Introduction

bjackson911 · Post by **bjackson911** » February 13th, 2007, 8:36 pm

Hello All and thankyou for the oppertunity to gain any wisdom I can before shipping to Ft Benning. I am 33 and just signed my contract last Saturday 11x option 40. I will be leaving to Ft Benning March 22 for OSUT. I have been trying to join for the last 4 month's and am very glad to have gotten this oppertunity to serve my country and fellow man.

Currently I am running my own Remodeling Buisness here in Ft. Collins Co. I had one hell of a time with my first recruiter and had to request a alternate. Like I have read in some of the other post about recruiters and carrier counselors I can tell you from experience you must be prepaired to except nothing less than what you want, they will give you your first choice if you stick to your guns. I was told I would not get Ranger because of a DWAI over 9 years ago by my recruiter. But I got it after telling the carrier counselor I would come back when it was available.

I have been trying to join since I was 23 and was turned down by the Marines for having a GED and no college credit. So I went to college and got more than enough credit and when I went back they said it would be to much of a burden on my wife and kids. That was ten years ago. I am no longer married and my kids are in support of me going for it. With the war in Iraq and surrounding areas has sparked once again my desire to serve and thought if not now then never and after a tough road I am finally on my way.

Bill

RTO · Post by **RTO** » February 13th, 2007, 8:52 pm

Welcome Bill and thanks for your desire to serve as an Army Ranger. I must say I'm impressed with your drive and determination. It takes balls to keep your sights on your dream as long as you have and to pursue it with gusto.

Are you in shape physically? I went to Battalion at age 30 as did several other esteemed members of this forum, and men have gone to 'the suck' well into their 40's-50's.

Just so you know, it will probabbly suck more for you than the others, but the pleasure you will have watching 20 year olds fall out and quit will far outweigh any pain you will suffer.

bjackson911 · Post by **bjackson911** » February 13th, 2007, 9:05 pm

Thanks Ranger Dep68w, I will be looking for it.

Thanks Ranger Tenn-Rgr

Thanks for the welcome Ranger RTO, I am in what I consider Fair shape, I am 6 foot 5 inches and I way 196. I have been running every other day and have started running everyday since I got my contract. I have been doing push ups and situps everyday as well. I feel pretty good but I still want to improve as much as I can before I go. I think that I have about 26% body fat. Anything that you could suggest to help me get ready for Ft. Benning would be greatly appriciated. And any info on RIP would be grat too. Thanks again

Bill

Charlie 51 · Post by **Charlie 51** » February 13th, 2007, 9:15 pm

Bold 2nd Batt choice!!

Good luck 2nd Batt with your quest.

I hope 2nd Batt you will get an opportunity to go to the Battalion of your choice.

I commend you on 2nd Batt your determination to serve this great 2nd Batt nation as a US Army Ranger.

I wish you 2nd Batt well.

bjackson911 · Post by **bjackson911** » February 13th, 2007, 9:27 pm

Roger that Ranger Charlie 51, I would be proud to serve in 2nd Batt.

RTO · Post by **RTO** » February 13th, 2007, 10:01 pm

Bill,
You will be competing with 100+ other rippies in your class, some of them 15 years younger in age. Half of your class will probabbly quit or fail to meet standards. Your wisdom and maturity will make up for a lot of that difference in age, but I won't lie to you, you will have to be on top of your game and bring your 'A' game to RIP to make it.

Buy the best pair of running shoes you can afford, and start running like Forrest Gump. Don't think running 2-3 miles a day will be enough. Run as far as your body will go, then run a few miles more than that each day.

Pushups and situps need to be at least in the 70-80 range for 2 minutes with correct form before you go. A two mile run needs to be completed in 12 minutes if possible.

Take a graded PT test in the next 72 hours (don't cheat your body) and post the results here please.

Read the important threads on here about how to prepare mentally and physically and then get off the computer and GO, GO, GO!!!!!

bjackson911 · Post by **bjackson911** » February 13th, 2007, 11:15 pm

Roger that Ranger RTO, I am scheduled to take a PT test at the recruiter station on Friday. I will post the results at the end of that day.
Lots of great info. Much appreciated.

Bill

KW Driver · Post by **KW Driver** » February 14th, 2007, 12:37 am

get an avatar. welcome.

Earthpig · Post by **Earthpig** » February 14th, 2007, 6:04 am

Welcome, and best of luck to you.
RLTW
EP

Ranger Ron · Post by **Ranger Ron** » February 14th, 2007, 7:31 am

Welcome and keep on drivin'!

bjackson911 · Post by **bjackson911** » February 14th, 2007, 7:43 am

Thanks Rangers for the welcome

42L5V · Post by **42L5V** » February 14th, 2007, 8:02 am

Welcome.

cams · Post by **cams** » February 14th, 2007, 8:48 am

Thanks Ranger Dep68w, I will be looking for it.

Attention to detail. This is not a Ranger, he is a DEP, just like you. But he is a DEP Moderator, show him respect and he will advise you.

I think that I have about 26% body fat. Anything that you could suggest to help me get ready

Lose about 20% of that and you should be good to go you fat bastard.

Don't even say it, you'll here a lot worse than that everyday for the next two years.

Carry on.

Looon · Post by **Looon** » February 14th, 2007, 8:51 am

cams wrote:
Thanks Ranger Dep68w, I will be looking for it.
Attention to detail. This is not a Ranger, he is a DEP, just like you. But he is a DEP Moderator, show him respect and he will advise you.

I think that I have about 26% body fat. Anything that you could suggest to help me get ready
Lose about 20% of that and you should be good to go you fat bastard.

Carry on.

hello