introduction

[Icarius]

Today I spoke with the Senior Military Instructor of my ROTC battalion. I told him my idea of forfeiting my scholarship, putting my college education on hold, and enlisting as an 11b with an option 40. The MSG is a good man. I trust his judgment. I told him my desire to become the best infantry PL possible and how I believe enlisted experience would be a good foundation for a future officer. He quickly replied that in my case he didn’t believe so. He strongly believes that I should remain on my current course. He told me how he has had great officers who were prior enlisted and great officers who came from ROTC. He said, “A good officer isn’t great because he was ROTC, or former enlisted. A great officer is good simply because that is who he is.â€

[Earthpig]

Welcome to the site. I'm sure I'll be in the minority here, but I agree with your Senior Instructor. I think that the bottom line is: If you are a true leader, you will make a great officer, regardless of whether or not you served as an enlisted soldier first.

I also think that you should follow your gut. Don't enlist because it's what we want you to do. Don't go the officer route because it's what your Senior Instructor wants you to do. Listen to your own heart, and do what it tells you. To an extent, you create your own destiny. Nobody knows you better than yourself.

Etch the Creed in your mind, and live it...no matter which route you take. It won't steer you wrong. If you can honestly try your best each day to live those words, you will shine.....NCO or O.

RLTW
EP

[cams]

Have you taken a PT test since the last one you posted in August?

In that post you stated that you failed the sit-up portion. How are you standings now?

If you have not taken one, please post current and honest results of a new PT test.

If you are not over and above with a generally administered test, you will struggle greatly in RIP and possibly drop, be a WW (world wide-'fail') assignment.

[Ranger Ron]

Welcome to ArmyRanger.com! Ranger EarthPig pretty much said it all. Which ever route you decide to take, NEVER QUIT!

[Icarius]

Ranger Cams,

I have taken two PT tests since August.
9/8/08
PU-44
SU-56
2mile- 14:30

9/17/08
PU- 64
SU-63
2mile-13:30

My first APFT I had trouble doing good standard pushups. When the second test came around I made sure I did pushups to standard, some were still not counted. I should have stated this sooner, I am sorry. The pushup results I posted in August are illegimate. There is no way I am capable of completing 84 pushups to the respectable army standard, yet.

I have always been week in my core. Yet, I am improving.

The run, there is no excuse for a 2 & 1 min increase in time. I am completely honest when I say that the stopwatch said 12:32 when I ran the two mile in August. The only difference was the course length. In August, I was tested on a 1/16th of a mile track. My two tests at school since have both been on the outer rim of the Boston Fens. The course we use is slightly larger than a mile.

I will take my next official APFT this coming Monday. I will post those results promptly following the test.

[cams]

Ranger Cams,

I have taken two PT tests since August.
9/8/08
PU-44
SU-56
2mile- 14:30

9/17/08
PU- 64
SU-63
2mile-13:30

My first APFT I had trouble doing good standard pushups. When the second test came around I made sure I did pushups to standard, some were still not counted. I should have stated this sooner, I am sorry. The pushup results I posted in August are illegimate. There is no way I am capable of completing 84 pushups to the respectable army standard, yet.

I have always been week in my core. Yet, I am improving.

The run, there is no excuse for a 2 & 1 min increase in time. I am completely honest when I say that the stopwatch said 12:32 when I ran the two mile in August. The only difference was the course length. In August, I was tested on a 1/16th of a mile track. My two tests at school since have both been on the outer rim of the Boston Fens. The course we use is slightly larger than a mile.

I will take my next official APFT this coming Monday. I will post those results promptly following the test.

Thank you. Seems to be some improvement anyway. In either course of action you take, you need to continue to improve you PT stats, don't go lax, run and push every chance you get.

Keep working hard and I may stop in and see you for a chat. I'm in Boston.

Word to the wise, stay out of the Fens. It's a huge 'gay' wooded area (read: pickle park) and is being patrolled steadily by Undercover Officers. There have been several robberies there as well. Best if you are running there, to not stop, bathroom breaks etc, go somewhere else so you don't get picked up, by the fags or the cops.

Work and run bud, work and run.

Good luck.

[Icarius]

Ranger Cams,

I would be very interested in a meeting. Lunch would be on me if you would be willing to part with some wisdom and experience. If a smoking session was more of what you had in mind, that would be great to. I saw in your intro that you are in law enforcement. Do you have any knowledge of martial art schools in Boston? I am very interested in Krav Maga. I have researched some, but that is as far as I have gone. I should just take the initiative and check them out for myself, but if you have any knowledge or preferences. I would be very appreciative.

-B

[cams]

Ranger Cams,

I would be very interested in a meeting. Lunch would be on me if you would be willing to part with some wisdom and experience. If a smoking session was more of what you had in mind, that would be great to. I saw in your intro that you are in law enforcement. Do you have any knowledge of martial art schools in Boston? I am very interested in Krav Maga. I have researched some, but that is as far as I have gone. I should just take the initiative and check them out for myself, but if you have any knowledge or preferences. I would be very appreciative.

-B

You'll get plenty of smoke after you sign. I'd best leave that to the men that do it daily. Just keep Pt'ing and reading for a while stud. Post updates on your scores and take advice when you can get it.

There's a Krav Magra place on Rt. 60 in Revere. They are accelerated 8 week courses that skip the traditional long term study of style and form and take you right into street fighting and breaking things. Check them out.

If you have questions, feel free to Pm me. I'm on sporadically so be patient.

Be smart about posting, don't talk alot, watch and learn for now.