Can National Guard Go to Ranger School?
The US Army National Guard has always played a crucial role in supporting the nation’s military efforts. As part of the National Guard’s unique blend of state-based forces and federal duty, they can provide soldiers to attend prestigious schools like the Army Ranger School. In this article, we will delve into the eligibility requirements and answer the question, Can national guard go to ranger school?
Contents
What is Army Ranger School?
Army Ranger School is an intensive 62-day training program that aims to assess the mental and physical limits of students, teaching them how to conduct combat operations, leading a Ranger squad, and survival techniques in adverse environments. Only a small percentage of those who attend the course, around 10%, manage to complete it and earn the prestigious title of US Army Rangers.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to attend Ranger School, individuals must meet certain prerequisites:
• Branch qualification: Rangers come from Infantry, Special Forces, Engineer, or Artillery units. Members of other branches may not be assigned to the Ranger tab, as their job duties and MOS do not typically involve long-range patrolling and raids.
• Minimum enlistment period: National Guardsmen must have completed a minimum of 36 months of service since initial enlistment. Active Duty personnel do not have an equivalent requirement, but are expected to be stationed with the 75th Ranger Regiment or its training companies for a similar period.
• MOS prerequisites: Insignia Infantry, Military Intelligence, Psychological Operations, Air Defense, Aviation, Artillery, or Field Artillery, with the right training, are allowed to attend Ranger School.
• Soldier skills tester: Prior completion of the Soldier Skills Tester (SST) is highly recommended for Guardsmen and non-active-duty soldiers, as it is the standardized evaluation used in the course. Some components, such as First Aid, M-16 skills, and Map Reading, may need to be redone upon arrival.
National Guard Representation in Ranger School
In 2020, 6% of the students attending Ranger School were from the Army National Guard, while around 5% came from Army Reserve. 12,500 out of the total 27,500 soldiers attending the course that year came from National Guard and Army Reserve components, emphasizing their role in providing elite talent.
Here are the percentages of Ranger School attendance from Army components from 2020:
| Component | Ranger School Attendance (%) |
|---|---|
| Active Duty | 90% |
| National Guard | 6% |
| Army Reserve | 4% |
Key Benefits of Ranger School for National Guardsmen
Enrolling in Ranger School provides invaluable benefits for National Guardsmen, including:
• Interstate transferability: Ranger-trained personnel are often exempt from interstate transfer requirements, as they are highly specialized.
• Priority assignment: Units tend to give priority to assignments that leverage Rangers’ expertise in counterinsurgency operations, small unit tactics, and direct action raids.
• Competitive promotion opportunities: Successful Rangers receive consideration for competitive promotions within the unit or regiment.
• Tactical competence: Students learn how to employ innovative tactics and procedures to execute combat missions effectively, gaining practical knowledge.
Obstacles and Pre-Par Course Preparations
As Guardsmen attend Ranger School, they will encounter significant challenges, requiring preparation to succeed:
• Grueling course design: Ranger School emphasizes the human endurance test, which means participants will need to manage sleep, hunger, and exhaustion under constant physical and mental strain.
• Advanced physical fitness requirements: Average times in physical events will vary depending on your individual condition; be prepared for the toughest aspects, including rucksacking and swimming.
• Course cadence: Understand that Rangers must lead and move together in units; familiarize yourself with unit coordination, as teamwork and discipline are essential for success.
To increase their chances of passing Ranger School, Guardsmen can take steps before arrival, such as:
• Build cardiovascular endurance by regular jogging or biking for 3-5 hours weekly
• Train on mental preparedness techniques to stay focused during fatigue, sleep deprivation, and psychological games.
• Get comfortable with Army combat tactics, hand-to-hand combat, and self-defense by training during normal duties.
• Read the Ranger Creed, emphasizing teamwork and shared sacrifices, and make mental connections between individual sacrifices and shared victory.
In conclusion, National Guard personnel are equally eligible to attend Ranger School, following strict eligibility criteria, unique opportunities, and exclusive challenges. Emphasizing hard training, strategic focus, and self-sacrifice can ensure National Guardsmen rise to the brink of Army excellence, embodying the values and reputation of US Army Rangers.
Note: Eligibility and selection procedures for Ranger School may vary. Check official US Army documentation and guidelines for specific information regarding Army National Guard Ranger School participation.
