Posted: 2/10/2008 1:33:41 AM EDT
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Ok so during my MOSQ (11B) I talked to a few guys who are going to Ranger school (ARNG) they are with LRS units that are sending them to Airborne first then Ranger. I am thinking about going this path if my unit will allow me so my question is what can I expect as a 43 year old. I am in excellent physical shape, but I wonder what the view is of us nasty girls that go to ranger school. One guy I know is going with a few men from his units because his command wants them to "vote " for each other so they are no peer voted out... My questions stem from what I have "heard" from the grapevine.... Also if I do not go to airborne and just Ranger school I am told being a "leg Ranger" is bad... What are your folks thoughts? Thanks |
| For the most part old guys dont fair as well as younger guys. The lack of food and sleep does a real number on your immune system and your ability to heal minor things. When I went through I saw the old guys really get hit hard with injuries and they had trouble, however there are always stories of some old ncos just gutting it out and I have to give those guys credit for sure. I didnt see any NG guys get treated any different, but we never knew who was who anyways, minus SF, officers, and batt boys. |
Don't let Free see that... |
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<--------Never went to suck school. I did some time in a NG LRS unit though. Slots did become available from time to time. Everyone was already airborne qualified. Those who went were usually at least E-5 and had proved themselves worthy of being sent and had spent a few years in the teams. This was in the mid 90's |
Well I went to my unit yesterday and asked about going to Ranger School and was told we do not have any billets for it, we are a weapons company and I would have to transfer to one of the rifle companies in the area that have ranger slots  I really like the unit I am at so I will have to asses the Ranger direction again once I get back from our deployment and see where I am at in that thought process...which by that time I will be 45 years old 
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As a NG soldier you'll be required to go to PRC (Pre Ranger) at WTC in Ft. Benning with a follow on hard slot at Ranger School. Going to PRC will give you a snap shot on what's expected of you. When I went to Ranger School, they separated the three companies with two being on jump status and one full of NAP's (non abn personnel). Don't know how they do it now. |
Thanks for the info, i never heard of the PRC but found info on it, looks like it is pretty easy, but I am still lacking a billet at my unit so I have to put it on hold... Peace |
who is Free? Is he an old guy? I would love to talk to Free...Free where are you...actually i know he is deployed....maybe he will see this..  |
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understood Jimbo, I have attended (but did not make it for voluntary reason) another services special training and I was at the age of 30 (oldest guy in the class) and was in the top 10% on all class evolutions. Suck meter is ok for me. I had to have the Cardio checks done just to come back in last year, I had no waivers and no problems at 43, perfect health (praise be to God) An SF friend of mine has put me in contact with some Guard Rangers and they have been tellimg don't do it, and some say do it.... All I can do is try, but as I said before if I do others things would have to fall in place, I have a deployment coming up, once I get back I would be 1.5 years older, this post was an information gather venture and I thank everyone for their input. Now where is that Old Ranger guy everyone keeps speaking of? Here is a good link...this totally inspired me!!! 42 year old ranger I forgot to add Hooah! |
I've heard much differently, but then again, I haven't BTDT so it's all rumors... I believe Free = FREEFALLE7 Good luck and keep us updated. |
Looks pretty cool. I wonder how one would practice the swimj aspect of the test. |
Yep,same here. I went through jump school before RIP. ETA: When I went through,the oldest dude to make it through Ranger School at the time was 35. |
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Yep im the old guy(38yr old 11B, Pathfinder, Drill SGT Jumpmaster other badges etc..guy) that gradated Ranger class 6-07(May 07) As far as us old guys its all in how bad you want it....I will explain my ordeal. Jan 07 I showed up day one for the PT test, I failed pushups and was a holdover/detail boy for 3 weeks. Feb 07 Started day one again..passed made it through Ranger assesment phase(RAP) and went to camp Darby for the first phase of Ranger school. I failed patrols and was a recycle again end of Feb/Mar started Darby again and went straight through and graduated in May  Ranger school is 62 days, it took me 123 days to get my Tab. The moral of this story is ... NEVER EVER QUIT!!! This was the second time I went to Ranger school, my first try was in 1996 If you really want it, be prepared for the kind of suck that you only have nightmare about. When I look back now it didnt seem that hard, then I remember the cold freezing nights of laying on the wet half frozen ground of Dalonagha, knowing that because things didnt go our way there would only be time for 1-0 hours of sleep before the next day. Also avoid going in the winter at all cost!!!! People dont want to do shit when they are wet and cold. Your grade is on leading them, and its hard to motivate them when your are also frezzing your nuts off. Go during the summer months as warm soldiers are easier to lead opposed to frozen ones. Here is a good link about ranger school en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranger_school You can make it, plenty of soldiers make it every class and the other 50-55% dont. You gotta be able to carry a Rucksack 10-16 hours a day on 2 meals and 1-2 hours of sleep a day. NG guys are fine, you are all the same at school. You will get peered for being a turd, you do not earn your tab, your fellow Ranger students earn it as you will do for them. And if you get there you lead and give 120% so that you and your squad makes it. My entire squad that I started with in 6-07 Graduated, some later, but they all made it. We peered guys cause in our time of need(carry the Radio, stay awake or not steal chow)failed, and in the end for their crimes they were peered and spent 6 months or more to get their tab. If you get peered it will be due to you not pulling you weight and fucking your buddies. And remember this old phrase from a wise old Ranger... "I'm not the way I am because I was a Ranger. I was a Ranger because of the way I am..." Act like a Ranger and abide by the creed and you will do fine. IM me with your questions and I will help you in anyway I can. Let me know when you are going as I have 2 soldiers starting RS in April. RLTW! FREE |