What are the differences between Ranger Regiment Medics & 160th SOAR Medics?

2019-01-11T19:41:19-05:00

I want to drop a packet to be part of SOF. My leadership has suggested it and has given me their support. I have the PT and weapons qual to build a competitive packet.

My end goal is to follow in my grandfathers footsteps and be a part of SF. Once I’ve done my time i want to apply for the Army’s PA program.

I plan on spending a good portion of my life in the army so i am by no means in a hurry.
From people I’ve talked to they’ve suggested i try to go Ranger or Soar 160th first to gain some good medical experience and then drop a packet for SFAS. But i can find little to no information on what the 160th does and how they differ from the Regiment. If any seasoned soldiers could drop some advice or knowledge I’d really appreciate it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 7:50 PM

2019-01-11T19:50:20-05:00

A great soldier that I know and you should too is Col Mabry. He started out in the Rangers then went SF. After that he did the PA program then went and earned his MD. Just food for thought.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 8:14 PM

2019-01-11T20:14:16-05:00

If your end goal is to be an 18d then why are you wasting time applying to other organizations?
18d is an entry-level job Special Forces. Going to another organization is unnecessary and will not guarantee that you will be selected 18d. I was a medic when I was selected and they chose 18e for me.
Joining other organizations believing that you need experience in them prior trying out for another entry level organization, is a red herring. I personally believe that Ranger regiment and the 160th are exceptional organizations, especially for a medic, but you are going in the wrong direction and away from your goals. By the time you assess and select into one of those organizations plus W1, plus serve in that organization, then assess and select into Special Forces, finish the Q course, and serve your minimum three years 8 to 10 years will have elapsed from now. By that time you will need a time in service and age waiver just to apply to the physician assistant program
Narrow down what you really want to do and focus with laser precision on that one thing. If you try to do everything you will only end up half-assing everything. It's better to whole ass one thing

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 8:20 AM

2019-01-22T08:20:46-05:00

In the last coupla decades (don’t quote me on the time) the Regt has sent the medics (not all and not 100% guaranteed) to the “shirt course” it’s a basic cut-down of the 18D course. I can’t speak to the training of the 160th.
As far as prepping for a life in SF I can’t imagine a better starting point than my Ranger Regt.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2019 9:14 PM

2019-02-13T21:14:13-05:00

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 7 at 2019 3:15 PM

2019-06-07T15:15:50-04:00

I'm not ever sure if the Night Stalkers (160th SOAR) have Flight Medics. In Desert Storm the 45th Med CO. Air Ambulance flew with them and provided MEDEVAC.