Intro

[sbernal]

Rangers, Veterans, DEP's, Family, others, hello.
My name is Sam, i'm 18 years old and the youngest of six children. I grew up in the corn fields of southern Illinois. I was home schooled through high school except for one semester of 7th grade and the first year and a half of high school. I attended University for one semester, and past the CLEP exam for Spanish. All together I have 27 College Credits. Let's just say at this time in my life College isn't for me. I guess that's different than what I used to think that people who didn't go to college were bums.
I enjoy basketball, music (piano and listening), and I enjoy reading interesting books, but those are few and far between. I don't drink or smoke.
Self administered PFT is as follows.
PU: 56
SU: 50
2 Miles: 13.20
Pull ups: 14
5 Miles: Pending
I know my pushups are no where near good, but i'm still trying to get them to where I was 3 months ago, 80, so I know I have potential. (Hurt my shoulder for 1.5 months) And i've only been doing situps since february. I'll hit the 5 miles sometime soon.
I do pushups every other day. Situps everyday, also flutter kicks, and crunches. I do pullups everyday, palms forward/backward on different days. And for running I mostly bike, I found that builds my endurance and strength for the 2 mile run. I also life light weights on occasionally without compromising my pushups.
I took my ASVAB in January and scored a 79. Just got back to my recruiter this week, and at first he said no 11X Opt. 40 until after June. Then when i talked in person, he said he couldn't guaranty Airborne or Rip. After i told him 11X Opt 40 was all I would take, even if I had to be in the DEP for up to a year. He got back to me later that evening and called Knoxville and got me a slot. Saved it on the system so i'm going to meps on Tues or Wed to sign. Looks like i'll be leaving May 9. I couldn't ask for a better date. Also i'll be joining as a PFC for college and Pre-BCT task list. Knocking out fifty for getting promoted early...
I've been reading on this site since about January, and the forums on PS.com, socnet.com and military.com for over 20 months. I want to be a Ranger with all my heart, and I am confident I can complete the training. The hard part will be giving "one hundred percent and then some" every single day, but i'm up to the challenge. I've been reading the Ranger Handbook on my free time, and memorizing the Ranger Creed, as well as other Army standards and procedures.

Whew...that's really long...sorry about that, just wanted to cover everything.

I hope that the short time I have as a member of this site before I ship will help me in my Army career. And I know that any comment, advice, or encouragement from any Ranger on this sight will help and guide me more than you will ever know. Also from the DEP's and others.
THANK YOU in advance for helping me get myself squared away, I know i'll need it.

sam

[sbernal]

How do I select an aviator.
the only catagory's are:
DEPs
Awards
Birds
Boats
Flags
Insignia
Navy
Rank
Tactical

from where do I pick. I read the sticky but do I choose from Newts or an egg? Thanks

[Rangerguru]

Very informative intro Sam. Welcome to the site and thank you for you desire to serve this great nation of ours. Pick an avatar from the egg section since that's what you have under your screen name. Do pushups for not seeing that.

[Earthpig]

We don't have an "Egg" gallery, so pick an avatar (aviator is a guy who flies planes) from the DEP gallery.

That was a very informative intro. It looks like you have a well thought out plan that you are putting into action. Please let me know as soon as you sign your contract, so I can plug you into our Opt40 area. It will benefit you belore you ship out.

Welcome to the site, and good luck getting that Opt40 slot.

ROE inbound via PM.

RLTW
EP

[Invictus]

After i told him 11X Opt 40 was all I would take,

Why?

[sbernal]

After i told him 11X Opt 40 was all I would take,

Why?

Roger Ranger Rangerguru, thank you,knocking them out.

Roger Ranger Earthpig, and thank you. The ROE were some good reading.

Roger Ranger Scuba Wino, thank you, knocking them out.


Good question Ranger Invictus. I'll answer this question as "Why do you want to be a Ranger?" Because since that's what I want I will only accept 11X Opt. 40.
My family askes me the same thing, and I still haven't been able to adequetly explain to them my reasons, but i'll do my best.
Let me start by explaining why i'm not joining the Army/Rangers.
I'm not joining for...
...money, job, college money,
adventure, excitement
to run away from my life,
to find out who i am,
resume,
to "look cool"...
Although adventure, excitement, and money are all great bonuses, especially adventure, and excitement, that's not why i'm joining.
I'm joining to be a part of a chosen few, to find fulfillment in who I KNOW myself to be. The reason I choose the Rangers, is the lifestyle they live. Abviously I can't speak from experience. But as close as my mind can wrap around what i've read, especially the Ranger Creed, the lifestyle of a Ranger is what I want to be a part of. I want to live the Ranger Creed. But what about all the hardships, challenges? Those hardships and challenges are what seperate Rangers from all others. I would be more fulfilled in the RA anyday than in the civilian sector. And in the Rangers more than in the RA. I'm not trying to sound bitter or not happy with my life. That's not the case.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke
I want to play a part in writing the next chapters of this great nations history, no matter how small a contribution someone like me can give.
I could also list the Army Values, and i believe they are better lived in the Regiment than the RA. And I realize I can live them no matter where I am, or even not live them in the Regiment, but I want to be the best I can be in whatever I do. When I read through the posts of Rangers on this sight and others, whether it's "would you do it all over again?" or "was it worth it?" it re-enforces my desire to serve humanity among the Rangers.
Knowing what I think I know, and not joining the Rangers, would be to against my consciounce, my convictions, my dreams.
I realize i'm not very good at expressing my reasons/thoughts but I hope, Ranger Invictus, that you understand.

Oh, to add to my introduction: 5'7", 145Ibs. I'm a reallyquiet guy(in person), although i'm not shy. Determined, committed, laid back, usually type B, not very good at inter-personal skills, but wanting to learn, not a natural leader, and I adapt very quickly, I usually tell people I don't miss anything. I learn new things quickly, if it's a hands on type learning.

Ok, i'll shutt up and focus for now on signing my contract.

sam

[Ranger Bill]

Your desire to become an Army Ranger is admiralbe. Post again once you have signed your contract.

[Earthpig]

Damned good answer, in my opinion. Good luck. I think you've got a better than average shot at it, based on what I just read (and of course, never having met you).

RLTW
EP

[RANGER513]

Damn. Looks like this one has some potential.

Good intro young man and good response.

Get your contract signed and keep us posted.

Welcome.

[Copperhead]

Sam,

Welcome to the site. PM inbound.

-Caleb

[rgrking]

Welcome to the site. Nice intro! There is a wealth of knowledge here for you. Thank you for wanting to serve our country.

[Invictus]

Damned good answer, in my opinion. Good luck. I think you've got a better than average shot at it, based on what I just read (and of course, never having met you).

RLTW
EP

Concur. I look forward to seeing how you progress.
Welcome here.

[Jim]

Sam, a man has only one opportunity to make a favorable initial impression. Certainly, you have done well, particularly considering your age and experience. If you truly want to earn a place in the 75th Ranger Regiment, you came to the right site. The DEPs will lay out the rules for you, please remember that you are welcome as a guest. We expect you will not abuse our hospitality. You will notice that most of the questions you may have; have been addressed. The search feature is your friend. Never, never quit.