US Army Ranger Requirements

Ranger units have been in operation in one form or another since before the American Revolution. Originating in Britain, the ranger units of today are quite different and demand much from their trainees. All ranger units in the United States armed forces are a component of the Army and are designated light infantry. Ranger units are generally used in short, offensive deployments in enemy territory.

Basic Training

The first step toward becoming a ranger is to satisfactorily complete basic combat training. Boot camp in the army is fifteen weeks long and includes learning basic skills with weapons such as M60 caliber machine guns, semi-automatic rifles, handguns and grenades. Other requirements include fundamentals of chemical and biological weapon response (including nerve agents and actual exposure to tear gas), drill and inspection. Lastly, and critical as a prerequisite for entry into ranger training, is the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The APFT is a three pronged test involving timed running, push-ups and sit-ups. This test must be passed at the 17 to 21 age group level with a score of 60% or better.

AIT

AIT, or Advanced Individual Training, is the next prerequisite for ranger school. AIT immediately follows basic training and is the school that all regular army personnel must complete in their chosen military job, or MOS. This is the same whether the job is in a combat role or not. The course roughly occupies the final third of of basic training. The location of the base where basic training is conducted will be chosen by the MOS. For example, those who choose to work with artillery will always be sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Airborne

After completing basic training, the next prerequisite is the completion of airborne school. Jump school, as it is known among soldiers, trains soldiers, both men and women, to be combat paratroopers. Airborne troops are used in combat situations mainly as a rapid deployment force. Airborne school is a three week program with heavy emphasis on physical training. The APFT is taken again during week one and all trainees, regardless of age, must pass the test at the 17 to 21 age level. The training is divided into three phases with the final phase culminating in five static line parachute jumps. All training is conducted at Fort Benning, Georgia.

RIP & ROP

After completing the above requirements, soldiers with a rank of E-4 or below can then apply and enter the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). If they are E-5 or above, they must receive permission before the Ranger Board and are then eligible to enter the Ranger Orientation Program (ROP). These programs are also held at Fort Benning, Georgia and last four weeks. These two courses are the most demanding of all listed. Soldiers must complete the APFT course satisfactorily, run an 8 minute mile or less for five miles total, a 70% or better on every exam, finishing two of three road marches (one of which must be 10 miles) and completion of the combat water survival test. This final test involves swimming 15 meters in combat gear with one arm holding a rifle above water, jumping off a three meter platform blindfolded with weapon over head as well as treading water and then removing all gear while underwater. Once these requirements are met, trainees are then selected for deployment to the 75th Ranger Battalion.

75th Ranger Regiment

Once assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment, rangers will be depended upon to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours. The regiment are specialists in light infantry and are used for a number of operations that may include rapid deployment via air assault, airborne or direct action. Airfield seizure, personnel and equipment recovery, support of other forces, infiltration and raids are all common missions. The 75th is based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.