The Selection process for becoming an army ranger
Ranger Assessment and Selection, known as RASP, is an intense, eight-week course designed to test a Soldier’s physical and mental strength under extreme conditions. Candidates must earn the right to don the tan beret and become a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
QUALIFICATIONS
In order to qualify for entry into the 75th Ranger Regiment you must:
- Successfully complete RASP 1 (E-1 thru E-5)
- Possess U.S. citizenship
- Volunteer for assignment and be on active duty
- Have a General Technical Score of 105 or higher (Waivers provided on a case by case basis)
- Qualify and volunteer for airborne training
- Have no pending UCMJ action
- Enlist, currently hold, or voluntarily re-class into a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) found in the 75th Ranger Regiment
- Be able to attain at minimum a secret clearance
Pre-RASP
After completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Soldiers interested in becoming a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment will report to the Ranger Assessment and Selection facility, where they will be screened and prepared for entry into RASP.
In order to qualify for entry into RASP 1 you must:
- Pass the Ranger screening (psychological review, background check, urinalysis)
- Pass the RASP entry fitness test (53 push-ups, 63 sit-ups, 2 mile run in 14:30 or less, four pull-ups), and a 6-mile ruck-march with a 35-pound rucksack and weapon in less than 1 hour 30 minutes.
PHASE 1: TESTING
Once classing up from Pre-RASP, Ranger candidates will begin the first full phase of selection. During this phase, they must clear a battery of physical and psychological tests. They are graded not only on their ability to get through the exams, but also on their strength of character and leadership ability.
Forced Ruck March and Run
During RASP, Ranger candidates will be graded on a 12-mile ruck march with a 35lb dry ruck-sack (water is not included into the overall weight of the ruck-sack). Continuing on from their Pre-Rasp progression, rangers will conduct a 6, 8, 10 and their final 12-mile ruck march in full uniform. Candidates will also perform one graded PT test with a five-mile run in place of the ARMY 2-mile run.
Land Navigation (Day and Night)
In teams and individually, candidates will be required to find and travel to objectives, most of the time using only a compass and a map.
First Responder Test
Medical response and evacuation is a critical skill for Rangers. Candidates will be tested on their ability to quickly retrieve and stabilize casualties.
Screenings
In addition to physical requirements, Ranger candidates will be tested on their knowledge of Ranger history and the Ranger Creed. They must also pass a psychological screening.
NIGHTTIME LAND NAVIGATION
While land navigation is a general skill that’s taught in other Army schools, including Basic Combat Training, the nighttime land navigation course is one of the most notoriously punishing tests on the way to Ranger selection.
After having been deprived of sleep and exhausted from hours of training, candidates must find their way to their objectives using only a compass and map.
Unlike daytime land navigation, candidates are forbidden to work together, and if they are caught sleeping at any point during the night, they fail.
Think you have what it takes? Take the Ranger Workout Plan.
PHASE 2: RANGER SKILLS TRAINING
During the second phase of selection, the candidates will learn the skills and maneuvers that will prepare them for the rigors of life in a Ranger unit. This includes learning the principals of direct action combat, airfield seizure, personnel recovery and more.
Marksmanship and Tactics
Ranger candidates are instructed on the basic principals of direct action combat, which is the cornerstone of the Ranger mission.
Basic Regimental Marksmanship
Weapons handling, safety, zero rifle with optics, walk and shoot, body position,
Advanced Regimental marksmanship
Intro to pistols, rifle to pistols transitions, shooting body positions
Explosives and Breaching
Candidates must learn and demonstrate the proper techniques for entering urban enclosures, which include setting and detonating explosives to breach doors. Candidates will then be tested on their ability to identify the proper breaching method for certain types of doors.
GRADUATION
In 2001, the Rangers switched from a black beret to a tan beret, as the black beret had become the Army standard. Since that time, the tan beret has become a symbol of strength and excellence, and one of the highest honors an Army Soldier can achieve. Upon successful completion of RASP, candidates will receive the beret and the 75th Ranger Regiment Scroll, signifying entry into one of the most distinguished special operations units in the world.
RASP 2
RASP 2 is a three-week selection course for senior noncommissioned officers, officers, and warrant officers (E-5(P) and above). Candidates 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.
RANGER SCHOOL
Ranger School is the Army’s premier small unit leadership course for Soldiers. All members of the 75th Ranger Regiment are expected to attend and complete Ranger School either before or after their selection into the regiment.
Additional Information About U.S. Army Rangers
About the Rangers
The Rangers are the most elite large-scale fighting force the Army has to offer. Their mission, depending on the operation, can range from airfield seizure to special reconnaissance to direct action raids on select targets and individuals, and they have a rich operational history.
Specialized Ranger Missions
The modern 75th Ranger Regiment performs a set of specialized missions. These missions include special operations raids, special reconnaissance, and forcible entry operations.
Ranger History
The Rangers have a long and storied history that predates the American Revolution. From Robert Rogers’ to William O. Darby, Rangers have served an important role in almost every American conflict.
ranger battalions
The Ranger Regiment is made up of five battalions, each with their own identity and history.
Join The Ranger Regiment
Becoming a member the 75th Ranger Regiment will be one of the hardest challenges you will ever face. In this section, we’ll tell you about the requirements to become a Ranger, and how you should prepare for the Ranger Assessment and ,Selection Program (RASP) 1.
How to become an army ranger
Learn about the basic requirements to becoming a Ranger, and view a list of in-demand jobs.
Ranger Workout Plan
Ranger Assessment and Selection 1, known as RASP 1, is an intense, eight-week course designed to test a Soldier’s physical and mental strength under extreme conditions. Candidates must earn the right to don the tan beret and become a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Life in the Ranger Regiment
In this section, you will learn about what you will do as a day-to-day member of the Regiment, and the role you’ll provide to your platoon.
Being a Ranger
Regular life as a member of the Ranger Regiment is unique. At any moment, you will be expected to be ready to go on a mission, or “on the range”. Your will spend your time in garrison training intensely, preparing for the next mission and recovering from the last.
Ranger Squad Roles
The Ranger Platoon is made up of Soldiers with various roles and abilities, and they all work together for the success of the mission.
Frequently asked questions about serving in the rangers
Here are some of the most frequent questions we answer about serving in the Ranger Regiment.