Chosen Soldier - Dick Couch [52]
“YES, FIRST SERGEANT.”
“OK, so what’re we looking for here? We’re looking for people who are smart, who are physically tough, and who play well with others. And we’ll watch how you get on with your buddies. If you can’t get along with your fellow candidates, how’re you going to get along with the locals in Colombia or Afghanistan? I’m here to evaluate you, and I’m here to help get you through this. But in the end, it’s up to you; you have to meet the standard or you’re done. You have to perform during ruck marches, the runs, on the land-nav exercises, and in the team events. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. Pack your own weight—be a leader on your team. Don’t lose your rifle or your equipment—give 110 percent all the time. We will watch your every move, as cadre, as evaluators, and as your future teammates. We’ll be looking for a balance of the physical, the mental, and the emotional. We look for how you perform when you are out there at night on your own during the nav courses. We look for maturity. If and when you leave here as a selectee, it’s just the beginning. So don’t get ahead of yourself. Focus on this phase; take it a day at a time—an evolution at a time.
“A couple of things that I’ll insist on while you’re here. You will treat my cadre with respect. Disrespect my cadre, and you’ll think you were hit by lightning.” Sarno folds his arms and kicks at the gravel a moment. “One more thing. Should you decide this is not for you, come see me. You can quit or VW with honor and walk away, anytime, but I’ll want to know why. But don’t try to make that call for your fellow candidates; every man has to decide for himself if he wants to be here—if this life’s for him. I love you guys, and I want you all to make it through selection and come back out here for Phase II, but it’s up to you to show us you want it and measure up to our standards. And remember the four Ls: Don’t be late; don’t be light; don’t be lost; and don’t be last. We’re glad to have you here; make us proud of you. Good luck to each of you.”
Phase I training begins in earnest on Wednesday morning, but that doesn’t mean that the new Special Forces candidates had not put in two very long days at Fort Bragg. Prior to coming to Camp Mackall and the Rowe Training Facility, the class had completed two days of in-processing and testing at Fort Bragg. Each man had his medical record reviewed, and he had been weighed in and “taped” for an estimate of his body fat. There were briefings and paperwork associated with those regular soldiers coming to Fort Bragg on temporary-duty orders. And there were the tests—lots of tests. The Army and the Special Forces put a great deal of emphasis on psychological, aptitude, and suitability testing. Before the candidates leave Fort Bragg, they undergo seven hours of testing. While at Camp Mackall, they’ll be counseled and evaluated on the results of those tests. There’s also a basic swim test, which all are expected to pass. Later on, the Special Forces groups that are good in the water and have an aptitude can put in for scuba school and duty on a Special Forces scuba team.
Day one of formal training at Camp Mackall begins at 0400. After personal hygiene and barracks inspection, the entire class takes the Army Physical Fitness Test at 0500. Scores are noted, and any discrepancies are made a part of a candidate’s training folder. After morning meal in the chow hall, the class assembles for command briefings next to the battalion headquarters, another World War II–era building. First on the schedule is the 1st Special Warfare Training Group commander, Colonel Manny Diemer. Diemer is a slightly built man with a quiet, measured intensity. He drove out from Fort Bragg to address the Special Forces candidates. It’s a