Im new to the forum and I've been thinking about it for a little while now and getting more serious about making a career move into the military. I've done a lot of research and still plan on doing more but as far as what path I would take, Special Forces is (as I'm sure you've seen/heard a bit) one of my choices. I'm not looking to serve for the 4 years and then move on, it will be active duty/career in the military. People have suggested that if I do take this route that I should go to the Air Force because of better opportunity/pay/life, etc. But I'm not doing it for the money so that doesnt exactly make me want to go that way. I have quite a few buddies in the Marines and I've thought about it, but the Army has always stuck out in my mind. I know that they are raising the amount of SF troops by a significant margin and I feel that the training I will receive will be enormous and very beneficial. But truth be told, I just think that even after that amount of training that I would still be too green so I'm thinking about joining the Rangers first, getting my wings, go thru Robin Sage, etc and then move to SF. I feel that will build up a nice foundation to go on and would have me better prepared.

It's not definite just yet, but it's very close to being the choice that I will make. I'm just taking my time and trying to talk to enough people who have actual knowledge/soldiers, and not just recruiters or civilians. I was wondering if you guys had any advice for me or maybe some opinions. Thank you.

You need to go and speak to the recruiters. Your opening question/statement didn't give us much to work on/with as you didn't mention your age, current jobskills, family situation, how you think you might feel about being sent off to war...

I have been speaking to the recruiters, from the different branches. I took the ASVAB and scored an 81, so they told me I have a lot of options, but I also just took a Color Eye Test and just found out I am partially colorblind. Now I dont know what to do.

Have these results been presented back to the recruiters? Thats what I would do.

Yes, they have the results, but in order to qualify for special forces, you have to pass an eye color test and I took one that was provided by the air force after I told them I was interested in Pararescue, but since I now found out that I am colorblind, those options are out and I dont know what to do.

Well, if Special Forces and Pararescue are out, what other fields do the recruiters have to offer up? You might be surprised at what jobs may still be available that will both challenge and gratify you.

well, im waiting to see whats available for the army, but as far as the air force, the recruiter gave me a list of jobs that don't require a color eye test. Some of them are of interest such as intelligence jobs, but I'm going to wait and see what the army has to offer. The army recuiter told me not to jump to a strict conclusion just yet about the eye test since the one at MEPS could be different. He said he had a guy who said was colorblind and passed the eye color test at MEPS so perhaps there is still an opportunity there.

Hey, psssst-- USAF SERE Specialist. Especially if you think you might be willing to do a few years, because there are some cool jobs that will open up for you later on.....

i was looking at that and definitely was interested, but I was under the impression that the same color vision test is required for that as well

Maybe...but not sure, have to talk to the recruiter on that one.

I don't see why there would be the need though....

well, i've taken just about all the steps and have a temp reserve slot for special forces. I'm scheduled to take the physical on friday. My only concern is with my color deficiency but my recruiter said not to count it out until the doctors give the final word. If not, I will be looking at counter-intelligence.

Great news and bad news, took the physical and had all the necessary preps done, passed everything, but I lost the slot now because I couldnt get secret security clearance because of my credit/debt. Talk about a suck out. Now I'm trying to figure out what I can do about it.

Too bad about the security clearance. Select a field that doesn't require one and then work on getting the debt and credit cleared up and then reapply.

well, the guidance counselors tried to ram me into 11x+ airborne with some extras thrown in and gave me the whole song and dance about how this is the pathway to SF and how it used to be done and so on so they've been trying to get me in that way, but as of right now I will stick to my guns and I am going to figure out how to straighten things out quickly with my credit. Hopefully I'll be able to get it sorted out quickly.

Normally the sure fire way to get into Special Forces is via Airborne path.

Just like the sure fire way to get into Marine Recon is via successful tours as a Marine Grunt.

Same for Navy Seals.

Bottomline son, coming in off the street and shooting for a gaol that generally only seasoned veterans should attempt is a little unreasonable. Not saying its impossible and hasn't been done before.....look at Pat Tillman. He did it, but then again, he very publically gave up a multi million dollar career to join up.

Pat Tillman was also a Ranger if I'm correct, not exactly the same path. I don't feel it's unreasonable at all. One way or another I will be in SF.

Army Rangers are considered Special Forces.

Special Forces

I wouldn't tell the Rangers their not Special Forces. Listen to Gunny, his wisdom speaks volumes.
You make the grade in Airborne or Rangers, SF will give you more consideration.
Their demanding training will overwlem you if you didn't have a little seasoning first. But what do I know, I'm a dumd a*s tanker.

So what are the main differences between the Rangers and Green Berets?
What about the difference in training? etc?

one wears a brown beanie and the other wears a green beanie