calling military personel
I've been trying to get as much research I can, trying to decide witch branch to go into. In high school, I wanted to join the army, to try to get into the army rangers. Couple years later I wanted to go to the navy, and try out for the seals. Can anybody who knows, tell me the difference between the two. Training, missions, what it takes to get into either of them. What kind of stuff i need to know in order to succeed, such as book smart, and etc. I now they both take a great deal of physical determination. But what else. I've gone to recruiters. But everyone seems to tell me what they think I will want to know. I want someone to give it to me straight. I respect all branches in the military and have done my own research over the years, but the rangers or the seals is what I'm looking at doing. Thanks for any replies.
Rangers/Ranger School/RIP/ROP
Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAR
I get so tired of all the misinformation that's posted on here when it comes to SEALs. *sigh*
Thore, if you're comfortable with being tied up and thrown in the deep end of the pool while people try to drown you, then go for BUD/S. If you think you can handle 30 weeks of pain, suffering, cold water, sand in every nook, cranny, and orifice of your body, then go for BUD/S. If you want to do the job of a Navy SEAL (I say job instead of just being a SEAL, because guys who aren't in love with the job don't make it through BUD/S), then go for BUD/S. Notice that I didn't say "if you're a good athlete, a good swimmer, etc.", because world class triathletes have attempted and failed at BUD/S. It's physical, no doubt about it - but, it's more of a motivational and mental thing.
Rangers are the premier light infantry force in the world. Their missions include taking/securing airfields and other targets of value, QRF, SAR, etc. SEALs do many of the same missions, but on a smaller and more covert scale. SEALs are also unique in that water is not seen as an obstacle, but as a refuge. Many SEAL missions typically (note, I didn't say always) start from and end with the water. There were 12 guys in my BUD/S class that I knew were former Army Rangers, but only because they bragged about it. Not a single one of them made it past the first night of Hellweek - but that's more of a characteristic fitting the profile of the typical BUD/S DOR and not intended as a slight against Rangers.
Sometimes, but not often, SEALs will go through Ranger school (known as RIP) to gain a better understanding of what Rangers do.
In the acronym-crazy military, SEAL stands for SEa, Air, and Land. Originally, the name came about because with the old-style duck feet fins and wetsuits, they resembled seals. It's the same story with the term HOO-YAH, which has its origins in three different stories, all of which are plausible.
If you want first-hand BUD/S knowledge and none of this second, third, fourth, etc. -hand knowledge, just send me a PM and I'll try to sort you out.
CSAR
BUD/S class 211, winter Hellweek survivor February '97.
excellent post-
there is however a difference between Ranger School and RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program)
RIP is the 4 week course that is required of all soldiers, E-4 and below wishing to serve in a Ranger Battalion. Soldiers grade E-5 and above and officers attend ROP (Ranger Orientation Program)
Successful completion of one of these courses places the soldier in one of the three Ranger Battalions , it is a high speed low drag way of life.Those serving in the Ranger Battalion wear a Tan Beret and wear the Ranger scroll.
Now here is where a lot of the confusion comes from-Ranger School.
Ranger School is a 9 week course/nightmare that begins at Ft. Benning Ga. and ends in the swamps of Florida. There are three phases and it's a tough school-enough said. Graduates earn the right to wear the black and gold Ranger Tab.
For members of the Ranger Battalions graduation from Ranger school is a requirement for any leadership position in the Regiment.
Members of other Army units can and do attend Ranger school, upon completion they return to their units.(Colin Powell graduated from Ranger school but never served in a Ranger Battalion)
Members of other branches of the armed services, usually special operations troops, can and do attend Ranger school.
So I think that covers it.