Special Ops Soldiers finish on top at sniper competition

[275RLTW]

I've always wondered at why we "promote" our special forces. Does anyone know?

Notice that they were "instructors" from SOTIC (Special Operations Target Interdiction Course), not current operators. Once they leave the field for the schoolhouse, it's about recruiting at that point. They are there to show that their school is the best and other branches need to send their guys to them for training. Also, the public sees this stuff and thinks the same thing: "I want to do that" and it attracts people to try for SF. All of the televised shows like this are for that purpose: Surviving the Cut, Best Ranger Competition, Top Sniper, etc... All recruiting tools.

[Troublco]

Air Force has sniper teams? I did not know that.

I think that they're technically classified as Counter-Snipers; sniper hunters. What to do when EOD is boring!

The AF got that going in earnest somewhere around 2004, if I remember correctly. They took the top 10 teams from the sniper course at the Wilson matches, told 'em good job, activated them and sent 'em to Iraq for a year as counter snipers for air base defense.

[BigBear]

Notice that they were "instructors" from SOTIC (Special Operations Target Interdiction Course), not current operators. ... All recruiting tools.

Ah, did not catch that. Thank you Sir.

For some reason I just think that recruiting for the "Best of the Best" type stuff would be behind closed doors, not on world broadcasted TV shows.

Maybe I just watch too much TV... (I don't, but I like movies...sometimes...).

[275RLTW]

For some reason I just think that recruiting for the "Best of the Best" type stuff would be behind closed doors

it is

[BigBear]

Lol, even though I understand what you mean I still feel like saying, "Well, not I'm totally confused!"

[275RLTW]

Recruiting for Special Operations is not secret, it's another tool used to get people in the door. Newly enlisted can have in their contracts options to go to 75th Rgeiment, MARSOC (indoc), SF, and possibly BUDS (I'll have to double check on NSWG). Other special operations units, do their recruiting from these units (since they have most of the qualifications/clearances/ability to keep quiet) or by selecting people from regular army/marine/navy/af by simply suggesting they "show up here and try out," without telling them what it is for. Selections can be held without people even knowing it is for Special Operations in order to keep the presence of the unit at a minimum. If they posted a sign up at every military base saying "Space shuttle door gunner tryouts tomorrow @ 5pm," then everyone would know of the SSDG program and possibly some of it's members. These units are most often looking for older, more seasoned professionals, not younger kids that are not tested and proven yet, not fully in control of themselves, or lack the wisdom and maturity that only comes from experience. With those requirements, there is no need to advertise their recruitments to the geneal public (meaning entire army/navy/marines). Even then, the recruitment is not about physical ability as it is about character traits. Everyone has their physical limits (and they will push you beyond them), and specific skills can be taught. They are looking for willingness to continue, decision making under stress, consistency, creative thinking and application, a moral base consistent with theirs, among other traits.

Hope that clears some of the confusion up...

[BigBear]

Great writeup and explanation, thanks Sir.


Tinfoil: So there are other organizations that are unknown... wait, there's a knock at my door.... .... .... .... ....


HAHAHA

[Irving]

Someone is a Secret Squirrel...

[Byte Stryke]

Someone is a Secret Squirrel...

Just a squirrel now...
he tipped his hand

[BigBear]

Super Secret Spy Squirrel!

I think this is total BS but a story from a friend that works over in the Lockheed building, weapons design: He said he had a friend in the SS (which knowing his friends, history, etc it totally believable) and that this SS guy (do they even have SS in the Springs?) once was at a stop light and a guy tried to jack his car. The SS guy pulled an UZI on the kid and the kid ran away.

Fun story, but I think it's BS.