Should You Go Into Special Ops?
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2023
- A common question I receive is how to begin a career in special operations or law enforcement, whether in the police or military. My responses may vary, but the main message is always to take action. Don't just think about it-start immediately to avoid regrets.
Many people never move past the thinking stage, but in my experience, successful individuals are proactive. Seek the necessary resources if you're interested in a specific training or selection process.
I always remind people that the path to success in these fields is full of challenges and obstacles. There are no shortcuts, and you may face setbacks that require you to start over. However, the journey is worth it.
When I hear someone in special forces considering going to selection, I tell them to go for it. There's nothing to lose; if you don't try, you'll lose out on potential opportunities.
Remember that attrition rates are high in these competitive environments, but don't let that deter you. You don't want to look back years later with a "shoulda, woulda, coulda" mindset. Plus, the training courses and experiences are valuable in and of themselves. Embrace the challenges and reap the rewards.
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I grew up in the Army. Dad was a door gunner on slicks in the Nam. Grew up learning German, Spanish and Italian languages, Army survival skills, martial arts, orienteering, mountaineering, rappelling, shooting at indoor and outdoor ranges etc. But was finally heartbroken when I realized my vision wasn't good enough for Ranger school. So I joined the Air Force and became an aircraft mechanic/Crew Chief instead. But I did get to fly a lot and visit some pretty cool places, and a few not so cool places. Beirut sucked. But yeah, Spec Ops was my original 'life of high adventure' dream, and Pat Mac lived it for me. As a side note, in AF basic, I scored expert on their mini range with the M-16 and M9 wearing glasses. But if you have good vision and some basic skills, a never give up attitude and a good set of balls, go for it.
Boy, I’ve never heard that story before from a POG. “I was gonna be high speed bro but my INSERT ISSUE HERE…”
Hahahaha
@@haveaday1812 and so you go around the internet mocking people for being disqualified by the military in your spare time? Wow man, you're so mature and brave.
@@haveaday1812 keyboard child, go outside the house if you are brave enough!
Actually HaveADay, my ASVAB scores were too high for the Army, so I had to join the AF. Became a Crew Chief on c-141's in Charleston SC. When I made E-5, I became a Flying Crew Chief, and flew all over the world, shitting grunts and cargo out the back of my airplane. My duty weapon was a S&W .38, which if shot down behind the line, was to be used on myself if caught. Pissed me off because I scored expert on the Beretta (even wearing glasses). Got a coin, a patch and a well paying career. And you?
@@jojodiver8706 My ASVaNb Scores were too high for the army. Oh my god man. You are POG comedy gold now. Surprised with an ASVAB score that high they didn’t want you to become a super secret ninja squirrel for the CIA. Let me guess, they tried to recruit you for that but you had “flat feet” hahah. You can knock it off bro. I was a grunt with multiple tours. I’ve heard it all before.
This hit home so hard. When I was young I listened to those around me that said it's too hard or you'll never make it. Now my son is in the SF pipeline charging it full speed and loving it. I'm so proud of him but a tiny bit envious.
How'd he fare assuming you mean he made it to the Q Course? Gods, tell me not another 18B. j/k haha!
I joined the Army in 1994, and wanted very much to go Special Forces... Never happened. My 'problem' was that I thought too much about the politics, foreign policy, and military actions over seas, specifically in the middle east. I knew something didn't smell right.
Sure it would have been nice to have become a certified badass, but I had a successful career, and I have no regrets.
Do or do not....There is no try......Apologizing for the Yoda reference....Always outstanding content guys!
I joined the Army in 1984, already much older than many at 22 and already married. Any younger I would not have had the discipline, but once our son was born I knew I was leaving after my 4 years were up. When he turned 18 our government was getting soldiers killed for no good reason on the other side of the world, recruiters came sniffing around and I waved them off. No f-ing way was my son getting killed to make other people rich. The Army pulled my head from my ass and put me on the path I live today but I don’t think today’s Army is for me. Thanks for giving your life to it and providing your great videos.
I wanted to live the Dream and went to selection in 2003. Fractured my spine and messed up my back so severely I lost my AB Status and was discharged. I tell everyone Go Get It! It’s worth the pain.
Pat Mac, I'm not going for special ops but I'm at a crossroads in my career where "I'm thinking" about making a big change related to my career as a fireman.
Just wanted to say your words really resonate with me, I appreciate you're content.
USN 79-99. Honestly, I'm not sure if even going in the military would be a smart decision nowadays, much less Special Ops; given the current leadership situation in this country. Although, if you did make it to Spec Ops at least, (hopefully), you would be the beneficiary of the best training and best equipment available. Still, then you would have to give serious consideration as to the judgment of the people who would be authorizing whatever missions you would go on. I think it would be prudent to consider that. What are their motives, who is benefitting from whatever they are doing. Of course I say that now as an old man with eyes wide open to what really motivates those who seek positions of power. Sorry, I know I'm a cynical old bastard.
Same in The UK now. I used to tell the young lads at the gym to go and join the army. I had an interesting few years. I would advise them not to these days.
Agreed
And youth today either have no respect for the nation let alone the flag, they really have none for their fellow man. And those young men and women who do go in, I've spoken to both before and after their 4 year stent. And they said you were right, it is nothing about the foundation of this nation anymore, it's all a politically correct charged atmosphere, given I've spoken with a few recently retired Rangers and now a former Delta operator, their love of the nation is there, but they've said that cancer is growing still
You’re not a cynical old bastard. I’m 20, and currently prepping for BUD/S. I haven’t fully decided on going, but I’m preparing for it because I do think I’ll wind up doing it. I know that there is no “think” there is only “do”, but of course you have to heavily consider what it is you’re going to try and do. Not to give my life story, but growing up, responsibility and discipline wasn’t enforced very well. I have a foundation, and I’m a smart dude, so I know what it is I need to do, I’ve just always had trouble making myself do it. That’s changing. I’ve decided I’m not quitting again. Ever. I know the kind of man I want to be, and I’ve always had a calling to the military. Everything about it. The brotherhood, the skills, the knowledge, the adventure, (special ops sounds pretty damn adventurous at times) and just the gear and equipment. It’s all just so damn cool. With talk that being said though, you’re right. In today’s world, everyone planning to join needs to take careful consideration of the administration and people that you’re working under and taking orders from. My reasons I’ll admit, are a little selfish. I don’t have some grand calling or some huge reason for this, I just want to prove to myself that I can do this, and that I can do what it takes to be the man I want to be. I want the skills taught in special operations, I’ve always wanted that knowledge and skill. For others they may have different reasons. Whatever it is, it needs heavy consideration in all aspects.
Sorry for the huge essay. If you do read all of it I appreciate it.
@@MilkTestingMan keep this in mind. If you go BUD/S, and you don't make it, for whatever reason, you will still be in the Navy. They will ship your butt out to the fleet as an undesignated seaman, which, I guarantee you, is a far cry from what you have in mind that you want to be doing in the military. You'll be in deck division and you will be low man on the totem pole and that won't be any fun at all. Trust me on that one. I'm assuming you like the idea of soldiering and the skills that go along with it. If that's the case, give some consideration to the Army. There are all kinds of opportunities for special forces there, and at least if you don't make selection the first time, you can go back to being a soldier until you are ready to try again. I was just a sea going sonar tech in the Navy, a job I loved and I enjoyed being out to sea, primarily because I worked in air conditioned spaces on electronic equipment, but if you dropped out of BUD/S, it would be a different story for you.
@@BruceMusto really appreciate the response. My main reason for going with SEALs is because I love the water. I’m already dive certified, and I’m extremely comfortable in the water. Little story: I was probably 4-6yo and was at my grandparents lake house. It was late fall. All I wanted to do was swim. They couldn’t get me out of the water until my lips were turning blue. I’ve decided that if I go military, it’ll eat at me forever if I don’t at least try BUD/S. If I go, I dont know if I could let myself quit. I’ve spent my whole life thinking about it, but once I’m actually there it’ll be so surreal. My main goal right now is to get myself into peak physical condition. I’m talk and lanky, so I’ve got some pounds to put on. It’ll take time. If I can get myself to that point, I’ll have much more perspective on if I can actually make it through BUD/S. I’ve had a very easy life up until now. Just these last few years life has been hard. Stepdad died of pancreatic cancer, mother then immediately got chronic pancreatitis and became bed ridden for 2 or 3 years. Started abusing meds too. Whole lot of shit. No excuses, just what’s happened. It’s made me stronger and more mature than many my age, not bragging of course. Just the fact of the matter. Anyways, I’ve dealt with that shit that has made me stronger in some ways, but in others, like self discipline, I still have work to do. For the first time in my life, with our Father in heavens help, I’ve accepted what’s coming for me no matter what it is. I’m ready to meet the challenge. If I can prove to myself that I can get my body where I want it to be, then I’m gonna go be a SEAL. Failure won’t be an option.
Roger that; vehicle broke down, time to get back to the shop & back on the road. Cheers lads 🤘🏾
When I 1st applied for a position in LEO there were 138 applicants with 3 positions available. So yes, that was my pipeline and definitely a selection course based on 8 different requirements. I made it my 1st attempt. Our Dept had a very active and high speed SWAT team. It was a minimum of 3 yrs experience for the QC. 30 guys attended, 20 dropped on day 4 and 3 were selected. I was fortunate to be one of those 3. From there, we traveled to many CQC and Room clearing training hosted by the US Army. A few weapons courses were hosted by Marines. We had weeks of repelling, room clearing ( 1 man, 2,3,4 full stack). Stairwells, which were brutal. Chemical weapons, riot training, rifle and pistol quarterly. PT our asses of. Weather was not an excuse. We even had a couple weeks of assaulting landed aircraft and school buses. In all, we were on call 24-7 and trained religiously. Never lost a man from injury but let a couple go because of basic fear. I did this for 10 years. The best 10 years of my life. I would advise a young adult seeking this type of career to go for it! Put your chest forward, eyes straight ahead and feel no pain. Go as hard as you can as lightly as you can step. Train and learn your gear until it’s automatic. Rest , but keep active. Shoot and shoot more. Make yourself as uncomfortable as needed because it will pay off. Take every specialty course offered. Make yourself the absolute best Get into boxing, Judo or BJJ. It will pay off. Carry yourself as an approachable Officer but be ready to GO T any time. LEO has become a Warriors career. Be as understanding and helpful when needed and as fierce as a tiger when expected. But always, always respect others! In this career, complacency can get you killed just as fast as being the bully. You will wear many hats. Wear them well. You will see terrible things as often as any other occupation You will save more lives than you’ll ever know, and have the power to destroy more than you realize. It’s the job, use the best discretion at all times. This a career with many opportunities and I am proud to say I accomplished the majority of my goals. For those reading, it’s the mindset. Get yourself physically prepared, stay physically prepared and apply for all the advanced schooling offered. But remember one thing, you put your shoes on the same way any other person does! If you utilize that thought, you’re career will be rewarding. There’s so much more, but this is my personal advice to those young men and women considering this career. Every State needs good City, County and State Police. Go for it. And if it doesn’t work out the 1st time, try again and again and again till you get there. You will not regret it. Honor the position, respect the position, and remember where you came from. Many times you will encounter someone who was “that close” to getting a break for their dream career. You will see the “bad guys” out and about. Guaranteed. Respect breeds respect. Good luck my friends. But respect will carry you so very far Respect cannot be bought, it is earned
I sat in a movie theater in Panama in 1990 as a SGT and listen to the recruiters pitch. Truth is they didn’t need a pitch, but I did just that, “thinking about it” good advice here in this vid SGM!!
Miss every shot you don't take. If you find yourself in analysis paralysis then it's probably not for you, imo.
Thank you
I don't want to fight for a country that hates me.
No one cares enough to hate you
MAKE them tell you "NO". Don't deselect yourself. As YOU have Never been in those units, you have NO idea what they are looking for, you have NO WAY of knowing what they want in applicants. While you might not be the PT stud you want to be and THINK they WANT, you MIGHT actually have the critical thinking skills, or the Experience, they are looking for.
This goes for Soft/Support MOS too.....There are several different gigs in the Army that require an application and assessment phase......White House Communications Agency., Joint Communications Unit and a few others. Fill out the application/packet (TRUTHFULLY), and make Them tell you NO. You really have NOTHING to lose. Just like the rest of the Army, all the cool guy/special mission units need Support side pax to keep it running (Enablers). If you LIKE your job/MOS in the Army, but want something different (Different environment, different mission set, different location, etc.), there ARE opportunities all over the Army for you.
Not saying it's EASY, not saying that just because you apply that you will be accepted, not saying that once you get into the Unit, that you know NOTHING about except what you read on the Internet (that we ALL know never lies) that you will actually like Being there......Just saying that the opportunities ARE out there.
*MORNING Y'ALL GOD BLESS*
Tried a "tryout" for a DMU secret squirrel type outfit, very much got rubbed the wrong way and my gut said no - but I am glad I at least tried and gave them a chance to see if it was something I wanted to do
Later it turned out a particular individual in my life went to that unit and it would have been......awkward, so things happen for a reason I suppose
I think it's something you have to do for yourself. I never served because I did think about it too much. And I didn't want to go fight for people I felt were unworthy of my sacrifice.
In retrospect I should have just seen I as a personal challenge. If you only serve a minimum it isn't that much of a time commitment if you find out you don't like it.
Join up and be a good Soldier first. I know Mac was an 18x but it's a rare breed who make that. Join up and get good at your MOS. If you want to do 18x by all means. But that is a rare worn path. Either way keep your eye on that goal and let it consume you. Drinking in bars on weekends wont help you do anything. Be focused and dont under/over train and ahow up ready day 0.
Does anyone have a BORTAC connect?
I'll add, you have to be mature enough. My son did some time w/ the 10th grp. as fill in, 68W combat medic when he was at Carson. Was not ready, flamed out few years later. FYI: much regret now he's almost 30...
Today? Fuck no.
Greetings and congrats on the 200,000 subs. Much Respect to the President and Vice President of Badassery.
Lincoln Nebraska
🇺🇸🌽🐓
I want to attend the university of Badassery
🇺🇸
99.999% of people nowadays shouldn't. They're more than likely pursuing it because they think it has a cool factor, and they wanna tell their friends they're operators. Very few people join because they have a true desire to serve.
Just wish I was younger..
No, you shouldn’t
Ive watched a few of your videos. I watched one of your videos about when you were a civilian in Connecticut. And you started scoping out the services for the fastest track into SOF. And you mentioned the Army had the SF XRay program in the early eighties. You said you told your Dad you were enlisting into that. And your old man was like, "hold on there partner, Im going down to this recruiters office with you WITH MY ATTORNEY. You mentioned your Dad's Attorney got your recruiter to do your enlistment contract paperwork correctly. To me, that bit of advice...take an Attorney to the recruiter to make SURE they do your paperwork correctly is to single best advice Ive seen in your videos. I wish my Dad had done that for me when I enlisted in the Navy in 1987. Most recruiters are douchebags and just out to fill their monthly quota. My recruiter was a high school dropout, had a GED, could barely read and he told me his quota was three enlistees a month. And that was 1987. Yes, take your ATTORNEY to the recruiter to make them do your paperwork correctly. What your dad did for you most likely set a good foundation for your career in SOF.
Maybe not?
De Oppresso Liber gentlemen 🤘🏻
Usually They Choose You 😱
Yeah pat you have nothing to loose. Expect possibly the oath you swore and the morels you hold.
With the knowledge the public has access to now, you better think about it. Think twice.
Just doin it. Basic dude stuff.
Thinking about it = not going to do it.....might as well say " I tried going SF but I had a bone in my foot"......
Lots of special operations guys with podcasts get similar messages..."I'm thinking about trying special operations", or "what should I work on before entering the BUDs pipeline"...it chaps all of their asses. If you were really going to do it you would just do it. Jump in sink or swim.
The empire hates you and your family. Don't do it, fellas.
Should you work for the worlds largest organization, the US government. No.
Spoken like someone who has in the past.
Or wish they would have. As a retired Marine, I talk to people all of the time who ALMOST joined the military. Pretty sad to let an opportunity pass you by, only to spend the rest of your life looking back with regret.
There are plenty of shortcuts in that road if you're a woman
If todays politics have you concerned of joining the military, that is nothing more than an excuse. Guess what...foreign policy was weird in the 70s and the 80s and the 90s, etc etc etc......FP was weird during my tenure from 1989-2009 plenty of WTF is going on here........its no different 2023 except for people in general are becoming comfortable with "having an excuse for anything and everything."
I have a navy seal tattoo. It gets me alot of special privileges. I never served lol
Between the covid shot requirement and the military going full woke, I decided not to. It sucks because I always wanted to, and still do, but can't in good consciousness enlist knowing what the far left is doing.
I think all of that will phase out. When emo was a thing after a while nobody cared anymore. Hopefully biden gets the fuck out.