Posted on Jul 14, 2015
CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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We have spoke about so many different military schools here. But what do you think are the most over and under rated schools in the military? Some schools really don't affect your skills in your MOS and are sought after rather than a school that relates to your actual job. And there are some schools that would greatly benefit anyone that goes yet few really want to go to them.

For me I am going with Airborne as overrated. Few that want to go to it actually need it to perform their duties. I was in an Airborne unit in the past. So in that case it was required for such a unit. But some want to go for no reason other just getting a shiny badge. I don't think that it is really that bad and it could be used to reward soldiers. So many just want to go when it really doesn't offer much professional growth, except those that are capable of going to airborne units. It reminds me how in most Middle Eastern countries everyone is Airborne and how they think it is such a mark of distinction. Nevermind the fact that everyone has wings. I am not even sure if they really even jump out of a plane.

The most under rated school that I believe is in the army training system is Master Fitness Trainer. We should have far more soldiers attending this. Few really want to go as there isn't a badge for this. But the impact that soldiers trained there could have drastic affect on a unit for the better by strengthening their soldiers.

What do you think are the most over/under schools in the military?



*Before anyone complains about the quality of Airborne this is only an opinion. I am not saying that airborne school is not a great school or diminishing those that are airborne. Don't take it personal.
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LTC Retired Veteran
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Agree with CSM (Join to see) that Ranger School is overrated -- the biggest challenge is just being sincere about attempting it -- get through RASP! The school is meant to pass. Those that do should be proud -- quiet professionals -- but many want to carry a sign that proclaims the school is harder than climbing Mount Everest. Silliness. Wear the tab proudly, be a better leader and learn some humility.

For underrated, this will take some thinking for some...think before you click...but to me it is clearly Basic Training. We do not give our Drill Sergeants enough credit and recognition from taking people off the street and making them soldiers in a matter of months...over a little more than 12 weeks or so, our Drills Sergeants take ANYBODY and turn them over to a unit with which they could deploy to fight (and win)! In what schools is such a gain made in terms of initial capability to final product? We giggle because new soldiers to a unit can be funny...but think about the progress they made in such a short time. Impressive.
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SGT Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
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Mount Everest is way overrated its really not that hard of a climb. K2 on the other hand is a killer
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SSG Heavy Weapons Section Leader
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Most of the guys I have the least respect for are Ranger qualified, but most of the guys I have the most respect for are not Ranger their qualified.
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SGT Rob Kmetz
SGT Rob Kmetz
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Hmm. I was with the 3d Ranger Bn from '85 to '90. I went through Ranger School back in '87 in the winter. Not only was I physically challenged but more mentally challenged. We began with 76 in our class and finished with 32 losing most in the swamp phase due to exposure to cold. It was in the 40's at Elgin AF base that week and the swamp waster was probably in the 50's. Maybe Ranger school has shifted gears over the years but back then, it was a true test of mind, body and leadership skills.
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CPT Brian Traynor
CPT Brian Traynor
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I graduated Ranger school in 92. It was not easy by any stretch. I think the guys who did not make it ( and there are lots and lots and lots of them) would disagree with the idea that it is overrated. I'm proud as hell that I made it. I learned a lot about myself and how much of a "not quitter" I really was. A very high percentage of students do not make it through. Ask your battalion chain of command how important it is to them when you report in
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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Over rated - Ranger School by far. I am not saying it isn't a great leadership/small unit tactics course but the stigma that surrounds it is ridiculous. People that graduate Ranger School hype it up like it's the hardest thing they have ever done in their life, those people have a rude awakening coming one of these days. They propel that stigma to people that haven't attended and make people think that you are some sort of demigod just because you have a Ranger Tab...what a crock of shit.

Under rated - Pathfinder. It's a pretty badge and everybody wants one but nobody ever talks about the skills that it actually gives you. Want to talk about a mentally challenging course, it's probably the toughest.
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SGT Donald Curtis
SGT Donald Curtis
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What the year of ranger school your referring
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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SSG Joseph VanDyck - I graduated Ranger school in August 1993.
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MAJ Glenn Bergeron
MAJ Glenn Bergeron
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Graduating Airborne School just for the qualification and never serving in an airborne assignment is equivalent to graduating Ranger School and never serving in 75th. Just a school where you learn very basic minimum skills in a controlled training environment and, if you graduated you get a badge/tab. IMHO

I also agree that Pathfinder School is highly underrated! While not physical at all, it's the hardest school mentally I've ever done, to include any college classes I've taken.
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SSG Lumber
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I agree pathfinder is a rigorous course it’s super useful but mainly in airborne units
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Lt Col John Davis
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"we have spoke"... Apparently English class is an overrated school :)
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CPT Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
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Word
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LTC Judge Advocate
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And we wonder why people hate officers. Praise in public, criticize in private.

From another LTC
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LCpl Matt Griffith
LCpl Matt Griffith
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LTC (Join to see) - I worked at The Basic School as an E/I for a couple of years....I sure as shit don't wonder why people hate officers. :D
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