Becoming a Ranger from within the army?

[ninjaman]

Thank you for your time Rangers, I have searched the topics and FAQs but have not found anything that explains quite what I want to know. I'm sorry if it's been sitting right under my nose and I missed it.

So here's my question: Is it possible to become a Ranger from within the army, and if so, how would I go about doing it? My logic is that if I gain some experience as a regular infantrymen, I might be more fit (mentally and physically) to become a Ranger then being fresh out of OSUT.

Any comments/advice would be appreciated.

[hit_it]

Infantry units send their Soldiers to Ranger school. You may also request assignment to the 75TH through the Recruiting team that handles all Special Operations Assignments.

The best bet is to enlist with an Option 40 contract and DON'T FUCKING WASTE THE SLOT.

[rgrokelley]

Thank you for your time Rangers, I have searched the topics and FAQs but have not found anything that explains quite what I want to know. I'm sorry if it's been sitting right under my nose and I missed it.

So here's my question: Is it possible to become a Ranger from within the army, and if so, how would I go about doing it? My logic is that if I gain some experience as a regular infantrymen, I might be more fit (mentally and physically) to become a Ranger then being fresh out of OSUT.

Any comments/advice would be appreciated.

I did.

I started out in the 82nd Airborne, way back in the paleozoic age (Carter was president). Basic load was 40 cartridges and two spare flints. While I was in the 82nd the Ranger Battalions weren't known that much. I didn't see them as an elite unit, but just another bunch of guys, like me, who were paratroopers in the Army. I thought of them more like state bound 509th (the unit that was in Vicenza, Italy during the 70s and 80s). More of a seperate paratrooper unit. Within our ranks the only people who were Ranger qualified were officers, usually butter bars, so the school didn't impress us much.

This was during the Carter years. We didn't go to war, and we were still making excuses for why we "lost" the war in Vietnam. The Soviets were gaining power everywhere, and the media said they were unstoppable. We would all become socialist soon, and be more like the Soviets, who had this thriving country, while our influence diminished.

Then came Reagan.

Within a few years of Reagan taking charge we had a larger military, a huge increase in pay, and the ranks began to fill up with someone besides drug addicts and high school dropouts. Pride began to creep back into America again.

The first time I went to war was when I went to Grenada. While there I noticed that the Rangers seemed so much more squared away than we were. They had better equipment, they had a better attitude, and they got there before us.

A year later I reenlisted for Special Forces, but discovered during the Q-Course, that I couldn't swim very well (I was in the same company as Magician). I now had to find a home. I called DA and discovered that they were starting a new Ranger Battalion. I couldn't swim good enough for Special Forces, but I figured I could pass the Ranger swim test. I did, and I became a non-tabbed SGT in a Ranger Battalion. It was tough, and had to prove myself constantly, but I continued on to the objective. When it finally came time for me to go Ranger School, I got Distinguished Honor Graduate, the first one in 3rd Ranger Battalion to do so. Finally I was accepted.

On a side note, I continued to teach myself how to swim, and became Special Forces at the end of the 1980s. So it is possible, but you just got to keep at it, and you will have to prove yourself at every step.

[ninjaman]

Thank you SFC hit_it and Ranger rgrokelley.

[Ranger Bill]

Am I correct that you are posing your question because you home schooled and thus need some college credits to qualify for an Option 40 contract? Another way to Reigment is to enlist and when the time comes to re-enlist for the 75th Ranger Regiment. Several men on this site have done this.

[ninjaman]

Am I correct that you are posing your question because you home schooled and thus need some college credits to qualify for an Option 40 contract? Another way to Reigment is to enlist and when the time comes to re-enlist for the 75th Ranger Regiment. Several men on this site have done this.

Thank you for your input Ranger Ranger Bill.

The reason I asked this question is cause I just thought that maybe having some military experience could improve my chances of passing the selection course (RIP or ROP), as opposed to a private fresh out of OSUT. And that way I would have longer to work on getting physically fit to become a Ranger.

I have exercise induced asthma, I think that with enough exercise I could get rid of it (or at least virtually get rid of it) and hopefully get it waivered and get into the army. But I don't know if I can get fit to be a Ranger by the time I turn 18.
Are they looking for natural athletes? Should I give up on my dream of becoming a Ranger?

[Ranger Bill]

Your asthma condition may or may not disqualify you for an Option 40 enlistment contract. You will have to go through the process at MEPs. As to whether military experience after OSUT will better prepare you for RIP, that is debatable. Probably 95% of Rangers go OSUT/Airborne/RIP straight through. It's a natural progression that way and you would have a few buddies who make the journey with you and that can help keep you motivated. Also, you would not have had the experience of a "relaxed" unit and will not have to transition back into a trainee mode. Chances are you would also be in better shape, unless you are very self motivated. Everything you need to be successful in RIP will be taught to you during your training, but it is up to you to learn it. As for PT, get into Ranger Nomad's Daily Workout Program. A few months of that and you will be more than ready to start OSUT as a PT stud. But first step first, find out if you qualify with or without a waiver. Then you will know what your options are.

[ninjaman]

Thank you for are your help Ranger Ranger Bill!

[Disinfertention]

The reason I asked this question is cause I just thought that maybe having some military experience could improve my chances of passing the selection course (RIP or ROP), as opposed to a private fresh out of OSUT.

RIP is physically tough. Mentally challenging only by the amount of stress you put on yourself to pass the physical parts (Which will more than likely be plenty). You don't have to be an infantrymen to pass RIP. Gaining experience in a conventional unit will not help your chances in RIP and can sometimes harm your experience in Regiment. If you want to serve, do it. If you want to serve in the 75th, find a way. Asthma or no asthma. Basic/AIT or OSUT and BAC will prepare you for RIP as much as serving in another unit would. There are plenty of posts on here to help improve your PT. Check them out. It's a place to start.

[K.Ingraham]

Are they looking for natural athletes? Should I give up on my dream of becoming a Ranger?

They are looking for average men with exception willpower and desire to succeed. If the asthma doesn't bar you at the starting gate, then the rest is up to you. Learn to work through pain.
Most youngsters go to RIP right out of OSUT, that is how the program is geared. Yes, if you bring experience from elsewhere, that is good and it enriches the Regiment but as for you - why delay? Go for the brass ring right away. Your intestinal fortitude and ability to learn fast & adapt are the limiting factors.

[ninjaman]

Thanks you Ranger Ranger Bill, Ranger Disinfertention, Ranger K.Ingraham, Ranger rgrokelley, and SFC hit_it for all your input, and merry Christmas!