Civilian Introduction/ Soon to join the Army.

[hECLA]

Hello Rangers, My name is Mike, I am currently 34 years old with a high school education. I am in the process of speaking with a recruiter, I told him that I am intrested in a 11x opt. 40 contract. I have not taken the ASVAB yet. I am still brushing up on my math, and will schedule my test in about 2 1/2 weeks from now. Just wanted to introduce myself and say that this board has answered many of the questions that I had. One more thing, I could not find the Newt's section in the drop down menu for the avatars, so please feel free to correct it, if need be. I will post my ASVAB results and progress in getting an 11x opt. 40 contract.
Thank's again for the info from this site.
Mike...

[RTO]

Mike, feel free to use a DEP avatar.

34? I hope you are a PT Stud . Remember there will be 100 kids in your RIP class that will be 10-15 years younger than you. This is not a problem as long as you are in decent shape and have a Superior mental attitude, using your maturity to carry you through to completion of the task at hand.
I was 30 when I completed the RIP, and there are others here that have completed Ranger school well into their 40's. It can be done, but know the task you have chosen is formidable.

Use this time to train wisely to get into the world-class shape you need to be, while at the same time avoiding injury to your old creaky bones!

[K.Ingraham]

Mike, at your age it can be done, but it will be harder than you think.
The thing is, it takes longer for you to bounce back from physical stress than it does for all the kids. 3-4 hours shuteye & they're good to go. Not so for you.
So, make sure you can MAX the army PT test at the 17-21 age group because you will need the extra cushion to carry you through times when you just won't be getting enough rest - the road to the Ranger Regiment is a little short of slack time.
Fix any medical issues before you go, same deal as above.
The Regiment is full of guys your age but they've been doing it since high school, you have a lot of ground to catch up. No matter how much PT you've been doing, it isn't the same as you'll never push yourself quite as hard as "they" will.
Meanwhile it CAN be done. The whole program is aimed at the person of average fitness because you can get fit (unlerss you're 34 y/o) they're looking for the person with EXCEPTIONAL drive and spirit. If you can get to and through RIP in your mid-thirties, then you just might be that person.

Quit your job and become a trash collector. No fooling. At basic no one will care about the mature, wise 34 year old experienced man of the world or what you did before you enlisted, you're going to the bottom of the barrel & that's not easy for an old guy.
Working slinging garbage cans will help correct your attitude & make you humbl, a good state of being for a private. Plus, you'll adapt to getting up well before dawn to lift heavy gross objects in any weather. Gee - that sounds exactly like basic training.
Get started on the PT & do it outdoors.

Welcome to the site. Read much, post little and don't PM the regulars unless he's your mentor.

[hECLA]

Rangers, RTO & K.Ingraham
I have always kept myself in good shape lifting on and off through out my life. I just started back up at the gym this july with weights and some cardio. Recently I have been running and trying to improve my PT that I am not accustom to doing. These are my stats along w/PT , 6'4" 200 about 13-14% BF.
Push-up's 45.
Sit-up's 51 (still working on them).
2Miles 14:64
Yes my PT need alot of work, but I just started doing this last week. I plan on PTing my nut's off till I get that score of 300. I know R.I.P will be tough, but my old ass has got heart!!! And I will never quit!!! NEVER!!
I am a humble person, not one that likes to show off. I have been in the Telecommunications Industry for about 12 years and it has been a humble experience. It is time for me to do, what I was ment to do.
Thank's for your replies...

[nightcrawler]

Welcome hELCA!
Good Luck in achieving your goal in becoming a Ranger!
Keep working on your PT scores they can always and should always be better! Push yourself beyond the limit and you will be successful. NEVER QUIT

[Ranger Andy]

Take two grains of salt and drive on to your Ranger objective...

[Ranger Bill]

You can do it, others have. Keep us informed on how things go with your recruiter.

[Sleepy Doc]

I think the oldest cat we got as a private was 38 or some such shit.. and they have ones even older now. If you can stay healthy, you are golden.

Just remember they can't kill you intentionally and at some point they have to feed you and let your sleep.

Give 'em hell.

[Silverback]

O-kay!

[hECLA]

Rangers, thank's again. I will keep you informed on my progress with my ASVAB result and possible contract. Till then it's PT & Study time.
After that, is it possible for me to obtain a Ranger mentor?
I will now keep my post to a minimum till I have some more concrete results.
Mike...

[Ranger Bill]

Get your contract and you'll get a mentor.

[Earthpig]

Welcome to the site. Be ready to get a little more smoke than most...especially when you first get to Battalion (assuming you make it that far). It will be everyone's first plan to break the old guy. As someone stated, it's been done before. Good luck.

RLTW
EP

[DUG]

hECLA,

PM inbound.

[Ranger Ron]

There's nothing wrong with being old!!!!

Oh, good luck!