Change in plans

Llama45 · Post by **Llama45** » October 7th, 2005, 3:43 pm

Well, I graduated OSUT today. I was an awardee at graduation; my DS decided I was the one he wanted to fast track, I guess. I tried to be invisible and always do the right thing, so the invisible part didn't pan out but at least I did everything right--I only got dropped personally twice the whole cycle and the Drills had to look at my nametape to call me by name until week 11.

However... about week 12 I changed my contract to 18X. Not to say that being a Ranger isn't a great thing--I have some good friends going for it--but I guess once I got a taste of the Army for real I realized I was more comfortable with less conventional methods and behavior than the regular Infantry and even the Rangers use. A few of my good friends that were Option 40 holders decided to switch over with me, so we're all pretty excited and nervous about all this, but it's too late to worry now.

I'm on my weekend pass from Airborne right now. They rushed the 18Xers right from graduation to Airborne School with no holdover other than a few days next week--we start next friday instead of today like the 18Xs with set SOPC start dates do. I'm not really sure if I like this, since I was hoping for a bit of time to hone my rucking and land nav if I could, maybe break in some new boots, figure out what's up with my ankle... but I'll just do all that during Airborne, I suppose.

So, I just wanted to give y'all an update, and say thanks for all the information and guidance you put out on this site--it helped a lot during OSUT, I think, and especially when it came to rucking. Our final roadmarch was 10 miles with a big old 80 pound ruck for me, and I had it easy. Some guys had mortar equipment strapped to their backs or 249s and bravos, so they were really sucking. As for the ankle thing, about mile 5/6 one of the tendons swelled up really bad and I could no longer flex my foot, so it was rough marching with a non-responsive joint, the only thing that really made my march hard. I'm just worried SFAS will be too much for my ankle to take and I'll go home on crutches.

Well, I don't have much more to say for now. I'll keep you updated as things progress, but I probably won't be able to post frequently at all, as you all know given where I'm at. Thanks again for the great resource, Rangers.

Slims · Post by **Slims** » October 7th, 2005, 3:58 pm

Edited

hit_it · Post by **hit_it** » October 7th, 2005, 7:02 pm

However... about week 12 I changed my contract to 18X. Not to say that being a Ranger isn't a great thing--I have some good friends going for it--but I guess once I got a taste of the Army for real I realized I was more comfortable with less conventional methods and behavior than the regular Infantry and even the Rangers use. A few of my good friends that were Option 40 holders decided to switch over with me, so we're all pretty excited and nervous about all this, but it's too late to worry now

How much "unconventional method" have you seen in your 13 weeks at OSUT?

You have no idea what you're talking about.

While 18X is good program, they weed out the people who don't want to live by "conventional standards" very early on, shitbird.

Since you obviously want to be Rambo, and not have to crawl before walking or running, I think you will have a short stay in SWTG.

Silverback · Post by **Silverback** » October 8th, 2005, 2:34 am

hit_it wrote:
However... about week 12 I changed my contract to 18X. Not to say that being a Ranger isn't a great thing--I have some good friends going for it--but I guess once I got a taste of the Army for real I realized I was more comfortable with less conventional methods and behavior than the regular Infantry and even the Rangers use. A few of my good friends that were Option 40 holders decided to switch over with me, so we're all pretty excited and nervous about all this, but it's too late to worry now
How much "unconventional method" have you seen in your 13 weeks at OSUT?

You have no idea what you're talking about.

While 18X is good program, they weed out the people who don't want to live by "conventional standards" very early on, shitbird.

Since you obviously want to be Rambo, and not have to crawl before walking or running, I think you will have a short stay in SWTG.

He just wants to have long hair and lolly-gag while walking to chow.

Phulano · Post by **Phulano** » October 8th, 2005, 3:17 am

He just wants to have long hair and lolly-gag while walking to chow.

Good luck. Ice and rest the ankle when you can. Dont worry about SFAS. If your ankle isnt going to hold up youll know long before you have to worry about Selection.

Greg can confirm that damn near everyone going through SOPC developes tendonitis somewhere. Dont expect too much sympathy.

Spartan · Post by **Spartan** » October 8th, 2005, 7:13 am

Congrats on your success thus far, even though the serious challenges have not yet begun.

If it's a choice you can live with, and you will see success there, then it's the right choice for you. If you don't make it though SFAS, then you probably would not have made it through RIP either - which is not to say everyone who makes it through SFAS could pass RIP, or everyone who passes RIP could automatically make it through SFAS. Both are hard and have similarities and differences.

I would not get harping on how different or unconventional SF is compared to what Rangers do, until you have served in both units.

Best of luck to you.

The Holmchicken · Post by **The Holmchicken** » October 8th, 2005, 8:26 am

Have fun. You're going to get treated like a regular army private until you get done with the course. From both the cadre and the NCO's who are students.

SF Flyer · Post by **SF Flyer** » October 8th, 2005, 10:57 am

Silverback wrote: He just wants to have long hair and lolly-gag while walking to chow.

Yea, and your point is?

Steadfast · Post by **Steadfast** » October 10th, 2005, 7:47 pm

Llama45 is a QUITTER! Always will be!

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