How likely is it to get a seat for Ranger School being in the Army National Guard?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:03:13 -0400

I'm one those soldiers that like to be challenged physically and mentally and basic training wasn't that physically demanding. So my question is how likely is it to get a seat for Ranger school being in the army national guard and the budget cuts that are happening?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:11:33 -0400

Right now it will be pretty difficult. Notice I didn't say impossible, but difficult. Key thing though: are you sitting in a slot designated as Ranger? The only slots I have on my UMR designated for the ASI of Ranger are Team Leaders and up.

Use this as a long term goal. The money will eventually straighten itself out. Continue to improve yourself and show your leadership your desire to go.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:15 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:15:26 -0400

Ian not sitting in a slot designated as ranger .does qualifying for ranger school matter on your m.o.s?

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 2 at 2015 5:16 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:16:35 -0400

Very if you are deserving. Talk to 1LT Eric Rosa, he managed to get a slot and he is National Guard.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:42 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:42:59 -0400

Another option is to win the state level Best Warrior Competition...typically the "prize" is military school of choice if funding is available.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 2 at 2015 5:57 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:57:09 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member just finished Ranger School during the past year, and he is in the NG. Hopefully he will chime in here.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 6:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:01:15 -0400

I hate to tell you this but as a 42A you have about as likely of a chance as getting as you are becoming an professional baseball player.

I went to Ranger School while in the National Guard. I am currently sending one of my squad leaders next month. We also have five slots next year. But we are a Infantry company in a Combined Arms Battalion in a Brigade Combat team. Ranger is for combat arms primarily. If you wanted to go to Ranger you should have looked at infantry.

You are in a support MOS. There is no need for a 42A to be Ranger Qualified. As stated else where all of the slots in a unit are coded with an MOS. My mos has a "G" code in it. It denotes being Ranger Qualified. So in that case I went to Ranger school. It is that way in a lot of slots in an infantry company.

If you really want make a run for this you should look at reclassing to 11B and going to the 32nd BCT in your state. Because your state has a BCT in it if your state was going to send anyone to Ranger School it would be a soldier from the 32nd. They could use the skills better. It would also be some time. I can see you are young. Ranger school is a leadership course. I would wait a while and part your time in first.

Keep in mind. First, the reason why you want the school. I didn't go to get a Ranger Tab. If you really want one you could go and just buy one. I wanted to be a better leader and Ranger. Also, basic is a horrible gauge for Ranger. I have deployed twice to Iraq and thought a year in Iraq was easier than Ranger school.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 8:25 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 20:25:18 -0400

See if your state does an OML and do your best!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 11:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 23:49:21 -0400

1. If you are a combat MOS you have a better chance.

2. Compleat SSD1 and WLC. Try to get honor grad. It shows you are above the average.

3. Compleat airborne and air assault. If your unit is airborne.

4. PT PT PT and PT make sure you have a 270-289 17-21 age group.

5. Stand out and show you are worth the investment. You have to sell yourself. Tell your leadership how ranger school will improve your knowledge to lead future soldiers.

6. Keep trying. If that fails then do the 18X program for guard and you will go after the Q course.

Stay pumped and motivated. Take care buddy!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 02:54:36 -0400

I also just got back in November 2013 while an NG member. It can actually be very easy to get a Ranger slot provided you are willing to put yourself in the proper position. Firstly, you need to be in a Ranger coded slot. 99.9% of these are infantry or special forces. Most E-5 and above positions in a light infantry company are G or V coded. Some companies get many more slots than others. For example, LRS is infested with tabs. Secondly, you need to be prepared to go at a moment's notice. This means being physically prepred, of course. It also means having your paperwork up to date. This means having a physical within the last 12 to 18 months that states "cleared for Ranger training." Thirdly, make a good impression on those people that matter: the commander, 1SG, and of course the training NCO. If you are well-liked and theae people know you want to go you will be the first one called. Track those people that do have slots so you know early if they can't make it... then you can trade into that slot.

Out of the 20+ schools I've been to, at least 6 or 7 have been last minute because someone else couldn't go. By no means was Ranger school the largest to get either. Best of luck to you. If you have any questions or need any additiona info don't be afraid to ask!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 9:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 21:19:52 -0400

Getting any school slots is like pulling hen's teeth. If you get into a unit that has the funding and slots, make sure you're ready. Chances won't come often, be ready, and that applies to any school, not just Ranger.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 10 at 2016 11:12 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 11:12:38 -0400

One thing for sure, if you don't ask you don't get. If not directly, then indirectly: Soldier of the Year's always a great start.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 26 at 2017 10:12 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 10:12:15 -0500

Had a guy in the unit years ago that had no problem getting a shot a ranger training, he also went through MP training.