B-Strong, If you are worried about passing a physical for entry into the Army, you need to knix the idea of becoming a Ranger. I am not saying you couldn't handle it, but if you have issues with your back don't even bother going in to the Infantry much less the Ranger Batt. Don't take me wrong, go for it, I am just saying that you need to have a really strong back to be jumping and humping with some of the hardest in the Military.

You have it right on contract... you can get a contract that states as long as you pass Basic, Airborne, RIP, you can get assigned to a Battalion. Once in the Battalion you have to complete Ranger School before you are a full fledged Ranger. If you fail physical standards and or Ranger School, you will then be assigned to the 82nd Airborne Infantry to serve out your term.

Good luck, and it might be a little rough coming in at your age, but don't let me discourage you. Put your heart on it and do it. Lot's of good advice on here as far as the training and prep. Especially the running your ass off advice. If you really want to be a Ranger, you can...but you need to be ready to push yourself to limits you never thought possible and also be physically and mentally tough. Not just strong like a body builder, that won't take you too far... average weight when I was in was around 165.