Ranger School First?

gfs2 · 08-10-2010, 05:49

My son is entering his senior year in college on an Army ROTC scholarship at Texas A&M. Barring something unforseen, he will be commissioned in May of 2011 after graduation. Ultimately he wants to go into special forces. My question is the pipeline to make this happen. Would it be better for him to go through Ranger School first and gain that valuable experience or try to go directly into the Special Forces training pipeline? He hopes to commission into a Combat Arms branch. Thanks.

Penn · 08-10-2010, 06:01

Sir, with all due respect, please go back and read the instructions; and fill out your profile.
Additionally, your question has been addressed countless times, in that regard you will find the search button to be of great value. We strongly suggest you incorporate that into your SOP while being a guest participating in various threads.
Also, it is strongly advised that you read a great deal prior to posting, or beginning new threads.

JJ_BPK · 08-10-2010, 06:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfs2

My son is....

Are you Sam the dad or the son????

Quote:

* About gfs2

Biography
High School student, wrestler, rugby player, CrossFit competitor
Location
Houston, Texas
Interests
wrestling, rugby, feeding the homeless, CrossFit
Occupation
student
How did you hear about Professional Soldiers?
web search

* Signature

Sam in Houston

gfs2 · 08-10-2010, 06:30

I am the dad. It is another son I am asking about.

Dozer523 · 08-10-2010, 06:36

There is no "one way" or "best way" to get to the 18A designator.
There have been / are many outstanding SF Officers who assessed from all the branches. The 25 meter target (that is something you'll hear ALOT) is to do exceptionally well at what is in front of you now. Your son needs to focus on doing as well as possible in his studies and ROTC. Focus on dean's list academic performance and learning and leading as much as possible in ROTC. Earn schools -- especially Airborne and Air Assault while a student. Get in the habit of being very physically fit. Do better then great at ROTC Summer Camp. Get Commissioned.
As a Second Lieutenant he should master his craft regardless of his assigned branch. Ranger School following his Basic Course is a good time to do that.
His opportunity to try for SF comes around his 4th -6th year of service. don't miss the window.

SF is at best a 250 target now. Your son should be 'situationally aware' it's out there but it is what he has to to do for the near future that counts.
Also, no dig, but if he wants it, he needs to get it. You can't get it for him, Dad. He can join and read . . . that will keep him busy for the next 4 years. Good luck to him.

JJ_BPK · 08-10-2010, 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfs2

I am the dad. It is another son I am asking about.

Quote:

Biography
High School student, wrestler, rugby player, CrossFit competitor

Then maybe you should change the bio?? Or open another member account??

Bennett · 08-10-2010, 14:08

If it hasn't changed in the few months I've been retired it was "mandatory" for all 18As to be ranger qualified. This did not mean that they had to serve in the Regiment. At one point (the 90s) it was also mandatory that the Team Sergeant was ranger qualified and for the life of me I don't know why. When I came in I was told you would learn what you needed at the course and that was true. I have a lot of ranger qualified SF friends and after it was all said and done the conclusion was Ranger school is a great leadership course for a junior enlisted or officer, for the rest, it was just another gut check.

**The Reaper** · 08-10-2010, 14:21

The best route for an ROTC cadet to get to be an 18A has been beaten to death here.

The first step is to graduate college and become a good officer and leader. For most people, that is as far as they will need to worry about.

TR

Dozer523 · 08-10-2010, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

The best route for an ROTC cadet to get to be an 18A has been beaten to death here.TR

I know, but I woke up in a good mood and I'm a Dad and he's a Dad; and the Little Dude and I just returned from our first "Us-guys-only (we-don't-have-to-ask-Mom's-permission-for-anything,-just-don't-tell-her-I-said-that) Road trip. Up to Chicago for the Cubs-Brewers slaughter then "oh my gosh! How did we get to Detriot? OH WELL . . . might as well stay for the Tigers-White Sox game. By the way, Little dude, do you think you can find Cincinnati on this map?"
Sorry, I'm still basking in cool dad points (Mom was pretty cool about it too)

Listen up! Don't bother us with this stuff, YA HEAR! The Search button is your friend!

(howszat?

)

ZonieDiver · 08-10-2010, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

Are you Sam the dad or the son????

I'm with JJ!

I am still confused as to who he is... son #1, son #2, or dad? He says he's the dad. Profile says "son" and he says that is son #2's profile????

Huh????

lksteve · 08-10-2010, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dozer523

I know, but I woke up in a good mood and I'm a Dad and he's a Dad;

I knew it...off your meds again...

zoolander6 · 09-07-2010, 17:37

ROTC offers a program called Ranger Challenge. This will better prepare your son for Ranger School. He can go to Ranger School while still in college. Though this may be hard these days depending on the school he attends and how many slots are available. I think he has to be promotable to CPT before attending the Q-course. An O might wanna chime in on that. Bottom line, i would recommend that an 18A have been through Ranger school prior to attending the Q-course but this isnt allows the case.

lksteve · 09-07-2010, 17:54

Ranger School is a leadership course that benefits junior officers considerably. All combat arms officers should endeavor to attend Ranger School. When I was an instructor at the Infantry School, we were directed to encourage all of our lieutenants to attend the course. As TR stated, this subject has been batted around here quite a bit.