Does protecting national security interest you? Do you want to be in the 75th Ranger Regiment? The U.S. Army Rangers are one of the most skilled special forces in the world. They go through a strict selection process and are specially trained to conduct joint special operations in the U.S. Army Ranger School. They are taught many hard skills, including infiltration, surveillance, forcible entry, air assault operations, and unit tactics. Continue reading to learn how to get accepted into Ranger School.
How Difficult Is It to Get Into Ranger School?
Ranger School is volunteer-based and highly competitive—only open to active-duty military. Proper preparation is essential for the entrance exam.
Ranger School Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship. The first requirement is to have U.S. citizenship. While anyone can join the U.S. Army, the 75th Ranger Regiment and Ranger School only accept American citizens.
- Enlist in the Army. To become a ranger, you must first join the U.S. Army and start your military career. Civilians without any basic training in the army are not eligible to apply for a position in these special forces.
- Earn a Certain Technical Score. Anyone wanting to get into Ranger School must have an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) placement test TECH score of 105 or above.
- Meet Physical Fitness Requirements: You must complete the Army Fitness Test (AFT) and meet the height and weight standards.1
- Have an Authorized Specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): You must have a specialty that’s been authorized by the 75th Ranger Regiment, including Infantryman (11B), Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B), Parachute Rigger (92R), and many more.
- Be Eligible for a Secret Security Clearance.
How to Get Accepted Into Ranger School: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to become a Ranger in the U.S. Army’s special forces, you need to plan beyond passing basic training to improve your chances. Being an army ranger isn’t easy. The Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade holds strict transformational training to help soldiers become highly skilled rangers, parachutists, jumpmasters, and reconnaissance leaders in the U.S. Army.
Before getting started, you should learn more about these special forces and know how you can improve your chances of getting selected by improving your basic skills. Your continued development and the practical application of your skills and knowledge are key to succeeding in ranger training.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming a ranger is earning a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring soldiers don’t necessarily need to have an undergraduate degree while enlisting in the U.S. Army. However, soldiers need college degrees by the time they become officers. If you intend to join the army as an officer, you’ll need a four-year college degree.
A degree in criminal justice, strategic intelligence, political science, or psychology can help you sharpen your skills and eventually move further up the ladder. While aspiring soldiers attend college, they can also learn the basic fundamentals of being a soldier. This can include learning how to swim, improving their math skills, and building leadership skills.
Step 2: Enlist in the U.S. Army
After graduation, you’ll need to enlist in the U.S. Army. Ranger School is the U.S. Army’s premier leadership institution and is also a part of the Airborne Training Brigade (ARTB). That’s why army volunteers, including soldiers or officers, are eligible to apply for Ranger School.
You can contact a military entrance processing station (MEPS) near you to join the Army. After that, you will have to pass the ASVAB test as well as a physical test. You will then have a one-on-one meeting with a career counselor. You will have to take the oath of enlistment if you are selected.
Step 3: Attend Advanced Individual Training School
Passing bootcamp and basic combat training aren’t enough to get accepted into Ranger School. Once enlisted, you should attend an Advanced Individual Training School (AITS) to learn specific skills you’ll need, including learning how to carry out combat patrol missions, advanced combat arms functional skills, or mobility training. Although this is not a necessary step, it can further prepare you for the rigorous training before getting accepted into Ranger School.
Step 4: Pass the Assessment Examination
A soldier needs to pass physical requirements to join Ranger School. As of September 2025, the assessment has two sets of events. According to the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), students have 14 minutes to execute seven tasks on the first day of the assessment. The assessments are as follows:
- 800-meter run
- 30 dead-stop pushups
- A 100-meter sprint
- 16 40-pound sandbag lifts
- A 50-meter farmers’ carry with two 40-pound Army water cans
- A 50-meter movement drill
- An 800-meter run
AUSA also notes, “After completing the seven tasks, students will break and change into weather-appropriate Army Physical Fitness Uniforms for a 4-mile run with a minimum standard of 32 minutes and 6 chin-ups.”2
Step 5: Complete the Darby Phase
Once you are finally in Ranger School, you will need to pass all three phases to successfully become a Ranger.3 The first phase is the Darby Phase, which will test physical stamina, mental toughness, and tactical fundamentals needed for the follow-on phases. In the Darby phase, the enrolled students have to go through the Ranger Assessment Phase, also known as RAP week, and the Patrolling Phase, commonly referred to as the Darby Phase.
The U.S. Army conducts this phase at Camp Rogers on Fort Benning. During their time at Camp Rogers, students first go through the Ranger Physical Assessment (RPA). They then perform the Combat Water Survival Assessment at Victory Pond, followed by a night and day land navigation test. Last is the Malvesti Confidence Course, which includes the “worm pit.”
During the Darby Phase, students receive fast-paced instruction on troop leading procedures, fieldcraft, the principles of patrolling, demolitions, and basic battle drills. Finally, students must succeed in the Darby Queen Obstacle Course, which stretches over a mile of hilly terrain.
Step 6: Complete the Mountain Phase
The second phase, also known as the Mountain Phase, is conducted at Camp Frank D. Merrill, which is home to the 5th Ranger Training Battalion. The mountain phase is set in rugged terrain in a mountainous environment. Students have to survive severe weather and hunger, as well as mental and physical fatigue.
At Camp Merrill, soldiers learn military mountaineering skills and undergo mobility training. They also learn techniques for employing a platoon for continuous combat patrol operations in mountainous terrain.
Step 7: Pass the Swamp Phase
Lastly, students learn leadership and small unit tactics in the Swamp Phase or Florida Phase. The Swamp Phase is the most difficult in the entire course. The 6th Ranger Training Battalion conducts the swamp phase at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
Students have to perform patrolling in a highly stressful and challenging field exercise. They are also assessed on how they use techniques to execute raids and ambushes. Furthermore, they learn about urban assaults to complete the Swamp Phase.
Step 8: Apply for the 75th Ranger Regiment
Just because you made it to the end of Ranger School, it doesn’t mean you will join the 75th Ranger Regiment. There are a limited number of spots available, meaning some soldiers may have to return to their unit. As previously mentioned, to join the 75th Ranger Regiment, you must have a Military Occupational Specialty.
How to Choose the Right Ranger School
Unlike other fields, the U.S. Army has only one Ranger School in the country. It’s important to note that Ranger School is completely voluntary.
To become a Ranger, you’ll have to pass the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), a two-phase program that tests your abilities to become a Ranger. Once approved, you may join the 75th Ranger Regiment, become Ranger qualified, and carry out special operations as a member of these special forces.
Tips for Getting Into Ranger School
- Be Mentally Fit. You need to develop good mental strength to survive the various rigorous assessment tests necessary to join the Ranger Regiment. Having a positive attitude will go a long way.
- Be Physically Fit. Developing a fitness routine with the physical requirements in mind can help you pass the fitness test (RPFT). As one Ranger School graduate—CPT Zachary C. Gust—notes, “My initial advice revolves around the RPFT [Ranger Physical Fitness Test]: Be able to do 75 push-ups prior to going to the course.”4 He also suggests you should “Practice your push-ups with a metronome so they are methodical and not too fast or slow. Steady push-ups that follow the Army standard are the key.”
- Improve Your Psychological Skills. Being able to persevere and work on your psychological skills using mental rehearsal, self-talk, and goal-setting will help you endure the field training exercises required by the Ranger Training Brigade.
- Work On Your Leadership Qualities. Having a strong intellect, being professionally competent, and having a good character can increase your chances of getting accepted.
- Work On Your Endurance. You need to have a never-give-up attitude if you plan to attend Ranger School. It is the army’s toughest school, which can cause immense emotional and physical stress.
Will I Get Accepted Into Ranger School?
Not necessarily. Ranger School is a highly selective leadership school with a rigorous entrance process. Even if you are selected, it doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to become a Ranger.
To become a ranger, you’ll need to pass all three phases of Ranger School. That being said, the proper preparation can help you tremendously for the Ranger Assessment Selection Program (RASP). If you succeed in the RASP, you may be eligible to join the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Is Getting Into Ranger School Worth It?
According to the U.S. Army, Ranger School is the only military school under the U.S. Army that teaches soldiers the highest level of combat skills. According to the website, “Ranger School is one of the toughest training courses for which a Soldier can volunteer. Army Rangers are experts in leading Soldiers on difficult missions.” If this is a title and level of honor you aspire to obtain, then getting into Ranger School can be worth it.
How to Get Into Ranger School FAQ
Yes, the U.S. Army Ranger School is one of the most challenging military programs in the world.
Eligibility to apply to Ranger School includes being an enlisted soldier or army officer, having an undergraduate degree, achieving an ASVAB placement test TECH score of 105 or above, completing the Army Fitness Test (AFT), clearing the height and weight standards, and more.5
Army Rangers in the U.S. can earn an average of $67,285 per year, according to the U.S. Army website.6 This projected number is for a married private and includes bonuses, allowances, and other benefits. You can use the link to browse active-duty pay scales and benefit features, including low-cost healthcare, housing allowances, free education options, and more.
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As of September 2025, it takes 61 days for an army officer on active duty to become a ranger.7 The Ranger course is divided into three phases: the Darby Phase, the Mountain Phase, and the Swamp Phase. Soldiers must pass all three phases to become a ranger in the U.S. Army.
Sources:
1 https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements/fitness
2 https://www.ausa.org/news/army-unveils-new-fitness-assessment-ranger-students
3 https://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/ARTB/Student-Information/
4 https://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/magazine/issues/2021/Winter/pdf/10_Gust_txt.pdf
5 https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/special-ops/army-rangers
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