Has anyone had a herniated disc and has successfully and without any further damage graduated Ranger school, SFAS, SFRE, and the Q?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 19:57:18 -0400

Just curious to know, I was set to attend Ranger school this April, but due to a herniated disc I will have to try out again in the future once fully recovered. And was it worth it?

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Apr 8 at 2018 8:01 PM

A1C Ian Williams — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 20:01:21 -0400

Your health comes first. Concentrate on your own convalescence. PFC Private RallyPoint Member You may want to consider educating yourself as much as possible on kinesiology, nutrition and health while you rehabilitate the affected area. Good luck to you!

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 8 at 2018 8:17 PM

TSgt David L. — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 20:17:55 -0400

I have 2 in my lower back. They said fusing it was the only real fix. I know they do some repair and replacement surgery but I don't know what the recovery rate or success is.
My son (11B 240 Gunner) was set to do Ranger school and rolled his ankle and tore some ligaments in his ankle/foot doing a 12 mile ruck march/run in the rain at Campbell. He never did get to go. Good luck.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Apr 8 at 2018 11:56 PM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 23:56:59 -0400

If you have back issues now you may want to reconsider becoming a Ranger. Being a Ranger is tough on backs, hip, and knees. The parachutes aren't designed to let you down safely, they are designed to get you down quickly without killing you. Throw on a combat load plus whatever else you need to carry and then ruck march over uneven terrain to your object will put a strain on anyone's body. I'm not telling you not to try for it, but just know what you may be getting into. I've had some great NCOs and Officers in the Signal Corps who were former Rangers. They had to leave the Rangers and be reassigned to Signal units because their bodies were broken and couldn't take the stress of the Ranger life anymore. Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 3:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 03:49:31 -0400

Ranger school is great for your career but it will take an incredible toll on your back. I had rucksack that exceeded 100 lbs some days. If you pursue a career in SF or Ranger Regiment you'll probably either be medically separated or have to leave the unit years down the road because of your back.
You can probably suffer through Ranger school and make it, but remember that while you're in the course, you're in horrible shape. You're malnourished and sleep deprived. Your muscles supporting your back will begin to atrophy, making you more likely to further injure yourself.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 8:30 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:30:31 -0400

Thank you everyone, I am deeply considering your answer and decide it would not benefit my health for the future. Thank you

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2018 6:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 18:19:40 -0400

I am sure there was at least one, but I don't know.