How old is too old?

choirboy · Post by **choirboy** » March 25th, 2005, 12:30 pm

I'm calling upon the experience of the Ranger Instructors in this forum. How has age affected the ability of Ranger students to complete the course? Do you find older students better or less equipped physically/emotionally to pass the course? I ask because my personal experience with Rangers in prior service is that they all attended Ranger School while still in their 20's. Once I am on active duty, I may not get an opportunity to attend until I am in my early 40's (I haven't heard of a maximum age requirement).

Everett Ruess · Post by **Everett Ruess** » March 25th, 2005, 1:32 pm

When I was in 1/75 our chaplain attended Ranger school and he was in his late 30s or early 40s. He later went on to become the first Regimental chaplain. Read MUCH more than you post, choirboy. All your answers are probably already here (search button).

10thVet · Post by **10thVet** » March 25th, 2005, 6:48 pm

I had a good friend go thru at the age of 38. That is the oldest person that I know personally....

centermass · Post by **centermass** » March 29th, 2005, 11:44 pm

Actually,

Ranger Toomey, age 49, was and still is I believe to this date, the oldest student to ever complete the course. (He was a SFC. 13F I believe was his mos and a full blooded Irishman

) I asked him one time why in the hell he waited so late in his career to attend. His response: "Because I'm Irish Sergeant! We're late for everything". 1987 was the year. Can't remember the class number. CRS moment. Hell, just this morning I was naked when I executed my first vehicle stop of the day. Couldn't find my pen to scratch out the citation. Lucky for him, he got off with a verbal warning.......Hell, where was I? Oh yeah. CSM Owens had been the oldest up until that point. Bottom line is if you do your homework, get prepped properly, both mentally and physically, by all means go for it.

CM

Silverback · Post by **Silverback** » March 30th, 2005, 3:53 am

choirboy wrote:I'm calling upon the experience of the Ranger Instructors in this forum. How has age affected the ability of Ranger students to complete the course? Do you find older students better or less equipped physically/emotionally to pass the course? I ask because my personal experience with Rangers in prior service is that they all attended Ranger School while still in their 20's. Once I am on active duty, I may not get an opportunity to attend until I am in my early 40's (I haven't heard of a maximum age requirement).

Your mind and physical conditioning will be the largest deciding factors!

Kilted Heathen · Post by **Kilted Heathen** » March 30th, 2005, 10:40 am

Don't think being a chaplain will help you...God just laughs at your ass too!

Gravedigger · Post by **Gravedigger** » April 1st, 2005, 10:00 am

The oldest student I remember was a Col. in the marine corps who was close to 50. He was pretty tough and as instructors we kept an eye on him and he did fine, was probably the slowest runner but his leadrship and experience made up for it. I know he went on to the mts.

RLTW

UBOAT · Post by **UBOAT** » April 12th, 2005, 2:14 pm

I was once told :
" It's not your ability, it's your DESIRE!"

my buddy did it at 38. I did it at 20. I sure as hell wouldnt do it now, but then again I have survived 11 years in the Ranger Regiment too.

The only thing you need to worry about is the first week:
PT Test, CWST, 5-mile,Land Nav, Buddy Run, and 14.5 foot march to Darby. The first week is the hardest, after that, its your leadership!!

ArmyRanger.com

How old is too old?

How old is too old?

Re: How old is too old?

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