Introduction

[Jim]

Josh, I'm a little confused. You said you were going to enter DEP when you turn 18 in a few months. Am I confused or are you somehow violating the mathmatical laws? Look, I assume that you have been lurking here for some time. The questions you raise have been addressed several times on the site. The search feature is your friend. I'm not. You need to get focused on what you want and search for ways to achieve those goals. Let's review your progress. Over the next week, I want you to:
1. Conduct a self-administered PT test and post your results here. Include chin-ups and a 5 mile run (5 miler may not be on the same day as the rest of the test).
2. Tell us what insights you have gained over the past year of lurking on this site (about 250 words).
Please complete thest tasks not later than Midnight, Sunday 30 August 2009. I want you to reflect on what you have learned here -- No smoke blowing, please. And don't just sit down and do it this evening, I want you to think about it. Never, never quit!

[kbrock]

Technical Sadist,

PM inbound.

[Kilted Heathen]

Get that shit the fuck out of your sig-line. You're not qualified to make any of those statements.

[RANGER513]

Get that shit the fuck out of your sig-line. You're not qualified to make any of those statements.

x 2

Couldn't have said it better.

[Kilted Heathen]

I've noticed that you have promptly complied with my polite request. You may treat yourself to fifty push-ups.

[Technical Sadist]

Ranger Jim,
I apologize for any confusion, but the plan was to enter DEP sometime from January to early March so I could squeeze in one semester of college. I planned on doing this because by the time I graduate high school I will have earned 64 college credits out of the necessary 120, but I need to attend college to have them counted. As for the PT test, my results are:
Push ups – 120
Sit ups – 93
2 mile run – 13:19
Pull ups (palms out) – 16
5 mile run – 37:40

The most important piece of knowledge that I have gained from this site is that a job should not be a miserable undertaking one undergoes to make money, but a predestined flocking towards like-minded individuals. I now know that there is nothing else for me rather than being a Ranger to the core. I truly and deeply believe that it is a part of my fate to not only pass RIP, but to serve my country as a contributing member of this impressive force. I have come to this conclusion through the accumulation of all the little things that make Rangers, and by association, this site, great. One of these little things that come to mind is situational awareness. Although it may be entertaining, it is still somewhat depressing that so many others that want to join your ranks would jump headfirst onto your site with complete disrespect and disregard for your fair and uncomplicated rules. Another life lesson learned is attention to detail. Sadly, a day rarely passes by when rules or directives are incorrectly executed. Lastly, there is punctuality. I have always strived to abide by any time restraints, and perform all tasks in a timely manner. Without the inspiration of current and prior Rangers, none of this personal growth would have been possible, as I would know nothing of the 75th. I have learned about the vital option 40, and I have obtained insights into RIP that prior enlistees would have killed for the privilege to have. For this, I sincerely thank the Rangers of this site for allowing all of us future soldiers the opportunities that you, yourselves, did not have.

With much respect,
Josh

[Ranger Ron]

Welcome to ArmyRanger.com......

[Jim]

Not bad, Josh. You still need to work on PT; but it looks like you have gained a goodly amount of insight during your stay with us. Ensuring that your college-level work is preserved is prudent. Having credit for college is a great advantage as it will earn you promotion points. From time to time, I have seen enlistees with over 60 hours of college credits being promoted to E-2 at the time of entry on active duty. It would be to your advantage to ask your recruiter if this is a possibility. Frankly, it looks like you are preparing yourself for success. Never, never quit.

[Kilted Heathen]

Your PT scores are not accurate. You did not do 120 push ups. Period.

[Ranger Bill]

Keep us informed of progress with your recruiter. 120 pushups in two minutes? Be sure you are using proper form...

[Technical Sadist]

Rangers,
A few days ago I had a couple of seizures, out of no where. Devestatingly this means I probably will have to delay my dream of enlisting for at least a few years if I'm able to at all. I will explore all of my chances of enlisting while keeping my brothers in arms' safety in mind. For now I will be busy fighting to maintain a positive outlook. Any tidbits of advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your time,
Josh.

[Kilted Heathen]

What "brothers in arms" do you mean?

[Jim]

What kind of seizures? A little more information, please.

[Technical Sadist]

Ranger Jim, I had two Grand Mal seizures, which is the worst kind. Other than that, I do not have much more information, unfortunately.

[Kilted Heathen]

I've noticed you're rather selective with whom you choose to reply so I'll be blunt...sorry to hear about your condition but I'm afraid it doesn't entile you to include yourself as a "brother in arms". I hope you recover well and that your future posts are rather more...accurate in their definitions.