Recruiters giving mixed information regarding Option 40.

[Praetorian]

Rangers,

In short I can obtain an Option 40 contract (infantry, cook, truck driver are available MOS's), the question I posed to my recruiter was "If I am injured in RIP what will happen to me then". The first recruiter I spoke with told me that if I make it through BCT/AIT/Airbourne and either fail out/get injured etc in RIP I would be assigned to an Airbourne unit like the 82nd.

The following day I contacted another recruiter as I felt this information wasn't correct as the recruiter seemed very "unsure" when he told me. The second recruiter told me that if I pass BCT/AIT/Airbourne and for some reason do not pass through RIP I will be assigned to whatever MOS the army needs.

I just want to make sure I now the in's and out's of my contract before I sign, I haven't ever been this excited about anything in my life as I am for the Army and I am just trying to make sure I know everything rather than just jumping in head first without gathering information.

[Jim]

Another apples and oranges answer. Generally, what happens is that assuming you make it through Basic and AIT (or OSUT) you will have completed initial entry training and will be awarded a Military Occupational Speciaty (MOS).

Then, you go to 3 weeks of Airborne training. At this point you will be an airborne qualified (whatever) MOS.

Next you go for 3 weeks of the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). Upon completion you will be sent to the 75th Ranger Regiment, usually a battalion-level assignment.

If for some reason you do not complete RIP, you will be assigned in accordance with the needs of the Army. Usually, as an airborne-qualified MOS.

[Ranger Bill]

You're beginning to sound like, "I would have been a Ranger, but..." Get this thinking out of your head, like yesterday. You need the mindset of making it, not the mindset of what happens if you don't. A Ranger Contract gaurantees you a shot at RIP if you successfully make it through OSUT and Airborne. Should you get to RIP, without quitting before you even get there, the odds are against you. The last RIP class started with more than 200 and only 80 made it to successful completion.

So what happens to those that don't? It depends on a lot of things, but for certain you no longer would have any gaurantee. If you don't make it through RIP you will be assigned based on needs of the Army. Since you would already be Airborne, if at the time the Army needs your MOS in an Airborne unit, you may be assigned to one. But you could be assigned almost anywhere your MOS is needed. As far injury goes, it will depend on your injury. If it is slight, and the cadre thinks you have what it takes, you may be recylced in RIP. If it is more than slight, you probably will be dropped. For more serious injuries, you could be reassigned to another MOS or medically discharged.

[Praetorian]

Thank you Ranger Jim and Ranger Bill for responding to my question. I want to serve my country foremost, choosing the path of a Ranger is the only path I want to take as I want to serve with the best. I just want to make sure I know everything about my contract and the Army before signing on the dotted line.

[Bugsy]

Young Padwan,

What Ranger Jim and Ranger Bill told you was spot on.

In the old days you "might" get the 82nd but who cares, this won't apply to you.

One recruiter just might give you inaccurate information, but who cares? YOU'VE GOT THE OPTION 40 Contract.

Many may not have made it in the last RIP Class, but who cares? As a result of the information you've obtained here you will ensure that you are throughly prepared when your time comes and will excell at the challenge.

and finally, you are about to sign a very important document that will change your very life for the better, who cares?

The question isn't who cares the question is why does it matter to you, (for everyone of us the answer varies slightly) but the common denominator is that we volunteered and would not back down once we stepped up to the plate. Make sure you do the same.

[Praetorian]

Ranger Bugsy,

Thanks for you response, now it's just time for me to step up and never quit!