

I'll take a guess & say he's not going to do a British one as he was a Lt. Col in the Green Berets, so he can speak from experience

[@aidangrice9380]

@@JD-jc5hg just worth an ask. Who's to say he hasn't had experience with them either? All open source stuff anyway

[@FatherFulmer]

I’m 15 right now and I must say from what I’ve heard from prior and active duty green berets and special forces is that no amount of training can prepare you, your either meant to be there or your not, not everybody’s got the heart and wants it bad enough. If you just wanna join special forces to be “Bad Ass” and “Get Action” rethink why you wanna join and make yourself beleive it because that training that they do is 99% mental 1% physical, so you shouldn’t have to think about that question cause when your out there getting smoked and thinking about quitting you better already have the answer to the “why am I here?” question, I plan on signing an 18X contract when I’m old enough and that’s the tips that I’ve gotten in person from freinds of family who have served in special forces and I’m grateful to have that counsel that many don’t have

[@stevefowler2112]

I am an old U.S. Recon Marine vet. and worked with the Spec Forces guys on a few different occasions in Vietnam. They were all incredibly good troops, but it's not quite like the old days now. My brother was also a Green Beanie just six years behind me after Vietnam had ended. He told me his class of 49 only graduated 3...whereas today I think the drop rate is only about 50%.

[@noballs12345]

Recon is no joke still. 200ish ropers ended with 47 Recondos

[@AJ-oj1xy]

Little heads up for 18x candidates. When you spend 22 weeks at osut, you’re still doing only about 14 weeks of training, just dragged out. The 22 week cycle leaves a lot of people in worse physical shape cause they spend all those extra days sleeping and not doing shit. Don’t fall into that group, all the people that fell into that group in my old osut class are all in the 82nd

[@ifalone]

doesnt sleep help your muscles grow????

[@Mikek88]

Right that’s what I figured, assuming the pt isn’t enough for you you can still hit the gym on your own time right?

[@lukeishere4177]

So I can’t even do special operations as 18 years old? I got to wait till 20 so would it be good to train and go to college and get a associates while I wait?

[@TheTard12]

You can go any special operations force other than special forces at 17

[@joelenriquez5461]

You can be a ranger at 18, just make sure it says infantry 11xray or 11 bravo ranger airborne. If not you’ll get stuck being a “ranger” as a support MOS

[@navE_CS]

Yeah you can, go kick down doors with ranger regiment at 18. I got some buddies that age in regiment and one that’s my age that’s been on two combat deployments already

[@lukeishere4177]

@@navE_CS kicking down doors sounds like a good way to get shot tho

[@jimgood1949]

Going in with an associates degree makes a lot of sense. SF is more mental than physical, though you must also be a physical stud.

[@richmatthews7685]

There was a program similar to this when I first joined.. it was basic, then AIT, after that Airborne school, you pass that off to Ranger school, pass that off to selection.

[@FMD023]

I won high PT straight out of basic and AIT OSUT. Scored a 340 on the extended scale, asked for airborne school and what did I get? Ft Hood mechanized and a first class ticket straight to Iraq. My unit deployed a month before I got to the unit so I had this genius idea to go to an SF recruiter n ask if I can participate in the log PT with them in the mornings. That E7s eye lit up when I first walked through the door and asked me what language did I speak. I replied by saying Vietnamese and English. Mind you I was only 110 lbs straight out of basic and he did not judge me on my appearance at first glance which I was impressed. I went with a buddy and the whole 30 mins presentation the SFC practically gave me the info on what to expect. He seemed more excited for me to just do log PT with them. That excitement turned into a frown once I told him that I was deploying in a couple weeks. Yes I was trying to get out of a deployment by thinking i could try out for selection. 😂 Long story short, I lost all motivation to even think about SF after my first rotation to Iraq. Can you blame me? A young PFC that could ruck, land nav and high PT. Even if my motivation was still there coming back, I don’t think my unit would have signed off on me trying for selection without reupping. Even making e5 in exactly 24 months wouldn’t help my case. That is the drawback of getting stationed with a mech unit from the start. In hindsight I wish I took the 18x contract over 19D cav scout. That way some of the schools would have opened up for me n I would have options in the case I don’t make it through selection.

[@s4usea]

Two things: in the pre-SFAS you're only going to get two days of landnav, so join an orienteering group and practice before going in. Second, candidates that have come through the regular pipeline will try to peer the x-rays out because they both don't understand what the Army needs, and they think X-rays haven't done their time. So, between the two unless you're a legacy or Capt America, you're pretty much F'd. Pass rate through SFAS is between 7% or 16% depending who you listen to, and it jumps to 70% if you get your Ranger tab first

[@thelmadickinson6811]

Those coming in from big Army have less chance, especially if high school graduate only than a college educated 18X. Those under 20-23, also significantly less chance. They are sending 80+ 18X to Bragg just about each week to class up for SFPC (Not pre-SFAS). A handful of those guys won't make it to SFPC because they will be on profile from Airborne and others won't make the APFT minimums, even with the retest the next week. The sit ups do them in. Those from big Army peering out the 18X because they don't think they have earned their time, are few and won't get chosen anyway. Their mentality isn't what SWCS is looking for and it will show itself in other ways. the percentage is actually higher. The class that just finished in mid-March had a 22% rate. 80 were chosen of about 120 still standing. So, really 66% selection rate. The majority got cut due to PT standards (which so many were from big Army because they only thought they had adequately prepared so the 18X have an infinitely better prospect physically having been through the Prep Course for 6 weeks) 50 guys got knocked out for entering an off limits building when they were deliriously tired and hungry. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938419303063#:~:text=SFAS%20is%20a%20unique%20model%20to%20comprehensively%20evaluate,other%20occupational%2C%20physical%20performance%2C%20or%20competitive%20athletic%20contexts.