I made "the team"!

**longhuntr74** · 3rd February 12, 10:09 PM

It's the time in my graduate school cycle where my peers and I are anxiously awaiting word of our next duty assignments.

A little bit of background: My branch has been considered one of the Army's special operations branches for a number of years now (at least on the Active duty side of things), but has recently formed a new unit that supports the regular Army (conventional forces). As a result, the special operations aspect is now only a part of the branch and the unit has felt it necessary to put some very stringent measures in place for any personnel wishing to get assigned to the Brigade...and to differentiate it as an elite unit.

For the past week, I have been participating in a grueling series of physical, psychological, and intelligence tests to measure my suitability to return to this unit (previously assigned there from '05-08). Today was the culmination of the assessment program with a 12 mile forced march (carrying a 40 lb pack) in under 3 hours and then racing to shower and change into a clean uniform and go appear before the selection board.

I passed all the physical challenges and my psych eval (which was particularly grueling) and was informed after the board today that I apparently passed muster and have been accepted to serve, most likely as a Battalion Executive Officer, in the unit. I'm very excited to be returning "home" to Fort Bragg later this year.

**Panache** · 3rd February 12, 10:19 PM

Congratulations friend! Though we will be very sad to lose you from the NCR to the East Coast!

Cheers

Jamie

**Bugbear** · 3rd February 12, 10:46 PM

Congratulations.

**MacMillans son** · 3rd February 12, 10:47 PM

Congratulations Jeff! A big WELL DONE to you!!

Although, knowing you as I do, I am more than a little bit suspicious about the validity of the Psych evals!!

We will place extra value our times spent together this year, and will definitely miss you and the family at the end of your time here in God's country

We're Looking forward to seeing you at Ardenwood. I'll bring along some of my psych evals from work to augment those questionable ones currently in use by the Army! Perhaps we can find a way to MAKE you stay here!! ...in an Argyll cut straight jacket perhaps...

Again, congratulations friend!

**Spartan Tartan** · 4th February 12, 12:31 AM

Congratulations! And if you happen to drive thru Oklahoma City on your trip back to the East Coast, you will have to let me buy you a round at a local watering hole.

**BCAC** · 4th February 12, 02:31 AM

Well done, Sir!

I know from experience that these sort of "tests", despite the fact that there are a lot of physical aspects, are 90% mental (and that is the most difficult). Even the most physically fit person, if he doesn't have the right mental outlook, won't pass.

Congratulations. We're proud of you.

**flyingshamrock** · 4th February 12, 04:25 AM

A HUGE congratulations!

**GMan** · 4th February 12, 04:54 AM

Two thumbs up!

**longhuntr74** · 4th February 12, 05:48 PM

Thanks to all of you for your responses! BCAC...you are absolutely right about a large portion of it being "mental." The physical challenges were just that...challenges. Being in pretty decent shape, I was able to overcome them without too much issue (but 12 miles is always painful during and after). The psych eval was truly daunting. Having to admit to everything illegal or immoral that you've ever done...under penalty of prosecution for perjury...well...that just took a lot of personal courage!! I'm glad I accepted the challenge and especially glad that I succeeded!