Ranger Indoctrination Program

[SR-25]

Ranger Indoctrination Program

Students learn more than just knots in RIP

Spc. Natalie P. Loucks

3rd Brigade Combat Team PAO

Drenched with sweat and steaming from the cool, morning air on their overheated bodies, the students of the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Regimental Training Detachment, 75th Ranger Regiment, limp around their rucksacks digging for dry clothes.

Soldiers, private through specialist who have graduated basic training, advanced individual training and Airborne School, can volunteer for RIP, where they are introduced to the concepts of being a Ranger.

Beginning at 3 a.m., the students are required to complete a 12-mile road march with their weapon and 35- pound rucksack in three hours. This is only one of the many tasks required before graduating RIP.

Throughout the four-week course, students are tested on various physical and mental tasks.

The 5-mile run must be completed in 40 minutes or less. A student must score 70 percent or better in each event of the Army Physical Fitness Test, the Ranger First Response exam and a critical skills test.

The test covers areas of training, such as land navigation, marksmanship and the 12-page "blue book" of Ranger standards, Army policy and Ranger history.

The Combat Water Survival Test includes underwater equipment removal, a 15-meter swim and a "blind drop" during which students fall backwards and blindfolded into the water.

"RIP is not intended for everyone," said 1st Sgt. John Brady, RTD commandant.

The PT test and the Combat Water Survival Test produce the most fall outs, he said.

Although a class begins with 200 students, almost half won't graduate, said Sgt. 1st Class Chad Campbell, NCOIC at RIP. Heat casualties and injuries like sprained ankles and broken bones contribute to the attrition rate. Others simply do not want to be there and quit.

Heat is a major safety issue in all intense military training, Campbell said. RIP students are told to loosen the sleeves on their BDU tops and to pull their pants out of their boots to allow the air to flow.

Students are also encouraged to stay hydrated. Instructors conduct "forced hydration," during which each student must drink a full canteen of water at one time.

During the winter months, heating tents are used to prevent cold weather injuries, which are not as common, but still a risk.

Instructors make sure the students are eating enough of the healthier main courses that are provided in the MREs, instead of just the candy and crackers only.

RIP Soldiers get a minimum of six hours of sleep on regular training nights, so they are well-rested and alert for the next day's events. On nights before high-risk training, such as airborne jumps, students are required to get eight hours of sleep.

Although safety measures are taken, accidents can happen. The average RIP class has about three to five serious heat casualties, said Brady.

Ranger buddies are the ultimate in safety, Brady said.

"They go everywhere with you. They're another set of eyes, another way of thinking," he said.

Ranger buddies ensure there is always someone watching out. They prevent you from doing the wrong thing, he said.

Why would anyone want to go through something so tough?

"I want a meaningful career, something I can be proud of," said 25-year-old Pfc. Brandon Deckerd, standing a little taller and smiling.

He said he's worked hard all his life.

"I would wake up at 4 a.m., just like I do in the Army, and I would work my hands to the bone all day (before I joined the Army)," he said. "I wanted something both physically and mentally challenging."

The student who shows up to formation the first day wide-eyed with excitement and fear is not the same graduate who leaves RIP wearing the tan beret.

RIP does more than just train troops. Campbell said it builds confidence and teamwork. It's a humbling experience that helps Soldiers look further into themselves than they have ever before, finding fears, strength and above all pride.

[RR691983]

Good post

[SR-25]

Thanks RR. If you dont mind me asking, what is that medal under my "posts"

[Field_Sailor]

It is a medal for posting. Look here for the thread Roms posted about it. Good job.