Ranger Challenge Tryouts

Ligustinus

Ligustinus
5-Year Member
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Aug 6, 2013
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So I was talking to the Recruiting Officer at the program I will be attending about trying out for the Ranger Challenge team. He said to come ready to ace the PT test but other than that didn't tell me much about what trying out would include. Does anyone know? Thanks for your help.
 
... that's probably dependent Battalion to Battalion.

For example at my program (PSU), there's 2 competitions we attend, one for our brigade level competition in Ft. Dix in the fall, and then Sandhurst up at West Point in the spring. Because of this, to try out for the team, we hold two tryouts: one for Ft. Dix. and the other for Sandhurst. So basically, if you get selected on to the team for the fall competition, it doesn't make you exempt from competing in the spring.

Anyways, for the tryouts we have 2 programs, a RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program) for fall and RAP (Ranger Assessment Program) for the spring. Both are one week long tryouts, with RIP week being more of a smoke session, and RAP more of an assessment of what you have learned up until that point. But both RIP and RAP are mostly the same in terms of training - a lot of rucking, running, crawling, log carrying, muscle fatiguing exercises --- and most importantly: teamwork. So, RIP/RAP week ends; 15 participants are selected to go on and continue the tryouts for the subsequent weeks to follow. During those weeks you are now fully dedicated to making the team; you are now exempt from all Battalion PT/LLAB events - you will train solely with the candidates; PT 5 days a week + 2 LLABS a week. Now, what actually goes on for that selection process I'm not quite sure - I know a lot of it is based around Competition events, so: land nav, STX lanes, rope bridges, gas mask rucks/runs, OPORDS, etc.

And from there the final ... 11 (I think? correct me if I'm wrong) team members are selected.

But ... this is just how my program runs it. Hope this gives you some insight.
 
Your team doesn't actually get to attend Sandhurst unless you win the brigade competition in the fall - it's not a given.
 
Your team doesn't actually get to attend Sandhurst unless you win the brigade competition in the fall - it's not a given.

Actually, Penn State AROTC has competed in the last three Sandhurst competitions and was the top US team in 2013 (2nd of 58 overall). The battalion is justifiably proud of these accomplishments. Not a given for PSU but getting close to it.

Thompson did provide an excellent description of the competitive nature of his school's Ranger Challenge team. Remember though that Penn State has one of the largest non-SMC battalions in the country. Who knows, it might be easier to walk-on to the PSU football team than to get on Ranger Challenge. At smaller battalions getting on the Ranger Challenge team is less competitive. Some battalions find it a challenge to fill out the team.

If you're willing to make the sacrifice of getting up earlier and working harder than your non-RCT colleaguues, I recommend Ranger Challenge. Among other benefits, it will improve your APFT and give you more exposure to and familiarity with your battalion's current and future leaders.
 
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Just to add on to ED's post, being on the Ranger Challenge team also gets you some points for your Order of Merit List. Basically this is the list when it comes down to summer training opportunities (or as my instructor likes to call them "gee whiz" stuff), but more importantly active duty & branch selection.

@Jcc - that's why I said this is the way it works at my Battalion. But to be fair, I suppose I should have put that little disclaimer in.
 
Anyways, for the tryouts we have 2 programs, a RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program) for fall and RAP (Ranger Assessment Program) for the spring.

Cadets comparing Ranger Challenge to being a ranger are bad enough, but an ROTC battalion is actually using those terms for their tryouts?
 
Cadets comparing Ranger Challenge to being a ranger are bad enough, but an ROTC battalion is actually using those terms for their tryouts?

Sounds like they have just made up new terms for their selection process since it is RASP and not RAP that soldiers go through to get to a Ranger Battalion. I've certainly never heard any cadet compare Ranger Challenge to being a Ranger, if some do then they are not very informed.
 
Cadets comparing Ranger Challenge to being a ranger are bad enough, but an ROTC battalion is actually using those terms for their tryouts?
... they are just names; so what? So then by what you're saying, why call it "Ranger" Challenge at all? We aren't Rangers; we're just cadets. Why don't we just call it Cadet Challenge instead then? Does that make you happy?

... you are looking way too far into things ...

Lets not divert this thread any longer.
 
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Thanks Thompson, for your help, I'm actually going to attend BYU who took I believe 7th last year at Sandhurst, so your information is probably a lot more like what it will be like to try to get on the team. The recruiting officer did tell me it was extremely tough to get on the team. But I got a few months to great ready and I want to make the most of it! So how would I prepare for these events and such?
 
I've certainly never heard any cadet compare Ranger Challenge to being a Ranger, if some do then they are not very informed.

Good Point, that is one of the first lessons taught by the Cadre. A few years ago, 1rst Brigade changed the name of the "Ranger Challenge" Competition to Bold Leader Challenge. But it was another good idea that withered on the vine.

Three more things about these "Ranger Challenge" clubs aside from the great points made above such as OML, Cadre status and summer opportunities are the extra training you receive as a member, new relationships that develop and grow with some of the best AROTC cadets in your school and the lesson in time management. With this last item, there is a misconception that participating in activities in a school will stress and lower your GPA. I actually believe and have observed that they actually improve your grades.
 
Thanks Thompson, for your help, I'm actually going to attend BYU who took I believe 7th last year at Sandhurst, so your information is probably a lot more like what it will be like to try to get on the team. The recruiting officer did tell me it was extremely tough to get on the team. But I got a few months to great ready and I want to make the most of it! So how would I prepare for these events and such?

Back to your original question, you would be best served by working on the APFT events - sit-ups, pushups and running. I would hope they wouldn't expect you to show up on Day 1 proficient in land navigation. On the other hand they could tell you to go climb a rope. Only somebody in the BYU battalion would know for sure. This would be a good question to ask a Gold Bar Recruiter at the battalion when one is appointed, though it may be early for that.
 
With this last item, there is a misconception that participating in activities in a school will stress and lower your GPA. I actually believe and have observed that they actually improve your grades.
A quick side note. Remember that at the end of the day, you are a student first, cadet second. Your grades are worth 40% :eek: :eek: of your Order of Merit List ranking (ie: deciding factor on whether you get active duty, and branch selection). So don't try to be one of those macho guys who turns Ranger Challenge into their life, and think that being on the team compensates for lack of good grades.

Ligustinus; to answer your two questions:
1.) If you haven't already, start running! Not just for the RC Team, but also for the APFT ... and because it's healthy for you :shake: :biggrin: :yllol:

From a XC runner, this means running for at least 40+ minutes a day to see improvement; running 3 days a week maintains your running abilities, running 4-5+ days a week improves your running abilities.

Just don't start running 5+ miles a day 7 days a week ... that's how you injure yourself. Start off small, maybe 20 minutes a day for 3-4 days a week. The following week, bump it up to 30 minutes, 4 days a week. And after 40 minutes, 5 days week, etc etc. The key is to NOT injure yourself. Also, know when to stop when you're hurting; that pain is your body telling you to stop, because something is wrong. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

My cadre, on staff for RC Club, said that a good way to get in shape for RC is to cross fit train. Perhaps you could give that a go as well, time permitting. If you can, try to find the cadre in charge of RC Club and ask him/her personally how you should prepare.

2.) In essence a gold bar recruiter is a recently commissioned MSIV (a senior) who has not gone to BOLC (loosely, the officer's technical school to learn his/her respective branch) yet - usually delayed, or has one of the much later BOLC report dates. And from my understanding, gets paid active duty O-1 pay to push paperwork in the recruiting office.

And, congrats on BYU!!
 
All you Penn State RCers know Clarkson is breathing down your neck. Don't expect to see them in your rear view mirror again next fall!
 
I've been running XC and Track for three years now so the running isn't a problem for me. Right now I'm just focused on not screwing myself over by getting injured this season. I'll look into the cross training cause as a runner my upper body leaves some to be desired so I want to get that up. I'll remember to focus on my grades. Thanks for the congratulations, its been a long way coming . I'm just grateful that my hard work payed off and I have this opportunity. I want to make the most of it all the way around. I'll email that recruiter again and see if he has anymore information related to the Ranger Challenge. Thanks again Thompson!!
 
Ah - that's great! Love running into fellow runners (see what I did there :thumb:)!

Just keep your head out of trouble, and away from the crazies at college, and you should be fine.

clarkson - will be seeing you then!
 
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