Personal Narrative: Success Through Struggle

Success through struggle is a story of one young soldiers attempt at something great. Through the struggles that I endure in this story of my attempts of joining an elite military organization are a testament to Army Values and the warrior ethos. You will learn that even if you do not succeed at first you will find success in other avenues. This story is not for quitters it is for those who enjoy tales that show triumph of the mind, body, and spirit.

Introduction I was back from my first deployment to Iraq with the 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment that lasted fifteen months. Although I had completed my tour there and had accomplished more than many newly turned nineteen year olds I still had an empty space in me I wanted more. I still felt as if I had not accomplished enough. When the deployment was reaching its end I had a talk with one of my section leaders and I remember telling him that I wanted to attend Special Forces Aptitude Selection (SFAS). He like most people didn’t believe me he probably just thought I was like the many people that said things like that to get promoted or into the spotlight. But I meant what I said which although fraught with challenges and ending in
I landed bounced back up into the air and then landed on my back. I came to less than a couple seconds later looked down at my feet and checked myself for injuries. I didn’t see any so I rose to my feet and asked the cadre if I could try again. The Cadre replied “no” so I asked him again then he told me to “lay down because I might have a spinal injury”. I told him wouldn’t been able to get up if I had a spinal injury. I lost that argument, and was medically dropped from SFAS with three broken ribs. I was kept at Camp McCall for about a day until they sent me home. Although I was extremely disappointed by this. I still felt pride knowing I didn’t quit like many of the people that were