Introduction - Rob

[Seven]

Hello Rangers,

My name is Robert, I am 26 years old and currently in DEP with a 13F-Opt 40 Contract. I ship to beautiful Ft. Sill in approximately 1 week to begin my training. I have enjoyed a much shorter time in DEP than I would have preferred. I knew how scarce an Option 40 can be before I even visited a Recruiter or MEPS, so I took the slot when it was opened for me. (For reference, I entered DEP the first week of March) This short DEP period has left me a less than ideal time period to improve my PT...I initially anticipated the 'typical long-wait' that other Opt. 40 DEPpers have 'enjoyed' as a good time to spend training and improving, so the short DEP period was a shock to say the least. I expect to spend time in Basic an AIT working on my PT in my own time, and I am motivated to do so.

My last APFT was administered to standard by my Recruiters and I came away with 225 points. This was enough for me to finish my 'DEP Task List' and gain my promotion to PFC/E-3, but I know that it is woefully low for an Option 40 Recruit so close to ship day. I HATE being unprepared, so this is something I am very motivated to improve.

I have also tried to prepare myself for my future duties as an F.O. I have studied Maps and Land Nav, as well as the training provided by the Fires Center of Excellence's web-based training. (CFF, Observed Fire, Land Nav/Maps, etc) I have also downloaded and used the Fire Center's FOPCSIM (CFF Simulator). I take this job extremely seriously, I realize the responsibility that comes with having the power of the Radio and I want to be the FO that the other Soldiers know they can count on and trust to do the job well. I look forward to AIT and any Advanced Training I might be afforded.

(For anybody else interested in the web-based training, it can be found here: https://firescoe.sill.army.mil/#13F" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . You must log in with your AKO account)

I came across ArmyRanger.com in November of 2009, when I first began researching a life in the Army and the 75th, since then I have searched/read/searched some more for every bit of information I can gather. This forum is truly a fantastic resource for those who aspire to join the ranks. I have found no occasion where I *needed* to post in order to obtain the specific information I was seeking, the important subjects have been covered again and again. I have read every bit of information I could gather on the Regiment, and I believe I entered the Recruiting Station more informed than most, if not all, of the Recruiters. I knew what I wanted, and knew what it was going to take to obtain the contract. I believe this mindset helped tremendously when it came to obtaining an Option 40. I was prepared to stand my ground when the obligatory sub-par offers were made and compromises were offered.

That being said, the only reason I am posting now, in my final week before 'Ship Day', is to say thank you for the help you have provided.

Although I believe I have a pretty good grasp of what lies ahead, any advice or information is appreciated. I have read everything on this forum and others concerning Ranger 13F/FIST/COLT/Etc, but I would gladly accept any other information that the BTDT Ranger FISTers feel is not covered elsewhere, either in this thread or via PM


Thanks again, Rangers.





Cliffs Notes for other DEPs who might read this introduction:

1. SEARCH! Your Question has been answered before.

2. The best advice this Forum has to offer...Don't Quit!

[Earthpig]

Rob, thanks for the informative intro. It's interesting to note that although we've consistantly been told over the past few months by DEPs that there "are absolutely zero Option 40 contracts out there," you were able to secure one in the first week of March. Just proves that our mantra, "Don't sign anything except an Option 40," is still a valid one.

As far as physical conditioning, you'll have quite bit of down time at Reception. They won't let you leave the barracks, but you can work on things like pushups and situps there in the evening. Once you get to Basic, and you get settled in, most barracks have a small workout room of some sort, where you can lift, etc. After I proved myself on the runs, I was actually allowed to go on runs in the evening with our Drill Sgt. I can't say that's standard, but you may be able to do something like that, too.

You should have plenty of time to get to the level you need to be, if you push yourself.

Welcome aboard, and best of luck to you. Please keep us posted on your progress.

RLTW
EP

[Ranger Bill]

Welcome and conratulations for enlisting to serve our country as an Army Ranger. Normally, I'd send you a PM detailing how to conduct yourself on this site, but you don't have the time the time. The best advice I can give you is to adhere to one of your Cliff's Notes: the one about not quitting. Now go get it done and good luck.

[Jim]

Well, Rob, a man has only one opportunity to make a favorable initial impression. You, sir, have earned a go at this station. You hit it on the head -- the search feature is your friend. Go forth and prosper, and never, never quit!

[Seven]

Rangers EarthPig, Bill & Jim,

Thanks for the welcome.

Rob, thanks for the informative intro. It's interesting to note that although we've consistantly been told over the past few months by DEPs that there "are absolutely zero Option 40 contracts out there," you were able to secure one in the first week of March. Just proves that our mantra, "Don't sign anything except an Option 40," is still a valid one.

As far as physical conditioning, you'll have quite bit of down time at Reception. They won't let you leave the barracks, but you can work on things like pushups and situps there in the evening. Once you get to Basic, and you get settled in, most barracks have a small workout room of some sort, where you can lift, etc. After I proved myself on the runs, I was actually allowed to go on runs in the evening with our Drill Sgt. I can't say that's standard, but you may be able to do something like that, too.

You should have plenty of time to get to the level you need to be, if you push yourself.

Welcome aboard, and best of luck to you. Please keep us posted on your progress.

RLTW
EP

Roger That, Ranger EarthPig.

I too saw the posts about "No More Opt. 40s", in the weeks BEFORE and AFTER I had already secured mine. It is my belief that the right attitude goes a long way in convincing a Recruiter to either help a potential recruit, or to blow said recruit off as a waste of time. I was straight forward with my intentions and firm in my dealings. I like to think that the Recruiters picked up on this mindset and put in the effort to assist me. The recruiters were not able to get the Opt 40 on my pre-MEPS reservation, but I knew that the Counselor at MEPS would be able to make the call to get it done, should he so choose. There were indeed no OPT 40s to be found in the computer, but a quick phone call to the ROC 'magically' made one appear.

Welcome and conratulations for enlisting to serve our country as an Army Ranger. Normally, I'd send you a PM detailing how to conduct yourself on this site, but you don't have the time the time. The best advice I can give you is to adhere to one of your Cliff's Notes: the one about not quitting. Now go get it done and good luck.

Roger that, Ranger Bill. Thanks for the encouragement.

If I had known about the additional forums full of information available to those who have posted an introduction, I would have spoken up much sooner. I am reading them now.

Well, Rob, a man has only one opportunity to make a favorable initial impression. You, sir, have earned a go at this station. You hit it on the head -- the search feature is your friend. Go forth and prosper, and never, never quit!

Roger that, Ranger Jim.

I have seen you post it many times before, but I read and contemplate it every single time. Never, NEVER QUIT!.

The punishment of quitting is being doomed to an existence surrounded by other quitters...This is the best motivation of all.

[al_2ndWolfhounds]

Welcome! Thank you for enlisting with an Option 40 contract. Stay healthy and prepare yourself at every opportunity. Keep your eye on the goal and never, never quit.

[propayne7]

You got a decent time to come to the lovely Fort Sill. Should get you through with BCT before the horrible heat sets in. Stay motivated and thank you for serving.

[Bravo57]

Good update stud. PM inbound

[Seven]

Exceptional introduction. You know what the deal is here and with regards to what is to come. There is nothing else to say except "get it done" and keep us informed on your progress.

Thank you, Ranger ZoneIV. I will attempt to check in with SITREPs whenever possible.

Welcome! Thank you for enlisting with an Option 40 contract. Stay healthy and prepare yourself at every opportunity. Keep your eye on the goal and never, never quit.

Roger that, Ranger Al_2ndWolfhounds. In my short DEP period, I have been focusing on not overtraining and injuring myself, since I knew I wouldn't have enough time to recover before shipping out.

You got a decent time to come to the lovely Fort Sill. Should get you through with BCT before the horrible heat sets in. Stay motivated and thank you for serving.

Roger that, Propayne7. Although, its tornado season isn't it? , Is that part of OK blessed with giant hail as well?

I am looking forward to the altitude change, I currently live ~6000ft, so losing a mile of elevation should help bring my run time down...unless that Oklahoma air is really thick! (As I'm sure the Benning air will be!)

Good update stud. PM inbound

Received and Replied, Ranger Bravo57. Thank you.

[Ranger Ron]

Good luck and NEVER QUIT! My advice to all newbies is to give 100% every minute of every day and associate only with those who do the same.

[Seven]

Good luck and NEVER QUIT! My advice to all newbies is to give 100% every minute of every day and associate only with those who do the same.

Roger That, RangerRon.

I also want to thank Ranger Bravo57 for 'taking me under his wing', and offering up some great advice, even this late in the game.

I am pumped to ship out next week, and I am ready to focus on BCT and AIT...one step at a time, but I'll keep my head up and focused on the Goal. I have one quote from ArmyRanger.com that I think sums up the mindset I'm aiming to exemplify:

From the "About RASP" Thread by Ranger CDWDirect:

"They are going to have to pick me up and drag me away. They are going to have to call the goddamn cops to get rid of me. I'm not going to leave until I'm a fucking Ranger. I will fight. I will get on my knees and beg. I am going to finish this fucking course and get my shit."

-

[propayne7]

Mostly a dry heat here at Sill, Seven. Wide open plains for the most part...stay disciplined and motivated while you are here. Troops are given a lot of privileges, don't get crazy and end up in trouble. Always remember what your contract says and that disciplinary actions could cause you to miss your opportunity. Best of luck to you.

[fusion94]

This might very well be the best intro of a non-prior service individual I've seen here. Granted I've not been here long. This intro should be made into a sticky so that future soldiers can read and review on how to post and intro.

Seven: Welcome to ArmyRanger.com and best of luck to you mate.

[Seven]

Mostly a dry heat here at Sill, Seven. Wide open plains for the most part...stay disciplined and motivated while you are here. Troops are given a lot of privileges, don't get crazy and end up in trouble. Always remember what your contract says and that disciplinary actions could cause you to miss your opportunity. Best of luck to you.

Propayne7,

I assure you, discipline/behavior will not be an issue for me. I'm a mature adult and I got all of that out of my system a long time ago.

This might very well be the best intro of a non-prior service individual I've seen here. Granted I've not been here long. This intro should be made into a sticky so that future soldiers can read and review on how to post and intro.

Seven: Welcome to ArmyRanger.com and best of luck to you mate.

Fusion94,

That is quite a compliment, thank you.