The Armor Ranger

by Sergeant First Class Todd M. Hutchings On today’s asymmetrical battlefield, small-unit, dismounted operations have quickly become the norm in places such as the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. The rugged, unstable terrain makes it difficult to use the full range of the capabilities of the M1 Abrams tank and M2 Bradley fighting vehicle, thereby necessitating the use of dismounted soldiers. Our combat-arms schools are committed to arming soldiers and leaders with the skills they need to fight in this exigent environment. The ability of our soldiers and leaders to quickly adapt to changing enemy tactics and train as they fight remains the foundation of our Army. As we prepare to meet an enemy on his own turf and in an operational environment that requires intensive training for dismounted operations, we rest on the laurels of the premier school in small unit dismounted operations — Ranger School! Put aside all the tales and misconceptions you have heard about Ranger School. The truth is: Ranger School is first and foremost a leadership school, which focuses on mission planning and decisionmaking. Ranger School students plan missions, issue combat orders, and lead fellow students through some of the most unforgiving and austere conditions imaginable, all under the unblinking eye of the relentless, ever-present Ranger instructor. Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Dennis Smith, Ranger Training Brigade, affirms, “The Army today is critically short of Ranger-qualified leaders, and maneuver soldiers of all MOSs are finding themselves fighting shoulder to shoulder. Ranger training bridges the gap and provides a common ground for soldiers and leaders in combat.” During 4th Quarter, FY 2011, the permanent home of the Armor School will be alongside the Infantry School as part of the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) at Fort Benning, Georgia. Once the Armor School completely relocates, 19-series soldiers and officers will have increased opportunities to attend Ranger School, as well as the added and unique opportunity to return as instructors. Even though there are no dedicated 19-series slots on the Ranger Training Brigade’s table of distribution and allowances (TDA), there are currently seven 19-series instructors, five noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and two officers. The invaluable knowledge of our experienced officers and NCOs is critical to teaching and developing the next generation of leaders. These experiences are paramount, especially in today’s environment, and becoming a Ranger instructor provides the ideal platform to teach and lead young soldiers while simultaneously maintaining and improving senior leaders’ tactical abilities. An ideal time to be a Ranger instructor is between squad/section leader time and platoon sergeant/leader and company/troop commander time, which better prepares soldiers for future leader roles than any other instructor position. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Evan Lewandowski has the unique opportunity of being a Ranger instructor with Charlie Company, 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Fort Benning. “Out of 12,283 (19Ds), only 72 are Ranger qualified; even fewer for 19Ks, out of 8,077 only five are Ranger qualified. That means only about .004 percent of the armor force is Ranger qualified. In the Armor Enlisted Professional Development Guide, Ranger qualification is a stepping stone outlined in the career progression table for skill levels 1 through 3 for 19D. The chief of armor has identified Ranger training as a key part of the professional development of young armor soldiers. With that in mind, why is such a small portion of the armor force taking advantage of the opportunity to broaden their leader abilities?” SFC Lewandowski comments, “As a young cavalry scout, I was given the opportunity to attend Ranger School. This experience was the turning point in my military career. As a young scout, trained in the techniques of mounted and dismounted operations, Ranger School enhanced my ability in dismounted operations, instilling the principles of patrolling, troop leading procedures (TLP), time management, and the importance of unit cohesion. Along with the technical side of the course, the most important development was to lead, operate, and function outside my comfort zone. “During my tours in Iraq as a section and platoon sergeant in the canals of the Diyala Province and the streets of the Ru-safa District of Baghdad, I was tasked to conduct a wide range of operations, including everything from mounted screen lines to reconnaissance operations and small kill teams. While conducting these operations, I frequently relied on the experiences and training I received during Ranger School. Starting at the initial planning phase, taking into consideration tasks, such as movement, tactical load, enemy courses of action, and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) procedures, as well as the 40 January-February 2011 execution of continuous operations, I found it calming and comforting to know that I had been faced with similar situations in Ranger School and was successful.” “Oftentimes, Ranger School may be the only place a scout or tanker receives the light infantry training he needs to fight in today’s operational environment. As a platoon leader fighting in severe terrain, I was required to patrol up and down mountains countless times,” says Captain (CPT) Colin O’Donnell, an armor officer currently assigned to the Ranger Training Brigade. “Prior to combat, Ranger School was the only opportunity I had to practice light infantry tactics in the mountains. CPT O’Donnell goes on to say that, “Although the missions and unit structure of Ranger School are based on the light infantry platoon, it would be incorrect to assume that Ranger training is incompatible with traditional tanker or scout mission sets. Lessons learned about managing a timeline, backward planning, and dismounted load plans can also be used by scouts setting up a screen line. Regardless of the situation, the five principles of patrolling are applicable in some way for every mission imaginable.” Recent 19-series Ranger School graduates share their experiences from the course: First Sergeant (1SG) Michael Ames of the 2d Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division, recently graduated from Ranger School. He states that, “Even though I came here as a 1SG, I learned a great deal about how an infantry team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, and platoon leader operate. I have some mortar and infantrymen in my company at Fort Bragg, and going through Ranger training allows me to understand their tactics and work with them more effectively. Getting back to the basics, such as by-the-book TLP, and going through the detailed planning and orders process is beneficial for anyone. I especially like the fact that the stress of training didn’t end when we returned from missions; we stayed in a tactical posture during most of the training, which made it realistic and challenging. This course really taught me that my body is capable, if my mind is willing. I pushed myself farther that I thought possible, continually raising the bar. When I get back to my company, I plan on sending as many of my troops to Ranger School as I can.” Second Lieutenant (2LT) Devin Osborn, a recent graduate of the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course (ABOLC) and Ranger School, and on his way to the 1st Infantry Division states, “I was a heavy wheeled vehicle mechanic before I was commissioned and went to ABOLC, so this was my first experience with light infantry tactics. I feel Ranger School bridges the gap between my armor training and previous experiences and allows me to proceed to my next assignment with a solid and broad knowledge base.” Staff Sergeant (SSG) James Gardner of 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, says, “I’ve wanted to attend Ranger School since I came in the Army six years ago. When I was a Bradley crew member, there was no push or support from my unit to send me to Ranger School, but when I got to the 25th Infantry Division, all that changed and I finally had an opportunity to go. I think the training at Ranger School is very realistic. The medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training we conducted came in very handy when, for the first time, I had to use a Skedco litter during combat when my team leader was shot. It makes an already stressful situation worse when you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. Now, I feel much better prepared to evacuate an injured person using anything from a Skedco to a jungle penetrator (JP) hoist on a helicopter. A part of Ranger School I didn’t expect was the mental strain; I was expecting the physical part, but was very surprised at how much information I was expected to retain to later use during missions.”

THE SCHOOL

Ranger School is a three-phased school, which includes the Benning phase at Camp Rogers and Camp Darby; the mountain phase at Camp Merrill; and the Florida phase at Camp Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Ranger training at Fort Benning, Georgia, began in September 1950, during the Korean War, with the formation and training of 17 Airborne Ranger companies by the Ranger Training Command. In October 1951, the commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School established the Ranger Department and extended Ranger training to all combat units in the Army. “The ability of our soldiers and leaders to quickly adapt to changing enemy tactics and train as they fight remains the foundation of our Army. As we prepare to meet an enemy on his own turf and in an operational environment that requires intensive training for dismounted operations, we rest on the laurels of the premier school in small unit dismounted operations — Ranger School!”

Benning phase. The Benning phase is conducted in two parts: the Ranger assessment portion, commonly referred to as “RAP week;” and the patrolling portion, commonly referred to as “Darby phase.” Conducted at Camp Rogers in the Harmony Church area at Fort Benning, and located right next to the new Armor School, RAP week begins with the Ranger Physical Fitness Test (RPFT), which requires 49 pushups, 59 sit-ups, a 5-mile run in 40:00 minutes (or better), and six chin-ups. Following the RPFT, students conduct the combat water survival assessment at Victory Pond, the land navigation refresher training, and finish the day with hands-on instruction in modern Army combatives. Day two begins at 0330 hours with the night and day land navigation test. Following land navigation, Rangers are tested on common soldier skills such as weapons and communications training. Day two finishes with a 3-mile, 2-man buddy run, complete with ACUs, combat boots, fighting load carrier (FLC), and weapons, culminating on Malvesti confidence course, home of the infamous “worm pit.” The third and final day of RAP week consists of instruction on proper assembly and security of equipment, culminating with a 15.5-mile foot march to Camp Darby with each student carrying an average load of 60 pounds. On conclusion of RAP week, only two-thirds of the class will continue on to the patrol portion, which begins with fast-paced instruction on TLP, principles of patrolling, demolitions, field craft, and basic battle drills focused on squad ambush and reconnaissance missions. Before students begin the practical application of what they learn, they must negotiate the Darby Queen obstacle course, which consists of 20 obstacles stretched over 1 mile of uneven, hilly terrain. Once students have completed the Darby Queen obstacle course, they conduct 3 days of ungraded squad-level patrols, one of which is entirely cadre led. After the last ungraded patrol day, students conduct 2 days of graded patrols, one airborne operation, and 4 additional days of graded patrols before moving on to the mountain phase of Ranger School; however, not all students will continue forward to the mountain phase. Mountain phase. To move forward to the mountain phase, each student must demonstrate an ability to plan, prepare for, resource, and execute a combat patrol as a squad or team leader. Students must prove their ability to execute these tasks not only to Ranger instructors, but also peers, as the final hurdle to moving forward is peer evaluation. Only students who give 100 percent of themselves to their peers and squad will likely become candidates to move forward to the mountain phase, ultimately earning their Ranger Tab. During the mountain portion, located at Camp Frank D. Merrill in the North Georgia Mountains, students receive instruction on military mountaineering tasks, mobility training, and techniques for employing a platoon for continuous combat patrol operations in a mountainous environment. They further develop the ability to command and control platoon-sized patrols through planning, preparing, and executing a variety of combat patrol missions. Ranger students learn not only how to self-sustain, but how to sustain subordinates in adverse mountain conditions. The rugged terrain, severe weather, hunger, mental and physical fatigue, and emotional stress that students encounter afford them the opportunity to gauge their own capabilities and limitations, as well as those of their “Ranger buddies.” Ranger students receive 4 days of training on military mountaineering. During the first 2 days at the lower mountaineering area on Camp Merrill, Ranger students learn about knots, belays, anchor points, rope management, and basic fundamentals of climbing and rappelling. Mountaineering training culminates with a 2-day exercise at Mount Yonah, applying the skills learned at the lower mountaineering area. Students conduct one day of climbing and rappelling over exposed high-angle terrain. The second-day squads perform mobility training to move personnel, equipment, and simulated casualties through severely restrictive terrain, using fixed ropes and hauling systems. Following mountaineering, students conduct 4 days of combat techniques training. During this training, students receive classes and perform practical exercises on movement to con- “Command Sergeant Major Dennis Smith, Ranger Training Brigade, affirms, ‘The Army today is critically short of Ranger-qualified leaders, and maneuver soldiers of all MOSs are finding themselves fighting shoulder to shoulder. Ranger training bridges the gap and provides a common ground for soldiers and leaders in combat.’ ” 42 January-February 2011 tact, patrol base, TLP, operations orders (OPORD), combatives, ambush, and raid, raising the training from squad- to platoon-level operations. Students then perform 10 days of patrolling during two field training exercises. Combat patrol missions are directed against a conventionally equipped threat force in a low-intensity conflict scenario. These patrol missions are conducted during both daylight and nighttime hours, and include air assault operations and extensive cross-country movements through mountainous terrain. Ranger students execute patrol missions, which require them to use their mountaineering skills. Platoon missions include movements to contact, vehicle and personnel ambushes, and raids on communications and mortar sites. Students also conduct river crossings and scale steeply sloped mountains. The stamina and commitment of Ranger students is stressed to the maximum; at any time, a student may be selected to lead tired, hungry, physically expended students to accomplish yet another combat patrol mission. At the conclusion of the mountain phase, students move by bus or parachute assault into the third and final phase of Ranger training, conducted at Camp Rudder, near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Florida phase. Camp James E. Rudder, located on Eglin Air Force Base in northwest Florida, serves as home of the third and final phase of Ranger School. This phase focuses on the continued development of the Ranger student’s combat arms functional skills. Students receive instruction on waterborne operations, small boat movements, and stream crossings on arrival. Practical exercises in extended platoon-level operations, executed in a coastal swamp environment, test the student’s ability to operate effectively under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress. This training further develops the student’s ability to plan and lead small units during independent and coordinated airborne, air assault, small boat, and dismounted combat patrol operations in a low-intensity combat environment against a well-trained, sophisticated enemy. The Florida phase is a continuation of small unit leadership training through a progressive, realistic contemporary operating environment. Students conduct 10 days of patrolling during two field training exercises (FTXs). The FTXs are fast-paced, highly stressful, challenging exercises during which students are evaluated on their abilities to apply small-unit tactics and techniques during raids, ambushes, movements to contact, and urban assaults, which are required to accomplish assigned missions. CPT Trevor O’Malley shares his Ranger School experiences, “As an armor officer, I’ve benefited greatly from the tenets taught at Ranger School. As a member of a light cavalry organization, many of my leaders were infantry and Ranger qualified, and having that common ground assisted greatly in my understanding the commander’s intent.” Referring to the lessons taught at Ranger School, CPT O’Malley remarks, “Many of the concepts taught at Ranger School are similar to what may be found at the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course or the Scout Leader Course, however the constant repetition of tactical tasks during immense physical hardship for 61 days ingrains certain warrior attributes and sets a man’s ways like a furnace sets steel.” Soldiers wishing to attend Ranger School should be physically conditioned prior to reporting to the course. “If you are not in top physical condition when you show up for Ranger School, you will have a much more difficult time throughout the entire course,” according to CSM Dennis Smith. He advises that, “The common belief of putting on a few extra pounds prior to starting Ranger School is completely wrong. You will end up carrying those extra pounds on every foot march, over every obstacle on the Darby Queen, up the mountains, and through the swamps. It’s like having unnecessary weight in your rucksack and will only serve to break you down faster.” There is a comprehensive workout plan on the Ranger Training Brigade’s website (www.benning.army.mil/rtb), which greatly helps any soldier get in shape and maintain the proper level of physical fitness before beginning Ranger School. CSM Smith advises, “If you only have a month to prepare, follow the 30-day program; two months, follow the 60-program; three or more months, follow the 90-day program.” The U.S. Army’s Ranger School is the best life insurance policy in which a young leader can invest to ensure he and his soldiers are properly trained to meet the rigors of combat throughout the world, regardless of branch and MOS. Ranger School is the best leadership course in the Army. With the Armor School moving next door to Camp Rogers, the home of the Ranger Training Brigade, all you have to do is walk down the street to get the best combat leadership training in the world. For additional information please visit our website at: www. benning.army.mil/rtb, or contact the Ranger Training Brigade at (706) 544-6445/6069/6980. Sergeant First Class Todd Hutchings is currently assigned to the Public Affairs Office, Ranger Training Brigade, Fort Benning, GA. He received an A.A. from Upper Iowa University. His military education includes Ranger School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Combat Diver Course, and Combat Diver Supervisor Course. He has served in various staff and leader positions, to include master trainer, 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Fort Benning; ranger instructor, B Company, 4th Ranger Training Battalion, Fort Benning; force protection officer, 173d Airborne Brigade, Afghanistan; platoon sergeant, B Company, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry, Vicenza, Italy; and platoon sergeant, B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, Fort Lewis, WA. “The U.S. Army’s Ranger School is the best life insurance policy in which a young leader can invest to ensure he and his soldiers are properly trained to meet the rigors of combat throughout the world, regardless of branch and MOS. Ranger School is the best leadership course in the Army.” January-February 2011 43