Would Ranger school accommodate for someone of the islamic religion?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:56:05 -0500

Im hesitant on going to ranger school because of this reason, so far i havent had any issues being in my unit but i do want to attend ranger school as my unit wants to send me

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2021 11:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:11:22 -0500

Ask @1sg jason hastings...

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Nov 21 at 2021 11:15 AM

1SG Steven Imerman — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:15:40 -0500

Probably would depend in large part on you.

For instance, would you need to perform full ablutions 5 times a day followed with donning clean garments before offering prayers from a kneeling position as an important obligation of your faith? That could be a problem in the normal training routine.

Write out any accommodations your faith will require and submit them to the school, see what they say. To avoid misunderstandings, be very complete. Good luck.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 21 at 2021 11:30 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:30:43 -0500

Yes.... within reason.

For instance, trying to fast during Ramadan would be problematic, as food is already in short supply. Not eating in a rare opportunity to eat would cause issues.

But... dietary restrictions should be entirely able to be accommodated - we have Halal MREs. Any time for prayer would have to be in your copious "spare" time, as is the same for all religions there. Probably no prayer mat, but IIRC (and I am certainly not a Islamic scholar), most sects of Islam allow for circumstances, and state that Allah will accept your prayers, even without the mat, if circumstance prevent it.

Bottom Line: If you are willing to work with the school, the school should be able to work with you.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Nov 21 at 2021 12:56 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 12:56:08 -0500

The larger question might be whether any active force unit would accommodate your need to be argumentative and disruptive. For anyone responding sincerely to the question, I would suggest reviewing the rest of the questions SGT Harrison has posted on Rally Point to see if you note a trend.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Nov 21 at 2021 3:27 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 15:27:14 -0500

Go for it!!!!!! You'll be sorry if you didn't. You DO have to remember you're part of the green machine, YOU TOOK AN OATH, and we can't have everything we want. If you really have a problem with that, you never should of joined.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2021 4:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 16:13:44 -0500

In Ranger school, every Sunday for about an hour, students have the choice to go off with the Chaplain for a service, or stay and practice whatever faith they have. Whether you are in the field or garrison you are provided that opportunity. Most students aren't very religious but they offer a free piece of bread, those who don't go usually try to catch a quick nap if they can.

Most of the time in the field you're pulling security or doing some kind of work in the day, then moving to the objective, executing, then moving to the next patrol base. If you're in the patrol base and want to perform your ablutions I'm sure that won't be an issue. But they're not going to stop the patrol movement and put the entire mission on pause while you do it.

There are more than enough MREs you could trade others for to maintain a halal diet, however there are days you'll eat in the chow hall and you get what you get. For instance, you will get bacon and sausage. You don't have to eat it, but you need the calories and I would not expect them to make a special substitution just for you. There are about 300 in the class with you, all eating at once, and all eating with just enough time to chew twice before swallowing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2021 9:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 21:15:32 -0500

Go do it. The army doesn’t discriminate based on religion and most schools offer you the opportunity to practice your religion

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 22 at 2021 12:31 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:31:15 -0500

If you want to be tabbed you only have one option.

They will do their best to support you if you are open up front but I doubt you will be able to all of your daily prayers. The school is fast paced and I don’t think they will be able to facilitate but you can always ask.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2021 10:38 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:38:55 -0500

They will give you halal meals to accommodate. Don't usually have a muslim chaplain but they might. Might have to skip a few prayers if you are already moving for the day, but you should be able to get a few in throughout the day.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 22 at 2021 10:43 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:43:55 -0500

Why would they not? There may be some give and take in the special situation of a formal school, but you should be allowed to practice your religion during the school. I believe you'll be treated equally, but not specially. Recommend you consult a Muslim Chaplain for advice about balancing your religious obligations with your duty obligations.

Response by SFC Jorge Diaz Caro made Jan 5 at 2023 1:01 AM

SFC Jorge Diaz Caro — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 01:01:46 -0500

Yes, they definitely will Ranger school also host foreign nations Military to include those of Islamic belief