Posted on Jun 2, 2015
How likely is it to get a seat for Ranger School being in the Army National Guard?
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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?
Ranger School
Army National Guard
Ranger
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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.
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.
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1LT(P) (Join to see)
I don't like the fact that you're tromping down his willingness to attend a school that'll help him become a better leader. Where there's a will there's a way. He just need to create a case to attend. ABN School, Best Warrior competition(shooting to become the best, not just participating), and any supportive training he could tap into. Just my strong .2cents.
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CPT (Join to see)
1LT(P) (Join to see) - I don't think I am trumping him down at all. National Guard don't do very well at selecting their soldiers to go to Ranger School. It is evident at the National Guard Pre-Ranger. A SPC in the Guard just really lacks experience generally. I am not saying that they are going to fail but they would have to prove their worth if they wanted a slot.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC (Join to see) - In the National Guard? No guarantees. As CPT Rosa pointed out, a lot of that depends on your state, the type of unit, and the funding available. I will say that it's much more available today than when I was still National Guard, even though there were still some slots available then.
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Very if you are deserving. Talk to 1LT Eric Rosa, he managed to get a slot and he is National Guard.
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SSgt (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see)
Care to help the young gentleman, WITHOUT the use of memes... :P
Care to help the young gentleman, WITHOUT the use of memes... :P
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CPT (Join to see) just finished Ranger School during the past year, and he is in the NG. Hopefully he will chime in here.
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1LT(P) (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - Being NG, [I'm USAR] how much time after you got to your Inf. unit did it take you to attend Ranger School? and most importantly getting prepared for the grueling suck process of Ranger School?
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Had a guy in the unit years ago that had no problem getting a shot a ranger training, he also went through MP training.
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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.
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1LT (Join to see)
Order of Merit List, I believe what it stands for.
In my state we do one once a year, prove yourself physically and mentally. If you're at the top, you get shots at schools.
I'm in the NG as well, and a Ranger grad.
In my state we do one once a year, prove yourself physically and mentally. If you're at the top, you get shots at schools.
I'm in the NG as well, and a Ranger grad.
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT(P) (Join to see) As a -10 series in any MOS your shot at getting a slot is slim to none. Keep working and training, as a -20 (SGT) or -30 (SSG) you will be given different opportunities to refine your leadership skills.
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Another option is to win the state level Best Warrior Competition...typically the "prize" is military school of choice if funding is available.
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SFC (Join to see)
That is an option. For some odd reason funding never seems to be a issue for that..lol
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CPT (Join to see)
That won't work. His MOS would have to be one capable of having the identifier. As a 42A he wouldn't be able to go. His unit wouldn't be able to trap a slot or allocate funding for it.
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1SG (Join to see)
42A is no longer exclusionary...the slot may matter, but not the MOS. Since 2005: "The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) created many new challenges for our Army. Traditional branch roles on the battlefield are no longer the norm for our forces and the threat facing us today requires that we ensure additional select leaders of CS and CSS units receive the unique skills taught at Ranger School. The Chief of Staff, Army has approved select CS and CSS Soldiers for enrollment into Ranger School."
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SFC (Join to see)
And add to that of winning State level Best Warrior Competition. It may vary State to State, but in mine both the SEL and State CSM will move mountains if a Soldier wants x school for winning their competition. IF they are fully prepared and ready to go. Had 1 of my Soldiers win the competition some years ago and wanted to go to Pathfinder (no ASI slot etc), but he got it, went and passed.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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!
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!
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