In historic first, three women tackle Ranger School's grueling mountain phase

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:46:15 -0400

This is a very interesting read. I don't know how this will end up, but these woman are definitely hard... too say they least. Their comments say a lot about them, and what they expect.. which was nothing, but the opportunity to try... no special considerations.

As I said before... I don't know what I would have done, if I was recycled... let alone more than once... let alone to day one...

The mountains and swamps are tough to say the least, but statistics are on their side. Some said previously "the Mountains will suck your soul."

Hooah to these Soldiers!

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2015/0716/In-historic-first-three-women-tackle-Ranger-School-s-grueling-mountain-phase

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 17 at 2015 11:53 AM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:53:24 -0400

Great job to all Ranger candidates. I look forward when it doesn't matter what gender achieves a major accomplishment.

Love this excerpt from article

The Ranger Instructors report they have seen little difference so far in the men and women, except for one small thing, says Sergeant 1st Class Andrew Peddycord. “Just from what I’ve seen so far, they’re the only ones not complaining.”

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 17 at 2015 12:33 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 12:33:21 -0400

They have about three left of 19, so that's what? a 37% success rate? That's actually not far off of the overall graduation rate of 42%. I have to say...I'm impressed. Kudos to them for hanging in there, and to Ranger School for not bending on the standards.

Response by SSG Todd Lysfjord made Jul 17 at 2015 12:59 PM

SSG Todd Lysfjord — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 12:59:55 -0400

Mostly a well written article with one exception...nobody who successfully completes Ranger School goes on to a more "elite" unit or assignment. The graduate goes back to the unit who saw fit to send the candidate to Ranger School in the first place.

The writer makes the point of clarifying that none of the women who may graduate would not go to an "elite" unit but eludes to the fact that many of their male counterparts do...this is absolutely false.

Once again the lay person is given added confusion between the relationship of Ranger School and the 75th Ranger Regiment to which there is virtually none...except they both have Ranger in their designation.

RLTW!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 5:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:54:54 -0400

The best advice I got about the mountains before leaving for school was from a fellow LRS NCO. He told me, "When you are trudging up the mountains and your head is hanging low and you're just staring at your feet, remember to look up occasionally and take in the view." It may seem like a small thing, but for me at least, it was a huge psychological boost how beautiful it was at the top of some of those mountains. Some people pay to go on trips in nature like that... granted not for 21 days of pure punishment, but still...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 8:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 20:26:29 -0400

I am surprised by this. It was actually pretty good. I like the part where the CPT say everything hurts even your spirit. LOL. I think it hurt the worst there. I did mountains twice. I think that was that was the worst I have ever suffered in my life. I didn't even have a break between classes due to best ranger pushing a class up there faster.

Response by LTC Robert McKenna made Jul 20 at 2015 3:07 PM

LTC Robert McKenna — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 15:07:12 -0400

The non recycle pass rate for those who show up for the first day of Mountains is 70% and the non recycle pass rate for Florida is 77%. Which makes the non-recycle pass rate on day one of Mountains for the entire remainder of the course around 53%.

I wish them well, but its still around a 50/50 proposition that the three will make it through without another recycle.