It was in the late 1980s, when the concept of the Army’s special forces captivated a young Pat Fensom. Though initially hesitant about military service due to his father’s Navy career, the allure of becoming a Green Beret intrigued him. A path of determination and unwavering commitment transformed this infantryman into a member of an elite brotherhood, now serving as a leader beyond the battlefield.
Pat Fensom’s military career began as an infantryman in 1986. The notion of joining the special forces was not as accessible then as it is now. “You couldn’t come off the streets and join the Green Berets,” Fensom recalled. “You had to have served some time in the military.” His chance came, and he seized it, embarking on the strenuous journey that would earn him the coveted Green Beret title. The training was grueling, pushing Fensom’s physical and mental strengths to the brink—but quitting was never an option.
He reflected on the essence of his role during deployments, “You got to focus on shoot, move and communicate. And my job was to push that bar, so that we gave each one of the guys and team as a whole, the best chances to survive.” Fensom’s first assignment took him to Venezuela, and he would later take on the critical role of team sergeant in Afghanistan.
After retiring from a decorated 30-year military career in 2018, 26 of which as a Green Beret, Fensom did not let go of his passion for leadership and excellence. He channeled his expertise into coaching athletes in psychological performance, finding new purpose in guiding the younger generation.
His leadership traits continued to shine through as he was elected president of the Special Forces Association of the Upstate. In his words, “I’ve always believed if you know, if I’m missing limbs, or I’m not able to do something, I’m not gonna let that stop me from getting after life.” Fensom embodies the relentless spirit of a soldier, pursuing life with the same vigor and resilience he upheld in combat and training.
Relevant articles:
– Army veteran says he wanted to be the best so he joined the Green Berets, WSPA 7NEWS
– Where the brotherhood began, USSOCOM (.mil)
– SFAS and SFQC Selection Rates, sfnationalguard.com