My Intro, and some questions.

88nGuy · Post by **88nGuy** » May 23rd, 2005, 12:53 pm

*** Relocated to the proper forum by the moderators ***

Rangers, My Name is Dennis, I was actually in the Army between September of 2000 and September of 2001 (before the attacks). I was given a medical discharge (Honorable) for depression due to some severe events in my family life. I hadn't even really thought my condition was noticeable.. but apparently my PSG and Captain noticed. I was only 18. I've done a lot of growing up since then.. matured a lot.. and I've been kicking myself for years now wishing more than anything I was still in the Army. I'm almost 23 now, and I realize the only way I'll be satisfied is if I can continue my mission in the U.S. Army. Yes, I was an 88N (transportaion managment coordinator). I've also talked to a local recruiter who is squaring me away with getting the needed waiver I need to get back in with an RE3 on my DD214. My first duty station was in Korea. I had planned on waiting until I was state side again and then I was going to try and get into Airborne school, then Ranger school. I was told they opened it up for my MOS. So, since then I've done nothing but read Ranger books, websites, and whatever I can. I know now that it's where I belong. It's not so I can come home and tell people I'm a Ranger, it's not because I watched "Con-Air" and thought it was "cool", it's not because I want promotion points... I just simply have this feeling in my gut.. a feeling I've had since I was a freshman in H.S. that I want that tab more than anything. I have honestly thought about my options, and I can weigh a Ranger tab against a career in the NFL, or winning the lottery.. and being a part of the Rangers outweighs it all. Anyone would love to be a millionare.. but money isn't everything.. it doesn't give you everything life has to offer. I felt an awesome since of pride every time I put my uniform on. I've had something missing ever since. Unfortunately.. I gave the civillian life a chance. It's no way to live. It's not for me anyway. If I could get some advice on how to actually get into the school after Airborne.. I would greatly appreciate it. Advice on what to expect, and how to prepare (stuff I can't find on a regular website) would also be appreciated. Also, being an 88N.. the school is open to me.. but would I actually be assigned to a Ranger unit after graduation, or would I return to the one I came from? If so.. would I later be placed in a Ranger unit? I apologize if I came across corny, or unrealistic. Just think back to before ya'll were Rangers.. and the feelings you must have had... and the passion you must have had. Anytime I'm with my recruiter.. I see myself back in that lifestyle, and hopefully graduating from Ranger school.. and my adrenaline pumps at insane levels. So, excuse my long winded rambling.. and try to help my with my questions.. or even give me random advice. Thanks.

-Dennis

Also, I'd rather not discuss the nature of my discharge other than what I mentioned above. Thanks for understanding.

rgrpuck · Post by **rgrpuck** » May 23rd, 2005, 1:06 pm

Tread lightly Bud ...read and learn. I appluad you for your service however with your past history (that you will not go into) I would suggest being very carefull in trying to becomeing a Ranger. Anyone on this forum would tell you the same thing. A moment of mental weakness can cause a death not just of you but people around you.

Welcome to the forum read use search alot for any questions you might have.

Creeping Death · Post by **Creeping Death** » May 23rd, 2005, 1:15 pm

You're souped up already, Bud, by posting your intro in the wrong forum. Take some time to familiarize yourself with our home, the FAQs, and how we generally go about things. Use the search button. Read, read, and read some more, then ask questions.

Welcome aboard.

Steadfast · Post by **Steadfast** » May 23rd, 2005, 1:23 pm

Welcome

.

Silverback · Post by **Silverback** » May 23rd, 2005, 1:24 pm

Welcome...

Towedjmpr · Post by **Towedjmpr** » May 23rd, 2005, 1:35 pm

Welcome.

What they said. Read, listen and learn.

And to pre-quote Ranger KH "Shut the fuck up!"

88nGuy · Post by **88nGuy** » May 23rd, 2005, 1:39 pm

Thanks for the welcome, I am busy at work.. so I apologize that I didn't take the time to view all the specifics of the site. My past depression was short lived. To give you further information, my wife suffered a miscarriage, and three close members of my family commited suicide in the same week my mother was hurt in a car accident that put her in a wheelchair. I was young, and on my first assignment on the other side of the world. None of those factors are present at this given time... I sought help.. and now I'm perfectly healthy. I understand that exact same situation could arise again with other relatives while I might be in Iraq.. but I'm more than ready to deal with that if it means I can live my life in the U.S. Army as a Ranger. I just didn't want to get into what had happened because I was worried it would blind your advise or answers to my questions.

Vee · Post by **Vee** » May 23rd, 2005, 2:00 pm

Yer not related to Jim Jones are you?

Welcome to the site.

rgrpuck · Post by **rgrpuck** » May 23rd, 2005, 2:02 pm

Damn Vee............

88nGuy · Post by **88nGuy** » May 23rd, 2005, 2:04 pm

Actually 1st Sgt.. to be honest, I'm not sure why it turned out that way. All I wanted at the time was to go home for the funerals, and visit.. then go back to my assignment. My 1st Sgt. made me talk to an Army Phsychiatrist who recommended my discharge. I just walked through the process from there. Maybe being young, and un-educated on the different options available I was shafted!?

Earthpig · Post by **Earthpig** » May 23rd, 2005, 2:10 pm

Brother, I'm terribly sorry to hear of the losses you have suffered. I wish you well in whatever road you choose to follow. Welcome to the site and thanks for serving.
RLTW
EP

88nGuy · Post by **88nGuy** » May 23rd, 2005, 2:18 pm

Thanks Ranger EarthPig, I appreciate everyones kindness. The good thing is, I've had a reasonable amount of time to get passed it all, and to check myself to make sure this is what I want. I have actually decided already to go back into the Army.. there's no doubt about that. I also have decided to go to Ranger school (after Airborne of course). It's just a matter of how long it will take me to get into the class once I'm assigned to a unit. How do I go about doing that? what do I expect once I'm in? What's the day to day life like? How often are you deployed (I am asking because I want to be deployed, not because I don't). Can I expect to always be a part of a Ranger unit after graduation?

Vee · Post by **Vee** » May 23rd, 2005, 2:22 pm

Search button is your only friend.