How to Become an Army Ranger Officer
The Army Rangers accepts only elite soldiers and the requirements for officers are even more stringent as they will lead the elite and are expected to perform at the highest levels of fitness, endurance and strategic initiative. Three pathways lead to a commission in the Army: Officer Candidate School (OCS), a university Bachelor's Degree or a Direct Commission, which only applies to specialized careers for those with higher degrees, such as doctors, chaplains and lawyers.
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Instructions
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Earning a Commission
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Officer Candidate School (OCS) is available to those who enlist in the Army, but only if a graduate of a four year university and have an SAT score of 850 or more. A score of no less than 110 on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery is required; candidates must be between 19 and 29 years old (if between 30 and 34, you can request a waver), be a United States citizen and have no more than ten years of Federal Service when commissioned. A physical exam follows and candidates need security clearance and must have no criminal record. To enter the OCS program, tell your Army Recruiter to enlist you under Enlistment Program 9D of Army Regulation 601-210.
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The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a scholarship program specifically for those seeking commissions in the United States military, offering a better chance for preferred assignments than by attending OSC and a better background of experience. ROTC is available through civilian four year universities, military universities and military junior colleges. Membership in the Senior ROTC (SROTC) is required to earn a commission upon graduation; if you attend a military junior college, transfer to a university to complete your degree. Students with high grades who demonstrate leadership potential can earn scholarships; however, you can still participate in ROTC and SROTC without the scholarship.
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Enrollment in Ranger School upon earning your commission is the most difficult step, because few are accepted and fewer still complete the training. Graduates earn the title Ranger Qualified Officer, but are not yet actual Rangers. Volunteering for service in the 75th Airborne Regiment is the final step; after that comes the long wait for acceptance. The "Ranger Creed" is taught to all attending Ranger School; those who complete the training are expected to use is as a guideline, a way of life, and should perform in accordance to the creed in the unit to which they are assigned.
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The Ranger Creed (from BestRangerCompetition.com)
"Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit-de-corps of the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor."
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