Any advice from some Army Rangers

My step son is going to join the Army. He's debating between becoming a Ranger or going in for a trade (e.g. mechanic, electrician, welder).

Physically, he's very fit (he ran a marathon at 12 years old) and should have no problems with the physical demands of the Rangers (I know there's more than just physical demands). He's concerned mostly with getting a job should he decide to get out.

My advice to him was to do what looks interesting so you don't hate your time in and don't worry about the job market. He's interested in going to college as well (either while he's in or when he gets out) which is why I told him not to worry about it.

What say you?

 

If it is Special Forces he is interested in he has some time before he is eligible. They won't look at him until he is an E4 or Specialist getting ready to become a SGT. As far as the fun factor,, nothing will beat that in the Army. I was combat arms, so that was as close as it could get without being SF. The only bit of advice that I give is ( I actually don't promote people joining, not bc I am anti war, I am anti military bc of my experience in the Army for 8 years) is go combat arms. You get rank quicker, and you are actually in the Army, not a support service. I made E6 Staff Sergeant at 5 and a half years which is super quick. The support service rank is much harder to get, since the promotion points are higher. It has been a while since I was in but I think it is the same or very similar. The fitness factor is only like 5% of the training for SF. Anybody can physically qualify for the training, it is the mental that will break him down. So much for the long winded reply but if you have any questions let me know.

 

Oh and another thing that despite me being in combat arms when I got out I ended up getting a job that was a strong supporter of veterans and I could have still been working there and would have been doing well if I went the foreman route. And my current career field caters to veterans also. Most people looking to hire will prefer any veteran based on the work ethics and reliability alone.

 

1.) US Army Rangers are NOT Special Forces, that is the commonly referred to as "Green Beret", and I have never heard an SF troop call themselves Green Berets.

2.) US Army Rangers are considered part of US Army Special Operations Command as well as SF folks. There is a difference between the two.

3.) Combat Arms encompasses quite a few MOS'. None reach the level of being "as close as it could get without being SF" other than being SF. That is an affront to the dedication and training of SF soldiers. That is NOT to say the other MOS's within CA are not tough..or less important.

4.) Physical demands placed on SF troops are a bit more than 5%. They are huge! I would agree that the mental fortitude required to complete training and become operational are great, but if you are not fit, you will not make it. Fact.

5.) Rank. It is true you will make rank quicker in most Combat Arms MOS'. Especially true to Special Operations Command.

6.) US Army Rangers are an impressive bunch and I am proud to work with and support them on a regular basis. I have seen first hand their sacrifices and efforts..they are no less than heroic. They are as dedicated as you will find to their craft. They are proud, proficient, and effective. They do the tough work and get results..day in and day out.

7.) To the OP, if your kid is seriously considering becoming a Ranger. It has to consume him. He will need that drive to complete Ranger selection. He cannot think " I think I will give this a shot, sounds cool." It is a cool job but the demands it places on an individual are not for those not having the conviction to do it.

8.) As for getting a job when he gets out, there are no Army Ranger jobs in the civilian world. There are Cops, Security (private and public), there are contractors, federal law enforcement (plus CIA). They have unique skills that require unique employment. Something to consider.

9.) Have him talk to a "no shit" Ranger, preferably one with combat experiences. It may open his eyes....wide.

 

Trades and skills are great to have, however, do not count out the combat arms. We learn leadership and refine it daily. How the job market will be when he separates from the service - who knows? But employers will look for leadership skills and management of resources (as he gets more equipment and Soldiers to lead). This becomes just as important as technical skills. Corporations are willing to send employees to learn technical skills and pay huge amounts of money to learn leadership. Leadership is very marketable, even in these times.

Bottom line: He should go do whatever he wants to do in the service because he should be happy about what he is doing in the NOW. You can prepare for the future, but serving is sacrificing in many ways and you have to WANT to do it.

I'm happy being an Armor and Cavalry officer and would never want to do anything else.

 

He can always get out and be a PMC. Private military contractors usually start around $140k a year and only work 9 months a year. I know many young former Rangers, guys who are in their mid 20's making $175k/yr and have been for a few years. They have homes paid for, cars paid for and then use their GI bill to go to school for free and pursue a career they enjoy, not just what makes alot of money. Many even take online courses as they work PMC oversea's. One has his masters and is working on his second, all while making money oversea's. They get the best of all worlds. The contracting job market will be strong for another 5 or 10 years. Just food for thought.

 

From an army brats point of view the trade is going to depend on his asvab score, but there is way more money in being a ranger

 

Tell him this....
If he really wants to be a ranger, he better start working out now, start rucking, and make sure he is an expert at land navigation. Cause if he can't do those 3 things he aint gonna make it.
Now from one ranger, to a future ranger. I ain't gonna tell you what to expect, cause no one knows what to expect. But I will say this.... DON'T QUIT!!