Introduction-Mike

[Jim]

Finally got my orders this week so everything is pretty much official. I've been PTing my ass off and I think it's starting to pay off. I hate to admit that I really let my fitness slide during my break in service and I was in much worse shape than I initially thought. I'm slowing getting it back though. I have about a month to go before I report so I still have a little time to whip my ass into shape.

Good SITREP. Do you have a report date?

[Scrawnyguy]

Ranger Jim,

I report about this time next month. My orders just arrived at the end of the week so I don't have my HHG ship date yet. That'll determine the day I actually leave my current home. It's about 1700 miles so I get 5 days of travel. On another note, it looks like I'll be the oldest person in my class at PT school by almost a decade. I think I'm also the only former enlisted in the class. There are a few current officers, but most of the other students are coming straight outta college.

[Jim]

Ranger Jim,

I report about this time next month. My orders just arrived at the end of the week so I don't have my HHG ship date yet. That'll determine the day I actually leave my current home. It's about 1700 miles so I get 5 days of travel. On another note, it looks like I'll be the oldest person in my class at PT school by almost a decade. I think I'm also the only former enlisted in the class. There are a few current officers, but most of the other students are coming straight outta college.

Mike, any new developments?

[Scrawnyguy]

Actually been quite a few developments. Went to Ft Sam on a house hunting trip and actually found a place. We're in the process of closing right now. I also signed my contract and did my oath so I'm officially back in the fold. All of this "sir" stuff is going to take some getting used to. HHG get picked up tomorrow and later in the week I roll out. For so long this moment seemed to far away but now that it's here it's a little unreal.

I was also able to see a list of all of the possible assignments for O-2 65Bs. There actually aren't many spots out there where I could land after school. Lewis and Benning are on the list though so they'll definitely be on my "wish list" when it comes time to request assignments (the slots are Hunter are O-3). From what I understand they generally put new grads in the hospital for a couple of years before they place them at the unit level. I'm hoping that by merely being at a base with the Regiment will make it easier to land a position there when the time comes.

[Jim]

Good SITREP, Mike. Please keep us updated on your progress. Never, never quit!

[Scrawnyguy]

Just found out that USASOC is going to give a briefing next week on PT opportunities throughout the command. Hopefully I'll have some answers to my many, many questions.

[Jim]

Just found out that USASOC is going to give a briefing next week on PT opportunities throughout the command. Hopefully I'll have some answers to my many, many questions.

Mike, what did you learn from the briefing?

[Scrawnyguy]

I apologize for not responding sooner. The briefing wasn't quite what I was expecting and didn't really help much. One of my classmates, however, is Ranger qualified from his time as an Infantry officer and he was able to give me some really great info.

[Disinfertention]

I apologize for not responding sooner. The briefing wasn't quite what I was expecting and didn't really help much. One of my classmates, however, is Ranger qualified from his time as an Infantry officer and he was able to give me some really great info.

It's been almost 10 months since that brief. I missed your post from years ago based on whatever I was doing... What else has been going on? Are you through the program? That part didn't seem clear to me from reviewing the post. Ranger Jim isn't with us any longer but it's good of you to come and check in.

[Scrawnyguy]

I made it through the didactic portion and passed a comprehensive oral exam last month (hence the long absence) and I'm starting my internship year this week. Still a long way to go but I'm getting there. After graduation I'm hoping to land a spot as a BDE or BN PT with a line unit before applying for a Ranger PT position.

[IntelToad]

Good to hear from you, keep us updated on your progress.

[Scrawnyguy]

UPDATE: I’ve been working as a BDE PT for an IBCT for about 6 months now. It’s definitely a tough gig for a new grad. It’s probably a better fit for a slightly seasoned CPT. One of the other BDEs is even about to fill their position with a MAJ. I’ve been doing my best to keep my head above water but I think I’m starting to get the hang of things. It was definitely baptism by fire but it’s also been a good learning experience. With that being said I think there is limited room for growth in my current position.

When COVID stuff dies down I’m going to start looking into the division’s pre-Ranger program. Supposedly they’ll let anyone that is qualified attend and if you graduate they’ll make sure you attend Ranger school. One issue I potentially see is that I’m the only person in my BDE that does my job so I might get some pushback from some folks.

I’ve also been able to track down all of the PTs currently working in the Regiment. There are only a few of them so I’ll have to be strategic about my timeline to apply. I probably need another year or so practicing in my current BDE before I feel like my skill set is up to par for serving in the Regiment. That should also give me time to work on physical conditioning as well. It’s been a slow journey but I’m getting there.

[Disinfertention]

Mike, I am several years out of touch but if you know any of the PTs in Regiment perhaps try to reach out early and often to let them know of your interest. Half the battle with the smaller groups of jobs is getting your name in the mix. If you'd rather keep it a bit more official have you looked at when you'll be able to apply and communicated with any of their recruiters?

Take my info with a grain of salt as I am not as familiar with the route you are going down.

Amazing to see your progress over the years. Keep at it. There are lots of great options and ways to serve for PTs in the community.