Opinion Question

[Scout78]

This is an opinion question for the BTDT’s.

Why is it that the military pushes the 18X MOS while making it somewhat difficult to acquire the Option 40? Is it solely based on this new 18X “pipelineâ€

[ImportsRsloths]

My Recruiter's said you had to pass with 70% ALL portions of the Army Physical Fitness Test for the 18X option.......

[Spartan]

There are approximately 2100-2400 Rangers required to staff the Regiment (3 Bns plus a HQ unit) and it takes about 8-12 months to train someone to an entry level position for the Regiment, depending on MOS. Remember that they probably have to send 6-7 times the number of applicants as there are slots due to attrition and mental weakness of those going through the training cycle.

There are 5 active duty SF Groups (there are 3 Bns plus a HQ unit in each), plus 2 NG/Reserve SF Groups. The training cycle for SF Soldiers is approximately 15-24 months and the attrition rate may be higher.

Both units have subjected it's members to a stop-loss to fight the war on terrorism, which requires that current members stay on duty rather than separate from the Army due to retirement or the end of a term of service. After the end of a stop-loss, there are quite a few members who depart and of course, you've got to replace those members to keep the units staffed. With the longer training cycle required for SF, I'd be throwing more people into it if I was doing the personnel planning for the Army also.

[Scout78]

First, thank you for the response Ranger Neves and ImportsRsloths.

I was just amazed at some of the "characters" I met that stated they had received an 18X contract. I understand staffing and the problems with keeping jobs filled. But, I could not get over how in the world some of the guys I saw got this type of contract. Or, how easy it was for them to receive it.

Out

[Spartan]

I was just amazed at some of the "characters" I met that stated they had received an 18X contract. I understand staffing and the problems with keeping jobs filled.

Having the contract is one thing - meeting the requirements and allowing these morons into the job is something else. Most will not meet the requirements, which explains why the Army would throw 10 people into the initial training cycle for each job available. The contract only provides that the Army give someone an opportunity to receive training. If the individual fails the training at any point they are pulled from the program and left to serve the needs of the Army.

And of course, the rest of the Army needs plenty of people too.

[Scout78]

Understood.
Thank you again for the time Ranger Neves.

[JSanta]

I was just the opposite. I really wanted an 18x contract but I was told that they were only giving those contracts to college grads. I happily accepted the option 40 contract and feel that if I make it through RIP, then maybe one day I will get my opportunity to go SF. I also think that maturity-wise, most 18 year olds cannot handle what Rangers and SF put you through. So I will grow and mature first.

[hit_it]

LEATHERNECK HIT IT RIGHT ON. AND RANGER NEVES PUT THE TOTAL ARMY ATTRITION PERSPECTIVE ON IT AS WELL.

some of you will not make it that far, but the army will glady let accept the opportunity to train and go as far as YOU allow yourself to go.

take a recruiters word.

[Slowpoke]

LN, you've got to learn to not hold anything inside, open up and let your true feelings out