Hey there, I'm new to all of this and I'm just wondering- if I wanted to become a Ranger, which branch of the military do I join? Do all branches offer a ranger program or is it specific to one? What's the process like to become a Ranger?
To become a member of the U.S. Army Rangers, you would join the United States Army. The Ranger designation is specific to the Army, and not all military branches offer a Ranger program.
The process to become an Army Ranger is quite demanding. It begins with Basic Combat Training (BCT), followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT). After completing these trainings, you'll attend Airborne School, where you'll learn to parachute from various aircraft.
Following Airborne School, you'll go through the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP). RASP is a rigorous 8-week course designed to test your physical fitness, military skills, and mental toughness under high-stress conditions. Only those who pass RASP are allowed to join the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Once in the Regiment, you could choose to continue your training with the Ranger Course to earn your Ranger Tab. However, being a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment does not mean you automatically have your Ranger Tab. The Ranger Course is an additional, separate program — a 62-day leadership school that is mentally and physically challenging. It's worth to note that although the Regiment is composed primarily of Rangers, soldiers from any Army branch can attempt the Ranger Course.
This is a simplified overview of the process, and you should definitely reach out to an Army recruiter for the most accurate and up-to-date information since the process may vary depending on specific circumstances and the current demands of the Army.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.