HERO said:
Taking recruits from the streets... can they take the tough training required for SF? Even infantry soldiers may fail in the SF training.. I wonder whether it's good to take in raw recruits from the streets? What's the rationale for the change? :?:
This isn't new. The Navy does it, the Air Force does it, the Army does it, and the Marine Corps did it for a bit. Now remember, these people are not given spots and titles within SOF units, they are given the opportunity to prove themselves capable.
The US Army, specifically, brought back the "SF Baby" (18X) contracts most recently largely because of a shortage of man power and an increased demand in "services." Thus far, it is working well, and quite a few of the 18Xers have already gone on to their groups. Having prior military experience is not always helpful, SF is a different world than say the 101st Abn, or even another SOF unit, the 75th Ranger Regt.
These recruits are being screened and gated, and if they make it past the recruiter, they still have to get through several steps before even reaching the SFQC (Special Forces Qualifcation Course). Most won't make it to the Q course, and even less will actually graduate. (that goes for prior service as well)
I've seen some of the most hardened infantrymen fall out and quit, while a couple of years ago, watched a 19 year old graduate from the SFQC. One is not born once they reach the team, and one certainly doesn't stop learning nor proving themselves simply because they finished the intial training.
Prior military experience is nice, and helpful, as long as it is the right experience, with the right attitude. The same can be said for many civilian experiences.
Many come in for the wrong reasons, and over 15% fail the just the APFT upon arrival.
