The real reasons behind the lack of Diversity in Special Forces | greenberetchronicles.com

In this video I talk about the reasons why SOF is not as diverse. Please follow this link for more information: greenberetchro....
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Title: real reason why SOF
Isn’t as diverse
| GreenBeretChronicles.com
This video explores information on Special Forces diversity and:
Benefits Of Joining The Special Forces
Advantages Of Military Service
Military Career Opportunities
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[@kobib7806]

I remember being the only black dude in my company in 1st Ranger Battalion. You touched on a really important topic when you said most brothers don’t want to join the SOF ranks due to losing so many friends in street violence. I will tell you I have personally heard many say that was the reason or they didn’t join to get shot at or sacrifice their life for some cause they didn’t believe in. My reason for me joining was because I wanted to serve with the best!

[@jasonjust-jason9489]

In late 90's Aco1/75 sometimes called "aryan company"... The "one black dude" then felt the same way. I know you ain't him, but this comment took me back a ways. Have a good one.

[@kobib7806]

@@jasonjust-jason9489 that’s crazy I was in A Company

[@monkeeatsbanana7397]

thanks for your service bro

[@robbyrobinson4500]

Dude that is a joke. They don't join because they lost friends in the street. Many can't swim, and overall most all special operations guys had a yearning to support their country. No street dudes and most black men do not want support their country. Hell most don't support their kids. It is not a deep seeded reason why blacks don't join. It's much simpler than what y'all are making it. Most black men live their life feeling as if someone owes them something. They don't fee

[@Npc1488-wc1kf]

'Street violence' No, they lost their lives to stupid behavior. Dont set some stupid abstract innplace of the real reason The real reason is the total denial of any and alll personal accountability Its not some random circunstance, its because youre culture is stupid and primitive and plastic running shoes are worth more than peoples lives

[@mixc8]

This is a subject dear to my heat. I was in 7th SFG from 1978-1986. This is when 7th & 5th group where on Bragg. In those days you have to get flash qualified, Rangers wore Black berets then (Showing my age) LOL And I am also African American, what got me interested in joining SF was watching TV shows back then like Combat, The Rat Patrol and what really clinched it was the movie The Green Berets with John Wayne :) During the last few months before graduating from high School I started talking to my recruiter at the time, I told him I want to join the Green Berets. That man looked at me and asked me what did I say? I said I want to join the Green Berets, he asked me how did I know about them and I told him. He said son for one they are called Special Forces and 2 he said do you understand what Special Forces is? I said kind of :) All I knows they are the elite and I had to be with the best! He said son I don't think you know what you're asking and told me to go home and think about where you're asking. So I did but I was determined to get into SF. So I went back to him and told him nothing will stop me from joining SF. I wanted to join 5th group because that's the flash I saw John Wayne ware in the movie. He said son I will make a deal with you, let me sign you up with the National Guard in West Orange NJ the 50th mechanized infantry MOS was 11 B/11C and if you make it, when it's time to re-enlist come see me and I will sign you up to go regular and get you into SF. I agreed, when it was time to Re-Up I went back and he signed me up to go RA and sent me off to jump school :) After that I went to Bragg for the Q-course, I remember my first ruck sack march (Rucken & Running) LOL in jungle boots at that :) Here you have a city kid in the Q-course LOL. I will never forget my instructors going through phase training, they helped every step of the was to get flash qualified, I failed the swimming test the first time not because I couldn't swam because I never swam in fatigues and boots before but I was determined to make it and my instructors helped in along the way. There were 3 African Americans in our class and they made sure we all completed the Q-course after graduation I was assigned to 7th group because the were no more slots opened in the 5th. I am so proud to have serve my country as the SFG soldier!

[@sofly7634]

Great story on perseverance

[@zitiboylilo5789]

I’m from Paterson NJ. My uncle died in Vietnam he was a marine. My father, brothers and 2 of my uncles are all Marines as well. One is Recon, the other was a drill instructor then a instructor at their Infantry academy after they’re done with basic I believe it was EOD. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I salute you

[@tyronmegawatts6580]

Learning to swim in boots 🥾 that was fun.

[@illuminaughty2929]

Yeah right Candy Stripe

[@tyronmegawatts6580]

@@illuminaughty2929 okey dokey.

[@Coach_BigMac]

My Pops was the only black man in a LRRP unit during vietnam. He said when he went to jump school with 82nd, there were only 3 black dudes (in 64). He said he got in fights daily. I was an elite athlete in high school (ended up D1, NFL, etc). Growing up my father pushed for me to avoid military although I idolized him. He said I had a better route through sports.

[@robjuice7803]

Yeah my grandad said the same shit…guys kept calling him boy and he was way older than him but..this guy is speaking on his perspective, which obviously isn’t the stereotypical black American experience so for him, he never though anything outside of his own self until wisdom came along and made it all made sense 😂

[@danielvillarreal6610]

There’s a book called something like The Soul Patrol about an all-black LRRP team during the VN War. I’ve never read it, but my best guess is that those 5 guys ended up together somewhat by accident. FYI.

[@pierresmobiledetailing9888]

That is not true. I think you need to read a book called bloods by Wallace Terry.

[@salvatoreomerta]

A lot of black men served in the military during that period, every picture my dad has of his time in Vietnam has a black soldier in it, every picture.

[@shawnparker2692]

Great video : I remember meeting a Black Navy Seal when I was 21 and it was like meeting a Jedi. If someone like him would have come spoke at my high school- I would have tried out for BUDS at least.

[@Carlos27thFS]

Never understood that mentality. Like I have to see someone who looks like me or I'm not doing it lol. Should of said that to all my blk teachers...sorry I can't learn from you cause you don't look like me lol Huh and all along I thought they were just college educated smart people. It never entered my mind to think of them as different...well except they were way smarter than me.

[@MVK_GS]

@@Carlos27thFS I think you misunderstand how some people are motivated versus others. It is not simply that someone looks like you by itself; it is that you can feel that you identify as that person, and it is not always just about appearances. Sometimes it is about lived experiences. So, for a young minority, they may see someone who "looks like them" and feel that this person likely went through the same experiences and challenges, and that person may even have the same (or similar) socio-cultural outlook as you. So, you can visualize yourself as that person and conclude that you can also achieve what that person achieved. That you have never understood this indicates that you have a bit of self-study ahead of you. To win "hearts and minds", you need to understand how other people think and be able to operate through that framework to produce positive results. If you are wondering, I am a retired SF veteran who served in SF from 2003 through 2016. Understanding varying perspectives of others is part of the SF job. Otherwise, it may the be the wrong job for some people. Edited to add that I do not presume that you are thinking to be SF. I am just informing in my answer.

[@sofly7634]

They're bringing drag queens to entertain at high schools

[@LBK978]

@@Carlos27thFS Do you have a comprehension issues? The entire point of the video was how impactful representation is on motivating people to try themselves. This doesn't mean no black person ever would try, but rather it's going to lead to a lack of interest for many. Most white Americans aren't going to have that issue because they are represented in almost all aspects of society as it's a white-majority country. A white kid grew up seeing white athletes, entertainers, scholars, astronauts, servicemembers, presidents, etc, so outside of one's own ability, a white kid saw all that avenues as potentially valid. An inner-city black kid sees black athletes, entertainers, and many dudes up to no good, which shapes their perception and limits the scope of their appraisal of options to pursue.

[@Carlos27thFS]

@@LBK978 apparently you can't comprehend.

[@McKillahGuerilla]

Speaking on my own experience as a Black marine and i wanted to be a marine since i was 6, i grew up in a majority white town and alot one of my friends had a uncle that was in force recon he showed me some pictures and medals and that got me interested in SOCOM. Also i love military history and one thing i honed in on was how the service of Black people in the American military is a huge factor that helped end slavery and Jim Crow. All that to say i gained an interest in SOCOM before i gained interests in sports, music, etc

[@TheBashar327]

It is a shame how our country treated black veterans of WWII. Even in the military prejudice was hard to overcome. But what I always liked about the military was, and I read later the how General Colin Powell commented on this, it was one of the earliest American institutions to pioneer equality. They say say there're no atheists in fox holes, and in battle there's no time to be racist, and you get an idea of what people's true colors are on the inside. Not always perfect, and definitely not as fast reaching equality as many would have liked. But still at the forefront.

[@garymcauley3179]

That's pretty much my story too. Except I Army.

[@collectivethoughts1379]

Military service didn't end slavery. The fact that you could get the same result without rebellion & protest and giving freedom was why.. before blacks were free they had the best minds attacking culture of minorities where you couldn't win. In Jewish cultures they will never serve in military they have options: doctor, lawyer, owner, rabbi. Psychological warfare has been used.. your life was paved before you were a thought.

[@Spectonimous]

This KZbinr is a Haitian man who pretends to be an African American and doesn't actually understand the reasoning why there aren't many Black SOCOM members. We have different cultures and experiences based on our ethnicity.

[@badlt5897]

Please capitalize "M" in Marine. Most of us do that regardless of what shade green you were.

[@bigk2198]

I'm a 56-year-old retired engineer and former US Marine who never lived in the 'hood.' I grew up in a small southern town. My father was a logger/paper mill worker. When selecting my military job, my father vetoed any job that did not give me civilian job skills. I ended up as a 2871 electronics calibrations tech. I think many black American parents encourage/force their sons into jobs that will help them stabilize their financial futures. If you visit most military service companies, you will likely see disproportionally high numbers of black Americans as truck drivers, HVAC techs, forklift drivers, light wheel vehicle mechanics, and etc.

[@tylerfreal6472]

lots of folks forget about black Americans that are relatively isolated in white communities, they focus on places where black people live with other black people. then some to have the nerve to say well you dont talk or act black like thats possible

[@bigk2198]

@@tylerfreal6472 I think you are talking about suburban blacks. We are not isolated in white communities in the south. We have our own communities alongside white communities. Historically, we lived largely among other black people.

[@jessecollins6921]

I agree entirely Jay. I was big Army MP for 6 years and noted the lack of diversity in combat arms MOS. In grad school a fellow student was a retired black GB CSM who had been an MP before going GB. He is an amazing man who it is my honor to know, I have stayed in touch with him, Anthony "Tony" Summerville. He also spoke of the lack of black SOF personnel, and said he would often be the only one, or one of the very few black SOF members at trainings and conferences. Excellent post Jay, the culture is key.

[@KINGRODP]

I read on a blog from a retired Black Green Beret... He basically said its cultural. The Nationalism and fanaticism that is required to complete these intense/lengthy SOF pipelines is absent with todays young black men because they dont feel like they should serve a country that doesn't love them. Another response on this blog was from a white guy. He said he had some physically gifted black guys he served with. Killed PT, Crushed Land Nav, Expert shooters, team players, could run ALL day. But they would tap out on the unknown dustance ruck marches. Or would freak out when they did combat water survival.

[@billgonzales8978]

this country FREED them?

[@KINGRODP]

@@billgonzales8978 What?

[@ejc6394]

​@@billgonzales8978sshould of never had to "freed them" in the first place

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

@@billgonzales8978 Yes speedy gonzales, my white ancestors fought in the hundreds of thousands to free black people. Black people didn't even really fight for their own freedom much. The Irish and Native Americans all made slavery not worth the price because they resisted and fought for their freedom too much. If you didn't hate gringos so much you would have already known and accepted this.

[@user-yb7dt7dz7u]

Yup, BG (R) Remo Butler

[@christianhenry8697]

As being the only black for the majority of my career in 3/75 and in 7th group I’d say I partially agree with you. Representation is everything. When then Colonel Fletcher assumed command of 7th SFG I saw this black man on the cover of the army times. Seeing this representation of an African American in command motivated me to pursue SF. I recently have seen the boom or increasing spike in African American flocking to both the Ranger Regt and SF. It’s not that blacks don’t want to serve in those roles. It’s the lack of exposure to the diversity. For example, my first ODA had 5 blacks on the team. However, you’ll never see this in the movies or on the KZbin videos nor the books. But the reality is we are there in greater numbers than perceived by the public. This goes for SF, Rangers, Seals, hell, I even have a buddy that’s a black CCT in the AF What hat was assignment to RRC. Representation!!!

[@DPham1]

100% agree, a lot of people dog on representation but a young kid or man sees that someone else like him or looks like him is doing a certain job, it enters his realm of possibility and consciousness that the job even exists AND he could do it too. Can't do something you don't even know about. Appreciate you sharing your story and views.

[@screamingeagle11b]

A lot of dudes in the infantry, assumed there were little to no black guys in SF when I was active duty.... My whole career, other none black black soldiers always told me, it's a good ol boy system and they wouldn't let us in..... I didn't believe that, but that was what I was told even up until recently..... But thanks for sharing the truth

[@stancelegendz7531]

Aside from your one buddy that was a CCT did you see or know of anyone personally that was a PJ or other CCTs?

[@aaronmatheny695]

Gen Fletcher is the man! Saw him last on BAF in 2017.

[@totalstranger8412]

First, thank you. Now when I watch a movie I identify with the hero, not someone who looks like me. I saw the movie the Green Berets and I identified with John Wayne even though I didn’t look like him. I was in the process of being drafted when the Viet Nam war ended, a few years later I joined the Army out of a desire to serve my country and if I was going to join I wanted to be one of the best. I was 5’ 8” and 125lbs. And I had an ego the size of Special Forces. Fast forward a few years I was teaching at West Point Military Academy when one day I was walking across the campus wearing my Beret when these two older black Sergeants came running up to me with tears in their eyes, they began shaking my hand profusely and they started to thank me. Back in the barracks they said the white guys were always saying Special Forces was for whites and then to see me there in my capacity was a tremendous source of pride and relief for them, they could now go back to the barracks with their heads high. I was caught off guard and while I appreciated their support, I was confused, I had had black instructors, all Viet Nam vets so the concept of no blacks in Special Forces was alien to me. I would see blacks in the 82nd, bigger, stronger and probably more knowledgeable than me, but with no desire to accept the challenge of Special Forces because they were of the same mindset as those two Sergeants. I love Hollywood’s image of me being this big muscular type but that’s not the reality. The first thing you need to move into Special Operations is a really big ego, a massive heart and a desire to accomplish that can’t be quantified. I saw big men fall and fail because they didn’t have the heart. The biggest challenge in Special Forces is that it’s optional. You don’t have to do anything if you don’t want too, just leave. If you don’t want to swim in ice water then don’t, just leave. Anyone in my infantry class could be ordered to do Special Forces tasks, Special Forces doesn’t really order you, they just expect you to do what ever it takes to accomplish the task. It’s not about being big and strong, because at some point everyone will meet their physical limitations, Special Forces looks for resourceful people. Why aren’t blacks in Special Forces? First you have to love your country enough to expect to die for it and accept the fact that the military screws everyone over and over constantly one way or another. I was not liked by all my teammates, heck my Team Sergeant called me the N-word behind my back and I had some names for him behind his back, that’s men talk. He needed and trusted me and I needed and trusted him we were Americans against our country’s enemies, It’s not racism it’s the military. And last but not least African-Americans have been convinced that they have to see another African-American do something and get a thumbs up from the community before they open their minds to opportunities. I could go on…

[@ViewtifulBr080]

This channel has mad, potential for a lot "real" topics especially in military and I think you being on Canadian Prepper was a nice foundation for PR and perception. Don't feel like you're walking on eggshells to appeal to masses or sellout before you even develop. Be authentic with your channel and self just make sure you articulate yourself eloquently to leave less room for misconstrue and equivocation of your thoughts. It will be great to see more interviews of minorities in SOF and JSOC even private contracting. Great work 🤙

[@DPham1]

100%, there's a lot of SOF dudes who have solid content but they're not covering the things GBC is. This channel definitely got a unique sauce, stick with it!

[@Per-Ra]

I certainly admire your points. My Black Army Recruiter was a Ranger and Pathfinder. If we look into Black urbanites being unable to pass the swimming portion, look into the historic and systemic racism of segregation in the cities and understand -- even to this day, why most inner city Blackfolks don't swim. I'm convinced that even JROTC doesn't actively recruit for the SOF community. "Not everyone who could, would and not everyone who would, could". Here's a point that I'm just putting out there ... There's nothing wrong with Black former SOF mentoring or even starting a nonprofit to assist young folks in the entire process. Give them the benefit of your experience!

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

Your excuse for blacks being bad swimmers is fake science. Most sociological explanations for black behavior are fake science too. Sociology has always been dominated by Marxist activists. Why can you accept that blacks are gifted/superior athletically, but are less gifted and at a disadvantage in other areas of human performance/behavior? It's because we've all be brainwashed by white-guilt propaganda, by our semitic overlords. Here's some real science: Blacks have more bone density, so heavier bones that don't float nearly as easily. Blacks are also much more biologically prone to superstitious paranoia than other races. No doubt that relates to this other fact, that blacks are 10x more prone to schizophrenia than whites are. It's only natural that due to their sky high rates of paranoid schizophrenia, that the race in general would display more superstitious/paranoid traits than other races. The history of Europeans colonizing Africa is the history of 20-50 white guys defeating thousands of African warriors, because of their sky high superstitions. You might also think honestly about all the videos on youtube showing large packs of black guys beating up on 1-2 victims. No surprise that this kind of make up would be lacking in the ranks of special forces. Most human behavior can be best understood in terms of zoology, not sociology. And if we ever started blaming semites instead of white people for every black shortcoming, we would almost immediately be lectured about the biological differences between blacks and semites. Notice that no other race can be guilt-trip so willingly and completely as white people can. Notice no other race is non-tribal like white people are. It's zoology, and the white race has some huge biological weaknesses.

[@radamson1]

I'm not black but the inability to swim kept me out of SF.

[@stormybil]

I agree with you but I don't like that explanation being used in these modern days, and here is why: A lot of our brothas& sistas now live/or have lived in an apartment complex that got a swimming pool..(even in some of the worst cities or neighborhoods of this country).. The last 4 apartments I lived at, it was mainly me and my Carribean & Hispanic friends taking over the pool and swimming on a regular basis & teaching those of our people who wanted to learn.. From a historical standpoint, you hit on the nail 💪🙏, but at this point for a lot of Balck people it's a matter of choice& being more concerned about other hobbies..(especially if ypu live in a place that already got a pool included in the rent ypu pay everything month 🤷)

[@stormybil]

Basically spme.of us gotta stop thinking that a hobby or activity is a "White poeple activity" 😅

[@JayTheShooter]

Thanks for touching on this topic. As a 21 Year Veteran (92Y & 35S) I also never understood why our representation was so minimal until this video. I assumed many tried out and didn’t make it. I’ll keep this in mind when making content moving forward to throw light towards that angle.

[@GreenBeretChronicles]

Thanks for watching and again I didn’t know either, until I spoke with that old time.

[@taharqa332]

Great video. I served 7 years in a support capacity with Naval Special Warfare (Navy S.E.A.L.s) - I only met four black men in the entire 7 years who were Trident wearing Navy SEALs. I actually know and worked with two of them. These brothers are hard core, I truly admire them both. From my experience being around SOF for that period of time; I think a lot of it has to do with legacy also. Most of the white SEALS I encountered had fathers, uncles, brothers, cousins and friends who were SEALs - so they have a "familial" connection with being an OPERATOR and get insight from the inside which prepares them both mentally and physically for what lies ahead. Also (as you stated); a lot of them grew up in places where learning survival techniques and other things that translate easier to becoming an OPERATOR - the vast majority of SEALs I've met are just country boys. I also agree that black men JUST ARE NOT INTERESTED!! It's not that we can't - it's just that we don't choose to live that life. The reasons why are many and once again - have nothing to do with ability; it's just about desire.

[@evisceratorxxx7961]

The desire parts debatable. And salute! 💪🏾!

[@999Joseph]

As a half black and half Mexican American. I agree with this a lot. Both sides of my family are heavily gang related. I was surrounded by it since birth. 23 now, with goals to joining the army in 2 months and setting myself up for delta force! I myself idolize you boss gave me confidence that I have a shot up there. The problem here is that rap, gang violence, sports ext all are pushed on media way more than anything to do with our military. It really comes down how the media is controlled Media puts a bad imagine on our military. If KZbin channels like this got pushed on the algorithm more often then it could reach so many more people that are super bright and can make a huge impact on our military.

[@JB-uj8mz]

Stay focused my friend that is a tough route but well worth the pain and sacrifice.🇺🇸💪🏼🙏🏼

[@narghile7594]

Good Luck.

[@999Joseph]

Thank you boys! God bless

[@Bravo-ry9st]

From one Blaxican to another, hope the best too you.

[@nadjasunflower1387]

" mind over matter, I don't mind, cause it don't matter " your brain will tell you to stop, long before your body will quit. Just push through that self doubt, and you'll come through on the other side. good luck

[@robullock7605]

Great topic! Another concept is growing up in Black households we aren’t culture to the notion of patriotism given our history in America.

[@CephlonMayngrum]

That's the biggest thing

[@Danhiss29]

I certainly agree that role models play a huge part. So does a sense of patriotic duty and love for country. In the last 20 years, it seems fewer and fewer black kids feel connected to this country. All sorts of reasons we can get into on that, real and imaginary. Thoughts on the fact that many inner-city kids (of any color) aren't learning the skills necessary to succeed like open-water swimming, climbing, hiking, hunting, tracking, wilderness survival, etc?

[@Danhiss29]

No, not that. If it were about percentages, then 12% of SOF would be black and 65% of the NBA would be white. It's a little more nuanced than that.

[@terencebanyahudah5691]

I was the only black person in my Long Range Surveillance Detachment. After a year, a SSGT from the 82nd came. The unit’s logic was that many of us could not swim so we avoided units like this. The funny thing was when we took the combat water survival test in preparation for Ranger School, many of the white guys couldn’t swim….at all!!😮😂. Irony is something else! Anyway,…RLTW! AATW!

[@petechau9616]

I took the water survival qualification course (WSQ) as a boot Marine and out of about 200 recruits only 12 made it-I was one of those in case you're wondering, many of the white dudes who failed were from the inner cities (Philly, NY etc)

[@hirise9419]

A lot of Eminem's fans were black. A lot of 50 Cent's fans were white. People idolize that culture that is opposite of theirs. Black people who might come from a violent, aggressive environment want a chance to get out of it - they don't idolize it. whereas people who come from a more stable environment may want to experience the thrill. This is what I experienced when I was a recruiter - people from the inner city wanted something safe. People from rural areas wanted the excitement. Additionally, black people tend to come from collectivist societies, whereas white people come from individualistic cultures. Part of that black collectivist culture is the head of the household - the mother. Black mothers already hate the idea of their babies joning the military. But if they allow their son to do so, they don't want them joining an MOS that puts them in harm's way. White people are more independent in their decision-making, especially when joining the Army. Therefore, they are free to enlist/join under whatever circumstances they wish. I hope this doesn't offend anyone. This is just what I've learned and experienced through school and work (education and experience).

[@ViewtifulBr080]

This shouldn't offend. You were cooking. Hope see more comments with constructivism like this. Great articulation, and data usage

[@DPham1]

Excellent points and real talk on culture and race.

[@michaelconrad7301]

I think what you said makes a lot of sense, Jay. I knew a lot of hardcore, excellent black NCOs and privates in 82nd Airborne, probably more than in other infantry units; but fewer in SF. 82nd tends to be where a lot of guys who washed out of SF training wind up (because they wanted to keep their airborne qualification and pay, and that was where they sent you - there are more airborne options now, but back then it was the 82nd or a leg unit). It actually helps keep standards up in 82nd, because SF wash-outs are still highly motivated, probably smarter, and a cut above your average infantry recruits, so the 82nd benefits from the continual influx. Talking with some of the black 82nd soldiers I knew who had not passed SFQC, almost all said they washed out on the swim test. That may be a big barrier, for the same reason you don't see many black competitive swimmers - there are probably fewer public swimming pools in black neighborhoods to learn to swim well, and fewer high schools in the same area with swimming pools or swim teams. Unless you grew up in a coastal area, you're less likely to have much experience swimming. Because the swim test is done in fatigues and boots (at least it was when I went through, probably still is), that reduces your buoyancy a lot. If you have a high level of lean body mass compared to body fat, you will sink faster - so very skinny and/or muscular dudes (which a lot of the black soldiers I knew were, especially after going through Basic, Infantry, and Airborne training), it makes the test a lot harder. But I think what you said is part of the issue, too. If we want more motivated SF soldiers who are black, the Army needs to do more SOF recruitment ads and commercial on social media oriented towards black potential recruits.

[@drstevej2527]

Are you a child? Most SF training outside of SEALs requires a minimum amount of swim training.

[@richardschafer7858]

@@drstevej2527 No dude, a good friend and coworker of mine was 1st Batt in the 80's and 90's. He is black, and was an outstanding college athlete. He graduated from Monterey HS near Ft. Ord where his dad retired as a 1SG. Monterey HS has a swim test to pass HS. He said the only reason he passed Ranger school was because he was forced to learn how to swim before he joined the Army. The swim barrier is hella real. 😆 I was recon with the 82nd, and even we had very few blacks. Yes, we had a swim test. 😆

[@drstevej2527]

@@richardschafer7858 Meaning that you don’t understand the difference between a swim test and extreme proficiency as a swimmer.

[@richardschafer7858]

@@drstevej2527 No, the problem is still not being able to swim well enough. Simple. Go or No Go.

[@drstevej2527]

@@richardschafer7858 No it’s that different SF elements have a different focus and different demands. Rangers do not have the same swim requirements as SEALs. One can be a good enough swimmer to make it through Air-force or Army SF training especially non tier one units vs SEALs especially tier one units. The biggest washout factor is the cognitive test in which black candidates don’t meet the minimum basic requirements before they get one day as SF candidates.

[@rcfoley]

I think it's an overall cultural thing. Making a home run or key 3 point shot is easier and more lucrative than reading a map. A nice young black guy, here in Natchez, late teens, asked me what happened that I was in a wheel chair. I told him that I used to be a Paratrooper. He asked me what that was. When I was a kid, we PLAYED Army. Rucksacks, everything.

[@stepjohn100]

No matter what real barriers might exist in life, or what barriers we imagine exist, everyone owes it to his or herself to take on any and all challenges to become what they want to be in any organization. I was a newspaper journalist at one of America's biggest papers before becoming a book author, and realized early that failing to attend the same university or not holding the same political views as my liberal newspaper editors could be a death knell on my career. My liberal colleagues seemed disturbed by my college duty in the Marine Corp's Platoon Leaders Class program and my eagerness to cover subjects they were afraid to touch. Although I was "white", I recognized the cultural bias in a once-proud profession that has deteriorated into partisan rancor in recent years. I persevered and broke stories without bias, and was known as "someone who would put his own grandmother in prison." I was often despised by thin-skinned superiors, but I got the job done. Not every place is a serious meritocracy. In the end, your greatest accomplishment will be to perform and produce at a high level against all obstacles.

[@Leereynolds1971]

I was just a medic with the 173rd. Got to know a few Rangers and SOF guys. I always wondered why there was a lack of diversity. This video has some really good points.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

Biology is the real reason. Biological differences in paranoia, superstition, bravery, empathy, and even bone density. Blacks have greater bone density so they sink faster. And the paranoia about water/spiders/wilderness is very very real and very very genetic. More blacks in infantry just creates more problems and worsens effectiveness and cohesion in battle. Watch Platoon closely, it's based on real experience. US Army did a whole big report on it after WWI. And US hasn't won a war since de-segregation of armed forces. Read this important article, search: "The Truth About Black Soldiers in the Great War" ROBERT HAMPTON • JUNE 16, 2022 Less important than that article is this one: The Rampant Black Violence On American Military Bases ERIC STRIKER • JULY 22, 2023

[@Mc007-]

Some time ago on your channel, I wrote a comment regarding Blacks joining the SOF community I believe you deleted it because of what I said. I'm African American and I agree with what you said regarding “you didn't care” about the color of your skin I didn't either I just wanted to be a Ranger. Moreover, I was born and raised in the inner city, I came up in the boy scouts and ROTC in high school we learned about the SOF and Spc-Ops in those organizations but, I think these two organizations need to be more visible in our communities. I am giving back as an ROTC instructor in Compton California. I have six students shipping to basic in July two have 18x contracts. Sgt. Love your podcast and I've told my students to watch you

[@GreenBeretChronicles]

My apologies If I did deleted, Please repost. as long as its respectful to others Ill leave hose comments up

[@lawrences2541]

@@GreenBeretChroniclesif you are a medium caramel toned Green Beret where are you going to be sent to do Fid that makes logical sense? Yemen? Brazil? Colombia?

[@SupaSargeakaQ]

I have never been SF but I have been approached by many during my deployments to Iraq 🇮🇶. I’m a Combat Engineer and even in some Combat Mos’s representation is key. I have soldiers that look up to me as motivation. Maybe in another lifetime I might be fortunate to be resurrected and go SF.

[@arkvadik8578]

I highly respected your specialty Sarge.

[@SupaSargeakaQ]

@@arkvadik8578 appreciate your comment

[@glassesstapler]

I think it is better discussed in two categories. Those who want to go SOF and don't make it and those who never seek to try. You are speaking on those who don't try out for SOF. Being more likely to be economically disadvantaged, you are right, we join to escape a situation and better our life. The idea of joining the military and volunteering to make our service harder is kind of lost on a lot of us, as our upbringing was hard, so why continue that grind. One way to attract more brothers to SOF is to promote the extra pay. Getting me to bang my head against a wall for fun is a no go... if you gonna pay me to do it, that is another thing!

[@africanwarlord5104]

That's a weak point of view , you think all black Brothas is motivated by is money? Naw alot of brothers stayed away from service period for many reasons but one real and serious reason is because it's always been shown and proved that in the civilian world extreme racism exist even though I could care less cause really I'm racist too I don't like them as much as they don't like me but the problem is our people been taking hits and surviving but not throwing no hits back , we too forgiving, we just been standing still and now we devolving as a people but it's still alot of us that got the true God in us and , also yeah the money is a big thing but not just to take care of our families also brothers and sisters feel like why risk my life for a god forsaken country . Real talk.

[@otherguyjo1684]

​@@africanwarlord5104He's not saying money is the only motivation, but it is a big one. A lot of people join to escape a shitty situation at home. And its good to be a patriot, but pure patriotism won't pay the bills. It's not gonna feed the baby and it won't keep the lights on. It's not crazy for someone to also want more money for taking on harder/crazier jobs.

[@steveo1413]

Then you're not the right guy for the job. The pay isn't great.

[@crooklynx972]

I think a lot of people still have ethics and value, They would join but not to go to die for the country, especially when you understand the geopolitical things at play mass intellectual lobotomy etc... That's their way of compromising their integrity. Kinda I'd serve but won't wage wars against people who had done nothing to my country. Let the generals fight for their oil and gold etc.. The excuse of fighting for Freedom is too often linked to ulterior financial exploitation and imperialistic motives.

[@Falcon2609]

​@@otherguyjo1684Facts

[@Blackowl44]

You speaking facts. Majority of the brothers I know would call you crazy for wanting to be on the front lines etc

[@jimmyjam5453]

It's like giving someone the honor of dying first.😊 Even if you're still going to die a few months later you still don't want the pole position.

[@Natureboypkr2]

Great video man. I’m Belizean and Dominican, and I remember being one of the very few minorities in my careerfield. I served as a JTAC for 10 years.

[@cjtexas9646]

One thing you slightly touched on but I'll repeat is that military service or skill is not promoted within African American culture and we're getting to the point that no martial activity is promoted or celebrated within the culture. The only heroes promoted to AA youth is athletes and entertainers (aka, rappers). It's a long story but all this is being done by design. Great video!!!

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

Quit lying to yourself. Martial activity is glorified and idolized in the black community. Gang banging/car-jacking/mugging/jugging is martial activity, and it is near universally celebrated, protected, and cherished. George Floyd held a gun to a pregnant girl's womb while he robbed her inside her house, with Floyd's whole PLATOON of "soldiers". Ya'll love your gang banger heroes. If infantry and SOF paid more, and came with a free diamond chain and a Dodge Charger, black enrollment would be off the charts* *except for that whole Dont-Be-Retarded test that most blacks can't pass.

[@coreymurphy2711]

These kids aren't stupid. They won't sacrifice for a country that denies them basic humanity

[@goodtiymz8296]

Absolutely, the U.S. has been on a 400 year crusade to economically castrate and deskill the American Black man. Of course, the black immigrants are not natives and may receive immigrant privilege and other benefits, so as this KZbinr mentioned, they may have a different experience than the American Black Man.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

@@goodtiymz8296 Black immigrant privilege is simply not acting like a thug. Ya'll can't figure out cause and effect.

[@Elsidu13]

It's good you are doing this. I'm from the Netherlands and respect that you want to make the kids aware that they can join The Special Forces. I will follow you on KZbin. I love watching documentaries about military units all over the globe.

[@brandonspencer7552]

Good topic! My father was a 7th group. He was full blooded native american. He voiced some similar views as well. He said he saw more native rangers than native sf guys.

[@bernardbarr2354]

Older legacy. It fit culturally. Half Native myself.

[@sharpshooter2]

I’m really glad I found your channel. Lol at first I wanted to be mechanic in the Army until I found out about SOF. Currently in my 2nd month of hard training. Hopefully I make it & can go to 3rd group

[@chrisjohnson6913]

I really appreciate the video man! I also appreciate the talk we had Wednesday, as well. Happy Father’s Day!

[@GreenBeretChronicles]

I appreciate it

[@Helixur]

I'm from Haiti as well. We know where we came from and came with a goal. Watched my mum work 2 jobs to get by. I didn't want her to continue working hard to take care of us. So I joined the Navy and became a CTTN and still pushing it everytime I meet a person I tell them both sides of the mil. And try to mentor them putting them through so far got 2 buddies in the USAF.

[@colinsmith8584]

As an old White 11B, this is a topic which I have discussed with many of my Black Brothers. Might it also have anything to do with so many Black Americans being drafted into the Infantry during VietNam? Think a lot of guys may have been dissuaded by their Fathers and Grandfathers from going into the Combat Arms.

[@user-wd1vd9du2q]

I’m also an old 11B Paratrooper who for a time was the only black man in my platoon and dealt with a lot of racism at that time 81-87, and this is truly facts he’s stating! I have never cared about the color of someone watching my 6! Proud to call some of those white dudes my BROTHERS!

[@Mocha69A]

It's the opposite. The black warrior spirit runs deep. And most black Vietnam veterans in elite units in Vietnam are very proud of being warriors. I encounter many and their eyes remembering there exploits in Vietnam tell me they where fearless.

[@colinsmith8584]

@@Mocha69A Not questioning any ones Heroism, I for one discouraged my Oldest Son from going Infantry or any Combat Arms. I said get a skill first, then If you like the Army go do the High Speed more dangerous stuff.

[@Deontelewis846]

You’re not wrong, my pop fought in Vietnam, he was a marine, my dad was a seal. “I’ll k*ll you first” is what I was told when I tried to enlist

[@Craig_Narramoore]

My Dad joined the Army and got sent to Vietnam. Just a white country boy who wanted to get out and see the world. He was insistent that I go to college and get an education then I could decide what I wanted to do. He was so proud when I graduated college.

[@treklub3]

Thank you brother this was well said and as a African American I agree. If more young black kids grew up idolizing SOF the demographics would change.

[@indridcole7596]

The way to do so is to promote it like how gangs are promoted.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

White kids don't grow up idolizing SOF with SOF posters on their walls. That's just a lame excuse to defend the differences.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

@@indridcole7596 You don't get it, and you're a bleeding heart. Blacks admire gangs because there's a lot more selfish gains to be had in a gang. The entire concept of self-sacrifice and service to others requires a biological capacity for high empathy. Google "empathy gene", it's real science. Gangs rape and kill and destroy lives every day but they are still admired, supported, defended, and protected by the black community. Any and every lame sociological explanation is just an excuse designed to blame whites. If any other race was blamed for every black shortcoming, nobody would let that slide. Every race has general strengths and weaknesses. Perfect racial equality is an obvious joke. And notice that we have no trouble noticing the things that blacks are genetically superior at, like sports and entertainment. It's the same deal with women, they can list off 100 things that women do better than men, but they can't name one thing that men do better than women. It's not real science, it's just delusional pride and lack of humility. Just like your excessive pride when you pat yourself on the back for believing in perfect racial equality.

[@AcePapi60]

When I first got put onto your channel from the algorithm for my 18x research on my reenlist progress … I started to realize you was a BK dude, either from the East Flat or Canarsie. I’m from Canarsie, Bayview Houses on Seaview. I’m a former 19D and I tell ppl all the time; the military is not just a “white mans army” heard that so mainly times from friends & family. But I knew what I wanted to do since 12 & that was to be a Ranger (which I almost became, but life said chill out) & im ok with that until I wasn’t after all these years of being out.. point is, the military is more than what you might thing especially in a Spec Op type of field. My favorite go to is “I joined to learn the skills to have when SHTF .. cause I dnt live in LaLa land and think we will always be safe.” I learned a lot and could learn more on my second go around. That “streets” shit .. I been in it but still knew my purpose and the goal … to come back and teach my community and protect them when shit goes left. Salute to you big Cuz 🫡.. hope to link you one of these days

[@henryhooper8841]

Jay if you want to know about blacks and diversity in SF come to the Old Friends or Legacy Conference in Fayetteville,NC next month. All former black SF brothers from all over the country. We go back to 1959 and have participated in the most sensitive operations world wide. We have been there in all SF communities and continue to serve. The publications, TV, movies all appeal to the masses. That’s why you don’t see us. Again were there!

[@markadams2907]

That is awesome! Do you all put anything online for the rest of us to read about? I for one, would love to hear about all of you all's experiences. If you all put your stories out there I believe that would help the younger generation give it some thought. Much respect!

[@kevinzhang6623]

There's a pic of some with John Stryker Meyer in Vietnam, MACV SOG operators

[@nadellsmith2936]

I'm Air Force vet and the reason I joined the Air Force was because of military movies that I saw such as "The Walking Dead, Glory and Dead Presidents." What I remember most about those movies were how black soldiers were used as decoys or cannon fodder. I develop a deep seated desire to not be cannon fodder hence why I joined the Air Force. I know as a person, who was not born in the United States, you would not know the history of the U.S. military. However, if you were to delve into it, you would see that there a very dark side to the history, when it comes to minorities, dating all the way to the beginning of this country. A lot of minorities join the military to get out of their neighborhood and hopeful get a jump start on a career. Patriotism is the farthest thing from a lot of minorities minds and many consider their active duty time, as a just a job or worse, a self impose prison sentence. Lets not forget the countless soldiers who were actually patriotic in their duty and put their lives on the line, just to come home and be treated like a drug dealer or some other kind of criminal, which literally happened to me, just because they are a minority. With situations like these, minorities are only going to put so much into their military service.

[@MikeyLikesIt89]

Exactly thank you for pointing that out. These grateful immigrants don’t know a thing and think that because they have white people smiling in their face that their is no racism. I get so tired of hearing these black immigrants who are so happy that massa picked them to come in this country and it goes to their head thinking that everything is all peaches and cream. They don’t know that no matter what they accomplish as a person of African ancestry, in America, they are just another n***a, in the eyes of the majority.

[@badlt5897]

Yeah how the US Army used African Americans exclusively during the first waves of D-Day/Normandy, Sicily, and Okinawa. Do I have your attention? They didn't want black soldiers in WWI so the French took them. The cannon-fodder idea is one white people failed to do in their systematic abuse of African Americans. Thank god they didn't.

[@TheHeyDood]

AF also gives the best technical training that translates well into civilian world. The military needs all types. Without Signal, you have no comms...without avionics techs, planes cannot navigate. Without Culinary specialists, no one eats. All military jobs have purpose. Even Ranger Regiment has mechanics, signal, fuel specialists...etc.

[@wanaced6]

@@TheHeyDood But what use are those jobs, when you get out of service or return back to your country to be not respected? If he returns home, back to the south, which is stagnant with their culture, it really makes no difference.

[@shmunkytron8612]

“I joined the chair force because i watched too many movies”

[@Bourbon101LRSD]

I agree. The Army regularly does SOF demos at NASCAR races, or the big SOF CAPEX in Tampa, FL. Why not do those same demos in Baltimore, Cleveland, NYC, etc. It would open doors and minds, to service in SOF.

[@tonyjones1560]

Ironically enough, when I was in high school in Baltimore, the 11th Special Forces (Army Reserve, Ft. Meade, disbanded in 1994) performed a simulated helicopter assault onto the football field! This was the late 1970s. I enlisted specifically to join 11th Group in 1982. Virtually all the senior officers and NCOs were Vietnam combat veterans. I learned a TON of stuff from those men…!

[@tzodearf2596]

I also thought that black's aren't recruited in or out of the service for those positions. Plus, their mammies often discourage them from getting in position to die for this country. And in light of the current state of the body politic, why should they? The rule of law has been outlawed. The military is transitioning, or transgendering. And it's ironic that msny black boys look up to gang bangers busy selling drugs fir the CIA to fund their oprations runming interference for rich, globalist bankers while employing an army of professional gang bangers, or as dude calls them, SOF. All he can do is sell false bravado and the distinction of being considered a bada$$. But to idolize any man is foolishness and symptomatic of a lost soul. No, this country is content with black men waging war amongst themselves until there's a need for cannon fodder in the next unconstitutional, undeclared police action. War is a racket; and in light of this corrupted, dead republic, a bada$$ is about as useless as a tennis ball.

[@maxfanin1792]

No it wouldn't.

[@FLYACEAVIATION]

I ran a 4.4 40yd dash 10.9 in the 100 meter sprint. Got hurt playing football and finally joined. Was a straight Pt stud running 12 min 2 miles. Got all geared up to join SF and had an epiphany that it wasn’t worth risking my life and be an absentee father.

[@stylishcheng5988]

Because it would be a waste of time and resources. Are you serious?

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

The general consensus among the recruiters from different branches after seeing my high ASVAB scores: "Join the Air Force." So I did and served 6 years. It was the springboard to a now successful IT career.

[@soaringspiritsaviation]

You are right on point. I grew up in Queens in the 70s, for me was sports and music. I did have a cousin who served in Vietnam as a Marine fighter pilot. He came home with his flight and gave me the coolest Marine poster. I was about 8 years old at the time and that moment changed my world. My goal is to simply introduce aviation and engineering to our youth. Our youth do not see us enough.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

Your youth don't even see their own fathers.

[@soaringspiritsaviation]

@@ScoutsHonorBB sad but very true.

[@epweezy1]

Jay is right, I remember the day I joined I went in as 11 bang bang and had about 6 young brothers ask me why do I want to serve on the front line? I honestly told them I want to fight and serve my country. No knock on others who chose a non combat mos but my ultimate goal was SF and made it after 3 years in. I was the only black guy on my team but skin color didn’t matter. Definitely think DOD needs to invest more resources in inner cities and stop wasting money on uniforms and JLTVs 😂😂 but that’s my opinion

[@dread4836]

👍

[@j-xl6258]

🇭🇹🇺🇸 Navy Veteran, and I understand exactly what he is saying about those values growing up. Salute!

[@esqsam]

The research data doesn't support your conclusion. The lack of Blacks is not unique to SOG. Virtually every avenue of American culture that is considered elite or special, lacks Black members, especially males. Ivy league schools, law firms, hospitals, FBI, university faculties, NFL coaching jobs, etc. The reason is clear. White discretion and anti-Black bias is the premiere reason Blacks, particularly Black males, are excluded. I retired after 21 years. There were numerous units I visited with no Blacks or of the few present, they advised me that they experienced hellish levels of racism. The data also shows that Blacks in the military are punished at 8 times the rates of Whites for the same conduct, and promoted less frequently. The Marines Corps record on Black general officers is a national embarrasment. Also, Black boys in the city enjoy the same war movies as White boys. They live Rambo too. I appreciate your candor. I simply have not met anybody that shares your sentiments regarding racial inclusivity. Everybody knows spec ops screening is largely about "good fit" and entirely too many Special Operations whites and SOG officers feel Blacks don't fit.

[@gregorybennings8718]

Damn that's depressing. Was thinking about becoming an SF officer.

[@yashjoseph3544]

@@gregorybennings8718 You should still try. Maybe you can help change the culture.

[@marq0992]

I dunno, saw alotta brothers get away with alot of stuff especially when they pulled the black card. Whites didnt know wtf to do when they pulled that.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for sharing you observations on special operations in the military. I'm a US Navy veteran who served under COMUS MACV in Vietnam. We patrolled from just south of the DMZ to just south of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.

[@danielmcneely1579]

It’s not just SOF. Before I went SF I spent a lot of time in the 82nd as an 11B and noticed it was mostly white, and maybe a few Hispanics. However, if we marched past a signal or quartermaster unit they were almost all black. I came to the same conclusion: young black guys weren’t looking for the adventure or to test their mettle. They were looking for a solid 9-5. It was even more pronounced when I got to 10th. Nobody was keeping black guys out. They just weren’t trying out. 🤷‍♂️

[@Robert-ky4vx]

Agreed I was a 11B that happend to be black I've probably seen about 30 in my time but I never cared being the outlier never scared me

[@sadlycan]

subscribed. 2nd Raider Bn 2015-2019 here. You enlightened my perspective on it. I was the only one, brother for a bit, and in my time maybe saw 5 altogether in that time frame. It never bothered me as well but it does make sense. thanks for your insight

[@michaeloeser9187]

Totally agree. People join for different reasons which greatly impact where they choose to serve.

[@montinosantana3705]

Fighting for a country that don't care for you is something most Black Americans understand as being laughable. Most that serve get they coins and dip as they should. Its mostly Non-Black Americans that have trouble comprehending why.

[@user-zr1cx1nb8x]

How does the country not care about blacks ? go ahead and tell me

[@tomellhilliard1042]

@@user-zr1cx1nb8xdont be so stupid😭

[@roundrock63]

Jay - great topic and monologue. Honestly the best open and honest assessment. I’m learning from your videos that success only comes from what you put your heart into and truly believe. It’s this thinking that is taught in SF.

[@RickRoss440]

Remi Adeleke gave an interview where he talked about how he is invited with open arms to come and give presentations to suburban and rural high schools about the Navy Seals, but when he tried to reach out to high schools in NYC (his home town) the schools were totally against it. It’s almost like they are against patriotism or showing black/hispanic youth a career path that will bring you prosperity. Its insane.

[@nakedtruth761]

I was in A Co 1/75 from 86-90. Out of a 600+ man battalion, only about 5 of them were black guys. However, HQ Co of Hunter Army Airfield, which was across the parade ground from our barracks, was almost the exact opposite.

[@RickRoss440]

@@nakedtruth761 What unit was at the airfield? I doubt they were also 75th Rangers?

[@hansangb]

​@@RickRoss440I'm guessing the garrison commander (H&HQ) or the HQ of 1/75. I'm guessing it's the former.

[@Eastonwest71]

“Bring you prosperity” lol how? Being shot down in some foreign country? Coming back with limps missing, PTSD. Silly.

[@apsuaha]

It has nothing to do with anti-patriotism. For inner-city schools they have a history of their students being targeted by military recruiters and have been pushing back against the narrative that is the only option. They want a higher college acceptance rate versus a military join rate.

[@NikkijBerryman]

Another thing, the US military doesn’t have the greatest track record regarding the treatment of its black and Hispanic troops nor their veterans in general. A veteran black Marine I know says that when he expressed interest in the infantry (during boot camp), a black sergeant pulled him aside privately and told him he was too smart to be on the front lines. That he shouldn’t sacrifice in that way. Of course this was a private conversation but this older man was adamant. This vet took his advice. When black/brown people are not being treated well in this country, my thought would be that they are attracted to what military service can do for them. I don’t think it’s about loyalty to the US and the willingness to die for her.

[@petert8807]

Just discovered your channel and subscribed. As a former airborne infantry combat vet (and... white guy, ha!) I instantly connected with your mindset and personality

[@Widemouth1832]

My wife and I stayed at shades of green in May 2023. My father in law is a retired Colonel. The Italian restaurant was really cheap for the quality of food. The breakfast was great. You could always tell the SF, Rangers, and Seals because they are running at 5 am and doing burpees.

[@docholiday3331]

As a former Ranger (native Alaskan)I clearly see what your saying and agree. , and it goes deeper than that. Good topic

[@warreeeng]

Have had many convos with friends on this topic. I see valid points all throughout the comments. I think a big thing no one has really harped on is "get in where you fit in type culture" With majority of SOF units comprised of whites most black individuals don't feel comfortable in that space due to a "frat boy" vibe/mentality within the unit. If you ain't kicking back and drinking beers with the team you receive awkward treatment from team guys. The Air Force has an article about this a few years back on an African American pilot complaining of being felt left out of the flying community via fellow pilots because he wouldn't go along with their unit etc. This isn't just for African Americans this goes for any other minority ethnic group barely represented in jobs/units from pilots, SOF, Intel etc. No saying every SOF unit is like this but select individuals can shape the culture even if the others aren't about it. With all the crazy racial aggressions I see on the daily within the military on the conventional side folks would be naive to think SOF is excluded from this.

[@AcePapi60]

That is very true … that “frat boy” mentality definitely was a tough pill to swallow most times. The antics was completely weird and “corny” to me. But I didn’t disrespect anybody’s taste in things, as long as they understood im a good solider but im just not interested in certain shit. I been thinking over the years … that non recruiters should advocate more and teach the overall hustle of being in the military. Just like the secret sauce to credit/ finance.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

You're making elaborate excuses. Blacks love nothing more than invading white spaces. They just can't cut it and can't make it through selection process. Just like in basketball where the white kids get weeded out before the NBA. Blacks don't even go camping or hiking in nature. Drop a daddy long leg spider or even an ant on a black person and tell me their reaction isn't biological.

[@joeywilliams5131]

This video was on point. when I was young I didn’t even think about being all I could be. I was running from home to keep from being the next statistic. After I ETS’d and all of these movies started coming out about Desert Storm I was like shit I was there and I wasn’t feeling like a hero at the time but in essence, we did some shit over there.

[@davidanderson3684]

As a veteran I remember Eugene Ashley who first black green beret medal of honor RECIPIENT 5th group Kia NAM RIP!

[@DeltaDelta07]

Bro, you spent a whole week at Disney world? Was that more difficult than the Q course? Lol! You got balls and grit my man! Also, love the channel! Keep up the great work!

[@GreenBeretChronicles]

I appreciate it!

[@rich.cicciu3273]

You are a great roll model for the young Caribbean boys and girls to look up to, keep up the good work and thankyou for your service.. 💪

[@GreenBeretChronicles]

Thank you so much!

[@stanleyedouard377]

True story indeed cause I’m Haitian 🇭🇹 active duty (ABN) and I’m definitely inspired and glad I came across this page! Great points for real though. Im not eager to be at this elite level, a paratrooper might be as far I go lol outside pushing for a 20 retirement. 🙏🏿 thanks retired SF 1SG Jay! Bon bagay fanmi.

[@Noble713]

Can't remember exactly which comedian said it, but his perspective was similar: "Black people don't do extreme sports as a hobby....because being black in America is dangerous enough. Why would I take up a hobby that might get me killed?" I grew up in the suburbs, went to predominantly-white private schools (pacifist Quaker schools, actually) and I ended up a Soldier and later a Marine Corps officer that considered SF repeatedly. I never thought of the racial composition as much of an obstacle. I always wanted to be James Bond or Captain Kirk, and it didn't matter to me that Sean Connery isn't my skintone. *shrug* THAT SAID......I've met several minority officers who hinted that the Marine Recon community kinda has some racial problems, and that they considered switching services to SF partly because of the more diverse and open-minded reputation of the community.

[@DPham1]

It's interesting to hear these tidbits about how race plays into certain parts of military culture not because it's healthy to fixate on race (I certainly don't think so & have experienced how it can be a limiting belief) but to know that it is a reality and how to deal with it. I find this is something not a lot of guys in the military talk about too much or just gloss over, and I can understand why.

[@apostleemilcedeno5269]

Great video and information. I'm a Vietnam Veteran born in the Bronx and raised on Staten Island and after my second enlistment remained in California. Please keep up the good work and welcome home!

[@alantyson7379]

Foreal no one wants to put up with the hazing. So many times NCO's take it personal with African American soldiers

[@eleveneleven572]

Hazing is pure childishness.

[@quincysimpson2958]

Everyone gets hazed… not just blacks.. I know bc I’m black and got hazed right along with everyone else

[@stewdagoat6702]

Big facts I chased a rap and football had amazing shows and even played college football but one thing I never had a problem with was talking to people and now trying to dig deep and even try to go green is freaking hard just to get up

[@markadams2907]

While there's not a lot of black SOF representation in Hollywood there is some. Unfortunately, it takes on the appearance of tokenism: there was the one Medic in the Green Berets back in the 60's starring John Wayne, there was a black dude in the 75th Rangers in Blackhawk Down, there was one brother in 12 Strong, there was another brother in 13 Hours that wanted to throw down...but he was the cook etc

[@slipperydoorknob2173]

I thought the black guy in 13 hours was DSS?

[@AcePapi60]

@@slipperydoorknob2173 there was 2 .. the DSS guy and the cook that the contractors respected Odee. The DSS guy was a bit washed in my opinion.

[@kevinzhang6623]

Fictional and fantasy but there was the CCT in the Transformers movies, PJ in the Captain America movies. In a movie, nothing wrong with being a cook if he's still a badass. Best representation will come from real life adaptations rather than Hollywood created screenplays

[@joachimjustinmorgan4851]

Excellent video, great message.

[@mario3804]

There’s not that many Latinos either, but I was like you. I didn’t see color I just did my thing. Bottom line color doesn’t matter is who wants it more.

[@lu-bo6yh]

@@bruhmanflightwhats not the same

[@billgonzales8978]

Wrong pal 25 chicanos earned Medal of Honor ? they were Berets Seals,airborn you name it

[@josephnoll2754]

My neighbor and i spoke about his experience as a cuban who became a UDT in 1958. It was eye-opening. One of my best mentors during service was a 7th Group Combat diver.

[@raqamsonofmanasseh]

I was one of the first Cuban Americans that made the Teams in the late 80's. Heard about a Cuban in the UDT's before they were fazed out back in 83. Now there's many Cuban Americans in the Teams.

[@ralik7]

Ehhh....I agree with a small part of this. But lets also talk about how a lot of brothers DO go out for SOF and get "peered out" because they are unalike. I'm an Army veteran and I've heard those stories more often than not. Yes, I was always into protecting my brother to the left and right, we were all green. But everyone doesn't have that mentality. It's nothing for people who grew up in towns with little to no diversity OR bias because everyone Black lives "on the other side of the tracks" in their town and is poor and stereotyped to not want to let brothers in because of that bias or lack of diversity. I can't tell you how many White guys from small towns thanked me and about 3 other Black guys in Basic Training for helping them graduate. I literally had one thank me on graduation day and say "You guys are great people and I wouldn't have made it without you. You're nothing like what I thought Black people were like." I said "What did you think we were like?" He said "You know, all gangster and stuff like on the movies. Like Boyz in the Hood and things like that". I laughed out loud and gave him a hug. Imagine if he didn't have us and maintained his bias? Just because he didn't know any better...that's what I'm saying about the other side of the conversation.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

You're being dishonest, most black males go way out of their way to behave like the worst black stereotypes. You pretend this isn't true because you're embarrassed. 79% of black kids born out of wedlock. 50% of black "families" are on welfare. Every race has strengths and weaknesses, but the behavioral patterns of each race are pretty much universal across the globe. Africans in Ireland behave just like Africans in NYC or Brazil or Haiti or South Africa and Japan. It's genetic, just like how the athleticism and entertainment talent is genetic.

[@Dragon_Rider]

God bless you Sir. Love what you had to say. We need more American men and immigrants like you and your family. Thank you for our freedom! USA

[@confessionsofahandyman]

As a Queens NY boy I agree. To me the military was just becoming a serial # to go to war, I had no clue there were different jobs and definitely had NO idea going SOF was possible for regular people that decided to do something special. As for race and color, as a Hispanic boy from Queens that’s done well for himself all I have to say is race only matters if you mind…if it’s not on your mind it doesn’t matter!

[@steveabraham3052]

Same bro 👊🏾

[@steveabraham3052]

I’m originally from Brooklyn, grew up in Jersey. I didn’t know brothers that went into SF. I too “idolized” athletes and such, but didn’t want to even attempt to go that route. I chose public service instead. I wanted to go the military route, particularly SEAL Team. That was not in the cards for me, unfortunately (medical disqualified from military service). I serve my country domestically though. Great alternative by the way. But to your’s Jay’s point… I don’t see race nor do I see race as a limitation. I do see Jay’s point as well as the senior veteran he encountered at Disney. This is a great video. Jay, keep up the great work brother 👊🏾

[@loki2stunt]

Yeah I'm not Black I'm just OJ...😅😂

[@Harlem1mentality]

@@loki2stuntstill nigga

[@braxtonmoore9246]

Yea that don’t work for us. But u know that so why be intellectually dishonest?

[@gregalfred8916]

Wholeheartedly agree. While I was not in special operations, I attended USMA, and later in my career recruited candidates of color for the academy. I'd submit ONE of the reasons why kids of color are not equally represented at USMA, USNA, and USAFA and in the military officer corps is the lack of tangible examples of successful Black/Brown academy grads. While I don't often go around wearing USMA gear, I do tell high school and college bound kids of ALL backgrounds about the opportunities available, and what you can achieve with that education/work and leadership experience after you leave the military. Thanks for this and you've got a new subscriber.

[@suprasam98]

I too am a grad of Asian descent but do not believe there needs to be a "diverse" cast of people for potential cadets/service members too look up to. It has lead to a misconception diversity leads to diversity. A leader is defined by there personality and character and looking for someone to mirror leads to stagnation.

[@darrellwilson4365]

Great topic that touches me deeply as being a Black SOF Operator since 2003 until i retired in 2019. The first thing that was said to me when I got to 1st/10th SFG(A) BN Aco, I was walking down the hall and this white SF guy asked me what am I doing in this building, support is in the next building. I lost my mind and cursed him out. Throughout the years serving as a SOF operator and mostly being the on Black Guy on the team takes a toll eventually, but it shows how much we have to endure. Speaking on the racist part of SOF, trust me it's there in more ways than one. As a Black guy going through any Special Operations program you have to be twice as good as your white counterparts. Trust me Jay this is a great topic that others just brush over and say SOF isn't racist. We have to look at history on why Blacks have a harder time in the water, when I went to SFAS I actually failed the swim test, wasn't because I couldn't swim I just never swam in BDU's and boots. I failed the swim test again when I went to SFQC, but my Bravo instructor sent 10 of us to the YMCA for classes and I got stronger and passed the retest three weeks later. I served in 10th SFG(A) for over 17 yrs and I have never seen more than 10 Black GB's in a BN at one time, and I've only seen 2 Black GB officers, the problem just doesn't start with us, its also the system we are trying out for. Like I mentioned, this touches home in so many ways and I writing a book on Blacks in the SOF community and the struggles I had to overcome. D.O.L

[@stancelegendz7531]

@darrellwilson4365 did you ever meet any Black SOF reps in the AirForce (PJ or CCT) because one of the things I’ve seen while training for the pipeline is that the swim portion generally takes us out; and also the lack of representation

[@darrellwilson4365]

@@stancelegendz7531 I have worked with them a lot, I have never seen or ever heard of a Black one at all.

[@kevinzhang6623]

@@stancelegendz7531 There was one in a '90's PJ Indoc doucmentary, he made it nearly all the way through but was dropped near the end

[@stancelegendz7531]

@@darrellwilson4365 I figured smh it unfortunate. Also, whenever you get around to finishing the book of yours I’d love to read it man.

[@stancelegendz7531]

@@kevinzhang6623 yeah I met him; he came back to the pipeline almost a decade later after switching to the army side to complete SFAS and became a 18D. He became a PJ afterwards and now he’s a Col in the guard as a nurse practitioner. Dude did it all. Though still he’s the only one that I know that became a J that was black.

[@MyTruth1771]

My father told me stories about his time in Korea. I read books that talked about SOF. And I was hooked. Marine Corps here I came.

[@scottharris5261]

Luckily, I had my Grandfather who was Bi racial. I'm not SOF but a Marine for 10 years. He's spot on, and I've thought about this as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@lovemyalaskaful]

I hope your voice carries to the people who need to hear it. America is strong because our people are strong. Go get that tab if your hungry young ones!!

[@hogthomas762]

I think being comfortable in the water is an issue as well. A lot of city guys don’t grow up around pools or oceans.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Correct, this is a big point the late Colin Powell US Army wrote about. Powell was from New York City & got a ROTC commission. He served 2 combat tours in SE Asia. Powell said water ops, swim tests were a barrier to many. Tier 1 units expect you to use SCUBA, boats, deploy from Navy vessels-SWCC. That's a big part of training-selection.

[@Queennyla16]

I am 45 yr old black American man, and former law enforcement whose ancestry goes back to the 1700s. Most black American men are actually not from the “hood” that is a gross stereotype that has been around since the late 70s, and many uneducated non blacks as well as foreigners blacks keep perpetuating the stereotype without educating yourselves. Their are actually more black men in college than in prisons as well…as far as the military the truth is their really is not a big financial benefit vs risk to many black men. If their was we would dominate, at one time MMA didn’t have a big financial stakes, now you see many black champions. That is the real reason from many of the service men in my family and former colleagues. Most that join do it for reasons beyond financial and we commend them.

[@7224Cyrano]

7th group got tons of Latinos lol a good amount of black dudes too

[@TexasRob28]

The reason is that the 7th group respons to your Spanish spanking countries.

[@RobotSlaves]

That just makes sense

[@twistedskipster3946]

Makes a lot of sense that the "Red Empire" has a ton of Latinos,,, unfortunately lost my best friend who served in 7th Group, CIF Till Valhalla brother, Johnathon Handsford 7th Special Forces Group (A)

[@veandreyahuda5333]

Doesn’t 7th Group deploy in Latin and Mexican States?

[@7224Cyrano]

@@twistedskipster3946 when was he in?

[@lengreg1326]

Sak Pase bredjin, grew up in Canarsie did 20 years(Army) and retired. Ten of those years was with the 82nd. Tried SFAS, blew out my leg was a tough time in my career. Was a family man and mid career at that point. Decided it wasn't for me I knew two other brothers in SF on Bragg. Glad to see you did well peace.

[@barry2949]

Aso, be mindful swimming is an big issue from what I have seen.

[@FNG_Reggie]

set up looking cleannn 🔥

[@primetimetacticaltraining]

There are so many other factors that play into the decision making of not being a part of a specialized unit in the military. With me having zero experience of being in the military, I can honestly say at the time I did want to join I was right out of high school and didn't want to put myself in a position to put my life on the line because I knew I had other options. I graduated high school one year after 9/11. Wanting to be like a basketball or football player is not the problem, it's what you do with that money after you get it. To most people that is an easier route out. Me personally, it sounds like a recruitment tactic. You can apply that same mindframe into a lot of other things. It's not just about sports and the military. We need to be pushing our kids on the importance of things like, AI, IT, agriculture, the medical field, and other things that would be more beneficial to people in this country and around the world. We are in a technology era. Skilled trades is where it is. I know the military can help you get there, but to have the constant thought of fighting someone else's war, and putting your life on the line could be a deciding factor on what a person does with their future. There is a very small percentage of black athletes who actually make it to the professional level. Most of them have to fall back on what they went to college for.

[@primetimetacticaltraining]

We also have to think about a black man's role in this country and his involvement with the military, CIA, FBI and any other government agency. We've had to fight against organizations like that all our lives, just to prove that we were capable of being a part of something bigger than ourselves. Look at who owns the sport and entertainment business. The people who owned and run the show behind the scenes are more excepting of us, putting on a show or spectacle for others to see and paying out a lot of money for it. It's literally a multi billion dollar industry. Again, there are a lot of factors that play into this decision, unconsciously and out in the open. All of the entertainers that he named are all billionaires right now. Why not shoot for the stars? My interest was never in making it into sports and entertainment. I just wanted to be the best person that I could be and hopefully make six figures one day and stay the hell out the way, lol.

[@bernardbarr2354]

​@@primetimetacticaltraining good points

[@human_bot_]

Thank you for an insightful and well thought out video discussing a topic that so many have wondered about. Thank you for your videos!

[@dmsknb1541]

What you missed too in the who feels at home in the US and division of the "Cake" it's hard to erase the distrust of how the government and army treated the black soldiers back in the day so they won't fight with heart like in the NFL or BOXING will just do enough to get some pay and get by

[@marlowtownsend3241]

Native American here. Retired Marine. My first team at Force Recon in the 90s was a Black leader, Bi racial assistant team leader, a Mexican and then me. But before I got there, I saw maybe a handful of non whites. Didn’t deter me. I had to earn my spot, same as anyone else there. But great topic.

[@boystainey]

The diversity Ina platoon in general is something I really miss. Everyone was forced to come together from all walks of life, and sometimes we had a blast.

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

If your platoon was in real sht like Vietnam jungle you wouldn't be saying that. Diversity tore platoons apart in Vietnam. Watch Platoon again closely and think about the stuff they didn't even mention, like the blacks selling off their supplies to the local Vietnamese.

[@HussarPlays]

We are the product of our environment. I grew up in Warsaw Poland, and the heritage of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising Insurgents ran deep in our part of town. We had memorial plates at locations where Germans murdered civilians, our history classroom was full of Ww2 related artifacts. Even our scoop was named after “Szare Szeregi” (“Gray Ranks” a boy scout organization that took part in the uprising). So subliminally many of us were influenced into sacrifice and warrior ethos. Post communism I immigrated at 13 to US and 4 years later went to US Army basic. There African Americans were overrepresented in the DS cadre. Many with the same story of escaping the city violence and some from the Deep South. But these men were my father figures for that moment in time and I am forever grateful I was thrown into that mix.

[@nyhttrane]

First you are right about not being very interested in being a grunt but also I can honestly say that in the 82nd when i was enlisted and tried to go to pre Ranger I couldn’t pass the swim test because back then I couldn’t swim the length of the pool and keep my rifle out the water. Years later as a Co I’m ashamed to say i didn’t have the schedule to allow soldiers to participate in anything that would benefit their careers. College, schools or family balance. I’m just being honest; you tell the BC that SSG Hard Charger is training for selection and boom 💥 “he’s just trying to get out of deploying with the unit” blah blah blah. When I finally got balls enough to stand up for soldiers I got forced to retire. I just saying some times we do fail the soldiers

[@GreenBeretChronicles]

Thanks for sharing

[@blackice82160]

I know this story all too well.

[@OaMaaM1775]

Proper speech brother, stay the course and fight te good fight. Much love and respect.

[@djblackruss]

From The BX i wanted to be like my pops a Vietnam vet. So the Army was on my radar from a young age. I did notice that group didn't have a lot of black team guys. Support guys yes. Me and my brother both went down range with 3rd Grp. Great bunch of guys

[@tillmen4444]

The pay difference as well, when you're dreaming about getting out the ghetto you want to dream big not just enough to get out

[@Jkr66]

Hey Jay, I dig your channel. I'm a Brotha from Detroit, I graduated highschool in the middle of the 1980's. I grew up in what used to be the middle class. I got hip to SF through the movies. First was Apocalypse Now and a lil later the second first blood movie Rambo LOL. I found a few books and magazines on SF I thought it was something I wanted to do. I also am a musician so I figured if Rock n Roll didn't work out after a few years I'd join the service. I spent the next 7 yrs traveling around the country having a great time but didn't really make any money at it. Later in 1992 I moved to a house that a friend of mine owned and he had a friend from one of his jobs living there who was an interpreter in the special forces during Vietnam. He spoke Vietnamese, Russian and Japanese. He told me a few wild stories from back then. He soon became a good friend of mine. I moved on but I kept in touch with him over the years. He passed away about 7 yrs ago. Over the years I've read a few SF books including Rogue warrior, Lone survivor and 2 MAC v SOG books. Taker EZ ✌🏿

[@philliplopez1501]

Let me make 3 suggestions that would help you achieve your goal. 1. Low hanging fruit: SOF has a greater diversity already. But, they are usually located within the Support Group. Perhaps a program to fast track SOF Support MOS's with "S" identifiers. 2. There are already a diverse population in the Army. But, again, they are predominantly in the support MOS's. Perhaps SF recruiters need to focus on those Support MOS's with a background in foreward support. These troops would have the most exposure to critical combat mindset. Meaning that they woukd most readily be able to transition to SOF. And 3. I agree. Yes, most of the military is Caucasian. This is in part because this type of service runs in families. To augment the initial service of more diverse troops you will have to address the military's image. Most families in America don't have direct experience with the military. And the culture/media can be less than encouraging. For this I will suggest that the DOD consider a much greater ROTC program. Perhaps even sponsoring soldiers to serve as coaches for some of the school sports teams. The local input would slowly but surely begin to make an impact. Given the current state of our communities and schools I feel the military influence can only help. Hope that helps Phil

[@darrellwilson4365]

Phil, my SWC tour was a SF recruiter and I targeted those support units. Let me tell you, they get weeded out very fast in SFAS. Let me let you in on a little secret, they have this thing called Black Friday in SFAS, that’s when they get rid of most of the Black Soldiers, they use the psychological test to there advantage saying they don’t fit. Trust me I e asked every Black guy I sent and it’s always the psychological test. One even better that’s what I was told when I went to SFAS. You speak of diversity in the military, look at it like this. Long as they can keep minorities in support roles they are fine. Once Blacks venture out into these more important MOS’s that’s when we get hammered. Lived it for 24 years. D.O.L

[@philliplopez1501]

@darrellwilson4365 I'm truly sorry to hear that this is the case. FWIW, I attempted selection as well. At the time, I was an SF support guy. There were 26 of us. 25 failed the pt test. I was approached by the CSM, whom I had worked alongside for a couple years, and asked if I had failed on purpose? Shortly after that particular 1SG at selection was replaced for "protecting the tab" from us SF support guys. I never made it back to selection, but did 3 more combat tours with SF. All that said, I understand that bias has existed in the past. I also saw the command working to fix it. In the group I never saw the same problem and felt valued for what I could bring to the table. If it is still going on then we still have work to do.

[@darrellwilson4365]

@@philliplopez1501 remember the main words in your statement (Support)

[@ScoutsHonorBB]

@@darrellwilson4365 Every race has different general strengths and weaknesses. Blacks are great at sports and entertainment. Blacks don't even go CAMPING or SWIMMING, for the most part. And how many black men have the psychological profile for FATHERHOOD? 79% of black kids born out of wedlock, mostly abandoned by psychologically weak/selfish fathers. But you think they're cut out for SPECIAL FORCES? Playing the race card like you're doing here is just more proof that you were psychologically unfit for special forces.

[@bernardbarr2354]

​@@darrellwilson4365definitely bias. In the old days we had NCOs who were supremacist protecting the Tab. We even had underground newspapers being distributed from the community. Not exactly sure how effective their efforts were. I'm sure it had some negative effects.

[@allanclaridge6279]

Thank you for this insight. It's appreciated.

[@Rgunt8905]

Going into SOF has nothing to do with your ethnicity. It comes down to whether or not you want to achieve an elite level. You have to remember that such units didn't exist at one point in time. All those that have joined and succeed in such level came down to how badly they want it and how much they are were willing to work for it.

[@Brotherken1234]

You STILL don't understand do you?

[@Rgunt8905]

@@Brotherken1234 I do understand that people like yourself are insecure and need to idolize in order to feel welcome. You need to see someone like yourself to feel like you have a chance. That's being racist. The world isn't about open doors, you have to work for everything. So seeing someone that's your same ethnicity in SOF won't increase your chances of making it in. It all comes down to you and how badly you want to achieve that level. But hey your big brain knew that.

[@l.k9043]

@@Rgunt8905 I see your point and you are right, SOF is about commitment and to be a warrior but some guys grew up not even seeing the military culture , combine that with bad media and everyone telling you to not die for nothing , you get guy that would never in a hundred year think of joining.

[@ryanprasad2090]

Particularly insightful, Jay! Great stuff!

[@johnchornyTheOnly]

Theirs is not to question why

[@lusmythe4898]

Wow! Great insight that I never thought about, but was very curious why?

[@GreenBeretChronicles]

Good question!

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I have noticed that when I was going through Airborne School that there were a good portion of Black men going through Airborne School which is less than 3/4 and even smaller in combat units. My Battalion in Panama during 1989 before the invasion averaged 3 to 4 Black soldiers in each rifle company and even in HHC. Talking to some of these guys to include Mike who was an RTO in A co. 2nd PLTN noticed this. I told him not to worry about it because I was more of a minority than Black or Hispanic guys. I'm Filipino by birth and grew up American. I never kept an attitude that anyone was better than me because I made it this far and made friends along the way. My attitude is treat me as a friend and fight with me and for you no matter who you are I'm good. I have more White friends from the Army than minorities, reason is more Blacks and Hispanics from the enlisted ranks and some in NCO ranks harbor some animosity. For me I don't give a shit what color or ethnicity they come from. Be competent at your job and position and qualification not because you have made the racial quota. Be a fucking leader I will respect them! Fuck Up, then you will hear from me bottom line!!! No matter race or ethnic background you come from. Just be the best who you are as a human being to be the best at your capacity. All people are equal, its the one who breaks out are the best.