Props to you sharing this. Most guys I know would’ve rewired the story so they seemed better.

This is what happened to Zack Hughes, the KZfaqr who was a green beret. He was 3 hours into land nav, when he realizes he didn’t have his rifle. He left it at a tree and had to hike all the way back, but he was fortunate enough to find where he left it and NO ONE picked it up

Right on man shit happens. Left my sidearm in a porta potty on a contract job. Had a bad case of the foreign stomach bugs. Got chewed out big-time felt stupid. But good group of guys. Improve. Own it. Carry on

As my father-in-law, a retired U.S. Army colonel would say, "Put it behind you and press on." Respect.

If the lowest level you're at is being a Ranger, you're doing fucking great. You can always go back if you want, or maybe move up to a SMU at some point. Thanks for sharing.

I’m so fascinated about SF. Out of all the SOF elements if I had the dedication that is where I would go. All the SF guys ive bumped into is so freakin cool. Quiet not this brash fucking SEAL you would meet. They don’t mind teaching you when you ask them a question and they break it down Barney style. I look up to these guys, their knowledge and humility is unparalleled.

I appreciate this video cause you dont try to make any excuses or make yourself look better. It all amounted to "I made a really dumb mistake" and that shows some character. Hope you make it all the way

I jumped into camp Mckall in1970 for what was then called phase 1 of SF training. We each had an M-14. We lived with that rifle 24/7. We had the same type of large tents with multiple cots we stayed in the first week or so. One Sunday afternoon we had a little time off. Candidates were attending to various personal issues. I was in the tent along with a few people, but some had left the tent and left their weapons. One guy had to go to the outhouse and asked me to watch his weapon. Well, all of a sudden a cadre sergeant burst through the front door and gathered up about 6 M-14's and ran out the back door. I felt responsible and thought I was going to get terminated right then and there. But he dropped all the weapons in a pile outside and went into the back door of the next tent. I grabbed the weapons and brought them back inside; everyone came running, got their weapons, and nobody got terminated. Lots of good and brave people fail to make it through. I was fortunate, but half of our class was gone at the end of phase one; 4 weeks later.

I appreciate you sharing this. I can’t imagine the heartache you must have felt going through that. It’s one thing to keep in mind as I prepare myself mentally and physically

I always respect people who own their mistakes. You’ll do fine. Big penalties usually promote big growth.

Thank You for your service and honesty.

Make a mistake, own the mistake, drive on. Thanks for your honesty and integrity. It's a good story.

Best of luck to you in your Army career ! And thanks for serving.

Huge respect for being honest. It takes a big man to own up to a failure.

The training sopc gives you is outstanding. "The four things you need to succeed. Be at the right place, right time, right uniform, and right haircut." "Strong like ox smart like tractor." After getting selected you realize and going through the pipeline, how much regular sucks. Especially the none deployed a-$holes at the WTB when you're getting out at Ft. Bragg.

Cool story. I'm glad to hear a little bit of insight into the selection process. God bless you, soldier.

Go back! Follow your dreams never give up

That’s a man right there... takes full responsibility and confesses with humility why he was dropped. Mad respect to him.

Well...I'm glad I'm not the ONLY one!! 🤣 In 1981, I was a tanker. I had a .45 sidearm in a shoulder holder. The tanks were online performing live fire operations when a fire burst out downrange, and the company loaded into trucks and APCs and charged downrange to put out the fires. Now these flames were BIG! Some were 20 feet high...the brush was alight all around us...I was trying to put out the flames with my shovel, but the weapon kept hitting me in my face! I ran over to the APC, and tossed into the top opening...running back to fight the fire....When next I looked, an NCO had jumped into the APC and was doing donuts in the brush...attempting to put out the fires...I ran over, and waved him down, opened the back hatch, and saw my weapon on the floor of the APC. SECURED. GOOD! 😉 The fires now out, and we all clambered back into the track to return. I grabbed my weapon, and put it on. It wasnt fitting well. The holster was too long! I checked the number on the grip. 67. Mine was 38. Who's was THIS?!! Kinder was panicking, looking for his weapon...I offered it up. Where was MINE?!! We searched all through the APC. No weapon. The CID came in. Many hours of questioning...the Engineer company came in...with metal detectors. After 3 days of searching, one of the Engineers found my gun a muddy ditch made by Roderick doing donuts... I wasnt given an Article 15, or reprimand...I was eaten up by the company though. Lots of angry soldiers being told they were going to be retained at summer camp UNTIL the pistol showed up!! They weren't happy.. I was 18. I'm sure we arent the only 2 in the whole US. Army to screw up something like this! Believe me...I KNOW how you felt!!! God Bless.

My goddamn map shifted in the case, threw my points off. None of the cadre or my peers could figure out what was wrong. I still managed to find 2 out of 5 points per day but that wasn’t enough to make it to team week. I’m good at land nav too. I will be back.

This happened to zach Hughes. He left his weapon leaning on a tree, and he figured out a few hours later during night land nav. He had to double back, and luckily it was sitting where he left it. Easy mistake to make. You took it like a champ, best of luck to you in the big army.

you should go back

First off, thank you for your honesty. I'm certain that you have experienced the gamut of emotions. That being said, I would encourage you to reapply for selection. IF you don't, then you will regret it for the rest of your life, because you will always wonder what might have been? You made a mistake, but you didn't quit! IF you go back, do not quit, ever. Do not accept defeat, and IF you go back and earn your long tab, Do not ever become complacent, because selection is a never ending process. Just think if you were downrange and made an error like that! Your mission and your mates are dependent upon your commitment and resolve. You have to have your head in the game, and get through the next five minutes. That is your mission: complete the next evolution, and then focus on the next. Keep doing that until you have that beret in your hand.

That dude was a snake for sure ....... god damn man fuck that that’s really unfortunate .. I heard Zack Hughes say that he left his rubber ducky on land nav for hours and went back and it was still there... you’re still an inspiration for many bro including me 🙌🏻

You are honest at most. I had a roomie who failed SFAS once back in the day. One of the guys in my old Weapons Squad whom I ran into on FB last year told me that my roomie Sean Powers made CSM in one of the SF groups at Bragg. I guess he went through again during the 90s and made it.

Thanks for sharing. Wish you have good luck!

Same here, in land navigation my times were off. I daydreamed off course on one point. Tough course man and stuff happens. No shame. Who cares anyway its over. Go for it again if your heart wants the long tab. Or no, regardless, you are a professional soldier one of the best.

I failed selection in 89. Failed the night land nav. I couldn't find all the points in time. Killed my dream of becoming an 18 Delta. So I finished my enlistment as a 91 Bravo (combat medic back then) and got out. Got my civilian paramedic certification and worked as a paramedic until 2015.

thanks for the story. I'll be sure to tie that thing to my hand during land nav, this is not the first story I've heard about a lost weapon on the star course

Right on brother, there's a huge difference between an F-up and a person who just F-up'd. You represent Regiment with honor and in the future if you decide to try again. I believe that you'll kill it! DOL 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

Good on you for owning up to it. It's definitely a mistake that some soldiers make, but you'll only make it once.

I think it’s good you got to experience SFAS, good learning point in your life. You considering on trying out again?

A few fellow E4s in my platoon went to SFAS. They got sent home the first day, apparently cadre said they weren't good enough and just sent them home lol

Damn, you're already a Ranger, that's badass. And props to you for taking this setback like a man and owning it. Did you end up giving SFAS another go or did you stay in Regiment?

I kinda forgot my knowledge on getting into SF but how far were you in and did you make it through any really hard parts ? If so can you explain how you made it etc . I’d appreciate it

Hey, Jonathan, did you get to go to RASP after you were dropped from SFAS?

Damnnnn that hurtsssss although I’m glad you’re happy

Thanks for sharing your story

Dude go back, I got dropped my first iteration. Now hanging with 555. good luck.

Normally I would say something negative. But I'm giving you props. EVERY ONE and I mean everyone I know that went and fail tells me that either they got medical dropped, made it till the end and didn't get selected, got into an argument with the instructors, or some other BS excuse. But you sir, you're the 1st one that admitted the real reason why. Charlie Mike and hopefully you went back and made it.

I got dropped from TACP for land Nav. last year. Ended up finding all my points but when I got back to camp I got told I was getting pulled for road walking because I got within 50m of a road during my 2nd point. Definitely the worst moment of my life but It's on nobody but me, at least I didn't quit. Now I'm stuck with some a shitty aircraft Maintenace job. I think the worst part is seeing all my friends make it through doing the cool guy shit and I'm not there with them.

You tried! Awesome on you! I wish I would have worked harder for it.

Hi, thanks for the videos. Curious, after you didn’t make it thru selection, how soon were you able to go to RASP. Is it fairly easy to get to RASP or not as an 18X. Thanks

You’re still sof bro that’s super badass. 75th is fast pace and very tough.

Dude this is a splendid idea! Maybe I should upload a video of why I failed Ranger school!?! 😅

Thank you for the knowledge man. Just heard back from the recruiter that I got cleared medically, so 18x contract is now waiting for me to sign. Gonna take the summer to continue training up, then get at it. My thing has always been lifting weights, so I’m busting ass working on running and getting the weight down. Any tips for training that someone might normally skip over? Thanks for your honesty and good luck in regiment!

So you went from SFAS to Ranger Regiment? That doesn’t sound too bad lol

Man I really appreciate your videos I’ve been searching online and was wondering if there are any short 18x contracts like 4 or 3 years Second question is do you go home after you graduate and if not do you get deployed right after how does it look

Hey man you learned from your mistakes, go for it again and Im sure you will make it.

How long after getting dropped from SFAS did you attend RASP?

Respect brother 🇺🇸

How were you able to get a shot at RASP after sfas?

I’m thinking of going 18x as well. Since you’ve seen it what do you think are good competitive PT numbers on all the tests? Trying to see if I’m prepared enough

Respect, brother

Safe to say, you'll never leave your weapon alone again.

A lot of guys fail the first time, but go back and pass the second

never give up do it if you want it

Was it a lot of running / swimming involved? If so do you mind sharing what had to be done?

Bro, I did this exact same thing during EIB... Only difference is it was not Rubber by any means. 😂 I'ma tell you man, you lose your rifle once, you'll never do it again.

Since you didn’t quit, are you allowed to attend SFAS again?

Tough break brother, next time!

Wait so since you got dropped from Special Forces you became a Army Ranger?? Holy fuck man you’re like the ultimate bad ass!!!!

You have integrity

At least you can say that you have tried, and I think that you will try again. Carry on.

What class were you in bro?

Lucky you went regiment and not reclassed to 92/95 series or some shit

You have a fucking beautiful mindset man

As a prior SF instructor in the Q-Course, nothing pissed me off worst than losing a rubber duck. I never made them tie them down like in Ranger school. We want adults. Men that are responsible for their equipment. Not privates. Plus those rubbers ducks are expensive. I had to replace at least three to four a class.

Out of curiosity when did you start getting your mos preselection.b

One mistake was all it took? God damn.

I passed land nav for eib and Ranger school. Failed it at Q course. Was over confident and it bit me. Went back to 82nd

RESPECT 🇺🇸🙏🇫🇷

So secure it to your body at all times G2G

After you were dropped from SFAS, you were allowed to join the 75th? Is that common? Also, if you were to join 75th Ranger Regiment after failing SFAS, would you have to complete a 4 year contract with 75th ranger regiment before trying for SFAS again?

hey quick question: if you lose your weapon that's an automatic drop?

You lost your weapon! Yeah, that's a huge NO GO! Edit: Godspeed and Blessings

hey i might need waivers and im 31. what are my chances of getting into 18x? how do i improve my chances?

Is it like a one shot type of situation or do you get to try more times

Congrats on 1k *definitely wasn’t me

Humble

Is it better to go 18x or 11x and then drop an SF packet to get to selection?

I live in the area of Pineland and I have found several dropped journals with address's coordinates instructors rank and name phone numbers. I usually find them when a class is currently going through the process. Your not the only one to mess up bud don't feel bad some dudes would've gotten the whole company killed if I was op for. Funny story I found dudes journal in a plastic bag on the bank of the swamp that was an old rifle range. So I went riding around lookin for the cadre. I found them and they where pissed that I would just walk up and interfere with selection. Then I handed them the journal and I got a front row seat to see the man that owned it get absolutely DESTROYED they told me to tell "YOU LET ME KILL YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!" at him. They smoked that man for 3 hours I found out later he got dropped for it. Long story short atleast you didn't let someone kill your whole family

You failed once, you can still go another 2 times before you get NTR (Never To Return). If you want it, get after it, you can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it.

Oh man that's rough. That is such an annoying reason to get dropped.

Seeing a lot of comments about tying down your rifle. It’s not allowed. If a sitter sees it they can call it in or if cadre notice. It’s a risk, and worth it in my opinion, but be careful. This is as of June 2021 class

Never take another dudes rifle because they’ll always come back for it. Unfortunate for you man that guy sucks. I got selected and had left my rifle 600m behind me. Showed up at the next point and realized as the sitter was marking my stuff I didn’t have it. No scarier point in my life and I hauled ass back to find it.

Happened to my battle buddy in Basic. Bet he didn't make that mistake twice...

Awesome story 😂

I'm watching this wondering wtf I subscribed lol

how old are you bro, just wondering if im too old for batt, currently 23 year old e-4

Could you have not retired selection or did you just move on? Also I'm in the process of enlisting and I just need/want to raise my asvab scores. My GT is a 77 CO was a 76 AFQT was a 11 Not good scores I know, do you have any tips on study wise? Like what segment should I focus on to enlist as 18X? I'm also taking a practice ASVAB September 30th to see where I'm at.

As of now if you fail land nav as an 18x you get a 6 month return

Sucks though at least you tried many people dream about it but never try

This is a very sad story

Holy crap.. That is a shitty way for an 18x to go down. Are you going to try again?

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

Your Battle Buddy is stuck home..

Dummy Cord your rifle to you. Not only does it protect you from forgetting to pick your weapon up, but also protects you if you ever fall down a ravine at night and lose the weapon.

Star Course ... Land Nav gets a lot of people.

So if you fail do you basically fall into rangers?