Updated Introduction: Navid

[carbonlife4010]

Hello Rangers,

My name is Navid and I've made a post on the introduction section before, but I wanted to give an update after going to MEPS and officially enlisting!!

I'm 23 years old, I have my college degree in Biology, I can speak Farsi (Persian) along with 3 other dialects of it including the Afghan version as well. I originally wanted a 35F option 40 contract, but I was turned down from even trying to get it because I was born in Iran (I've been a naturalized U.S. citizen for most of my life starting from when I was 6 years old) and army command said they didn't want to go through the Top Secret clearance process for an ex Iranian national...I understand their point, but I can't help but be a little offended because I've always and only considered myself an American and renounced my citizenship to Iran as soon as my family and I fled persecution since we were not Muslims.

All that aside, I was set on option 40 at all costs...so I got a slot as a 94F option 40 and will be entering as a SPC (E-4)!! The process at MEPS went very smoothly and I enlisted on Oct. 21st and am due to ship out in December 29th for Basic at Ft. Jackson, SC. I cannot wait for Airborne and RASP, this is a long term dream coming true to earn my place in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Thank you all for your service and amazing advice on this forum. I'm looking for a mentor that can guide me and help me prepare myself more before I ship out. Any Rangers willing to take me under their wing?

Thank you,
Navid

[Lefty]

Your ambition is admirable but you have a long tough road ahead of you. Others will be along shortly to address your introduction.

One question you must answer - why do you want to be a Ranger?

[Jim]

Well, Navid, we have talked before. Please answer Ranger Lefty's question. You will be getting a PM shortly to resolve your need for a mentor. Never, never quit!

[carbonlife4010]

Ranger Lefty and Ranger Jim,

Thanks for the replies. I'll be looking forward to receiving a pm regarding a mentor. As to the reason why I want to be a Ranger...:

I was once a refugee of religious persecution who had fled Iran years after the Islamic Republic took over. My family and I are not Muslims and we were persecuted heavily, denied any education, work, and any opportunity to carry out our basic human rights. My family fought peacefully because we knew better than to fight hate with its reflection. We moved frequently to avoid persecution, which often failed. Such persecution included burning down our houses, throwing stones at my siblings and I in public places, public hangings, torture, etc. We finally fled the country and lived in Pakistan for 3 years in absolute hell-like conditions until the U.N. finally accepted us as refugees to enter the U.S. in 1997. Since then, I've discovered my basic human rights by being denied them throughout my childhood. We became proud citizens of a country that granted us freedom, opportunity, education, and most importantly...a life without fear; all of which have once been denied. It's a story I don't share often, but it's key to understand my decision to serve.

In a time of global conflicts and current atrocities plaguing the middle east and the world, I know too well what's at stake. I look at the headlines and see the story of my family without the opportunity of living in this amazing country. All those kids executed, persecuted, and living in utmost fear in the middle east under the attack of ISIS and like-minded extremists remind me of the life I was lucky to escape; the luck that many don't have. These are the events, like 9/11, that define my generation. Much like how WWII defined a previous generation. You either stand in the sidelines or you become a part of history.

This country and way of life is worth protecting. Being better isn't good enough, I want to be among the best. I want to be in the Force that enforces global security. Rangers Lead the Way!!

[rangerjd]

Well said Navid, well said indeed. RLTW

[IEDmagnet]

Wow, good luck young man.

[carbonlife4010]

Rangers,

I wanted to post a quick update. I am set to ship out in roughly 25 days! I will start a Letters from School thread shortly to post my progress along the way. Never been so excited in my life. Lets do this!

Never going to quit,
Navid