Posted on Jun 22, 2015
COL Charles Williams
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The 3 remaining women who attempted the Darby Phase twice, but were eventually dropped and who were allowed to recycle to a Day 1 restart, start over yesterday with RAP week.

I wish them luck!

As I said previously, I for one, am thankful I never got recycled, let alone to 1 Day.... I am not sure I would have accepted a Day 1 restart after two attempts at Darby...

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/06/19/ranger-school-women-third-try/28929569/
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 19
SFC Benjamin Mulkey
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I have to completely disagree an the thought process revolving around diminishing the importance of upper body strength and endurance. You simply cannot diminish the importance of those factors and their value in the mission. It actually boils down to safety. Trainees in the course must be able to demonstrate that marginal level of upper body strength for the tasks ahead of them. ie. Mountaineering, small boat operations, etc.. There are tasks that require upper body strength and endurance. The standards for Ranger School are MINIMAL in comparison to those upheld as the REAL standards for excellence in actual units. Even in a basic Infantry unit there are some small units (All leadership driven) that refuse to accept anything beneath the extended scale of the PT test as anything to be proud of. But the minimum standards of Ranger School are in place to protect the trainees for the tasks ahead of them when climbing, rappelling (Buddy Rappel), and conducting capsize drills on the boats in Florida. So, I disagree with the removal of these events.
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MSG Scott Swank
MSG Scott Swank
9 y
I also give SFC Mulkey a Hooah! When I went (class 9-88) many of the safety standards were missing. I was very lucky to get 1st time goes in all phases, to include and extra phase at Dugway. Upper body strength, endurance, the ability to think when completely exhausted and work on little sleep and food is not for the faint of heart. Please don't lower any of the standards of Ranger School just to prove that some people can make it...
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SSG Ranger Day
SSG Ranger Day
9 y
The intake of becoming an infantryman is a breeze. The women have been in the military long enough to know what it takes to succeed. Ranger school gives that scenario of harsh environments, fatigue, and determination to get the job done and not feel sorry for yourself. It's about getting the job done and bringing the man to the left and right back home. Now can these women or any other women do the job? I don't know. Is it a motivator to try? Of course. It's a stepping block to see if they are capable not to let their ranger buddy down and unit. Also deter them from accomplishing the mission. Anyone can point a finger and say get it done. But it takes an awesome leader to lead from the front and command in utter chaos.
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
9 y
SSG Ranger Day - Hooah and thanks!
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
9 y
MSG Scott Swank - Hooah! Thanks for your comments!!!
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LTC(P) Police Officer
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I started three times, I got dropped the first one for medical reason then went back a few months later and got a day one recycle after Darby phase. It's a tough course that is very demanding I applaud them for having the intestinal fortitude to try again. On another note I almost wish they would take the pull-ups and push-ups out of it sopeople will stop saying that the standards are unrealistic. Those are the only two events that I can think of that are primarily upper body related.
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
9 y
Hooah LTC(P) (Join to see). Thanks for your insights! I agree... that makes sense; the tests to get in are just that.

I went in 1985, after OCS at Fort Benning (which is largely Infantry OSUT and WLC of shorts; it prepared me well for Ranger School) and then Armor Officer Basic (Which, is like the polar opposite of Light Infantry, but that is another story). I was a 300+ PT guy as a 2LT, and was training hard for Ranger School. What nearly killed me (got me to quit that is) was the road-marching and dismounted movements, and the speed...

My feet were so sore (hot spots) after 12-15 (100 degrees on gravel) miler to Darby... (I think it was 19; we measured it after we graduated), that I could not even easily stand... and who do you think hears their roster number called as soon as we got there to be PL... yes, me... Had it not been for my Ranger Buddy, (SPC Jesse Wolfe, 3rd Ranger Battalion) I would have quit when we got to Darby, because of my feet. I guess Armor got me a little soft... But, he alone, taught me to care for my feet quickly, and from then on, my feet were like leather... I also had a mentor, who went as a CPT (who was a marathoner), who said it nearly killed him, and to just take one day a time...

Jesse and I, had the fastest time on the Darby queen in our class.
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LTC Bink Romanick
LTC Bink Romanick
9 y
I couldn't even get the R on the Ranger Tab
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
9 y
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LTC Bink Romanick I'm with you on that!
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SSG Martin Reyna
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Great demonstration of will power and fortitude. But, I believe that there should be a limited amount of consecutive tries. There is a lot of money and time spent on this course. If someone could not pass the course they should be returned to there unit. There they can train harder and longer and try again later. Standards should definitely not be lowered.

Don't fix it if it isn't broken..
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