Two females move on to the third and final phase of Ranger School. Was this what you expected?

2015-07-31T13:29:30-04:00

Two of the three females that are in the second phase of Ranger School have successfully completed it. They are now moving on to the third and final phase. I thought this phase would be the one that would determine if they would make it in Ranger School. Now that they have I have no doubt that we will see a female Ranger in about a month. I think this is a great achievement and they had done what many thought couldn't be done. This is something that will impact the way we look at our sisters in the Army.

With only two making it this far is this what you thought would happen?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 31 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-07-31T13:36:13-04:00

"Not if, but when, and how bad (did they want it)" to paraphrase the adage.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 31 at 2015 1:43 PM

2015-07-31T13:43:41-04:00

Soon this will no longer be newsworthy. THAT is when we will have true equality. Rangerrific!

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 31 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-07-31T13:50:30-04:00

Great news. Tough it out ladies.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-07-31T14:22:05-04:00

I merely expected the women to do their best, the same I expected the males to do.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 31 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-07-31T14:29:09-04:00

The argument will be, "Females can pass the Ranger school, hence, they can do anything."

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Jul 31 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-07-31T14:58:39-04:00

I wonder how the percentage of males that completed each phase compares to the percentage of females? The ratio of pass/fail for both groups at each point in training should be similar even if there are more males than females. After a few classes, there should be enough data points to compare and determine if certain parts are causing females to fail in greater numbers than males. It would be difficult to draw too many conclusions from this one group. Even if the conclusions were accurate, it may appear to be biased simply because there aren't enough comparision points yet. This info graphic shows a rate of 42%, 38%, 0%, and 66% at the various stages for an overall rate of 11% making it to the final round. That doesn't seem too bad to me, but I don't know what the completion rate was for males.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jul 31 at 2015 3:00 PM

2015-07-31T15:00:12-04:00

As long as they meet all the requirements/standards, with no exception, I say more power to them. It is about meeting the standard, not the gender of the person.

Having said that, if females want true "equality", there should be no deviations at all for gender in anything to do with the military. That includes registration for the draft, PT standards, assignments, etc. You can't have your cake and eat it too. You should not be allowed to pick and choose what you want to be equal in and what you want different standards/requirements in. All or none... Those who argue the "biological" reasons for the differences lose the battle in demanding equality, as far as I am concerned.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-07-31T15:14:36-04:00

I was hurt in 1991 on my first attempt at Ranger School and not allowed to recycle. A heat injury in the Ft Benning July summer sucks. I tried again in February 1993 and made it to the end of mountain phase, only to get frost bite on my hands and feet. I never got a third attempt. I have talked to those who have completed the course in more recent times. They say the course has changed in several ways from when I attempted my exercise in misery. The only regret I have in 30 years of service is not fighting to go back a third time! It's a kick in ass, but Ranger School is worth every miserable moment. The lessons learned there will define your leadership abilities and carry with it the tools needed for success - Hang in there Rangers and make history!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 31 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-07-31T15:17:18-04:00

I hope they are held to the same standards as men.

Response by SFC Jason Hodge made Jul 31 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-07-31T19:08:24-04:00

I wonder if Assesment and selection will be next.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-07-31T19:47:45-04:00

I am ecstatic over this news. Indubitably, this will raise the bar for female Soldiers, as we now have an incredibly high bar for which to strive. One team, one fight, one standard! Army Strong!!

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 31 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-07-31T19:47:50-04:00

http://time.com/3980297/women-ranger-school/

Congratulations to the 2+125 Ranger candidates moving on

2 Women Have Made it to the Final Phase of Ranger School

They begin the last stage on Sunday

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Aug 1 at 2015 6:20 AM

2015-08-01T06:20:33-04:00

Good for them. I have no doubt the experience is even tougher on them with all the scrutiny

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-08-03T10:33:55-04:00

Edit: A distinct discussion thread was merged with this one, not by CPT Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Aug 3 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-08-03T13:30:25-04:00

Those are some tough women! Glad they made it to the final phase.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 11:15 PM

2015-08-08T23:15:02-04:00

I commend them for their achievements already. In Rangerland you know that the odds were stacked against them.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 7:34 AM

2015-08-09T07:34:02-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, I can't speak from experience of attending the school. However, I expected the ladies that were interested in and fought to attend were going to be more than capable of making it.