2006-11-24 13:13:08 · 7 answers · asked by Mike 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A B.S. in any college is a requirement for a commision, but not a requirement to get into special ops as there are NCOs in special forces. West Point is the best way to become an Army officer, but you can also go through the Merchant Marine academy for your university education and then take your commision in the Army. (The Merchant Marine Academy is probably the best kept secret way to get a college education from the US government. You can take a comission in any service or serve in a Department of Transportation related job upon graduation.)
Finally, do not discount ROTC programs in the universities.
2006-11-24 13:27:41 · answer #1 · answered by JC From TX 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know plenty of West Pointers and virtually all of them wish they had gone to a different college because it is 4 years of misery and it does not help your career anymore than going to a regular college. Besides when you go to the SF qualification course you are not even allowed to wear rank. You don't know if the guy standing next to you is a private or a lieutenant and the guys grading you don't know either. It keeps it fair for everyone. If I remember correctly 99% of your paperwork is not allowed to ask where you got your commission from anyway. So no WP will not help over another college.
West Point used to basically guarantee rank but nowadays the Army will promote you based on performance and not your college. Colin Powell didn't go to West Point!!!
2006-11-24 21:33:53 · answer #2 · answered by SL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many things that the special operations groups of the various services look for: desire, commitment, soft skills, things that you really can't put on paper (acting, electronics, lockpicking, surveillance, marksmanship. Okay, you can put some of those things on paper, i'm just illustrating a point). WHERE you got your degree is really, really low on that list.
While West Point (officially the United States Military Academy) is one of the oldest schools for military engineers (originally established during the Revolutionary War), it is more of a social club once you get out. (Being in Marine Corps aviation, I knew a lot of air crew that were from the Naval Academy), and they use that ring to open all sorts of doors.
They look more at your desire to succeed than where you obtained a piece of paper.
2006-11-25 13:57:59 · answer #3 · answered by The_moondog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to even go to college if you want Spec Ops. You have to be determined, strong (mind and body), ready to learn, and ready to die. Sad but true. Either way you have to have the desire to do this, weigh the odds as well. A training class of 50 can turn to a graduation of 5. The college you go to does not in any way guarantee you that kind of position.
2006-11-24 21:46:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to get a BS degree and then try to get in to west point I would have to say you are a moron. (I think West Point is over rated) Just do ROTC and get your commission, then Apply for SF at 1LT(P).
If you really want to be SF you should enlist because their are more Enlisted slots in fact you can enlist for SF now if I'm not mistaken.
2006-11-25 02:13:44 · answer #5 · answered by MP US Army 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you have a proficiency try to major in a language like Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, or Russian. If not, just major in the hardest subject you can handle (esp engineering, chem, or pre-med) and try to stay in top physical shape.
2006-11-24 21:33:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-11-24 21:15:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋