Saturday, July 27, 2024
Latest:

ARMY RANGERS

Supporting Army Rangers past, present, and future-RLTW

ARMY RANGERS

Ranger Assessment and Selection Program

The Selection Process for Becoming an Army Ranger

Originally known as the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP) is now known as the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program. According to GoArmy (n.d.), Ranger Assessment and Selection, known as RASP, is an intense, eight-week course designed to test a Soldier’s physical and mental strength under extreme conditions. Candidates must earn the right to don the tan beret and become a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Many might remember when the Rangers wore the black beret. In 2000, the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General Eric Shinseki, stated in a speech to the AUSA National Convention in Washington, D.C.:

“It is time for the entire Army to accept the challenge of excellence that has so long been a hallmark of our special operations and airborne units. As another step towards achieving the capabilities of the objective force, effective 14 June 2001, the first Army birthday of the new millennium, the Army will don its new headgear. The black beret will become the Army standard. Special operations and airborne units will retain their distinctive berets. But starting next June, the black beret will be symbolic of our commitment to transform this magnificent Army into a new force — a strategically responsive force for the 21st century.”

The following information is provided by the U.S. Army:

QUALIFICATIONS

In order to qualify for entry into the 75th Ranger Regiment you must:

  • Successfully complete RASP 1 (E-1 thru E-5)
  • Possess U.S. citizenship
  • Volunteer for assignment and be on active duty
  • Have a General Technical Score of 105 or higher (Waivers provided on a case by case basis)
  • Qualify and volunteer for airborne training
  • Have no pending UCMJ action
  • Enlist, currently hold, or voluntarily re-class into a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) found in the 75th Ranger Regiment
  • Be able to attain at minimum a secret clearance

Pre-RASP

After completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Soldiers interested in becoming a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment will report to the Ranger Assessment and Selection facility, where they will be screened and prepared for entry into RASP.
In order to qualify for entry into RASP 1 you must:

  • Pass the Ranger screening (psychological review, background check, urinalysis)
  • Pass the RASP entry fitness test (53 push-ups, 63 sit-ups, 2 mile run in 14:30 or less, four pull-ups), and a 6-mile ruck-march with a 35-pound rucksack and weapon in less than 1 hour 30 minutes.

PHASE 1: TESTING

Once classing up from Pre-RASP, Ranger candidates will begin the first full phase of selection. During this phase, they must clear a battery of physical and psychological tests. They are graded not only on their ability to get through the exams, but also on their strength of character and leadership ability.
Forced Ruck March and Run
During RASP, Ranger candidates will be graded on a 12-mile ruck march with a 35lb dry ruck-sack (water is not included into the overall weight of the ruck-sack). Continuing on from their Pre-Rasp progression, rangers will conduct a 6, 8, 10 and their final 12-mile ruck march in full uniform. Candidates will also perform one graded PT test with a five-mile run in place of the ARMY 2-mile run.
Land Navigation (Day and Night)
In teams and individually, candidates will be required to find and travel to objectives, most of the time using only a compass and a map. 
First Responder Test
Medical response and evacuation is a critical skill for Rangers. Candidates will be tested on their ability to quickly retrieve and stabilize casualties. 
Screenings
In addition to physical requirements, Ranger candidates will be tested on their knowledge of Ranger history and the Ranger Creed. They must also pass a psychological screening.

PHASE 2: RANGER SKILLS TRAINING

During the second phase of selection, the candidates will learn the skills and maneuvers that will prepare them for the rigors of life in a Ranger unit. This includes learning the principals of direct action combat, airfield seizure, personnel recovery and more. 
Marksmanship and Tactics
Ranger candidates are instructed on the basic principals of direct action combat, which is the cornerstone of the Ranger mission.
Basic Regimental Marksmanship
Weapons handling, safety, zero rifle with optics, walk and shoot, body position,
Advanced Regimental marksmanship
Intro to pistols, rifle to pistols transitions, shooting body positions
Explosives and Breaching
Candidates must learn and demonstrate the proper techniques for entering urban enclosures, which include setting and detonating explosives to breach doors. Candidates will then be tested on their ability to identify the proper breaching method for certain types of doors.

GRADUATION

In 2001, the Rangers switched from a black beret to a tan beret, as the black beret had become the Army standard. Since that time, the tan beret has become a symbol of strength and excellence, and one of the highest honors an Army Soldier can achieve. Upon successful completion of RASP, candidates will receive the beret and the 75th Ranger Regiment Scroll, signifying entry into one of the most distinguished special operations units in the world.

RASP 2

RASP 2 is a three-week selection course for senior noncommissioned officers, officers, and warrant officers (E-5(P) and above). Candidates are tested on their physical and mental capabilities while learning the special tactics, techniques and procedures that set the regiment apart, and learning the expectations of leading and developing young Rangers.

RANGER SCHOOL

Ranger School is the Army’s premier small unit leadership course for Soldiers. All members of the 75th Ranger Regiment are expected to attend and complete Ranger School either before or after their selection into the regiment.

For those on the path good luck and consider creating an account and join in on the conversation. ArmyRanger.com takes pride in our mentoring program where hundreds of Mentees have gone on to be members in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. If you want to just look around and read some of our historical information and stories of those who have been there read more.

References:

ArmyRanger.com. (n.d.). Support. Retrieved from https://armyranger.com/campaigns/support-armi/

Ranger Assessment and Selection. (n.d.). The selection process for becoming an army ranger. Retrieved from https://www.goarmy.com/ranger/join-the-army-rangers/army-ranger-assessment.html

75thRangers. (n.d.). Discipline, honor, and respect must be earned: They cannot be issued. Retrieved from http://75thrangers.com/