Introduction

[Tahlvain]

Good morning, afternoon, and evening Rangers, my name is Andrew. I am a 23 year old Depper, originally from Florida and now living in Alabama, who was granted the honor of an 11x Option 40 contract on 20090606. I managed to score a 97 AFQT score on the ASVAB and was originally offered an 18x MOS at MEPS - which I'd always thought was impossible for fresh enlistees - but regardless, I turned that offer down due to my wants to become an Airborne Ranger and my desire for a family in the years ahead of me. The counselor there tried to get me to accept an 11x contract for quite a while and suggested that I attempt to go into the Airborne school from BCT, but I stood firm until he decided to finally make the call to request Option 40 for me.

I was absolutely, and still am, ecstatic beyond imagining. Though I know that securing the contract is the easy part of the journey, I know now that the first steps have been taken and all that is required is that I make certain that I stay ahead of the physical and mental curve. As with most Option 40 desirees, I've wanted to become a Ranger since my time in high school. During the two years I was in JROTC I had a Colonel there that always spoke highly of the Rangers and motivated me to move forward. His urging pushed me to compete in the Varsity Cross Country and Swim Teams and he was always a man who seemed to be able to identify what someone would succeed at and enjoy simply by looking at them.

When I left High school, I was dating a girl (with intentions to marry her) who absolutely refused to consider the idea of me joining the military - so I left that dream behind for a while. Time passed, I attended college, we separated, and I met my fiancé. We have been together for nearly two years, and she was very supportive of my wishes when I reconsidered them a month ago and has been tearing along beside me both in recruiter's offices and PT to ensure that I get exactly where I want to be.

I'd like to extend my thanks to all of the Rangers that have motivated and inspired the rest of us to join this fraternity of brothers, and again to those who have built and maintained this community as a resource.

-Andrew

[Disinfertention]

Welcome here.

It sounds like you have a misconception that members of Special Forces don't have families. Believe me, they do. It's hard to have a family anywhere in the military.

Lots of information on the site... Be sure and use it.

[Tahlvain]

Thank you Ranger Disinfertention, I do admit my comment about SF Families was unbased - my apologies on that and the greatest respect to those that do have families in the military. I've heard I will have hard times ahead of me regarding that.

My thanks again, Ranger Disinfertention - I look forward to the knowledge I will gain here.

Also as an addendum: My signing date was posted incorrectly above and was actually 20090506, my ship date is 20090819.

[Jim]

Andrew, a man has only one opportunity to make a favorable initial impression. You age a go at this station. Time is short, please self-administer a PT test and post your results here not later than midnight, Sunday, 10 May 2009.

[Ranger Bill]

Welcome and congratulations for enlisting to become an Army Ranger. Comply with Ranger Jim's instruction and be sure to read and heed the ROE PM I have sent you.

[Steadfast]

Welcome Tahlvain to this site. Congrats on getting your OPT 40.

[Tahlvain]

My thanks for the welcomes and guidance Ranger Jim, Ranger Bill, and Ranger Steadfast. I've now read the ROE rules and will abide by them.

As was requested by Ranger Jim:

Pushups: 43
Situps: 52
2-Mile Time: 17:38 ( Broken down by 1/2 mile: 3:07, 3:43, 5:24, 5:24 )

I have to admit, having done fairly well in Cross Country during High School, seeing a 2 mile run time like that is a little more than shameful. I now know my weak points ( which sadly seems like everything ) and will begin working on cutting down that run time. Before I ever went to MEPS I promised myself that I would be able to score a 300+ on the final PT test before ever going into OSUT, so this embarrassment is a sound way to begin that training.

Again my thanks, Rangers, if there is any advice on attaining that 300+ score I would be very appreciative of the expert counsel.

[Jim]

My thanks for the welcomes and guidance Ranger Jim, Ranger Bill, and Ranger Steadfast. I've now read the ROE rules and will abide by them.

As was requested by Ranger Jim:

Pushups: 43
Situps: 52
2-Mile Time: 17:38 ( Broken down by 1/2 mile: 3:07, 3:43, 5:24, 5:24 )

I have to admit, having done fairly well in Cross Country during High School, seeing a 2 mile run time like that is a little more than shameful. I now know my weak points ( which sadly seems like everything ) and will begin working on cutting down that run time. Before I ever went to MEPS I promised myself that I would be able to score a 300+ on the final PT test before ever going into OSUT, so this embarrassment is a sound way to begin that training.

Again my thanks, Rangers, if there is any advice on attaining that 300+ score I would be very appreciative of the expert counsel.

Andrew, you have a lot of work in your future. That's why I asked you to self-administer. There is a thread on PT on the site. Please take a look at the thread started by Ranger Nomad, it will be helpful.

http://forum.armyranger.com/viewforum.php?f=42" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ranger Ron]

Welcome to ArmyRanger.com. You can learn a great deal here if you will look, listen, pay attention to details and search. You time is short and you have a great deal to learn. Best of luck.

[Tahlvain]

Thank you Ranger Jim and Ranger RangerRon, I'll change my PT regimen based on what I read on that part of the forums. I appreciate the advice, and will begin training harder immediately.

[nightcrawler]

It's an honor to see guys like you who want to serve their country! Good luck bro. NEVER QUIT!!!

[rgrwest]

Welcome and best of luck with your future in the Army. As mine ends, I see a new one begin. It makes me proud!

[Tahlvain]

nightcrawler and Ranger rgrwest, you both have my deepest appreciation for your support. I won't let any of you, nor myself, down - I'll never quit. Thank you again!