If your dreams of a military career include becoming an Army Ranger for the U.S. Army, expect to work on your physical training beyond that of a enlisted soldier. Your training as an Army Ranger starts at Fort Benning, Georgia. Ranger training is "one of the toughest training schools" for a U.S. Army soldier, according to Military.com.
Time Frame
The Ranger Training program selects and instructs junior enlisted soldiers believed to be suitable for service in the 75th Ranger Regiment. The program involves four weeks of physical training, along with continuous preparation for serving in the regiment. You spend much of your time in intense physical training. The program involves fast rope training, five-mile runs, daily physical training, day and night land navigation, combatives, combat lifesaver certification, road marches and a combat water survival test, according to Base Ops.
Fort Benning Phase
The Fort Benning phase begins with an assessment at Camp Rogers. You undergo the Ranger Physical Fitness Test, consisting of 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, six chin-ups and a five-mile run that you should finish in 40 minutes or less. Other tests and requirements include a combat water survival test and terrain runs with obstacle courses.
Preparation
If you are training for Ranger school, it is not enough to meet the minimum physical fitness standards. Work to surpass each test so you can maximize your fitness. You should work toward completing 80 to 100 push-ups, 15 to 20 chin-ups, 80 to 100 sit-ups and complete a two-mile run in less than 13 minutes. Before entering Ranger School, train by walking quickly in combat boots, wearing a 50-lb. rucksack. Run for at least five miles three to four times every week; swim in your uniform two to three times a week so you learn to keep yourself afloat while fully clothed. Before beginning Ranger School, gain 5 to 10 lbs. so you have a cushion of weight to rely on when you're eating fewer calories during Ranger training, Military.com advises.
Skills
Instructors assess your ability to develop the physical and mental skills you need to complete combat missions. Peak physical conditioning is vital to completing the course and keeping up with Ranger training. You'll work on military mountaineering tasks and technique in a mountain environment. In the swamp phase, you're expected to function and lead under extreme physical and mental stress. Expect to work on air assault, airborne, ship-to-shore, small boat and dismounted combat patrol operations.
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