What is the most elite military school?

2015-01-27T04:29:08-05:00

In your opinion what is the most elite school and why?

Of course each school has its different needs and reasons for being around in todays Army. If you had the chance what school would you like to attend and be proud to attend?

From my 4 in a half years in the Army I've heard everything from Airborne (Bragg Babies mostly) to Special Forces for obvious reason. In my opinion the Pathfinder badge is most elite. For reasons unknown to myself even. I think the reasoning behind the people being around that are certified are for excellent reasons. I have not had the opportunities to attends any schools this far. One day I'll be rocking Air Assualt, Airbone, and Pathfinder.

Just my thoughts.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 27 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-01-27T08:36:49-05:00

I can only judge the ones I've attended, of those, Infantry Officers' Course was the toughest and best.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-01-27T09:10:32-05:00

i might be "a little biased" but they don't call Pararescue school Superman School for nothin...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 11:50 PM

2015-02-21T23:50:42-05:00

Pathfinder is held in high regard due to the overall history and purpose. A pathfinder qualified person takes up the ability to sling load, set up and run LZ's and PZ's, survey and set up DZ's, and conduct veers and GMRS drops. I am Airborne, Airassault, and pathfinder qualified. There are no harder or more respected courses than the pathfinder, jumpmaster and ofcourse scuba if you have that option.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 30 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-03-30T15:27:26-04:00

If we are talking pure attrition rates it would be a toss-up between the Q-course, BUDS and Pararescue. Force Recon would be up there too.

Response by TSgt Lowell Abenoja made Mar 30 at 2015 5:24 PM

2015-03-30T17:24:17-04:00

whatever school you have had the opportunity of attending and graduate... lame ass survey...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-03-30T17:33:17-04:00

Most elite school?......Master Resiliency Trainer Course...you know why.

*drops tha mic*

Response by 1SG David Niles made Mar 30 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-03-30T18:05:19-04:00

Air assault and path finder cannot be worn together, but it is a school I always wanted to attend.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 30 at 2015 6:44 PM

2015-03-30T18:44:26-04:00

When was called upon to serve, Vietnam was the looming destination, so looking at the best training in order to survive, Ft Bragg was first, then to Panama. Naming what training I had probably is of no revalanc seeing as how everytime elite troops get together it seems to always end up with bleeding and bruises.......lol. I have a true respect for all.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 30 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-03-30T18:47:30-04:00

How about Nuclear Power School? Granted, it's not about physical prowess, but only the elite academically get in, and there is quite a huge attrition rate. I had the privilege of going there 3 times. Once when an MM3 (E4) (student), once as an ENS (O1, student) and once as an instructor (LT O3)...

Or one might say they kept making me go back until I got it right...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 12:01 AM

2015-03-31T00:01:31-04:00

This survey is retarded

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Mar 31 at 2015 12:46 AM

2015-03-31T00:46:17-04:00

Every military special forces has a unique and contributing factor in the overall success of a mission. Not one special force is better than the other in my opinion. I am sure every special force element is capable of carrying out the same mission from their sister service. This overall "eliteness" is categorized by the media and Hollywood.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 1:40 AM

2015-03-31T01:40:29-04:00

I'm going to have to go with the USASED assessment and selection. 30 days of doing god knows what to get put on some type of task force. Maybe someone can shed some light on USASED but the fact that the information about the place is practically non-existent makes me believe its where the real heavy hitters go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 4:11 AM

2015-03-31T04:11:27-04:00

ACAP

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 5:26 AM

2015-03-31T05:26:11-04:00

Ill say either TACP or pararescuer school

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 4 at 2015 9:18 AM

2015-04-04T09:18:44-04:00

The most elite military school is my opinion is Navy SEAL school. Just having a Navy Seal title gives you instant creditability in my book and comes with exceptionally high expectations. If I going on a mission, I'll choose a SEAL every time at face value. I have similar feelings and respect for green berets, but the question did ask for who I think is the MOST elite

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 9:20 AM

2015-04-04T09:20:53-04:00

All I can say... judge for yourself from this oldie-but-goodie:

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 12:00 PM

2015-04-04T12:00:15-04:00

The most 'elite' school is probably SF school. Since many of us do not get a chance to attend and even fewer pass...I'm gonna add, that the most elite school a Non-SF type can attend is the one that reaches Army Values through and through....and one you can graduate and pass.

As a Recon Marine, we had a pipeline of schools we needed to attend, from Basic to MCT and SOI, then ck into the unit get placed into a RIP program. Then off to ARC/BRC. It will be months before you see your next schools....hopefully you'll get to attend SERE, SAPPER, RANGER, Airborne, Pre-SCUBA, SCUBA, OTH, Combat Diver, Dive Supervisor, CQB, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Coxswain School, NCO school, Jump Master, HRST, Sniper and by then have several deployments under your belt to test your skills. Oh lots of target acquisition schools as well, followed by hours of Call for Fire. Each MOS has its unique schools, these were mine.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 12:32 PM

2015-04-04T12:32:58-04:00

Basic.... At least the version portrayed by John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson in the movie Basic.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-04-04T12:43:18-04:00

Hello CAG/SFOD-D selection. Even Rangers (Scroll and Tab) hold them above all. Most lists on here look like a list of Hollywood Movies.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 4 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-04-04T13:07:52-04:00

Good Question!!! SSG Private RallyPoint Member

Well, as Soldier (or Former Soldier) I can't comment on other branches or their schools, aside from opinion. So my comments are all conjecture, and opinion based on my vantage point (service based like most comments on here), what I have read, and what I have seen. I think it is really a matter of opinion.

I have heard many times (in a joint arena) this is order:

1. BUDS - SEAL
2. Army Ranger School, and then RASP for the Batt Boys
3. SFAS, and then SFQC (different approach that than Ranger School)

But, I also know USAF Para-Rescue is up there... and I saw them getting smoked (running with a giant log or rope) when I was a young private and LAFB...

I know USMC had Force Recon... (and some where in my Ranger Class) and now they have MARSCOC.

I think many would argue SEAL training vs. Ranger School in terms of shear mental and physical exhaustion, hazing, and drop/fail rates. Again it is a matter of perspective. All are extremely difficult in their own right, and all are different.

I think the best metric, if you could norm the quantities that start (as each is different) to the completion rates, you could tell which one as really the most difficult; if that is your best measure. Also remember, many of these schools want to be considered the most elite, so who knows what numbers are really accurate.

I can only speak personally about my Ranger School Class: Over 300 candidates showed up, 250 started, and 101 graduated.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 1:29 PM

2015-04-04T13:29:53-04:00

I also do not mean disrespect. I just think we will have to acknowledge we really don't know. Those who do can't speak, for if they do speak out of turn they will be excommunicated. So all we have are our preceptions.

I just count myself lucky to have bumped into some awesome people across the spectrum. Better men then and everyone them, no matter how brief the interaction, had insight and wisdom to share.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-04-04T21:28:57-04:00

It appears this thread has gone a stray. There is a big difference between a selection event/ operator training course and a school. A school is designed to teach the students a skill or set of skills while a selection course or any part of a SOF pipeline is designed to assess candidates for suitability in a unit -- totally different end state.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Apr 4 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-04-04T23:34:13-04:00

I believe Marine Security Guard school should at least get an honorable mention. That's for Embassy Marines, for those of you who No Habla.

Consider the requirements to be an instructor at a given school.

MSG = E7, prior Recruiter, Prior Drill Instructor, AND prior Embassy Marine both as a Detachment Member and a Detachment Commander. Yup that's right....ALL of them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-04-08T16:34:13-04:00

Airborne...not elite. Special? Sure but that standard is pretty low. Any school that requires 280 PT score and above to compete, and an attrition rate losing 30% or more of the students can be considered elite. Ranger school, SFAS, Scuba, SOTIC.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 6:14 PM

2015-04-08T18:14:41-04:00

mountain warfare school.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-04-08T20:01:59-04:00

Ranger, the reason being that I am a graduate :-)

Seriously, I think BUDS or Delta but obviously have not attended either.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-04-08T21:51:00-04:00

SOCM

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Apr 9 at 2015 1:00 AM

2015-04-09T01:00:56-04:00

My choice is the Chapel and the wedding my wife and I did. Can't get anymore commited and elite than that.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 10 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-04-10T13:06:58-04:00

Clearly the AIT for Administrative Specialists is the most hardcore school in the Army! =o)

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Apr 12 at 2015 5:02 PM

2015-04-12T17:02:09-04:00

PowerPoint Ranger School.

Response by Sgt Ricky Ramirez made Apr 12 at 2015 5:04 PM

2015-04-12T17:04:13-04:00

I would've love to go to USMCR Scout Sniper School, and BRC recon school, and itc to become a Raider.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 6:07 PM

2015-04-12T18:07:48-04:00

This Question gets two answers. most elite I think is delta force, supported by how little we know and my one drill sgt's description of when he saw them training.
As for which I would most like to go through would be ranger school. This is because of my grandfather who was in the first ranger school class.

Response by SSG Scott Burk made Apr 12 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-04-12T18:48:37-04:00

USAFAS at Ft. Sill. Any 13 series MOS class. :-)

Response by SFC Keith Bailey made Apr 12 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-04-12T20:21:53-04:00

I served almost 23 years.. Got hurt and had to go. I have been to many schools. I always found that each one had a purpose and each school served it's purpose well. I was a Soldier not a badge hunter. All of the Gee Whiz that the ARMY has, never impressed me. I never understood the over use of the word Elite.. It would appear that the Military does not understand the word either. So if you go to a school it should be to be trained to function in a unit that supports that school. I think that if you go to Airborne school it should be because you are going to serve two to three years in an Airborne unit. Air Assault as well.. Nothing is less inspiring than a brand new 2 LT with Jump Wings and a RANGER Tab.. In a Mechanized Inf. Unit..

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-04-12T20:38:41-04:00

First I would have to say that I do not necessarily put "Special Forces Training" into the schools category as it is a total M.O.S. transformation.

I can say that Airborne is not really that elite to me as it is the easiest of all mentioned. The cool thing is getting to wear the Maroon Beret. Definitely an Earned Device.

Air Assault is physically Demanding, Pathfinder is mentally demanding, and Scuba is both.

I would have to say the Combat Diver is the most Elite. For health and positioning reasons I will never get that.

I may have an opportunity to attend Pathfinder this year though.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 12 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-04-12T20:42:22-04:00

13 months of looking at schematics at Redstone.... I think I wish I'd went 11B and then go to an "Elite" school...

Response by SFC John Gemmell made Apr 12 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-04-12T20:46:11-04:00

Hello Sergeant Swanson.

In my opinion, the most elite school is the school you never hear about.

If I had made different choices in my past regarding my military career, I would attend all the schools so that I could attain the informal title of Spartan. All the specialized training courses are unique, challenging, and invigorating. Every one of these schools will serve to better the Soldier experience, and provide unmatched quality in learning anywhere in the world.

Have you noticed? In most campaigns, when American Soldiers are called to duty: we move in; we take control; we take action when needed; we sacrifice selflessly for the sake of our comrades, our unit, and our nation; when we are attentive to our surroundings, we take names; we face the enemy head-on; we defeat the enemy, and we secure the objective.

We are feared far and wide because of our determination and our confidence. Those who fear us say we are arrogant; but, when was the last time we noticed someone with no self esteem persevere in the worst environments, under the worst circumstances, at the greatest odds against them? That's right, they don't, because they lack fortitude.

Fortitude comes from the heart. And, a dire need to succeed improves our effort.

One day, you can be rocking Spartan Sergeant! Try not to limit your horizons, and best of luck to you in your ventures.

Cordially,
John Roscoe Gemmell, Jr.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 12 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-04-12T20:54:46-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, we may not even know what is the most elite military school.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 12 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-04-12T21:38:49-04:00

I think they are all fabulous. The best groups you'll ever work with.

Response by SFC David Zamora made Apr 13 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-04-13T09:09:17-04:00

Probably a toss up between UPL and Ammo Handler course.

Response by SFC Jonathan Riley made Apr 16 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-04-16T13:44:49-04:00

In my 21 years I have had the chance to go to Ranger, DS, Pathfinder, Airborne, and Air Assault. so it is hard to choose and elite school, I have heard that Delta and Navy Seals are the elite. But, for me and this is a bias answer RANGER is the best by far (RLTW).....

Response by Maj Jeff Dodd made Nov 13 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-11-13T10:33:32-05:00

If only there were a military specialty that could accompany SF/Delta/SEALs/Rangers on their missions that had air traffic control knowledge, skills, and comms to summon the power of a multi-national air force that could spit hot metal from the sky onto the bacon hating, goat-humping enemies of freedom? Ohh that's right there is such a specialty: USAF Combat Controllers!!! And when shit goes south for any of the aforementioned special operations forces and they need their wounded extracted from the worlds most most horrible places, they call on another USAF unit: Combat Rescue and the brave men of ParaRescue (PJ's). Those things they do so that others may live. Boom!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-12-12T12:46:20-05:00

What can I expect when I go to Pathfinder.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Aug 26 at 2017 11:15 AM

2017-08-26T11:15:07-04:00

USMC Drill Instructor School.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Aug 26 at 2017 11:25 AM

2017-08-26T11:25:03-04:00

I don't know, find a Delta guy and ask him what school they go to. Thats probably it.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Aug 26 at 2017 2:42 PM

2017-08-26T14:42:46-04:00

Independent Duty Corpsman... God's own...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-08-26T21:41:58-04:00

SAPPER Leader Course

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Sep 19 at 2017 10:13 AM

2017-09-19T10:13:50-04:00

SFARTAETC
Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course.
Only active duty SF guys can go. Best course I've ever been to.

Response by SFC Rick Walton made Sep 29 at 2017 9:59 PM

2017-09-29T21:59:23-04:00

What constitutes elite? The number who pass, or the number who can even qualify to begin with. I would say EOD and Diver are probably two of the more elite. HALO school is probably THE MOST elite. Very few even have an opportunity to go.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 9:56 PM

2018-01-14T21:56:36-05:00

This is a stupid survey. You want to find out which is the "most elite Military school". Put in a packet and find out yourself.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2018 11:12 AM

2018-01-24T11:12:06-05:00

I mean you wanna talk elite school, the OTC wins by far. No other details on it, but its THE school. As far as non-SMU courses - SOCM. Special Ops Combat Medic, ASI W1. 9 months of intensive medical training. For Non-SOF courses its tough to choose because different courses are tough for different reasons, Ranger, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster are all very tough for different reasons. Ranger you have to endure a lot of crap, Pathfinder you gotta memorize a ton of math and nomenclature, JM you gotta keep your fingers from falling apart. Some courses are easier than others for different people. I know people that got through Ranger by just always carrying the 240, guys who are all about some physical stuff, but you put them in Pathfinder and they fail epically because its a more "thinky" school.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2018 3:22 PM

2018-01-24T15:22:18-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member shhh classified.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 1:52 PM

2018-07-13T13:52:45-04:00

You good training goals to enhance your promotability and value to your unit, but I suggest that you go to Ranger School and find out why the RANGER tab is so highly revered by the Army. Then, volunteer for Special Forces Selection and Assessment. And if you get selected, that will be followed by a 2 year Special Forces Qualification Course at which point you will have earned the Green Beret and Special Forces tab. At that point, I think you will have a better understanding what "elite" means.

Air Assault and Airborne are just training on ways to get to work as are MFF and dive school. Pathfinder is more or less an advance Air Assault school where you learn to rig and inspect bundles for Air Assault/Airborne missions and set up and control HLZ/PZ/LZ. If you are REALLY looking to challenge yourself, try the Army sniper school. Most of the "elite" schools like freefall, Special Forces underwater operations, and others won't be available to you as a soldier unless you are a member of an elite unit like SF, 75th Rangers, or Delta. In the end, regardless of all the schools one may have, they serve only one purpose and that is to enhance the Army's ability to wage war and win.

It's the same across all of the services.

I encourage you to give it a go. No harm in trying. No regrets for not trying. If you make it, it will be worth the struggle. Cream rises to the top.

Best wishes,

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-07-13T14:47:10-04:00

SPACE FORCE selection and assessment followed by the Space Force Qualification Course. It's a new frontier in special operations.

Response by SGT Willie King made Aug 3 at 2018 3:05 PM

2018-08-03T15:05:45-04:00

Vietnam War needed plenty of Pathfinders,plan and simple.The military of today have a lot of new technology,less risk lives saved.I was a combat pathfinder(18 mons).

Response by MSG Clinton Brown made Nov 26 at 2018 5:02 PM

2018-11-26T17:02:40-05:00

Badge hunters go to Special Operations units and learn to do it all

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2020 2:11 PM

2020-09-27T14:11:08-04:00

Courses are tough for different reasons. Courses are elite for different reasons. Whats the most elite course concerning what? Most elite about intergovernmental affairs? The CAQC. Most elite for combat weather? ?USAF has the answer. There needs to be more in the question.