Looking into the Army Rangers after my Navy enlistment. Any words of wisdom?

2015-09-17T19:46:50-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-09-17T19:55:52-04:00

Could be tough going from Navy to Army. As I recall when I was a recruiter just a short time ago, the Army only accepts prior service applicants that have specific specialties, I.E. airborne, and select MOS's. I would certainly speak with a recruiter before you exit the Navy to ensure you have a job waiting for you. And don't let the recruiter blow smoke up your ass, speak directly with the Center Commander.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Sep 17 at 2015 8:43 PM

2015-09-17T20:43:38-04:00

Your a medic right (Corpsman)? Is your intent to remain a medic or change your job?

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Sep 17 at 2015 9:56 PM

2015-09-17T21:56:24-04:00

Since you are in the Department of the Navy and already experienced with Marines, why don't you go Marine Recon? Lol, being a Corpsman will be a plus to you. Hopefully your Navy SRB is squared away. Also ( unless times have changed.) Having to serve with Marines and basically going and doing what they do will be a plus. I know some Rangers and they say school, training, etc is really both physically and mentally challenging to the point of sheer total exhaustion but they would have it no other way. If you are currently at Camp Pendlton, just go to the Army Recruiter in Oceanside and have a sitdown. God bless and Good luck.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Sep 17 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-09-17T23:28:27-04:00

HN Private RallyPoint Member I'm just curious why you didn't aim inside your current branch of Service? As a Corpsman, and a Marine, I would think that the Marine Force Recon or maybe even Navy SEALs would be an opportunity that is right at your door. Your experience as a Corpsman would be invaluable in with either of those groups. They are both challenging, and would give you the chance to serve your Country in a BIG way.

Ranger training ranks right up there with anybody in Special Ops in physical, and mental toughness. Being a Ranger, like any other Special Operations unit requires the highest level of dedication, and if there is anything that I learned, Rangers are fanatical about being Rangers. They live it every day. It is in every fiber of their being. Just getting through the training, in and of itself, requires that. So, in short, if you have the slightest doubt about your commitment to that type of lifestyle, it's better to look elsewhere. You might also consider what you would do if you were unable to pass Rangers school (Due to injury, or just through an Instructor's call). Would you be satisfied being an Army Medic? Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best of luck !!

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 18 at 2015 1:53 AM

2015-09-18T01:53:34-04:00

A few words, pushup, run, rucksack.

Response by LTC Mark Beattie made Sep 22 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-09-22T12:36:19-04:00

The 75th Ranger Regiment would be a great assignment. However, keep in mind that even with a contract, the regiment will not accept you into their ranks without meeting their rigid standards. If they decide you don't fit, or can't cut it, you'll be reassigned. If accepted, there will be the daunting task of attending Ranger School!! It will be uncomfortable serving in the regiment if you don't successfully complete the course. And lastly, be prepared to train and deploy almost continuously, anywhere around the world. I promise you, the Ranger Regiment will be unlike anything you've experienced in the US Navy, so you better give it some serious thought, then hang on!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-09-22T14:35:15-04:00

I had a guy here at 5th RANGER Training Battalion who was prior Navy. He was great at his job and I'd work with him again. Had another guy who was prior Navy up in AK. He could do the job decently but never quit made the switch mentally. He wasn't a top performer because of this and he was just regular infantry. You are trying to enter into a completely different world. We are all agrees I've type A personalities that require your best every single day. If you are trying to go to Ranger Regiment you will go to Ranger Assesment and Selection Program. If you are e5 or below you will go RASP 1. It's 6 weeks long and you will have combatives and combat lifesaver which will go anywhere in the Army. You will also have some great shooting instruction. Better grab a rucksack and start walking, also off duty wear sandals to help your feet toughen up. Good luck.

Response by SSG Lawrence Flaig made Sep 22 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-09-22T16:12:45-04:00

Good Question Corpsman,
Back in the 80's when I joined, some Vietnam veterans really squared me away before I went to the recruiters. The Recruiters tried many tactics to manuver me into a different slot. High GT score I guess. Eventually I had to threaten that I would move to another State where the recruiters wanted to fill out the paper work for Un-assigned Airborne Ranger. Delayed entry program was worth the wait.
In those days, if I failed out of Airborne School or RIP, the needs of the Army would dictate where I went. Well actually, I didn't even know which Ranger Battalion I was going to until after RIP. Thank God I was assigned to 2/75. Personally I always liked the field and America's Northwest has got it all. Rainforest near the coast and desert farther inland. Also the NW climate helped get me toughened up for a winter Ranger Shcool class. A calendar year in a Ranger Battalion was like a time machine.....never thought so much was possible - 24 hours at a time. Still hard to explain to anyone who hasn't been there. It was a really tough life then, but absolutely amazing. The HBO Series, BAND OF BROTHERS can possibly give you an idea of what is ahead. Good Luck and God Bless.

Response by MAJ Karl Monger made Sep 22 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-09-22T16:45:58-04:00

You might reach out to the Regiment's enlisted recruiting office, info on this page: http://www.benning.army.mil/tenant/75thRanger/recruiting.htm. Good luck, RLTW

Response by CPT T. Scott Haddix made Sep 23 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-09-23T00:27:13-04:00

Ensure that you get the guarantee of RANGER batt. You'll have to pass a pre-PT test, but that's how you'll know it's been guaranteed. You will get: Basic training, AIT, & jump school in your contract. Provided all goes well, the fun will begin. You won't get slotted for a RANGER school slot until you make E-4, but they will give you the best chances of passing, so you can put your tab above your scroll.

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Nov 15 at 2016 9:41 PM

2016-11-15T21:41:06-05:00

l You will need to bring is a pocket knife that is stainless. You will be in the water a lot and will not camp, just lay down for a short time. A GI pocket knife and a Lansky sharpener are ok. If you can, pick a time of the year when the weather is best and try to learn how to get by with less than four hrs. sleep. Good luck. Class of 1972.