Any info for 18x

Hey guys, I'm PFC Neil. I went through BCT in summer of 2007, but was discharged in AIT due to severe knee problems. I just went through surgery and physical therapy, and finally talked my wife into letting me do what I really wanted, which is to go Green Beret. Is there anyone that can give me some pointers, or know if I'll be able to because of my surgery? Any help would be appreciated, as this is something I've wanted to do my whole life. Thanks.

So you got discharged in AIT for bad knees and now you want to try to go SF? now to go SF you'll have to go Airborne and part of Airborne is you need to run 5 miles in 45 minutes, Can you accomplish this with Severe Knee pain?

So you got discharged in AIT for bad knees and now you want to try to go SF? now to go SF you'll have to go Airborne and part of Airborne is you need to run 5 miles in 45 minutes, Can you accomplish this with Severe Knee pain?

Not bad knees Sgt, I just tore my ACL and PCL and they said I'd need a surgery. I'm good to go on the running, which I've been doing daily since my surgery. I don't have pain in my knee, and I know I'd be good to go through Airborne and any other training (well, not selection, but that's what's in my heart, and I'm going to give it all I've got). I just didn't know if I was allowed to or not because recruiters love to tell you one thing then let you figure out it's not true down the road. The injury wasn't because I was out of shape either, but was running on wet asphalt and slipped and knocked my knee really good. I meant to put quotations around the severe part.

PFC Neil,
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. If it's what is in your heart then go for it. You are the only one that truly knows your own body so, if you feel fine and make it through selection then you will be good to go. You just keep pushing until you get in. But, I should tell you that Airborne is NOTHING compared to SF. SF will be pure hell. You will be hungry. You will not sleep for 30 hours then be expected to do a Land Nav course the size of Texas with full battle load, ruck, and weapon. But, you will find a strength that you never knew you had. Good Luck PFC Neil and don't let those doctors and recruiters get you down.

im a sf SUPPORT soldier so i know what their training process is. to go SF as an Xray you would go through Infantry Basic training and then after completing Basic training you would go through a series of pre requesits to go through the SF Qualification coarse wich are Air Borne, PLDC and Selection, If you make it though those three schools and are then Selected at the end of Selection you will be given an 18 something mos and sent through its qualification course wich would include language school, mos training, and various other schools that are required for graduation

To Sgt. Rowe; Thanks for the words of encouragement. I understand what it's going to take, but I'm willing to go through all of that for my dream and to take care of my family. Yeah, doctors don't know anything, they said I'd never run a mile under 10:00 again, and I'm already running it in 5:50, which is my best since surgery. My personal best is 5:14 though, so I still have a little work.
To Pvt. Jordan: Thanks, I knew what the process was, as I was already talking to my commander in AIT about it, and he said he'd put in the papers for me to switch MOS and go for 18x. I'm pretty sure I'll just be an insert, as I completed BCT and was on my way to graduating AIT, but I'm not too worried if I have to go through BCT again, that stuff was easy. Thanks again for giving me hope.

if youve been out for me than 3 mo. then youll have to go through the whole process again but basic is easy stuff compared to the rest of it just get prepared for the long haul the 18x program is a 2+ year process

Alright, thanks. Yeah, basic was no big deal for me anyway, so I'm not concerned.

I may be late on this, and i dont know the army regs but as far as your injuries go. i would image that as long as you have it documented in your records that your problems are taken care of there shouldnt be a problem. i had an issue back in 05 and they were ready to kick me out..i stopped them and told them to do the surgery...lets fix it. they did and of course my world wide qual was gone for a while and had to be rechecked again to make sure it was gone. obviously Im good now. so, basically whatever they said in your records that could poss disqualify you, make sure the doc clears each one specifically. hope that helps...and if youre already in congrats.

Mr. Neil,
If you are near an Active Army post you should go in and talk to the SF Recruiters, if not you can find them on the internet. I understand that many of our NCO's and officers have a great deal of information to provide. IMO your best information will come fom these guys.
On another point, CAN'T is NOT the answer, NEVER QUIT.

Stay safe and go for broke.