SPC Benjamin Norman 3330592 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E. G. Not being assigned to only combat units forever 2018-02-07T03:02:27-05:00 SPC Benjamin Norman 3330592

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E. G. Not being assigned to only combat units forever

2018-02-07T03:02:27-05:00 2018-02-07T03:02:27-05:00 1SG Darren James 3330603

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Depends on your career path, but I can’t see a reason in not doing something along those lines if you know that you’re capable of being successful. The Army places a lot of emphasis on military schooling in general, as centralized (and even semi-centralized) promotion boards look favorably on Soldiers that knock them out. And having schools, such as Ranger School, completed can even open up assignments that others may never hear of otherwise (like instructor duty in San Diego).

2018-02-07T03:26:45-05:00 2018-02-07T03:26:45-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 3330713

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don’t see how their could be a benefit to “not” doing these schools... except maybe Ranger... Their are many benefits from not doing Ranger School (keep the feeling in your toes, healthier knees/back, manage healthy weight, etc). <br /><br />But seriously, you should do all three!

2018-02-07T06:06:27-05:00 2018-02-07T06:06:27-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 3330727

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Is there a benefit? Sure, there is. Your body doesn&#39;t hurt as much. Your OPTEMPO is a on a slower side. Even though people say you &quot;need&quot; to do these schools or that you &quot;should&quot; do these schools, you really don&#39;t.

2018-02-07T06:18:40-05:00 2018-02-07T06:18:40-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 3331063

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It definitely saves your body some wear and tear...

2018-02-07T08:53:01-05:00 2018-02-07T08:53:01-05:00 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member 3331335

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Honestly, I believe that certain schools should only be given to those that will actually need them and use the training. I once saw an Intel Captain, not prior enlisted, with Pathfinder wings. It made no sense. But it&#39;s the pretty badge people want.<br />Giving school slots to those that don&#39;t need the school takes away from those that do. Especially with the Army always worried about money and training. In the 187th Infantry back around 2011, the BCT CDR stated that only enlisted will be given Pathfinder slots, it was awesome. More often than not, the SSGs and SFCs in the scout and infantry platoons are the ones conducting PFDR ops, such as HLZs and slingloads, not the Officers.<br />Ranger is another school, it is damn good for the ground pounders, but not so much the support - unless they are going to switch to those MOS&#39;, same with Airborne, how many &quot;5 jump chumps&quot; are there that will never even conduct a proficiency jump? Thousands. <br />The schools are used by many as a way to get promoted, but there are better ways, and people should worry about school that enhance one&#39;s MOS. A finance Soldier doesn&#39;t need Airborne in that field, but a degree, and other ASIs could greatly increase their skills within the jobset.<br /><br />I would love to go to Freefall school, but it is not really in a Civil Affairs skillset to freefall into a country. So instead I&#39;ve been to evasive driving, instructor, and others that actually are useful during a deployment.

2018-02-07T10:02:37-05:00 2018-02-07T10:02:37-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 3331354

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You are less likely to be injured. Did you REALLY sign up for the Army just to be safe like a civilian? Don&#39;t you want to be (pardon the quote from &quot;STRIPES&quot;) A LEAN MEAN FIGHTING MACHINE? Of course you do! Don&#39;t fear Airborne Basic; the towers are far worse than the 5 jumps ... TRUST ME. I will post more later

2018-02-07T10:08:16-05:00 2018-02-07T10:08:16-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 3331360

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The only benefit of not doing them is the risk of injury.

2018-02-07T10:09:49-05:00 2018-02-07T10:09:49-05:00 CSM Richard StCyr 3331485

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There is no benefit to not doing something that helps build knowledge and makes you a better rounded Soldier. <br />Having the skill identifier doesn&#39;t mean that you will always be slotted against that position on the MTOE. At least in Engineer units there are usually fewer coded slots then there are Troops that have the identifiers. <br />SSG Livingston about summed it up nicely the only benefit is the reduction in the amount of Motrin you will need later in life.

2018-02-07T10:42:56-05:00 2018-02-07T10:42:56-05:00 SGT Joseph Gunderson 3331572

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not really. The experiences are invaluable, the benefits to your career of innumerable, and the skills that you gain from each of those schools are incredible. You might get a little beat up though. I guess the only upside is you might not feel so sore when you get older... Keyword being might. I never got to attend any of those schools and I still feel like I&#39;m 70 years old way before I should.

2018-02-07T11:01:20-05:00 2018-02-07T11:01:20-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 3331584

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I honestly can&#39;t see one other than a little less wear and tear on your body (with the exception of being assigned to Regiment). Airborne is the gateway school to anything within the Special Operations Community. If presented the opportunity I would take advantage if I were you. Air assault is only 10-11 days, nothing out of this world difficult about it. These kinds of schools can only help you career. Im guessing i won&#39;t hurt you much as a paralegal(I&#39;m admittedly assuming here), but maybe they set you apart?

2018-02-07T11:04:14-05:00 2018-02-07T11:04:14-05:00 SGM Bill Frazer 3331665

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Think you are missing the point- These schools are designed to push you past your limits, physically, mentally. They are fantastic small group leadership schools. Are you suggesting then, that you will never be in a leadership position if you transit out of combat units, nor in civilian life? Can Do- is a mindset, so is accomplishing your mission, regardless what you are doing. These school teach, enforce and re-develop those type mindsets.

2018-02-07T11:27:49-05:00 2018-02-07T11:27:49-05:00 SMSgt Thor Merich 3331784

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Many folks that attend those schools are not assigned to combat units. Going to those schools will always help you in any MOS. Having those schools on your resume puts you ahead of those who don&#39;t have the schools. Completing those schools shows a strong degree of commitment and the ability to accomplish a difficult task. <br /><br />However, not having those schools doesn&#39;t mean that you cant have a successful military career either. If you don&#39;t have the desire to attend them, don&#39;t let someone else pressure you into going. That is a recipe for failure. The schools are hard enough for those who want to be there. For those that don&#39;t, they are impossible to pass.

2018-02-07T11:59:23-05:00 2018-02-07T11:59:23-05:00 SGM Mikel Dawson 3331797

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not having a broken down beat up body after you get old.

2018-02-07T12:03:16-05:00 2018-02-07T12:03:16-05:00 SGT David T. 3331986

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you&#39;re asking this you may wish to consider ETS. Success in the Army is in part related to how much flair you have on the uniform. So if you want to stay in, go for them. If not, then ETS.

2018-02-07T12:58:15-05:00 2018-02-07T12:58:15-05:00 Sgt Wayne Wood 3332122

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>you don&#39;t get all the fancy trinkets on your uniform. <br /><br />you get to lay in the hospital a couple of decades down the road while the doctor shakes his head sadly and says, &quot;... what a pity, there he is dying of nothing.&quot;

2018-02-07T13:34:27-05:00 2018-02-07T13:34:27-05:00 1SG David Niles 3332354

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No, no benefit at all, but there is a personal benefit for doing them

2018-02-07T14:47:39-05:00 2018-02-07T14:47:39-05:00 MSG Dan Castaneda 3332461

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Benefit? No. Detriment, yes. What&#39;s so good about being average.

2018-02-07T15:16:00-05:00 2018-02-07T15:16:00-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 3332548

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well, for one thing not doing the schools increases the likelihood that you&#39;ll retire and not be in bone grinding pain every day post retirement.

2018-02-07T15:39:18-05:00 2018-02-07T15:39:18-05:00 SGT Mark Halmrast 3333111

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you are asking, then don&#39;t go.

2018-02-07T18:35:25-05:00 2018-02-07T18:35:25-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 3333339

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>More likely to have less lower extremity problems later on?

2018-02-07T20:40:38-05:00 2018-02-07T20:40:38-05:00 SPC Mike Lake 3333358

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Definitely wear and tear on the body that&#39;s for sure but I joined the army because I wanted to jump out of their planes and go to combat that was the sole reason why I joined

2018-02-07T20:53:25-05:00 2018-02-07T20:53:25-05:00 SSG Thomas Bannister 3333614

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Take any school you can get.

2018-02-07T22:32:18-05:00 2018-02-07T22:32:18-05:00 LTC Jason Mackay 3333657

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Practical application wise, air assault is the most useful so you can rig and sling cargo and equipment. You are also set up to do pathfinder, which gives you more air movement skills and you can declare a DZ and certify it. All handy if you are a logistician, company XO, or Battalion S4.<br /><br />Just because you are one of those three qualifications, doesn&#39;t mean you will stay in line battalions forever, also depends on your branch. Plenty of EAB staff jobs with double stacked Rangers in them.<br /><br />Just because you become basic parachutist qualified does not mean a life time on jump status.

2018-02-07T22:57:05-05:00 2018-02-07T22:57:05-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 3333999

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>By not going you will have the benefit of being satisfied with average performance and won&#39;t have that gnawing feeling you get that tells you that you can do better and pushes you to work harder to achieve excellence.

2018-02-08T02:34:56-05:00 2018-02-08T02:34:56-05:00 MSgt Steve Sweeney 3334268

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Benefit for whom?

2018-02-08T07:14:46-05:00 2018-02-08T07:14:46-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 3342892

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Lack of chronic back pain.

2018-02-11T03:32:46-05:00 2018-02-11T03:32:46-05:00 CW5 Ivan Murdock 3343331

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>These schools represent your willingness to be above the best. Ranger school is the best leadership school in the Army. Airborne, Air Assault are passages to our legacy and our mission. It gives all soldiers a level playing field. You don&#39;t have to be from a combat MOS to go to them and it as someone had already stated - having sat on a promotion board, it separates two otherwise equal packets.

2018-02-11T08:11:40-05:00 2018-02-11T08:11:40-05:00 MAJ Wiley Winter 3345450

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ranger School shows you your limits. It shows you that your limit is running 2 miles but it TEACHES you how to run another mile. Just an example.

2018-02-11T22:45:43-05:00 2018-02-11T22:45:43-05:00 SGM Bill Johnson 3347212

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yeah, you don&#39;t get as much wear and tear on your body (I&#39;m rated 100% disability). Career wise, no, those schools will set you apart. If you can get a slot, go to school.

2018-02-12T13:48:58-05:00 2018-02-12T13:48:58-05:00 SSG Brian G. 3365281

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just because you attend schools such as Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder etc., does not mean you will be assigned to only combat units. Those are designators that are attached to your primary MOS. Your primary is what determines where you will be stationed and what type of unit. <br /><br />The real question is why would you not attend them? They are schools that the Army emphasizes and when it comes time for promotions these count towards that rating. There are only so many training slots for these schools so if your unit can get you in why not go?

2018-02-18T01:34:29-05:00 2018-02-18T01:34:29-05:00 SPC Martin Meyer 3417812

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Actually, I believe there is a down side to not attending these schools especially if you are a career soldier (lifer). I feel I was a better soldier for attending jump school and earning my wings. I also attended Ranger school but did not qualify and I was too exhausted at the time to make a good decision about recycling to the next class. If I had to do it all over again I would have stayed. Lucky I was assigned to a great unit the 1/509th just before the move to Italy in 1973. I learned a lot in Ranger school even though I did not complete the training only part I missed was Florida. I believe I carried that over to my unit.

2018-03-05T15:56:38-05:00 2018-03-05T15:56:38-05:00 CPL Bo Porter 3494463

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You must first ask yourself why you volunteered and why you chose a particular MOS. Sounds like a question someone would ask wanting to change horses in the middle of the stream. Those schools have training necessary to attain the skill sets to perform in certain MOS classifications. Once you answer the first two questions, the answers will make those schools necessary or they wont. Its that simple. Frankly I don&#39;t understand the need for the question.

2018-03-29T20:25:10-04:00 2018-03-29T20:25:10-04:00 PFC Robert L. Gonzales 3506380

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>These schools are like any civilian school...they give you more knowledge and insight to be able to complete a mission more efficiently. As a member of the 173rd Airborne first tour and 82nd 2nd tour in Vietnam, I felt very comfortable being in the company of those who had undergone similar training.

2018-04-02T17:29:01-04:00 2018-04-02T17:29:01-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 3512150

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you plan on being a careerist, take the opportunities that are handed to you. Any of those schools will elevate you above someone who doesn&#39;t, even if they aren&#39;t relevant to your duty position or MOS.

2018-04-04T15:08:06-04:00 2018-04-04T15:08:06-04:00 SGM Bill Frazer 3513634

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Tell me how that works, will you- I spent all my career in combat units- bouncing from troops to staff and back .

2018-04-05T01:18:30-04:00 2018-04-05T01:18:30-04:00 SSG Donald H "Don" Bates 3525078

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I really cannot speak but, my Grandson (Junior at Texas A&amp;M, in Corps of Cadets, already enlisted, and has goal of becoming a Ranger. Has jump school this summer. All I can say is I am very proud of him and his goals and successes!!!

2018-04-08T17:24:12-04:00 2018-04-08T17:24:12-04:00 SGT Charles Bartell 3527657

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you are not Combat Arms Or direct Combat support. Doing any of these Schools for Point&#39;s is Dumb.<br />If you are in units that do Air assault operations go to the school. You must think hard On Ranger school. It is a true suck fest. It is more than Phyicaliy draining it is Hard to think at times and you you want to quit often. Then there are the times that your body is just so screwd up you end up shiting your self. I was a Medic at 6th RTB for three years and i saw this a time or two every class. If this happend to you ,you are not the only one. If you do go it my happen to you, keep your head on and do your best. if you do not make the grade the first time. Doing you best will help you get recycled not droped or back to sthe start.

2018-04-09T12:58:47-04:00 2018-04-09T12:58:47-04:00 SSG Wayne Wood 3527943

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Before we start: I am rated 100% disabled due to jump-related injuries, but as I have already stated, no regrets.<br /><br />Having said that: I&#39;ve read the many comments and there is merit to going and not going. My personal reasons for going Airborne were:<br /><br />1) Desire to serve with the best people in the best units.<br />2) Desire to push myself.<br />3) Desire to be among the best (the attrition rate in my class was something else - it was Summer we were overloaded with ROTC cadets, newly minted LTs from ROTC and West Point as well as we poor privates just trying to get to our units and other branches - so the Blackhats had to fail a third on the PT test on the first day - I felt accomplishment just to get to START the school, much less get my wings three weeks later).<br />4) Desire to get the best possible training to not only be a better soldier but to survive in combat.<br /><br />As a paratrooper in the 82nd Abn Division in the 1980s we got to do training (even as an artilleryman) that troops in other units only dreamed of and are often disappointed they don&#39;t get. The bottom line is we are all soldiers in the Army, just as every Marine is a rifleman. My favorite commander in the 82nd was MG James Lindsay. He used to be fond of saying, &quot;In the 82nd we have eighteen hours to be &#39;wheels up&#39; to anywhere in the world ready to fight when we get there. Eighteen hours isn&#39;t a lot of time, you have no time to get faster, smarter, better. You go with what you got!&quot;<br /><br />He was right. So we prepared for every contingency possible. At any given time when I was in the Division (as we called it) might have a battalion in Alaska doing Arctic Survival Training, in Panama doing Jungle Warfare School, or in Europe or Korea training with Allies. Tough? Yes. But when the kimshi hit the fan, I knew my guys were as ready as they could be and as two (or even three) time volunteers I could count on them.<br /><br />I said, I had no regrets. Well, I have one - that my parachute accident kept me from going further to Ranger, or even SF.<br /><br />At least I don&#39;t have to tell my kids or grandkids I spent my time in the Army (as Patton said), &quot;Shoveling sh-t in Louisiana.&quot; As necessary and important as that job may be, I&#39;m glad I wasn&#39;t the one who had to do it as my PMOS.

2018-04-09T14:39:44-04:00 2018-04-09T14:39:44-04:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 3535752

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes.

2018-04-11T21:43:43-04:00 2018-04-11T21:43:43-04:00 CW5 Mark Kranz 3562511

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not ending up with crushed vertebrae and knees?

2018-04-20T19:43:31-04:00 2018-04-20T19:43:31-04:00 1SG Angelo Villavicencio 3575131

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There are no positive or negative effects…A soldier will succeed based on their merits regardless of being qualified in any of these schools. I believe these schools are an absolute benefit for Soldiers for a few reasons. These schools for one maintain and ensure the legacy of the past events and are still viable today as part of the total force. Secondly, qualified Soldiers with these schools will make the assignment manager’s job easier. Lastly, any additional professional development opportunity available should be taken advantage of for the benefit of the whole Army.

2018-04-25T09:02:51-04:00 2018-04-25T09:02:51-04:00 SSG John Ross 3581034

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yea if your only planning on doing three years and getting out.

2018-04-27T08:24:39-04:00 2018-04-27T08:24:39-04:00 PFC Bruce Baillie 3651340

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Airborne training was a highlight of my time in the service. It was an extension of my growth as a person that started in boot camp, continued in AIT, and honed at Ft. Benning. I developed confidence in myself and my capabilities with the training that made me more of an asset than a liability. Not doing the various advanced schools just degrades the military as a whole. There is no benefit I see with that.

2018-05-22T13:41:42-04:00 2018-05-22T13:41:42-04:00 SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 4159492

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nope! Go and get it, if you can!! Even if your only benefit is the respect of your peers and subordinates, it is worth it. You devote your self for a week or two and gain a new mission set. (AASLT- 10 days)

2018-11-26T10:05:38-05:00 2018-11-26T10:05:38-05:00 MAJ Javier Rivera 4505296

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Promotions are based on performance not schools!

2019-04-01T19:04:00-04:00 2019-04-01T19:04:00-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 4506585

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yeah reduced miles in the body

2019-04-02T06:59:07-04:00 2019-04-02T06:59:07-04:00 PV2 Private RallyPoint Member 5344581

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;m going this Tuesday to enlist. 15T is my MOS. I&#39;ve always admired those that wear the patch as bad ass dude&#39;s. Everyone is telling me to get AB school in my contract.

2019-12-14T22:24:18-05:00 2019-12-14T22:24:18-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5541306

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>These schools are designed to produce soldiers qualified in a specific skill set. They are not “designed“ to push you to your limits (although it happens like that for some people and for others these schools are just another day). You either have a requirement or a desire to go to the school. If you don’t want it or need it don’t go. Leave the seat for someone else.

2020-02-10T00:17:55-05:00 2020-02-10T00:17:55-05:00 MSG Dan Castaneda 6622027

<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-547575"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fis-there-a-benefit-to-not-doing-schools-such-as-ranger-airborne-air-assault%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Is+there+a+benefit+to+not+doing+schools+such+as+Ranger%2C+Airborne%2C+Air+Assault%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fis-there-a-benefit-to-not-doing-schools-such-as-ranger-airborne-air-assault&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AIs there a benefit to not doing schools such as Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/is-there-a-benefit-to-not-doing-schools-such-as-ranger-airborne-air-assault" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="7db32c412fd8aad4630561cf01a9fbc3" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/547/575/for_gallery_v2/02db121c.png"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/547/575/large_v3/02db121c.png" alt="02db121c" /></a></div></div>This is not the chest of an average man.

2020-12-31T22:20:35-05:00 2020-12-31T22:20:35-05:00 SSG David Brandgard 6747762

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Medically retired with 90%. My biggest regret from my last jump and getting sent to pasture is that it was my last jump and I didnt get to keep jumping and deploying. I hurt all the time, but the pain reminds me that I&#39;m alive and that I lived an awesome life that only very few can understand and say they too accomplished the same. Ever since I was 5 I wanted to be a paratrooper! I would do it again today if given the opportunity

2021-02-14T22:48:25-05:00 2021-02-14T22:48:25-05:00 SSG Rick Miller 6951327

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you don&#39;t want to go, then don&#39;t. If you can get a slot, and you have the desire, then do it. If it&#39;s just to get the chest candy, don&#39;t be that guy. Not having the schools absolutely does not guarantee non-combat units, just like having them doesn&#39;t guarantee combat units. You want to be a REMF, go for it.

2021-05-04T22:30:56-04:00 2021-05-04T22:30:56-04:00 2018-02-07T03:02:27-05:00