Posted on May 12, 2020
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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.
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CPT Nicholas D.
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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!
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Potential Recruit
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I fully intend on pursuing a career in SF, which is why I want airborne school. I just wasn't sure if I could go before I start pursuing SF. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.
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CPT Nicholas D.
CPT Nicholas D.
4 y
(Join to see) There is a direct enlistment option. The Guard used to call it REP63. It was the model that 18X factors. Last time I talked to one of the training team guys, they said it is all called 18X. Airborne is not required to apply and attend SFAS. If selected, you would need to attend Airborne before continuing on.

If you are successful with the SF path, Airborne is required and the opportunity to attend Ranger is absolutely there. If you do an OCS enlistment and try to branch Infantry, there is no promise you will get Airborne and/or Ranger in your first year or two. You can accomplish most of your military goals in the Guard, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
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SFC Ralph E Kelley
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Edited 4 y ago
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.
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LTC Chief Of Public Affairs And Protocol
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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.
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LTC Mark Ensign
LTC Mark Ensign
4 y
Concur with John. Also, take a close look at the PAARNG. One of the BCTs in 28 ID likely has the Force Structure you are seeking.
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