After the first day of Ranger School, only 3 women failed the PT test, 16 remain. Great job! Do the naysayers still doubt them?

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 06:42:01 -0400

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 8:50 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:50:22 -0400

I really hope those 16 make it to the end! CSM Private RallyPoint Member

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 21 at 2015 10:36 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:36:34 -0400

Well, I for one have never been a naysayer on this issue. Quite the opposite --- I wish them all the best in this challenging endeavor. That said, I think it might be a bit premature to be doing a "happy dance" ... after all, it was just "the first day of Ranger school" and it was just a "PT test" ...

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 10:41 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:41:15 -0400

I wouldn't want to be at that pt session...

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 21 at 2015 10:46 AM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:46:38 -0400

I would think that most people who are part of the 19% that make it through Ranger prep would make it through day 1.....

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 10:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:51:01 -0400

I am not a naysayer but I am Ranger qualified. I would say that they passed the first few hours of Ranger school. That is like saying that you passed an exam and that they should grad college just off that.

Ranger school is tough. The RPFT is the easiest part of it, minus showing up. But I would wait til the end. Let be honest here. These females were well prepared. They went to RTAC. Some units don't really prepare them and just send them. They fail pretty quick. I know a few of them. So I would caution to wait to see what comes of this. I recall with some were excited about the 2 females that passed the first week at the Marine Infantry Officer Course. For the record, out of 29 attempts 0 completed it.

I think tactical patience is a must here.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 10:52 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:52:30 -0400

Top, you know there are going to be naysayers BECAUSE these candidates are women....even if some of them graduate.

Let's wait until the school is out to start crowing. That way we'll have real live graduates to throw in the sexists' faces.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 10:58 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:58:50 -0400

It's a start! I congratulate them on their hard work and dedication. There will be many more days that are much harder ahead of them. I hope they have what it takes. Good luck to all the candidates, male and female.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 11:04 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:04:52 -0400

Just out of curiosity, how many, if any, of the men did not pass the PT?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 11:33 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 11:33:52 -0400

I hope most of them make it but I do feel that most won't because most men cannot. We do not want women because of a social agenda, because that would be tragic.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 21 at 2015 12:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 12:20:36 -0400

Now I honestly believe that a woman or women will graduate from ranger training. I know the physical part might be harder, but I am sure the women are superb athletes. They will try to do their best considering they are trying to break down a gate closed for women.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 21 at 2015 1:00 PM

MSG David Chappell — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:00:34 -0400

It's not always about the strongest or the fastest it is not about being male or female at the end of the day it's about heart who has it and who does not. If you have the intestinal fortitude if you have the drive the dedication and the refusal to quit that means more than gender in my book. I attended the Recondi school in 1984 I watch to start with the class of 75 and graduate 30 I attended the battle staff school and watch does a class of 115 reduce itself down to 25. Ranger school is demanding I fully encourage that demand and wish there was a way that they could up the ante just a bit because these people when they complete and earn that tab they are the soldier that others look to for leadership. As I stated at the end of the day it's about heart who has it and who doesn't and I salute those who Complete the school and probably where the tab

Response by PFC Jacob Brunette made Apr 21 at 2015 1:18 PM

PFC Jacob Brunette — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:18:13 -0400

I know some tough women that could out do most men in any training scenario. and maybe even in actual battle. my concern has never been about women pulling their weight or passing the tests. Although i think for combat related jobs. they should have to meet the exact same standards men have to meet. no well its women so lets lower those sit-ups and push ups so these women can pass. you want to be a combat soldier be a combat soldier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 1:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 13:42:41 -0400

Respond to original question…I really dont have a dog in this race, BUT heres my take on it.

WHO CARES? As far as Im concerned there are 300+ Soldiers(maybe some Marines, AirForce, Navy in this class) thats all I see no gender.

I am an 11B. Ive never gone to Ranger School , but I am a Soldier. This "social experiment" or whatever else they want to call this is getting rather silly. If a SOLDIER can make the prescribed standards so be it.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 2:39 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:39:31 -0400

I would think that the advanced schools are more about endurance. Three days ain't nothin'.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 3:42 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 15:42:24 -0400

Keep at it! I can only relate through a TV show I saw about Ranger School where I quickly realized that Day 1 would have been Day Last for me! Best wishes to all the candidates.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 4:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:09:40 -0400

This isn't news and the article is much more sexist than it intended to be. The entire point of this exercise is to promote equality between male and female soldiers. Claiming 16 of 19 female soldiers made it past day one is like patting a driver on the back for doing one lap of the Indy 500: that's the bare minimum and is expected. I'm actually surprised even 3 failed. Not sure why you would show up if you couldn't pass. Newsflash, 302 male soldiers pass the PT test. And...so what? Save the congratulations for those who actually complete the course and don't blow one thing on the first day out of proportion. You're basically saying to them, "Hey, that's pretty good...for a girl." Anyone can pass a PT test on any given day but if any of the 16 remaining can meet the challenges and exceed the standards for the next 60 days, then you'll have your story.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 5:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 17:20:31 -0400

Hope they or one can make it. Course that brings up another question. If a female cannot pass the Marine Corps Infantry Officers course does that mean the Marines are tougher than the Army? lol

Response by SGT Richard Ellis made Apr 21 at 2015 5:44 PM

SGT Richard Ellis — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 17:44:32 -0400

As long as the PT standards are the same for the Men and Women, I'm ALL for it.
Don't give the female standards. I can still pass the female standards and I'm considered 100% disabled.

Good luck to All the Men and Women going thru the course

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 6:45 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 18:45:57 -0400

Was it Male or Female standards, or was it full on 5 mile run within 40 minutes, with sit ups, push ups and chin ups?

I am totally fine with women being rangers, but was the standards lowered to make it nothing more than glorified political ass kissing or was it legit PT to see if women can make the rest of 8 weeks?

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Apr 21 at 2015 6:50 PM

PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 18:50:22 -0400

As long as their standards are the same as everyone else I'm okay with it

Response by PO2 Terri Myre made Apr 21 at 2015 7:45 PM

PO2 Terri Myre — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 19:45:25 -0400

THAT WAS ONLY DAY ONE!!! LMMFAO!!!

Response by SSG Carlos Garcia made Apr 21 at 2015 8:17 PM

SSG Carlos Garcia — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 20:17:04 -0400

There are many more days into selection. We'll see then.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 9:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 21:13:37 -0400

To those who say that passing the RPFT is not an amazing accomplishment, here's a stat for you: only TEN percent of aspiring Ranger-qualified Soldiers fail due to academic reasons. That encompasses getting a no-go on your patrol and getting peered. 60% fail during RAP, and the RPFT claims the most victims. ("48...48...48...") Don't even think about comparing the APFT to the RPFT. Ranger School slots are at a premium, so the people who fail the RPFT are veritable PT gods at their home units.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 22 at 2015 12:15 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:15:05 -0400

I never doubt(ed) anyone (male or female) who is a Soldier and wants something bad enough. Ranger School is about heart and never quitting.

I think this was a silly article, and they have a long way to go. One day at a time.

I wish them well, as I have said before here, and I have concerns as well; as I have said before too, and have had for many years. I just hope, if a woman makes it, she will do it to the same standards that all men have done in the past. I also hope they don't help them make it for PC reasons, or help them fail for other reasons.

This issue has been swirling for many years... long before the Congress Directed DOD to report back on what combat jobs women can do, and not do and why.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 12:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:58:50 -0400

RPFT - Standard: The RPA is administered to the standard as depicted in FM3-22.20. The event consists of the push-up, sit-up, FIVE-mile run, and chin-ups. Regardless of age, the student will be tested in the 17 to 21 year old age bracket, and you must score 70 points per event. This means 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, 5 mile run in 40 minutes or less, and 6 chin-ups (with palms facing you), as a minimum, must be achieved.

This really isn’t that hard. I’m an old guy and can achieve this on any given day. I’m hardly a PT stud. I can’t imagine any young person, male or female, attempting Ranger school showing up too unfit to accomplish this.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 2:13 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 02:13:46 -0400

Rangers, let me direct your attention to the "Rock of Woe" (I find it funny that they let them wear rain gear now, oh how those pesky standards change).

I like the discussion, I find it humorous...I found Ranger School humorous too! Yeah it sucked but if it's the hardest thing you have done in your life, you have some surprises in store for you. What's so funny about this discussion is that nobody is pointing out the 78 males that failed...now that's pathetic

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 3:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:01:14 -0400

The first day from what I remember was the easiest day of RAP week. There's still plenty of events that can send them home the first week. Land nav and the ruck march come immediately to mind. I think it's a bit early to be celebrating.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 22 at 2015 3:40 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 03:40:32 -0400

Nope, the naysayers will continue. Most won't stop even if all of them complete the course. Many just get past their egos to be supportive of these Soldiers. Sadly, these female Soldiers has significant number of their comrades, brothers and sisters in arms, hoping they fail just so they can they say they were right.

Response by SGT Frederick Emerson made Apr 22 at 2015 6:44 AM

SGT Frederick Emerson — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 06:44:39 -0400

Good luck ladies, but I'm not buying. I hope that you have thought through the physical ramifications. If you get stress fractures of the hips or collarbones you will never be the same. Back in the day we did studies on the female bodies and what happens to them during different events and the lasting effects. Wonder what happened to that report. Just so I don't get the you hate females replies. My wife and I meet at Ft. Bragg and she was a paratrooper. So I do believe females can do a lot of the same, but please understand the 2 bodies are completely different. Once the damage is done there is no return.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 7:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:47:11 -0400

To all that remain, good luck.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 22 at 2015 8:16 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 08:16:27 -0400

CSM Private RallyPoint Member, I hope everyone continues to do well. It's a long way to the finish.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Apr 22 at 2015 8:45 AM

SGT Beau Thomas — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 08:45:48 -0400

I think the stakes are very high for these women. There could be book deals, movies, talk show circuit, paid speaking engagements....so if any pass, they not only get the tab, they get a pot-o-gold.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 22 at 2015 9:25 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:25:50 -0400

Not trying to be a naysayer, but weren't all the women required to go through extensive pre-training (not to mention that they all were hand selected even before this all started?) to be in the select group and we still lost 15% the first day?

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 9:58 AM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:58:04 -0400

By naysayers, I'm gathering that you are trying to make a point against the people who disagree with GI and ranger school. So, here's my personal response.

I honestly know that some (not all) of the females who are going through right now were treated favorably in order to be better prepared for Ranger School. And "favorably" is a very conservative way of putting it. For example: multiple opportunities to pass RTAC; training in-between RTAC cycles to get better prepared to complete RTAC; training by an RI (not from RTB or RTAC) to get better prepared for Ranger School; PT plans focused on RAP week events and weapons training. All of this took place on the the governments dime at Ft. Banning and they did not have duty obligations back at their units. I'm sure all Ranger students would love to be put on active duty orders (if guard or reserve) or separated from their daily duties to strictly prepare for Ranger school. At the end of the day, they needed this preparation in order to have a good shot at passing rap week in ranger school.
Saying that... if they went straight to Ranger School (like the vast majority Ranger Students do) and did not get trained in preparation to go, how would they fair? I personally know that the several needed time to recover and get the extra training to potential pass RTAC. Not all, but several. (it was a significant number when your talking about 19 total)

I have seen the GI from the very beginning until now. My personal opinion, based on what I have seen first hand, is that all females 'collectively' will not be able to walk on to Ranger school and be successful. They need extensive training, physically and tactically (at the one on one level) in order to have a slim chance of being successful. And by training I mean separation from duty to do nothing but train and improve physical fitness. My reasoning behind this: the females who came to attempt ranger school are the most elite, physically fit, and top .17% of all females in the Army (130 out of 74000). So if they need all of this training, how will the other 99.83% of females fair?
If the 16 make it, how does that reflect all females? Over 130(approximately) attempted, and 16 are left (12%). .02% of ALL females that were allowed to attempt still have chance. If these were males, this would be deemed an epic failure. Do the math on the money the government spent on this, and tell me this is worth the tax payers dime. It's boarder line criminal. Hundreds of thousands of dollars, literally, from the pay, tdy, salary of the personal instructor, time away from their unit (other people doing double duty), salaries for O/As for several months, and the actual cost of sending a soldier to ranger school.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:08 AM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:08:13 -0400

I'm gathering that you are trying to make a point against the people who disagree with GI and ranger school. So, here's my personal response.

I honestly know that some (not all) of the females who are going through right now were treated favorably in order to be better prepared for Ranger School. And "favorably" is a very conservative way of putting it. For example: multiple opportunities to pass RTAC; training in-between RTAC cycles to get better prepared to complete RTAC; training by an RI (not from RTB or RTAC) to get better prepared for Ranger School; PT plans focused on RAP week events and weapons training. All of this took place on the the governments dime at Ft. Banning and they did not have duty obligations back at their units. I'm sure all Ranger students would love to be put on active duty orders (if guard or reserve) or separated from their daily duties to strictly prepare for Ranger school. At the end of the day, they needed this preparation in order to have a good shot at passing rap week in ranger school.
Saying that... if they went straight to Ranger School (like the vast majority Ranger Students do) and did not get trained in preparation to go, how would they fair? I personally know that the several needed time to recover and get the extra training to potential pass RTAC. Not all, but several. (it was a significant number when your talking about 19 total)

I have seen the GI from the very beginning until now. My personal opinion, based on what I have seen first hand, is that all females 'collectively' will not be able to walk on to Ranger school and be successful. They need extensive training, physically and tactically (at the one on one level) in order to have a slim chance of being successful. And by training I mean separation from duty to do nothing but train and improve physical fitness. My reasoning behind this: the females who came to attempt ranger school are the most elite, physically fit, and top .17% of all females in the Army (130 out of 74000). So if they need all of this training, how will the other 99.83% of females fair?
If the 16 make it, how does that reflect all females? Over 130 (approximately) attempted, and 16 are left (12%). .02% of ALL females that were allowed to attempt still have chance. If these were males, this would be deemed an epic failure. Do the math on the money the government spent on this, and tell me this is worth the tax payers dime. It's boarder line criminal. Hundreds of thousands of dollars, literally, from the pay, tdy, salary of the personal instructor, time away from their unit (other people doing double duty), salaries for O/As for several months, and the actual cost of sending a soldier to ranger school.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 22 at 2015 10:14 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:14:32 -0400

As many have pointed out already, there is a lot more to go before anybody should be congratulated.

If any females can pass the standards of the course without any degradation of those standards or any advantages given to them that are not available to males, then I say "congratulations and more power to them". I would be proud to have them join the ranks of those who earned and wear the Ranger Tab.

After the initial week of qualification/training, a large number of Ranger students are dropped due to injuries, as well as physical exhaustion. Will be interesting to see how many complete the course and earn the Tab.

I am adamantly opposed to reducing standards for females or reducing standards for everyone so females can meet them.

Response by CPL Matthew Yates made Apr 22 at 2015 4:44 PM

CPL Matthew Yates — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 16:44:10 -0400

I like that everyone gets to voice their opinion...but, when tackling something I know nothing about, I like to find someone who has...I've witnessed females in combat zones...I listen to them...

http://www.westernjournalism.com/the-problems-of-women-in-combat-from-a-female-combat-vet/

I've been, and completed Ranger school...I look forward to the article written years from now by the first female graduate of Ranger school...

The Problems of Women in Combat - From a Female Combat Vet

It’s not all about qualification. I’m speaking as a female Marine Iraq war vet who did serve in the combat zone doing entry checkpoint duty in Fallujah, an

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 7:15 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 19:15:15 -0400

I for one do not doubt them. Some females in the military are bad ass

Response by SGM Erik Wilson made Apr 23 at 2015 8:40 AM

SGM Erik Wilson — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:40:04 -0400

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 23 at 2015 9:17 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 09:17:54 -0400

I have always supported the initiative to put women in combat MOSs and open up these traditionally male schools to women. IMHO, though, we need to let these things play out w/o the daily color commentary on every step made. Let the program have room to breathe and let these women complete their training w/o the stress of being under the microscope. The more attention we give it, positive or otherwise, the more we make it a spectator sport and the less credibility we give it as a groundbreaking opportunity for women. Again, IMHO, this level of attention gives fuel to the naysayers cause.

Keep on trucking ladies, and power to you!!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 10:32 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:32:09 -0400

Not for a second! I say keep pushing! I am certain there are a few that will succeed!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 23 at 2015 11:17 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:17:57 -0400

They have to be ready for a marathon of events. I think some will make it.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 23 at 2015 1:24 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:24:50 -0400

Congratulations to the women who pass the PT Test, but I'm "ole school" don't believe we have to use our women in a combat role. The U.S isn't like other countries using women and children to help fight a war, we still have more than enough males to take on combat missions.

Response by SGT Jeanine Mezei made Apr 23 at 2015 4:31 PM

SGT Jeanine Mezei — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:31:43 -0400

Of course people still doubt them. Even if just one woman earns her tab, there will be people who say she got a pass or was held to a different standard. Those people will never go away but the Soldiers who support them are all that matter at this point.

Response by 1SG Michael Bonnett made Apr 23 at 2015 5:19 PM

1SG Michael Bonnett — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 17:19:40 -0400

As all those future candidates for the position of Sgt Maj of the Army post here for their political credentials and encourage this waste of time I read with amusement just how far they will go with their comments...

If men and women could do the same job there would not be segregated sports.... I did not see any females in the NFL games on the playing field. Why is that?

Anyone who has been to ground combat knows how foolish this experiment is....Lives will be lost...

Lest we forget why we are doing this it was two female officers in the Guard or Reserves who wanted to sue because they did not think they would make General without a combat command.....

All of those stepping in here and putting in your political creds statements should be removed from command for lack of integrity.

Honesty is a requirement of a leader.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 6:12 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:12:52 -0400

I don't think "doubt" was ever really the main concern with their ability to pass the school. It's more of the idea of women being introduced to combat roles in the military. Now that, I do have doubts about.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Apr 23 at 2015 6:44 PM

SPC Makissa Lewis — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:44:39 -0400

Thanks for sharing this. I hope it encourage more women to try. To me that is half the battle right there.

Response by CPT David Jones made Apr 23 at 2015 7:28 PM

CPT David Jones — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 19:28:57 -0400

8 women remain after Ruck March, heading to the Darby Queen:

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/04/23/integrated-ranger-school-rap-week-update/26260827/

8 women, 184 men remain in Ranger School assessment

Eight women and 184 men have successfully completed the first four days of Ranger School, officials at Fort Benning, Georgia, announced Thursday.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 23 at 2015 10:26 PM

SPC Angel Guma — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:26:07 -0400

The naysayers will doubt right up till they get their tab. Then it'll be denial.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Apr 23 at 2015 10:49 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:49:45 -0400

I thought there were 20 female and 400 male that started this cycle? If 3 failed the PT test what is the status of the one unmentioned female? If 78 males failed the PT test that's slightly over 6%, 5% fail rate for the ladies. On par. My bet is that the women won't have any more failures but the men may well have a few more. What say you?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 11:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 23:34:55 -0400

Painful attrition rates after RAP week. Nearly 58% of the female candidates fail. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/04/23/half-of-female-soldiers-finish-week-one-of-army-ranger-school.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

The story at the link is great, except that it says that Ranger studs get "three to four hours of sleep a night for eight weeks." That would be nice!

Eight Women Complete Week One of Army Ranger School

Half of the female soldiers who entered the first co-ed class of Ranger School have completed the first week of the course.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 24 at 2015 3:43 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:43:46 -0400

** UPDATE **

In major step, eight women make it through Ranger School’s grueling ‘RAP Week’ ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/04/23/in-major-step-eight-women-make-it-through-ranger-schools-grueling-rap-week/?tid=hpModule_4697cf50-868d-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394&hpid=z14

In major step, eight women make it through Ranger School’s grueling ‘RAP Week’

The results raise the prospect that female soldiers could graduate from the elite course for the first time ever.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 24 at 2015 3:50 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:50:03 -0400

It's great really. I think women are capable of doing anything men can do. The media did not care about Ranger school until very recently. Bringing light to Ranger school might be bad and good. Outsiders will be looking in and fail to understand or grasp military tradition and might want to change things.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 9:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 09:14:31 -0400

Good for them!!! We need to support all Soldiers that are willing to try out for Ranger school.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 9:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 09:21:06 -0400

16% of females failed compared to 20% of males. How realistic is this? It's not. Common sense (and science) tells me that the percentage should've been much higher for females, at least 32%. If the APFT were gender neutral, who would generally score much higher? Males. Also, do you think the RTB is under pressure to pass these females whether they meet the traditional standard or not? Absolutely.

If you're saying that the standards are the same, consider this: of the four events, the only event that REQUIRES performance to be measured in exactly the same way is the run. Other than that, who is to say, for instance, that they aren't counting crappy push-ups for females? I mean, I see it done all the time on regular APFTs.

To be clear, I believe that there are women capable of doing this. I just think that this has turned into a huge dog and pony show. It is sad to see how our Army's focus has shifted from being the world's most powerful Army to being the most politically correct. You should've seen this coming (I know I did) when the U.S. government falsely attempted to portray Jessica Lynch as a heroine back in 2003.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 10:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 10:17:10 -0400

Now Ranger School begins. Eight female soldiers survived the first four days. Statically the probability of more than one or two completing the school is slim to none. They have shown tremendous courage and determination. The greater question here is the agenda being pushed at a very high level that reflects a disconnect from the reality of the world and the nature of war. The conflicts we have been engaged in over the past decades have shaped a mine set that is delusional not just to the public but to those in the military. Even our overwhelming military superiority time and again has been countered by third world forces that have proved resourceful and highly adaptive. We will no doubt be on the receiving end of shock and awe in some future conflict. War is one great horror show. It is not gender neutral.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Apr 24 at 2015 12:36 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:36:50 -0400

if they can do it to the standards set for the men, they I say let them at it! Though I do feel they need to do everything the men do to the same standards.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Apr 24 at 2015 4:19 PM

SFC Rich Carey — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 16:19:22 -0400

The problem is not the women, it is our culture. If anyone can meet or exceeds the standards then they should be recognized.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 24 at 2015 5:41 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 17:41:15 -0400

What is more interesting is that these 16 Women can then apply for the Cultural Support Teams (CST) Special Operations Teams and do one hell of a job, while no men can apply for CST because they do not have what it takes and because no man can do what a CST member can do.

Response by SGT Wain Lyden made Apr 24 at 2015 7:10 PM

SGT Wain Lyden — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 19:10:58 -0400

Awesome job ladies

Response by CPL Matthew Yates made Apr 28 at 2015 2:00 PM

CPL Matthew Yates — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:00:39 -0400

What's the status on the female Ranger school candidates?...heard a lot of fuss at first, now just crickets...curious to see how Mountains phase is gonna look...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 12:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:26:43 -0400

I've seen a lot of comments on here about whether or not the women have a lower stander on the RPFT at Pre-Ranger and Ranger school. I'm sure someone else may have already put this straight, but here is another one.
Men and women are both required to achieve 49 pushups, 59 sit-ups and complete the 5-mile run in 40 minutes or less.

Response by CPL Matthew Yates made May 7 at 2015 2:16 PM

CPL Matthew Yates — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:16:50 -0400

Update on the female Ranger school candidates: "All 8 failed Darby patrols. Some had three shots. Some will be recommended to be dropped. Some will have opportunity to recycle."

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 7 at 2015 2:38 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:38:46 -0400

My question is, how do you fail a PT test at all?

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 9:30 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 09:30:05 -0400

Not a naysayer Top...I've always felt that there is no gender when one is a soldier, airman, sailor or marine. However, and with all due respect, the constant coverage of the events does in fact make it gender specific and that is what I have a problem with.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 2:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:15:17 -0400

Unfortunately, there will always be naysayers.

Personally, I hope they kick some ass! As I've said before, even if they don't make it, they will be inspiration for those that do!!!

I know of quite a few females that I would go into combat with. They had the capability & the knowledge to lead.