Photo By Sgt. William White | The Special Operations Recruiting Station is located on the corner of Old Ironsides...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas - Fort Hood soldiers considering a career in special operations may have a measurable advantage attending special operations selection courses in the future.
The Fort Hood special operations PT program prepares soldiers for the physical challenges they may face at an Army special operations selection school.
“The program is designed to ensure soldiers going to Army special operations selection courses have the best chance of passing the physical aspect of the selection,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert A. Hansson, Special Forces Recruiter with the Army Special Operations Recruiting Station.
The program runs from 0530 to 0730 and focuses on developing soldiers’ individual strength, mental toughness and teamwork abilities through exercises that simulate those seen at special operations selection schools.
After completing an accountability agreement memorandum, soldiers may attend special operations PT in place of normal unit PT.
“The program gives you high intensity levels of training that simulate selection in a very small way,” said Spc. Fernando Castillo, a Multiple Launch Rocket Systems crew member with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery, 41st Fires Brigade.
Castillo has been attending the PT program for a few weeks.
“Wednesday is team day,” Castillo said. “You are given a task or mission and a certain amount of time to complete that mission. There’s a good chance you will fail, but the key is to stay motivated no matter what.”
Castillo, who leaves for special forces assessment and selection in two weeks, said the program has helped him improve in all areas of physical fitness.
“Before I joined [SOPT], I thought running five miles a day would cut it,” he said. “After the first week I realized that it’s so much more than cardio. They really test your limits.”
Those who are considering a career in special operations can look forward to a number of benefits, said Hansson.
“One misconception about special ops is that you will never be home,” he said. “You actually have a predictable deployment and training schedule.”
“You are also more likely to have long term unit stabilization,” Hansson said. “Once you are assigned to a unit you generally stay until you are ready to leave. There is definitely an emphasis on family life.”
Pfc. Greg Vail, infantryman and recent special forces selectee who is awaiting attendance to the special forces qualification Course, said the best benefit to him is the mission and work environment.
“I wanted to do bigger and better things,” said Vail. “The attitude and way of life is a much better fit for me than the regular army.”
Vail said motivation goes a long way during selection.
“You have to want it for the right reasons and just be confident in your abilities,” said Vail. “The term ‘mentally strong’ is used a lot in the army and it definitely takes on a new meaning at selection.”
Special operations recruits dedicated Soldiers, not PT studs, Vail said.
“It can be done, its not some mythical school,” said Vail. “I know I’m not a superhero, none of these guys are. You just need to be dedicated.”
“We want motivated, mature leaders,” said Hansson. “Soldiers that want to excel. It’s not an easy life, but it’s completely worth it.”
“Anybody with the drive can make it,” said Hansson. “Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from reaching your full potential.”
Hansson said he encourages those who are interested in a special operations career to see if they qualify.
Soldiers interested in a career in Special Operations can contact Hansson at (254) 287-5566 or visit the Special Forces Recruiting Station, Bldg 16007 Old Ironsides Road.
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2013 11:10 |
| Story ID: | 103868 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 366 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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