How can an IBOLC graduate improve their chances of getting into Ranger School after not passing RPA the first time around?

2020-10-23T14:33:21-04:00

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?

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Oct 23 at 2020 3:37 PM

2020-10-23T15:37:36-04:00

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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2020 5:16 PM

2020-10-23T17:16:37-04:00

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.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2020 9:51 AM

2020-10-24T09:51:59-04:00

Individuals fail Ranger School for a multitude of reasons...failure is just part of the game and it's not a big deal. If your son wants to earn his tab he will find his way back to Camp Rogers all on his own; and he will endeavor to learn and become as prepared as possible. No one can help him do that except himself.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2020 2:41 PM

2020-10-24T14:41:32-04:00

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.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2020 6:53 PM

2020-10-30T18:53:39-04:00

Those who want their tab find a way to get it. You and no one else can want it for him more than he wants it for himself.