Posted on Sep 14, 2017
PV2 J M
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Posted in these groups: 75th Ranger RGT
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SGT Dave Tracy
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Edited 7 y ago
Spend your time between now and HS graduation getting ready. We are a running Army, and you better believe high-speed guys like Rangers know what it is to run far; run fast. Also, practice ruck marching. Get a sturdy backpack and load a bunch of weight in it and walk. Walk far. Walk not just on smooth, paved streets. And don't walk too slowly. All that said, don't do too much too fast in the beginning; build up your strength and endurance over the time you have to get ready.

Don't get into any trouble with the law or with drugs-the Army won't touch you if you do. Before you meet with a recruiter, study up on the Army, MOSs that feed the Rangers such as the Infantry, and of course Rangers. Do this NOT so you walk in the door as an expert (LOL!!!), it's so that way you know the right questions to ask recruiters. And when you do talk to them, don't make the mistake I made; get Airborne in your contract!!! Even if you don't make it to/through Ranger school, it's a good thing to have. BTW, big disclaimer: "Study" in NO WAY means watching movies or TV. Collectively Hollywood doesn't know an damn thing about the military. Hell, I'm still waiting to see Arnold Schwarzenegger reload a weapon!

When you arrive for your initial entry training, check your ego at the door. Your sensibilities will be insulted, your body will be exhausted, and nothing will make sense...at first. It won't be easy, but nothing worthwhile in life ever is. "Basic training" is rough, but don't worry, it ends, and it is not how Army life is on a day-in, day-out basis (mostly). As the name implies, it is the most basic level of training the Army will provide you as a foundation for your future; you will continue to train throughout your entire career.

Good luck!
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PV2 J M
PV2 J M
7 y
thanks for the good advice. Rangers lead the way!
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MAJ Corporate Buyer
MAJ (Join to see)
7 y
PV2 J M - This is good advice. I'll add to help with ruck marching do a lot of stuff barefoot. Not running or rucking but just walking around outside. If you can reasonably go shoeless, do so. It'll toughen the bottom of your feet. If you want to be a Ranger right out of the gate, make sure it says that in your contract. Don't but the recruiting line of "Once you get to your unit, tell them you want to be a Ranger". It doesn't work like that. Ever. Push ups and pull ups should be a no-brainer. Do a lot.

Lastly, I'll say that before you commit to something like this you need to do a real gut check. I've known many guys who wanted to be the best of the best (or just straight up infantry) and got to basic training and realized that it isn't nearly as much fun as the movies and posters made it look like. The Infantry life can be a very hard one. Especially for new guys. And Rangers ramp it up even more. It's not all jumping out of airplanes and blowing stuff up. Walking everywhere sucks. Sleeping on the ground in the snow and rain sucks. Bugs suck. Being hungry and tired suck. BUT, it's all worth to some and makes the jumping and explosions even better. If that's you, go for it. If not, there's no shame in going a different direction. Good luck.
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Military Family
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7 y
Eldest Son is in basic now - the guys who cant check ego are dropping out. My son wrote that biggest issue that baffles him is things like "fall in and shut up. Stop talking. Dont talk backt. Just do what you are told" . It sucks - basic - but is temporary.

My middle son is a HS and wants to be a combat medic with RASP/option 40. He is running every day - working towards 30 to 40 miles a week. He backpacks/rucks already. He has a program that includes sit ups, push ups, pull ups, flutter kicks, bare crawls etc. No real heavy duty weight lifting. Also - hes practicing the 250M swim with gear on.
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Cpl John Barker
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Get involved in as many sports as possible: wrestling and football come to mind especially. Stay out of trouble, and don't go into the army with a girlfriend. You will be issued a new one upon arrival at Ft. Benning
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PV2 J M
PV2 J M
7 y
haha roger that
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
7 y
SGT Dave Tracy - That "letter" is totally not fun to receive.
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Sgt Wayne Wood
Sgt Wayne Wood
7 y
Damn! I wasn't issued a g/f... must be the volunteer Army
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SGT Jim Arnold
SGT Jim Arnold
7 y
Sgt Wayne Wood - I was but she was defective
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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PV2 J M
PV2 J M
7 y
thank you
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