What are my chances of getting to go to Airborne/Ranger School while in the MN National Guard?

2019-03-09T16:29:32-05:00

I am a 19 Delta in the Minnesota National Guard, (34th Infantry, 94th Cav) and am considering wanting to go to jump school and then get my ranger tab. I am planning on commissioning while in college via ROTC and this is my other big goal. Physically I am in great shape, I play college football and work out non-stop.
1.) How would I go about being able to go?
2.) I know I should wait until I am more experienced, but how long should I wait?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 4:50 PM

2019-03-09T16:50:47-05:00

If you commission and branch infantry your odds of going to ranger school are pretty good, not sure about other branches. Its still possible to go as enlisted but its more competitive and spots I've seen usually go to more experienced soldiers. Talk to you chain of command and unit full timers to see if they have slots available. You would likely only get a chance to do airborne school through ROTC, I can't recall the state sending enlisted soldiers to that school. Air assault and pathfinder are occasionally available in the IBCT, not sure about the ABCT.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 5:02 PM

2019-03-09T17:02:09-05:00

Airborne is hard to come by in the ARNG unless you're in an Airborne unit. I would try to go while you're in ROTC. The only time I've seen guardsmen go from leg units is as a reward for something outstanding like winning the National Guard's Best Warrior Competition.

Ranger school should be easier, but it'll depend on your unit. You'll probably have to prove yourself before they're going to send you. Your first step will be talking to your first line leader about it. My unit sends troops to Ranger school every year, so it's certainly possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 6:20 PM

2019-03-09T18:20:15-05:00

Being combat arms, it shouldn’t be hard to go to ranger school. Airborne on the other hand isn’t likely unless you’re in one of the few NG Airborne units or part of the 19th or 20th SFGs or GSBs.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Mar 9 at 2019 8:08 PM

2019-03-09T20:08:57-05:00

Probably pretty slim, but you never know. Always be ready and get your physical taken care of. It is not uncommon to walk onto Airborne after Ranger school, we did that for folks back in the day. But I have no idea if they still do that. Dont worry bud, in a 20year career you have plenty of time left. Focus more on the things you can influence right now while you look to achieve those long term goals. For example, you want Airborne, but why? Do you want to be in an Airborne unit or do you want people to see your jump wings and think you accomplished something? Same with the Ranger tab, do you want to be a more well rounded small unit tactician that can create a team/squad/platoon or Rangers, or do you want people to see your tab and they can think you are BA? Dig down deep bud and see where your heart is, because if it is at clothing and sales you are in the wrong business and it will consume you. If you want to be a well rounded operator that can train lead and fight... well, it wont be too hard to get where you need to go. Good luck!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 10 at 2019 9:55 AM

2019-03-10T09:55:18-04:00

All depends on if the unit will pay for it.

Response by SSG(P) Dan Keene made Mar 13 at 2019 12:00 AM

2019-03-13T00:00:58-04:00

It's been a while since I left, but officers could get a class date and permissive TDY, where he isn't reimbursed for his expenses and cost of class is covered somehow. Good luck Trooper!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 1:28 AM

2019-03-14T01:28:58-04:00

Yeah that's what I thought too. It was like
I gew up on a big dairy farm bust my ass. Boy was I wrong every day we trained with full Ruck Sak. Just keep up with the running are push-ups and sit-ups

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 4:05 PM

2019-03-14T16:05:49-04:00

A few years back, if you got at least a 180 day long MOB to the 101st (and I think the 82nd does the same), they offer airborne school as an option.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 2:16 AM

2019-03-15T02:16:23-04:00

19D don’t go anywhere but Air Assalt school and BLC. Wait tell your an LT

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Mar 15 at 2019 4:23 AM

2019-03-15T04:23:39-04:00

Wouldn't you really rather be a Marine Corps Infantry Officer?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 11:54 AM

2019-03-15T11:54:26-04:00

Be positive, stay in shape, and always be ready in case the opportunity arises for you to go! That's the best advice I could give.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Mar 15 at 2019 12:43 PM

2019-03-15T12:43:04-04:00

Your best bet would be do get through ROTC, commission regular Army infantry, and go that way. This would allow to play football, do ROTC, and not have to focus on preparing for Ranger School at the same time. It will be difficult to get an Airborne school seat unless you are in an airborne unit. It's not impossible as I know one USAR Soldier who got to attend from a Trans unit based on his performance. But that is the exception, not the rule.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 5:23 PM

2019-03-15T17:23:54-04:00

If you’re an officer you’ll go Ranger school after IBOLC then Airborne Assuming you don’t go over a summer before you graduate. If you stay enlisted your chances are pretty much zero...unless you are good buddies with the full timers in your unit or are just OUTSTANDING at PT. The good ole boy system is the backbone of the guard.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Jun 2 at 2019 11:58 AM

2019-06-02T11:58:33-04:00

Best advice is to get airborne and ranger during your summers. NG has so few slots for those who are not going to be on jump status or in an SF position.

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2020-01-30T07:38:16-05:00

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Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 9:04 PM

2020-05-09T21:04:10-04:00

When I was with 1-194th CAB in Alexandria, MN (2011-2014)there were zero slots for schools like this. Idk is the 34th I'd has changed much but always ask!

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