Army Ranger / Special Forces Programming

The training pipeline to become a member of the Airborne Infantry Units, 75th Regiment as an Army Ranger, or Army Special Forces is a challenge that requires many months or even years of preparation prior to and while serving in the Army. You may ask, “What do you mean by pipeline?” A training pipeline is a set course you will take to go from Recruit to Soldier to Ranger or any other MOS in the Army.  Here is what you need to do and understand if you want to join the Army and become a soldier first after Basic Combat Training (BCT), then Infantry School, then more advanced training such as Army Airborne, Army Ranger or Army Special Forces.  Maybe even Army Air Assault School...

Army AFT Workout (Prep For Rucking, OPAT, AFT)
Army Special Forces / Ranger Workout
Army Air Assault School Workout
Army Airborne Workout

Advanced Running Program - Special Ops Supplement Plan - You will need to run and ruck more, but also lift to get ready for the Army Combat Fitness Test. 
    

The Updated Army PFT Workout also has programming for both the calisthenics and cardio Army PFT, but also the lifting tests are seen in the OPAT and the ACFT.  This is your first step toward success in this training pipeline.

From Soldier to Ranger / Special Forces

As with any candidate seeking to join a military special operations group that requires a challenging selection course, you need to prepare your body now and not enlist until you are ready physically and mentally.  You also need to do some more research on the process of becoming an Army Ranger as well as the training and time it takes before you are in actual Ranger Training.  But first – yes there is a program you should mention to your recruiter and make sure it part of your contract to enlist before you sign anything.

18x (xray) Special Forces Contract - There is an enlisted contract that a qualified recruit can earn prior to Basic Combat Training. After BCT, AIT, and Airborne, recruits will attend Special Operations Prep Course (SOPC) and then the actual Special Forces Assessment & Selection (SFAS). Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection / SFAS has been creating Special Forces operators longer than any of the branches and are able to use the Army training pipeline to its advantage to prepare those interested in Special Forces (Green Berets).  

11x Option 40 – This is the Army Infantry with Ranger Option enlistment program you need to mention to your recruiter.  This program will guarantee you get to attend Airborne training and Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) immediately following. However, do not even talk to a recruiter until you are ready to enlist – meaning physically prepared for what you are about to endure.  You must be able to run, ruck, lift, pt on advanced levels by the time you are ready to serve. See Ready To Serve Article.  Your training will include Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) together in a 15-week course for the 11B/C – Infantry MOS.  After OSUT – One Station Unit Training – in Fort Benning, GA, you will then go to the Basic Airborne Course (BAC). 

After BAC, you will attend RASP, not Ranger School (there is a difference).   RASP is an 8-week selection course for candidates seeking to join the 75^th Ranger Regiment as an Army Ranger.  Soldiers out of Basic Combat Training (Option 40 enlistment) as well as soldiers from other MOS’s are eligible to attempt this course and must pass and get selected to join the Ranger Battalion in order to wear the tan beret as an Army Ranger.  Many Rangers will also attend Ranger School, but it is not required.

Ranger School is not affiliated with the Ranger Regiment and is considered more of an elite Army Leadership Course.  It is open to members of the Army (and other branches) who will not become Rangers upon completion, BUT will be qualified to wear the Ranger Tab on their shoulder – just not the tan beret of the Army Ranger. 

Physical requirements – You must meet these minimums, but do not just strive for the minimum standards; you should be well better than the following:

Updated for the NEW Ranger Physical Assessment Test (RPAT) 

1. 2-mile run as fast as possible. The run will begin and end at a 20-foot fast rope.
2. Climb the 20-foot fast rope and do a controlled descent.
3. Drag a 185-pound SKEDCO litter 50 yards, turn around and drag it back 50 yards to the start point. 
4. Climb a 20-foot caving ladder and climb all the way back down.
5. Sprint 100 yards, turn around, sprint back 100 yards climb over the 8-foot wall. If you don’t have a wall do 3 muscle-ups on a pull-up bar.
6. Conduct a 1 mile run. 

Candidates should also get ready for the Ranger Athlete Warrior (RAW) physical test, which features exercises such as the 3-rep max trap bar deadlift, broad jump, pull-ups, and sprints. 

For both Ranger and Special Forces, there will be a water survival assessment so knowing how to swim is required. Take lessons if you must, but you will have to learn how to tread and move in the water with your gear/uniform which is impossible if you cannot swim.

Complete a 12-mile march with a 35-pound rucksack and weapon in less than three hours.  Learn how to run and ruck. You need to build up your running so you can handle the strains of many miles of running and load-bearing activities.  See Special Ops Running Plan.

Your Mission Starts Now

Let today be the day you refuse to quit. Let today be the day you adopt a mindset that transforms setbacks into comebacks. Join the Never Quit Mindset revolution and discover your limitless potential.

Act now—seize your $100 savings and begin the transformation that will last a lifetime.

Buy Now!
Never Quit Mindset Book, eBook, Audio Book, and 
Online Video / Audio Course