How to Train for Ranger School

U.S. Army Rangers are an elite group of soldiers.

The United States Army Rangers branch is a group of elite light infantry in the U.S. Army. Ranger School -- the training required to become a ranger -- is an intense and extremely difficult program. Successful completion of the training requires physical as well as mental toughness and, given this, it's rarely too early to prepare. Training prior to entering Ranger School may help improve your chances of completion if done correctly.

Instructions

1. Start early and dedicate yourself to serious training.

   The first step on the path towards successful completion of pre-training and training for Ranger School is to be fully dedicated to the undertaking -- which will be difficult. Trainees require mental and physical toughness, which means that they will need to be disciplined in what they think and do.

2. Develop and review goals.

   Goals are important to tracking development, physically and mentally. Set several goals: weight, body fat percentage, muscle, overall training time, stamina. Revise your goals as you go if you find that they are too easy or unreasonably challenging. Make these goals relevant to the development required for Ranger School preparation and ensure that each goal is accompanied by a timeline.

3. Develop a fitness plan.

   Physical fitness is essential for Ranger School. In order to pass the Ranger physical fitness test, trainees must, at minimum, execute 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, a five-mile run finished in 40 minutes or less, and, finally, six chin-ups. Trainees will also be tested for a water survival test, other run tests, a foot march, an obstacle course, and both day and night navigation. Training programs should aim to build general fitness for these activities.

4. Develop a nutrition plan.

   Ranger School requires peak physical performance, which requires proper nutrition. Individual nutrition programs will vary depending on age, size, and genetic factors, but a proper balance of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and liquids is essential. For muscle building, many trainees will require increased protein intake which requires foods such as beef, turkey, nuts, and beans.

References

• Miltary.com: Preparing for Army Ranger School
• Miltary.com: Weight Gain for Ranger School
• The U.S. Army: Being a Ranger