Is it possible to branch SF and get a RASP 2 contract immediately in 2021?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:23:21 -0400

I am a cadet and have heard that it is (extremely difficult) to branch SF now. She told me that at her cadet camp SF branch was present and that you have to know someone in order to do so but it is possible. She was mentioning that SF had a branch presentation and that there was an SF tent posted at Fort Knox (cadet camp).

For the RASP 2 contracts out of BOLC, my friend who is also a cadet was during ranger school from officers that for Sig Intel, MI, and another branch they are offering RASP 2 contracts to exceptional graduates. Those officers were infantry he said and he told me how he is reconsidering branching infantry because of this.

I know the prerequisites for both SF and RASP 2, but it is 2021 and there is a need for bodies. I figured if officers who go through direct commission for JAG and Med-Corp are 0-3 immediately it's not too much of a stretch. I just want to know if there is any validity to these rumors, I would love to take advantage of these opportunities if so.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2021 9:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:41:07 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member I can't supply you with any info your asking for but, I wish you the best in your endeavors. Just remember... persistence is a key element for success.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2021 9:43 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:43:22 -0400

No.

You are not going to branch direct into SF, and you are not going to RASP upon commissioning.

RASP requires at least 1-2 stellar OERs in your basic branch, and letters of recommendation.from at least your rater and senior rater.
And then you have to be selected and complete RASP.

SFAS requires you to be at least a 1LT(P) before you apply.
And then you will have to pass SFAS and complete the Q to branch SF.

Officers who go through direct commissioning for JAG and AMEDD have the experience required in law or medicine.

2LTs who just completed ROTC and and graduated college do not have the requisite experience to jump right into Regiment or SF.

Even an SF NCO with 5 years on a team who commissions still has to complete PL time and XO time in a basic branch prior to going back to SF to branch SF as an officer.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 14 at 2021 10:06 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 22:06:06 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member may be able to provide some additional guidance and information.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 12:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:42:27 -0400

I have never, ever, ever heard of any craziness like this. You generally cannot apply to 75th Ranger Regiment as a 2LT. The 75th will want at least one or two evaluations to review before accepting someone to try out. RASP is a selection, it's a try out for a team. That team is 75th Ranger Regiment.

There is no such thing as just branching SF. Officers have a certain window in which they can attend SF Selection and if they make it they go to the Q course and then branch to SF.

If you want to take advantage of either opportunity you only need to commission in your branch and then when they are taking applications for your year group, apply. Just because it's 2021 doesn't mean they need bodies. We are not in the middle of a resource draining war like we were 15 years ago. The SF Regiment and Ranger Regiment are well stocked but always looking for fresh faces to grow the next batch of leaders

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Apr 15 at 2021 3:55 AM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 03:55:18 -0400

Things have changed since I was in but 18A was not an entry level 2LT position. You could serve in a Group but could not go to the Course until you were a Sr 1LT or CPT. Guys need leadership time before SFAS and SFQC

Response by COL David Turk made Apr 15 at 2021 5:53 PM

COL David Turk — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:53:10 -0400

“JAG and Med-Corp are O-3 immediately”
Has that changed? I know at one point, JAG commissioned as 1LT, and Medical Officers (doctors/nurses/PA, not medical support) started off at 1LT and went up depending on their medical specialty and experience.