Ranger Medic - Need info for my Son

[JR]

Rangers -

Former USAF STS guy here, currently a CA 1SG in the USAR. My intro post is here:

viewtopic.php?t=19872&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

My 20 y/o son is giving some serious thought to joining the Army on Active Duty as a Ranger Medic.

He's exceptionally physically fit, was a professional cyclist and thrives on a challenge. I've given him direction to get on here and look over all the FAQs and follow site protocols before posting.

Because he wants to be a medic and a SOF guy, his initial thought was to go 18X and hope for 18D. His GT is 126, so I believe the chances are good, BUT - I suggested 68W with a Ranger option, do some time at Battalion, then go to the Q (if he still wants to) as a much more seasoned Soldier.

Since I'm no longer at the "tip of the spear" (just the middle of it!), I need a good contact, so I can better advise him. Last I heard, Ranger Medics were attending 300 F-1, but I don't know if that was THE STANDARD, or just AN OPTION for a few Rangers.

I've heard tales of some Rangers in low-density MOS's who never get to Ranger school during a 4 year tour because their MOS was in such high demand. Although I recognize being in Battalion would be the best possible option for building his Soldier skills, never getting to RS would definitely suck.

Can anyone help me out?

[Sleepy Doc]

I can't say with certainty if all medics are going immediately, but at some point he will be given the opportunity for 300-F1 (or whatever they call it now) The same goes for Ranger school. Even though a Medic is a soft skill, we were always told we had to go, be cause we worked side by side with the Joes. In the eyes of a grunt it gives more credibility because you have been through the same training; ie-we know what they have to endure, therefore we are better able to meet their healthcare needs... that and if you are there long enough it's just the natural progression of leadership. To get promoted [edited to add: and be taken seriously...] you gotta have a Tab. Period, end of story.

Now for my plug...

Tell your son that if he has even the remotest idea of being a medic, being a Ranger Medic then going SF is the way to go. Its all about having a solid foundation. You can tell him that this is coming straight from someone who has been there. If I could go back and do it again;

1) I would ensure that I can Max PT and do no less than 10 pull ups, palm facing in. The key to success in the Regiment, and
Army as a whole, is being a PT stud. Schools and promotions will come faster. Me? Even though I had been in the Guard for 5 years prior, I should have gotten a personal trainer and worked out religiously for nine months to a year before hand. You say your son is in excellent physical shape so he may be covered here, but Max PT score is the yardstick to measure by.

2)- I would have no less than 2 years of college credits. Again, promotions will be faster because this will max his education points. Realistically, by starting as a medic in Battalion for 4 years, then going SF he could get his E-7 in seven. I've seen it happen more than once.

Tell your son the one of the greatest jobs in the Army is that of a Ranger Medic. He will be more highly trained than a regular medic, and therefore have an excellent foundation to build on. His time as a platoon medic be unbelievable. Ranger medics are really good at what they do, so he will no doubt get several medals, and work with units that I cannot discuss. Not to sound cliche, but I had the privilege to do things with that no one on this board will ever know. (and we have some super-duper secret squirel dudes here) Rangers take very good care of their medics. He will be well treated and make lifelong friends there. To go to 18D is an easy transition, and many cats do just that. Had I been able to stay, that is the direction I was headed...

If you or he have any questions feel free to PM me.

[ma91c1an]

If your son truly wants to be a special ops medic, then I cannot think of a better pipeline than serving in a Ranger Battalion as a platoon medic, and then attending the Q-course after as many years as he can handle in the Ranger Regiment. No other assignment in the US Army better prepares a soldier for later success than a few years in the Regiment, in my opinion. Not just success in the Army. Success in life.

The job itself has its own compensations, but it is a phenomenal foundation for a later career in medicine. Your son could apply to PA school, and I know one guy who went to medical school on the Army's dime. I am sure that many others did so, as well. The SF medic course used to be a significant feeder for the Army PA program. Things have changed somewhat, mostly administratively, but being an SF medic is a very special career path, it is extremely selective, and it can be unbelievably rewarding.

If your son decides that a career in medicine is not for him, he will do so based on harsh experience. He will make an informed decision, and he will never look back, and he will harbor no regrets, should he decide to do something different. This sort of knowledge, this sort of expertise, is never really wasted, no matter what your son decides to do in the long run.

There are other assignments for special ops medics, as well, and those can be very challenging and rewarding. The boys need good docs, and it takes time to make one, so if your son is inclined in this direction, it is a worthy one.

I was one of the first four Ranger medics to attend 300F1, then OJT, and to graduate from Med Lab. Way back in the stone ages. I attended 300F1 in 1982, and graduated from Med Lab in 1983. When I later attended the Q course in 1984, I attended the SF Engineer phase II, and was awarded two 18-series MOS's upon graduation. I do not regret it, and in fact, I feel privileged and honored to have walked that path.

The special ops medical pipeline has evolved since those years, the boys have a different course to attend these days, but I have no doubt that it is the best practical medical training available worldwide.

Good luck to your son, and good luck to you.

[JR]

Fantastic responses, fellas - THANKS VERY MUCH!!!

The recruiter is telling him he can guarantee 68W with a "Ranger option" - But my wife and I (she's a Soldier and did a tour in recruiting) want to look at the contract.

He was also told he could only get E-2 and $11K... I'm thinking he should be eligible for more money and more rank.

SFC Hit_It - Can you please offer up some insight on available bonuses and rank?

He has a high school degree but no higher schooling.

Thanks again for the excellent responses thus far!

[hit_it]

JR, welcome here from across the street brother.

I will get you some information and post it for you by friday.

Hope you're liking it on the Army side of the house.

[hit_it]

The above information is pretty much valid.

I was trying to get ahold of actual numbers, but my connect back in the recruiting world is not available.