Intro- Zack

[drawpstar]

Hi, my name is Zack from New Jersey, I'm a high school graduate with 1 year of college under my belt interested in becoming an army ranger. I've spent my last few months working in retail and doing community service.

I am currently in contact with a recruiter from the army, just took the practice asvab test at the recruiting station and scored a 97th percentile and am scheduled to take it for real on tuesday. I've told them that I am only interested in getting the 11x with an option 40 contract though they tell me it is just as easy to get it by getting an 11x and working hard to go to RASP. Also they recommended that when I go to MEPS to get my physical there to make a stink about only wanting to get the option 40 since they are basically powerless to get it.

Thanks for creating a site with great information for ranger wannabes and I hope to be able to join the ranks as a ranger soon.

P.S. I heard you get a tomahawk for signing up now

[snafu]

Welcome. Lots of DEPs were in your position. Look around and you'll find tons of useful info that can help guide you in the right direction towards becoming a Ranger.

[Earthpig]

I've told them that I am only interested in getting the 11x with an option 40 contract though they tell me it is just as easy to get it by getting an 11x and working hard to go to RASP. Also they recommended that when I go to MEPS to get my physical there to make a stink about only wanting to get the option 40 since they are basically powerless to get it.

Here is how that translates to me:
"I don't want to spend much time on you. I'm hungry, and I want to check out my Facebook account. I just need you to enlist, so the Station Commander will get off my ass. There is a hot 18 yr old chick coming in to see me soon, and I'd really rather spend my recruiting time with her. If you want to be one of those Ranger dudes, you'll just have to seek it on your own."

Believe it or not, I was told the same exact thing back in 1988. Just remember, it's very tough to make it to a Ranger Battalion. You have to have guts, stamina, muscle, intelligence, luck, motivation, and a lot of good breaks. Many really good dudes fall short in one or more of those categories, and they never see their dream. Why add another factor, like not having a Ranger Contract? You're counting on many things happening which are all beyond your control:
1.) You're assuming you'll shine and be injury free during training.
2.) You're assuming your Drill Sgt will give a shit and connect you with the Ranger Liason.
3.) You're assuming that the Liason will be in his office at the exact time you will be given to go see him.
4.) You're assuming the Liason will have time to talk to you.

It's your life, and some people just feel extra lucky. If you are confident that the planets will all align themselves perfectly, and that your Guardian Angel will be by your side, listen to your Recruiter. If you're more of a realist, I wouldn't sign anything except an Option 40 Contract.

Welcome to the site, and thanks for your interest in serving.

RLTW
EP

[al_2ndWolfhounds]

Welcome and thank you for your interest in serving as a Ranger.

If you are serious pay heed to the advice you have just been given. Also you need to really STUDY the topics throughout this forum for many of the questions you have. Use YOUR time to research first then ask more knowledgeable questions.

[Ranger Bill]

Welcome. Your desire to serve our country as an Army Ranger is appreciated. Be sure to read and heed the ROE PM I have sent you.

[drawpstar]

Thank you Rangers Snafu, EarthPig, al_2ndWolfhounds and Ranger Bill for the warm welcome. I tried typing a message a couple days ago, I guess it didn't post. So I've been working with my recruiters to try and get the option 40, I got a 90 on my AFQT and 124 on my GT today.

Unfortunately the only option 40 contracts that have been available for months have been truck driver and cook. I decided to accept an 18x temporary reservation so I can go to MEPS and be able to talk to a counselor there. I would be DEP'ed till August 9th and can keep asking about 40a openings and renegotiate my contract.


Anyway I took the option over joining the military now over waiting for the 40a. Either way I'll be attempting to join an elite warrior community. Thanks for creating a community where Ranger wannabes can get the information they need to set them on the right path, and I'll keep you guys updated on my special forces training.

-Zack

[drawpstar]

Status update

Practiced my AFPT
125 Sit-ups
78 Push Ups
Ran 2 Miles in 14 Minutes 20 Seconds
10 Dead Hang Pull Ups

I'm a little confused as to how it works though, on the push up and sit up events. Do I them until I stop or in 2 minutes, whichever comes first, or stopping is acceptable and all that matters is the 2 minute time limit?

Also, I submitted medical forms for when I was diagnosed as a child with ADD and a childhood hernia surgery so my recruiter told me I had to wait until doctors clear me and say I don't have a disqualifying condition. I haven't been medicated for 4 years and my doctor says I haven't shown any symptoms at all.

Any way it should take up to 2 weeks to hear back from them according to him, and I think he's trying to sweat me to discourage me from pursuing the contract I want. Going to continue to plug away working on my AFPT scores.

-Zack

[Kilted Heathen]

125 sit ups?

[al_2ndWolfhounds]

Two minute time limit unless you quit sooner.

[drawpstar]

Hey all it has been a while since my last post, and my recruiting process should be completed presently. It took a while for me to be cleared to go to MEPS due to my being medicated for ADD and an apparent lack of effort on the part of my recruiter. I'm all set to go this coming thursday and am excited to finally be able to go. My recruiters have been giving me the runaround though, telling me that I definitely won't be able to get the option 40 contract with ADD on my record. They've even said getting the 11x itself will be difficult. Hopefully that is not the case and they are trying to get me to accept a contract they need filled. I'm continuing to stay firm and working on my physical fitness.

To Ranger Kilted Heathen, you were right to be skeptical, I performed 128 sit-ups in a row, however when I timed myself I was only able to complete 102.

To Ranger al_2ndWolfhounds thanks for the info, I also spoke with my recruiter about proper rest positions for the APFT for the pushups and sit-ups.

Bye for now, I hope to have good news when I come out of MEPS this week.

[Earthpig]

I'm a little confused. Did you sign an 18X contract, or have you not signed anything yet?

RLTW
EP

[drawpstar]

I now have a temporary reservation for an 18x , I just have to go through MEPS and take the DLAB and then I'm all set to sign up Ranger EarthPig.

[drawpstar]

Signed up today, 92a with the option 40a, which is an Automated Logistical Specialist, whatever the hell that is. I ship September 1st for basic training, and I'm extremely pumped to get the chance to try to be an Airborne Ranger. I ditched the 18x contract because I truly want to be an Army Ranger, and work hard to move from logistics to an infantry position. Gonna keep plugging away for my pt scores and I'll keep them updated.

[drawpstar]

I was very tired the other day when I posted having just returned from MEPS, and there was some more information I wanted to share.

There are barely any resources for men who want to obtain the option 40 contract with ADD/ADHD, but it can be done. I was able to get the contract after extended efforts requiring an immense file on my medical history, a neuro-psychological consult, and an endless barrage of discouragement from the recruiting team. Don't give up on it, and keep pressing them to get what you want, and don't give in when they tell you not to disclose it. It is not an easy path but it is better than being dishonest and it is very satisfying knowing you were able to get the Ranger option by being open. In my case the doctor who was examining my files was very level headed and fair and understood how this condition is highly over-diagnosed and can be outgrown. Just keep plugging away, and don't take no for an answer like it says all over this site. I would be happy to take PMs from anyone who has questions about this issue.

I can't wait to get to boot-camp start my career :D