Those who pass the RIP are assigned to one of the three Army Ranger Battalions. At a later time in their career (usually once they make NCO status), they may be selected to attend the actual "Ranger Course." To qualify for the Ranger Course, NCOs and officers must first complete the Ranger Orientation Program (ROP). Minimum qualification standards are:

• 80% on APFT by age group for all officers and combat arms NCO's
• 70% on APFT by age group for all non-combat arms NCOs
• 6 chin-ups
• 12-mile road march with 45-pound rucksack within 3 hours, for all officers and combat arms NCOs
• 10-mile road march with 45-pound rucksack within 2.5 hours for all non-combat arms NCOs
• Successful completion of CWST (Combat Water Survival Training)
• 70% on Ranger History examination
• 5-mile run in less than 40 minutes
• 70% on self-paced Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) examination
• Psychological assessment by a U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) psychologist
• Successful recommendation from RASP board interview

The Ranger Course was conceived during the Korean War and was known as the Ranger Training Command. On 10 October 1951, the Ranger Training Command was inactivated and became the Ranger Department, a branch of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Its purpose was, and still is, to develop combat skills of selected officers and enlisted men by requiring them to perform effectively as small unit leaders in a realistic tactical environment, under mental and physical stress approaching that found in actual combat. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual combat skills and abilities through the application of the principles of leadership while further developing military skills in the planning and conduct of dismounted infantry, airborne, airmobile, and amphibious independent squad and platoon-size operations. Graduates return to their units to pass on these skills.

From 1954 to the early 1970’s, the Army’s goal, though seldom achieved, was to have one Ranger qualified NCO per infantry platoon and one officer per company. In an effort to better achieve this goal, in 1954 the Army required all combat arms officers to become Ranger/ Airborne qualified.

The Ranger course has changed little since its inception. Until recently, it was an eight-week course divided into three phases. The course is now 61 days in duration and divided into three phases as follows:

BENNING PHASE (4th Ranger Training Battalion) – Designed to develop the military skills, physical and mental endurance, stamina, and confidence a small-unit combat leader must have to successfully accomplish a mission. It also teaches the Ranger student to properly maintain himself, his subordinates, and his equipment under difficult field conditions.

MOUNTAIN PHASE (5th Ranger Training Battalion) – The Ranger student gains proficiency in the fundamentals, principles and techniques of employing small combat units in a mountainous environment. He develops his ability to lead squad-sized units and to exercise control through planning, preparation, and execution phases of all types of combat operations, including ambushes and raids, plus environmental and survival techniques.

FLORIDA PHASE (6th Ranger Training Battalion) – Emphasis during this phase is to continue the development of combat leaders, capable of operating effectively under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress. The training further develops the student’s ability to plan and lead small units on independent and coordinated airborne, air assault, amphibious, small boat, and dismounted combat operations in a mid-intensity combat environment against a well-trained, sophisticated enemy.

The Rangers used to be known by their distinctive black berets. However, a couple of years ago, the Army Chief of Staff made the decision to issue black berets to all Army soldiers, so the Ranger beret color was changed to tan.

There are three Ranger Battalions. which all fall under the command of the 75th Ranger Regiment, headquartered at Fort Benning, GA: The 1st Ranger Battalion at Hunter Army Air Field, GA, the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, WA, and the 3rd Ranger Battalion at Fort Benning, GA.

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