Rangers rappelling from a helicopter Rangers rappelling from a helicopter

Army Rangers

As part of the 75th Ranger Regiment, you’re a combat expert responsible for high stakes missions in enemy territory.

Close up of a Rangers patch Close up of a Rangers patch

Army Rangers Lead the Way, No Matter the Mission

As the Army’s premier infantry force, becoming a Ranger is an honor shared by a distinct few. You'll specialize in conducting raids and assault missions deep inside enemy territory—a task only the best-trained can carry out in this branch of the elite Special Operations Forces.

To become a Ranger is no easy task. You have to go through grueling training to ensure you have the mental toughness, physical fitness, moral character, and motivation to endure the challenges you’ll face in the field.

Rangers on a special operations raid at night Rangers on a special operations raid at night

Specializing in Raids and Assault Missions

There are three pillars that make up the Ranger mission that encompass a wide variety of enemy combat operations.

Working Together to Execute Each and Every Mission

As a Ranger, you would be a member of one of five battalions, on a team with fellow Rangers, all with unique skillsets working together for the success of Ranger missions.

Ranger teams are designed to quickly complete missions that call for heavy firepower and precision, which rely on Ranger skillsets including rifles, machine guns, snipers, explosives, and sabotaging tanks.

The Selection Process for Becoming an Army Ranger

Army Rangers receive some of the best training and opportunities the Army can provide, but to become a Ranger, you’ll first be rigorously tested in Ranger Assessment and Selection (RASP). Then, you’ll go through one of the toughest training experiences in the Army, Ranger School, before or after selection as an Army Ranger.

Ranger teaching hand to hand combat Ranger teaching hand to hand combat

Ranger Assessment and Selection (RASP)

This intense, eight-week course has two phases, followed by graduation as an Army Ranger.

Soldier on the Ranger rope course Soldier on the Ranger rope course

Physical and Psychological Testing

In Phase 1, you’ll go through physical and psychological tests, and be assessed on your strength of character and leadership ability. This phase includes a 12-mile ruck march with a 35-pound dry ruck-sack in full uniform, land navigation exercises, medical first responder tests, and a psychological screening.

Soldiers clear a building during a live fire exercise Soldiers clear a building during a live fire exercise

Ranger Skills Training

In Phase 2, you’ll prepare for Ranger duties by learning direct-action combat, airfield seizure, personnel recovery, marksmanship, and explosives.

Ranger mud crawl obstacle course Ranger mud crawl obstacle course

Ranger School

All members of the 75th Ranger Regiment are expected to complete Ranger School either before or after their selection into the regiment. For over two months, Ranger students train to exhaustion to become experts in leading Soldiers on difficult missions.

In the first 20 days, you’ll go through physical and mental skill development to get your body and mind prepared for the rest of Ranger School. Then, you’ll spend the next 21 days in the mountains, learning how to execute combat patrol missions. The last phase of Ranger School takes place in a swamp, where you’ll lead small teams to conduct missions while under extreme mental and physical stress.

Army Ranger Fitness and Workouts

RASP and Ranger School are some of the hardest physical challenges you’ll face in life if you pursue becoming an Army Ranger. You’ll need to complete intense strength and endurance workouts prior to RASP to ensure you meet the pre-RASP Army Ranger fitness tests. These include:

  • 53 push-ups
  • 63 sit-ups
  • Two mile run in 14:30 or less
  • Four pull-ups
  • Six-mile ruck march with a 35-pound rucksack and weapon in less than one hour, 30 minutes

To succeed at RASP, it’s important to run, swim, and strength train since you’ll need to complete a 15-meter swim in full uniform, a five-mile run in under 40 minutes, and a 12-mile march with a 35-pound ruck.

Joining the Army Rangers

All Rangers must be active duty enlisted Soldiers or Officers, and there are different requirements for each.

Soldiers wearing OCP walking on a airfield tarmac outside during the daytime with a UAV visible in the background Soldiers wearing OCP walking on a airfield tarmac outside during the daytime with a UAV visible in the background

Requirements to join as an active-duty Soldier:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • ASVAB placement test TECH score of 105 or above
  • Meet physical fitness requirements by completing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), clearing the height and weight standards, and passing the Ranger Fitness Test and the Water Survival Assessment
  • Qualification for Airborne School
  • A specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) authorized to be hired by the 75th Ranger Regiment, including infantryman (11B), combat engineer (12B), and many more
  • Re-class into a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) found in the 75th Ranger Regiment
  • Eligibility for a secret security clearance

Officer viewing maps in the woods Officer viewing maps in the woods

Requirements to join as an active-duty Officer:

  • An MOS found in the 75th Ranger Regiment
  • Rank of first lieutenant, captain or major
  • Eligibility for a secret security clearance

Common Questions about Army Rangers

Do I need to complete Basic Training to become an Army Ranger?

Yes. After completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Soldiers interested in becoming a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment can be screened for the first step of becoming an Army Ranger: Ranger Assessment and Selection (RASP).

What makes a successful Army Ranger candidate?

Rangers are role model Soldiers mentally, morally, and physically. They make sound judgments, and they never quit, though their bodies may tell them to. Rangers demonstrate discipline both on and off duty.

What is life on base like for Army Rangers and their families?

When Rangers are not deployed, they intensely focus on physical fitness and individual training to be ready to deploy at any minute. Otherwise, life on base is similar to any typical Army unit. Additionally, Rangers have excellent Family Readiness Groups, providing routine updates about deployments and training exercises, and providing support for challenges related to deployment. Rangers are stationed in one of three bases in the United States: Fort Moore, Hunter Army Airfield, and Joint Base Lewis McChord.

Can I join Army Rangers from National Guard or Army Reserve?

No, you must be active duty status in the U.S. Army.

Can I join Army Rangers as a non-commissioned Officer (NCO) or Warrant Officer?

Yes. Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Warrant Officers, at ranks of staff sergeant and above, with long-range surveillance experience, are encouraged to apply within the Regimental Reconnaissance Company and attend RASP 2, a three-week selection course where Officer candidates (including commissioned Officers) are tested on their physical and mental capabilities while learning the special tactics, techniques and procedures that set the regiment apart, and learning the expectations of leading and developing young Rangers.

What is the history of Army Rangers?

While the modern 75th Ranger Regiment was established relatively recently, U.S. military units with the same operational philosophy as the Rangers have existed since before the American Revolution. After the attack against the U.S. on September 11, 2001, the 75th Ranger Regiment immediately prepared to “Lead the Way,” spearheading the initial ground invasion of Afghanistan, just as the Rangers did at Normandy in 1944, Grenada in 1983, and Panama in 1989. The Rangers’ iconic motto “Rangers, Lead the Way!” was coined during the allied invasion of Normandy.

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Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

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