What are the chances I get to go to Airborne and Ranger School if I'm a National Guard Infantry Officer?

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 09:46:44 -0400

I am thinking about joining the national guard as an officer candidate as I just graduated college. I'd like to be an infantry officer, but what are the chances I get to go to airborne and ranger school if I'm NG? I've heard it's unlikely. I'd be in the Ohio NG.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 12 at 2020 9:49 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 12 May 2020 09:49:51 -0400

It’s not unheard of or impossible but you need to understand that it comes down to priority. Sending AD guys to those schools have a much higher priority than sending someone from the NG. Priority levels dictates school seats and the NG just gets fewer seats

Response by CPT Nicholas D. made May 12 at 2020 10:27 AM

CPT Nicholas D. — Tue, 12 May 2020 10:27:04 -0400

The state (Ohio) does get Ranger School and Airborne slots. It is not uncommon to see NG officers with both. It comes down to timing and allocations. We don’t have Airborne Infantry units in Ohio, so this is why you might lose a little priority... but there are opportunities to attend schools.

Additionally, there is a Special Forces Company in Ohio. If you pursued this path and are successful, Airborne would be conducted after SFAS before you attend the SFQC. Once you graduated, it would not be hard to get a Ranger School slot as an 18 series Soldier in Ohio. The most direct path would be enlisting. If you wanted to pursue the Officer path, (18A), you won’t be able to apply immediately. Different options. There is a path to everything in the Army. Some routes are easier, some harder, some more direct, others roundabout.

It is not impossible to be an Infantry Officer in the OHARNG, at some point attend airborne, and at some point attend Ranger school. Good luck!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 12 at 2020 11:58 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 12 May 2020 11:58:44 -0400

Pretty good. The pull-ups (palm away) should be your prep focus. By doing them you strengthen you arm, shoulder and abdominal muscles. You legs also get a workout when you do them because you have to hold them rigid. Don't neglect the other exercises.
Don't quit and keep your sense of humor.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 12:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 12:49:29 -0400

Expand your geography. See if Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania or West Virginia have units with more Airborne/Ranger slots. Then you know which NG to enlist.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 4:36 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 16:36:26 -0400

Just go Active Duty. Much easier to attain the schools you want.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 12:01 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 00:01:12 -0400

If you are an Infantry officer your unit may send you to Ranger School. I know the National Guard is trying to send more officers to Ranger school after ibolc. But unless your state has an airborne unit they will not send you. Although you still may have a chance at going to unit that has airborne slots.

Response by SPC Isidore Branham made Jul 25 at 2020 10:45 PM

SPC Isidore Branham — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 22:45:16 -0400

Security Force Assistance Bureau.