Posted on Oct 23, 2020
How can an IBOLC graduate improve their chances of getting into Ranger School after not passing RPA the first time around?
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re: Ranger School Admission -- Any advice for a young IBOLC-graduate officer who did not pass RPA first time around, but who is determined to pass with flying colors the second time around, regarding improving his chances (between now and then or during the RPA) that the Brigade Commander will grant him admission to RS? Is there a letter he should write? Tasks he can perform? How best to stand out in a positive way?
Ranger
11A: Infantry Officer
Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course (IBOLC)
Ranger School
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP)
Posted >1 y ago
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I’m confused, is your son aware that you are asking so as to give him advice or are you asking for him? Why didn’t he pass the RPA the first time, which event did he fail?
In the Army, performance dictates your success, it is on him to show that he deserves to go Ranger School, no one else is responsible for that. If he is still in IBOLC then he only had one opportunity to attend Ranger, he will have to PCS to his unit and attempt to go back from there. The RPA at the end of IBOLC serves as their chance to gain a slot, if they do not pass that then they are sent to their follow on assignments. I may sound callous, I’m just telling you how it works. He won’t get another chance until he gets to his unit.
In the Army, performance dictates your success, it is on him to show that he deserves to go Ranger School, no one else is responsible for that. If he is still in IBOLC then he only had one opportunity to attend Ranger, he will have to PCS to his unit and attempt to go back from there. The RPA at the end of IBOLC serves as their chance to gain a slot, if they do not pass that then they are sent to their follow on assignments. I may sound callous, I’m just telling you how it works. He won’t get another chance until he gets to his unit.
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Patricia McIntosh-Mize
No, he does not know I'm asking, and he'd probably be pissed if he did know. He injured his ankle during IBOLC but thought he could push his way through it and could not. Not sure how much you know about Army moms, but being a mother is not something you just turn on and off like a faucet. So yes, I am presuming to ask here because maybe there will be some guidance I can provide that will help *on top of what he is already doing on his own.* My sons are everything to me. You acknowledged you may sound callous. I will acknowledge that I may sound like a Mama Bear. I have utmost respect for your rank. I hope you can respect mine. We both want the same thing -- an Army officer who is as highly qualified and prepared to lead and do the Infantry job as is possible. The difference here is that your heart won't break for him if he does not achieve his dream of going to RS. Mine will.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
Patricia McIntosh-Mize - The reality is that if he was injured to a degree that effected his ability to perform, he should have had it medically treated, took the profile to let it heal, even if it mean that he was recycled back to another class. CPT. Sleight is correct he won't get another chance at IBOLC. There are always more Officers than school seats and at least today you performance at RPA is a major factor. I my day, if you weren't assigned to an Airborne, Air Assault or Light Unit, you just didn't get a slot out of what was at the time IOBC. His real option now is to get his injury treated and healed and start applying when he hits his first unit. The chance from there depend on the slots available to the unit and his performance once he is there. They won't waste a school slot on someone that they don't think will pass it.
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Unless the SM was washed out for a reason(s) that prohibits reapplying, they should be able to do so when a slot becomes available in the school. Your mention of a letter requesting favorable consideration will not hurt but must be submitted through the chain of command and should at a minimum express what caused the SM to fail the first time and what they have done to correct the issue. Letters of recommendation from the unit commander and CSM certainly do not hurt and could be the thing that tips the scales in favor of acceptance.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.
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Patricia McIntosh-Mize
Thank you for your response, LTC Brandon!
Sorry - I'm new to all this. What does SM stand for?
Sorry - I'm new to all this. What does SM stand for?
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If he is still at IBOLC, his only option is to speak with his Chain of Command at 2-11. Outside of that, he needs to heal and recover in order to complete his other follow on training and re attempt Ranger School from his first unit of assignment. Approximately 60% of IN LTs go through the process of PCSing and going back from their next unit. CPT Sleight is 100% correct. I understand your viewpoint as a parent but your son is an adult and officer in the United States Army. He needs to deal with his failures and successes on his own.
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