Introduction: Dan

[njorthbiatr]

I don't usually hand out my first name on public forums, but I'm Dan. I've lurked around this forum for ages, and am quite impressed with the first-hand and no-nonsense knowledge offered and only found here. I've watched all of the videos I could of what Rangers do, but those are surely edited to put on a good face. Other internet sources have only offered poor advice and demonstratively false information. This is the only website I've found I could turn to for reliable and trustworthy information. I am eager to learn from each of you.


Who I Am

I'm a 23 year old who has led a life of constant struggle. Needless to say I'm not one of those kids that finally leaves home, mom, and pop to join the Army and become a decorated hero so the girl of my dreams can finally be mine. I don't have a criminal record and I've been a pretty good kid.

People have described me as intellectual, strong-willed, determined, hard working, and compassionate. I would also like to add that I may be arrogant, thick-headed, distant, and unemotional.

I've graduated high school and have a year of college under my belt. I was never able to return to college, unfortunately; but it did eventually lead me here. Now I could go back to attending college if I really wanted to, so it's not like I'm interested in joining because there's nothing better out there for me.


What I Do

Read, mostly. At least when I'm not working my job as in stocking/inventory. It's not the type of job I'm proud to say I have, but it is a job and definitely better than nothing. It's also an important step into getting where I really want to go.

Subjects of interest are medicine and computer science. I dabble in some philosophy, but these days it's more computer science than anything else. Writing computer programs is just the sort of thing I find fun and enjoyable. But...

Not as enjoyable as lying in the ground in agony as my lungs and muscles scream in horrible agony. Seriously, something is wrong with me. Being physical is fun, doing adventurous things is fun. Running through freezing rain at four AM in mud is just the thing that gets me smiling. And I don't usually smile. About six years ago I trained so hard I caused multiple tendon ruptures in my wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Eventually I stopped being stupid and stopped injuring them. This and other medical problems has had me occupied for the past five years rehabilitating. I have four weeks of physical therapy left and then I'm cleared to start seriously training again (this time smarter).


Why I Want to Join

I can't say I want to do this for my country; I've never been particularly patriotic. I also can't say I'm doing this because it appeals to some sense of adventure and thrill seeking. I want to do it because I feel like I must. I've wanted to for a very long time, and all my life has been leading up to this moment; it is something I must do before I move on. I may die, but dying doesn't concern me.

The Rangers specifically because, in my humble opinion, I think this is the group that I have most in common with. I've been gifted with an opportunity to receive the most elite, toughest training on the planet. It's only by taking this plunge I can test my limits, break them, and continue to strive in personal development. It won't be easy, and I have mad respect for you guys that have made it. No joke, I don't look up to many people, but you guys have my admiration. To be honest I don't know if I can do it. I just know I won't stop trying until I do.


Physical Stats

Right now I'm in physical therapy, so these stats are at a low point for me. I do what I can to stay in shape, so here's at it.

Push-ups: 60
Sit-ups: 51
Pull-ups: 8
2-Mile: N/A (Last tested a year ago clocked in at 11:06.)

These aren't so great when you factor in I'm only 145 pounds. They will improve once I can start training again. I'm not sure how long my training will take but my goals look something like:

Push-ups: 100+ (endurance training, pretty easy)
sit-ups: 100+ (also endurance, also easy to reach)
pull-ups: 8 with 1.5x bodyweight
2-Mile: sub 9 minutes
Other goals: Planche push-ups, 1.5x bodyweight muscle ups, 20 2 - 2.25x bodyweight deadlift/squat, muscle-ups, further dexterity and balance abilities.


Current Military Status

I put some feelers out to see what the joining process would be like, the whole option 40 thing and whatnot. Doesn't sound too difficult. I eat this lawyer/contract document stuff for breakfast. Haven't seen a recruiter yet. I know I can only be on DEP for up to a year and that may be too soon for me, so there's no reason to rush in. Lots to learn still and quite a ways to go.

Once I do I am pretty deadset that I want my MOS to be 68W, nothing else really appeals to me. And frankly I'm ill-suited to be much else.


Why My Username is Weird

"njorthbiatr" actually has its roots in old Norse. Njorth is another way to spell out Njord, anglicized versions Njörðr. It's a particular deity in Norse Mythology, but I chose it because traces back to meaning "force" and "power". biatr is just a violently butchered version of Bjartr, meaning bright. Taken literally, it means "brilliant power," or "bright force".

The Vikings were some fierce SoBs, so I raped and pillaged their language; it's what they would have done.


Why My Avatar is an Arrow

An arrow is the tiwaz rune (also tiewaz or teiwaz). This is the symbol of Tyr, the Norse god of law and heroic glory (war). Warriors would paint it on their shields to aid them in battle. I've grown fond of it.

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I appreciate any time you spent to read this and look forward to learning from you all :)

[centermass]

Another well written intro.

A few suggestions.

1. Don't get tempted to cut you PT/Rehab short. Lots of eager beavers will do this, not follow the program like they should and it winds up biting them in the ass later on. Stay with it and heal up correctly.

2. Next time, once you're out of the gate, train hard, but learn to train smart.

Lots of info here for you to learn from on how to do it right.


Welcome to armyranger.com

[rangerjd]

Welcome Dan, give everything you've got, ever time you give and never, ever quit. RLTW

[Jim]

Welcome, Dan, If you want to earn a place in the 75th Ranger Regiment, you came to the right site. We at armyranger.com take a great deal of pride in the young men who pass through here on their life journey. Most of the questions you might have can be addressed by using the search feature, located on the top right of this page. Please read the FAQs, as well as select stickies and threads. Understand you are in physical rehab, but your PT baseline has lots of room for improvement. Never, never quit!

[CharlieRanger1FFV]

Welcome to the site, Dan.


RLTW!!!

[njorthbiatr]

Thanks for the supportive replies, Rangers! Just looking at your signatures gives me the willies, I can tell I'll be under excellent guidance here.

I forgot my ASVAB score, if that even matters. I took it in high school once, but I don't remember the score I was given. I got a 29 composite on my ACT, which I believe can be approximated to anywhere from a 93 - 99. I'll have to take the actual ASVAB again, but it's not any issue for me.

[cams]

Welcome. You need to change your avatar.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1837

Rules of the house.

[njorthbiatr]

Welcome. You need to change your avatar.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1837

Rules of the house.

I understand, Ranger cams.

I was slightly confused at first, because there was no NEWT category for avatars.

[Jim]

Start reading the letters from school thread. We have a number of 68W Rangers on the site. Never, never quit!