Will OSUT/AIT get you in shape in preperation for RASP, or is it ideal to delay enlistment until one is capable of crushing the APFT?

Anthony C. — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 12:21:07 -0400

Hello everyone, My name is Anthony...I currently reside in the good ole sunshine state! (Florida)

Currently my occupation is a Framing Carpenter, I've decided to take the next step and begin the process of enlisting into the Army...

Still in the early stages of enlistment..AFQT scores scores are 76 AFQT, GT 123,

APFT scores:

57 push ups (79 points)

59 sit ups (72 points)

2MR. 16:27 ( 60 points)

Total APFT score (211)

The ultimate goal is attend RASP and to earn the right to become apart of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
However as of right now their are no contracts available that guarantee Airborne slots (Option 4)
I'm aware of the option 40 that guarantees a slot in airborne school AFTER RASP.

Will OSUT/AIT get you in shape in preperation for RASP? or is it ideal to delay the enlistment process entirely and go in when one is capable of crushing the APFT?

I know there is much work to be done...average is unacceptable and the maximum is the minimum...I plan to utilize this site along with the wealth of wisdom provided by the Veterans on this site.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2021 12:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 12:39:32 -0400

Don't worry about any of that, just join, spend your tiny amount of free time doing extra PT and volunteer for RASP as soon as you can. RASP isn't about being in shape and there isn't a man alive who can crush it. It's about seeing who will keep going when their body quits and their brain is screaming at them to quit and you can't think past the fog of every fiber of your body being in pain and exhaustion. If you pass RASP, after you get to your new unit, your new Team Leader will make you Ranger Strong

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 4 at 2021 1:02 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:02:50 -0400

You couldn't get an Option 4 as an 11B? I would tell them I am just going to wait, it sometimes brings about miracles and a slot opens up. That isn't the case with Opt40, which you don't need to apply for RASP anyway.
If you go in to 11B OSUT scoring 211 on the APFT, you will be in better shape when you finish. I went through the old RIP for Officers back in the 80's, I agree with SFC Boyd, nothing really prepares you for the physical exhaustion, lack of sleep and lack of food. RIP was only a bit over 2 weeks! You just put your head down and keep going when what you really want to do is lay down and curl up in a ball and quit.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 5 at 2021 5:40 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 05:40:20 -0400

The duration of both training periods affords you fitness. OSUT will provide you with a solid foundation, during AIT you will have time in the evenings and on weekends to advance your fitness level. Just make sure you are complimenting your organizational fitness and not overworking any body parts lending to injury. Be smart you have time.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jun 7 at 2021 6:00 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:00:56 -0400

Anthony, Many things have changed since I was in the Army. In Basic they came through and ask who wanted to go Airborne. There was an extra $50.00 a month which when I was making $78.00 a month that sounded great. Got to Ft. Brag and put up with all the psychical stuff. Then one fine day we climbed a tower that was 20 miles high. ( perhaps not that high but this is my story). Have to admit, I could not jump from the tower. So amidst all the catcalls I climbed down, turned in my equipment and was on a plane that evening to Brooklen NY. Then on a ship to Germany. Was given a new cover for my 201 file that did not say CHICKEN on it.