Introduction

[pizzadehut]

Hello Rangers, my name is Dave. I’m 22, from California, and just about finished with college. I just got done with MEPS today for the ASVAB; I got an AFQT of 92 and a GT score of 125. I am going to enlist next Friday as a 68W with an Option 40 in my contract. I'm going to join under the DEP because I’m waiting on my Bachelor’s in May, after which I’ll ship out. I wanted to join because I feel an obligation to my country and my fellow man. I also need a little adventure in my life. My ultimate goal is to be a writer, but I feel that I cannot get to the heart of emotional experiences without hardships of my own.

I originally thought that with my degree I should shoot for OCS and get a commission, but when I discovered that they had little choice in branch, I was disheartened. From the beginning of my interest in joining I wanted to be a part of the Rangers, so that was a deal breaker for me. I then started looking at 68W and the rest is history...

I want to thank you all for all your help. None of you know me, but that’s only because your frequent and informative posts were WAY more than enough information for me, so that I had little need of posting on my own. I know what to expect from BCT, Airborne, RIP, SOCM, and the like. My current PT scores aren’t too hot (PU: 55, SU: 60, 2MI: 16:03), but I’ve put myself on a regiment (thanks to the PT section of the forum) that will hopefully get me to Ranger standards by the time RIP rolls around. I was thinking of buying a rucksack and getting it filled w/ 60lbs worth of stuff to see where I stand on marches. I’m also trying to prepare for the CWST. Is there a recommended stroke to use? Is there a place to practice swimming at Airborne School?

I’ve done some things to prepare for the experience aside from PT training, but additional advice would be helpful. I bought every book I could find on the Rangers, military strategy, tactics, Middle Eastern history, guerrilla warfare, etc. I found the Army guide to M4/M16 training online, and even though I’ve never fired a gun I know the procedure for quality marksmanship. I bought a language program to learn Arabic (why not?), I’ve printed Ranger Leatherneck’s posts on Initiative and Integrity, Ranger cdwdirect’s post on RIP and the Ranger Creed. By the way, can anyone recommend any books for me to read that might help in being a medic?

I want to join the Rangers because they’re the best. I have the most utmost respect and awe for what they do. I am not worried about RIP because reading this site gave me the right attitude. I will not quit. Period.

My only hang up with this whole process is my family and friends. My friend told me I'm too smart to waste my life with the Army. I told him if there were only dumbasses in the Army, how can you explain that we are the single greatest military presence on earth? My mom, who is scared for me, tells me she doesn't want me going and does not approve. I told her that she better support me because I'm going anyways and a soldier must have a pure and untainted view of home if he's to function as he is supposed to.

I'm excited and proud of the chance to become a part of the Rangers. I'm also sorry for the long post. Being a longtime reader without writing here has me eager to say something. Will keep you up to date on my progress. Thanks for helping me make the decision to join the Army!

PS: Are the NEWT Avatars still around? When I looked in the gallery, I could not find a NEWT section, so I just gave myself a DEP avatar since I'm going to be one shortly.

PPS: I've read some sporadic stuff on mentors. I would jump at the chance to pick the brain of a Ranger Medic to prepare myself for my career!

[RTO]

Welcome to the site and thank you for your desire to serve as an Army Ranger.

[Copperhead]

Welcome to the site Dave.

PM inbound.

-Caleb

[Steadfast]

Welcome

You avatar is acceptable. Our newt avatars are currently unavailable.

[rgrking]

Welcome to the site.

[Ranger Bill]

Welcome. Your desire to become an Army Ranger is appreciated. You have plenty of time to substantially improve your physical fitness, but not enough time that you can afford to waste any of it. Be sure to read and heed the ROE PM I have sent you.

[Earthpig]

I've read some sporadic stuff on mentors. I would jump at the chance to pick the brain of a Ranger Medic to prepare myself for my career!

Get that Opt40 contract, and let us know when you secure it. Then we can take care of this request.

Welcome aboard. That was a solid intro, and I actually enjoyed reading it. Best of luck to you.

RLTW
EP

[Jim]

Dave, a man has only one opportunity to make a favorable initial impression. You are suceessful at this task. If you truly want to earn a place in the 75th Ranger Regiment, you came to the right site. We take a great deal of pride in the fine young men that the members of this site assist as they prepare themselves for training. Now for your initial task: Please give yourself a PT test so that we can help you establish your baseline physical readiness. There will be plenty of time to deal with rucking later. Right now let's determine your baseline. Please complete this by midnight Tuesday, 22 January 2008.

Don't worry about the opinion of others. The only person you need to satisfy is you -- because when you die, you are the one who dies -- nobody else. So live your life as you will.

[Bugsy]

I also need a little adventure in my life.

Well you’ll find it quickly if you achieve your stated objective.

My current PT scores aren’t too hot (PU: 55, SU: 60, 2MI: 16:03), .

DROP AND KNOCK OUT FIFTY

I’ve done some things to prepare for the experience aside from PT training, but additional advice would be helpful. .

USE THE SEARCH BUTTON………..your questions have been answered.

I bought every book I could find on the Rangers, military strategy, tactics, Middle Eastern history, guerrilla warfare, etc. I found the Army guide to M4/M16 training online, .

Friggin writers…………(don’t mind me, I can really read too)

I’ve never fired a gun.

Say again? Son………. were in the heck are you from?

I’ve printed Ranger Leatherneck’s posts on Initiative and Integrity.

Can’t think of anybody on this site that would be better to emulate as a combat medic.

Ranger cdwdirect’s post on RIP.

Best description of what to expect at RIP that I’ve ever read.

I will not quit . Period. .

You just remember you said that, when others are quitting all around you. Copy?

My mom, who is scared for me, tells me she doesn't want me going and does not approve. .

That’s just the typical mother response for her son………….deep down she’s proud as hell of you and will be even more so when you become a Ranger (I guarantee you she’ll be telling everybody she knows that her son is a U.S. Army Ranger (how about yours?)

I'm also sorry for the long post. .

Never and I mean never apologize for bearing your soul and speaking what could only be considered a noble endeavor for our Country young man.

No go on now and make our Country proud…………..We sure as heck are already of ya.

MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

And stay outta pizza hut until you’re done!!!

[RANGER513]

Geez, FINALLY a damn decent intro !

Sounds like you got your ducks in a row there, wild man. Now all you have to do is watch out for big trucks running over your ducks !

Stay focused, stay on target, and NEVER, EVER QUIT.

[Ranger Ron]

Welcome here! Best of luck on your journey. If you will look, listen, and pay attention to details, you can gain a lot of help here.

[pizzadehut]

Hello Rangers, I have an update. First, my PT scores are as follows:

Sit ups: 62
Push ups: 58
2min Mi: 16:03

I took a lot of advice from the PT section to help in training. My workout schedule from here on out is as follows:

Mon, Thurs: Sprint Training (440, 880 yds), Situp/Pushup/Scissor kick training
Tues, Fri: Long distance run (20mins)
Wed, Sat: 2 Min mile, Swimming
Sun: 12 mi ruck or 5 mile run, Sit up/Push up/Scissor kick training

Let me know if you feel I should change this in any way.

My decision to join has been met with open hostility. I told my friend I was joining and he spent the following hour screaming at me saying "You're not joining the military, You're not joining the military, you're not joining the military!" After this tirade went on and I did not react he slapped me in the face three times. I didn't move or respond. He asked me about a minute later if I was still going in and I said, "Nothing you can do to me will change my mind." He then left in a fit. Needless to say I was surprised at that. All the time during this I kept reciting my new favorite motto, "Never Quit!"

[pizzadehut]

Correction - Wed, Sat: **2 Mile Run, Swimming

[PocketKings]

Welcome.

My opinion is that you are not running enough distance.

Sprint training is the icing on the cake. You don't have a cake yet.

[PocketKings]

Oh, and forget about your friend. You're about to make a bunch more. They'll raise your standards of 'friendship.'