If I signed up for RASP in AIT, but injured my ankle and am unsure if it will hold up, will I be able to reapply for RASP when I'm healed?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:00:48 -0400

So I had no idea that RASP was available to us 35f's and I wanted to challenge myself physically and be part of something bigger. I still very much want to do that, however there is a big hurdle in my way being that I tore my ATL during one of our runs here. It put me on crutches for the past 1.5 months or so and I've been slowly nursing my ankle back to health.

I'm considering a DEC statement solely because I'm very unsure whether or not my ankle will hold up to the high physical standard that RASP requires. My main concern is whether or not I will be able to apply for it later down the line when I'm healed. I've heard a bunch of rumors, speculation, and answers without real backing to them by fellow AIT soldiers so I was hoping that I could get some realistic insight as to whether or not putting in a DEC statement would affect me applying for it again in the future.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2023 4:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:48:32 -0400

Contact one of these three gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made May 29 at 2023 5:56 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Mon, 29 May 2023 17:56:34 -0400

You can't start RASP on profile. Talk to your medical team about wanting to go to RASP and they should ensure you have an appropriate profile that will allow you to recover fully. Temporary medical conditions do not permanently disqualify you from trying RASP. My understanding of a DEC statement is that it is for formally stating your intent not to reenlist, and it is not something IET soldiers can or should do. I recommend healing up and getting in great shape so you can do a great job at RASP.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Jun 3 at 2023 10:36 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 22:36:09 -0400

PV2 Egerer, since you are in AIT you can and should ask your Airborne and Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) Liaison Officers (LNOs). They exist and are accessible; they will come to you if needed or you can ask your command how to contact them (check your installations directory on the web too bc they will likely be listed with a phone number). As for the process of how this works for AIT students in your situation, the RASP LNOs are the people who will process AIT Declination Statements with the Military Personnel Division (MPD) on your installation. In turn, MPD will update the Army Training Requirements and Resource System (ATRRS) within 24 hours to cancel your RASP date and will then generate new assignment instructions (probably to your first duty station). Your AIT Declination Statement will state that you declined RASP for medical reasons (not bc of an unwillingness to attend). Depending on your MOS requirements, and the type of unit you are assigned to, you can have an opportunity to apply for RASP again. RASP is a physically and mentally intense 8 weeks and if you're not confident 100% (and then some) in the readiness of your ankle and your overall fitness, the extreme conditions of RASP could leave your ankle far worse.

Response by Baron Becker made Apr 16 at 2024 6:09 PM

Baron Becker — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:09:45 -0400

It's tough dealing with an injury, especially when you're aiming for something like RASP. Safety should always come first, so it's good to take the time to heal properly. I had a surgery on my left foot and found a great doctor who helped me a lot, so I understand the importance of recovery. As for reapplying for RASP, it's definitely possible once you're fully healed and confident in your ankle's strength. Don't let rumors or speculation deter you; focus on getting better first, and then you can pursue your goals with full force! Check out this link for more info: https://dallasfootanklesurgeon.com/

Dallas Foot/Ankle Surgeon