The Path to Ranger Battalion: Can a 68W Be a Ranger?

Joining the US Army's elite Ranger battalion is an achievement that requires not just leadership and courage, but also specific training and eligibility. Many wonder if a 68W, a combat medic, can become a Ranger. This article delves into the intricacies of this question, exploring the roles of 68Ws in the Rangers and the requirements for becoming a qualified Ranger.

Can a 68W Become a Ranger?

The US Army's Ranger Regiment has specific requirements to become a Ranger, which include successfully completing the Ranger Assessment and Selection Process (RASP). These requirements go beyond just the basic leadership course designed for all service members. According to the US Army Ranger School, being a Ranger means you must be part of the regiment's lineup. A 68W, or Combat Medic, can certainly become a Ranger, but it's not a straightforward journey.

68Ws: The Unsung Heroes of the Ranger Regiment

It may come as a surprise to many that medics in the Ranger Regiment start as 68W combat medics. The SOCM (Special Operations Combat Medic) course, offered at JSOMTC (Joint Service Operational Medicine Training Center), can transform a 68W into a 68W Whiskey 1. This course provides essential medical training that aligns with the rigorous demands of the Ranger Regiment.

Roles and Responsibilities of Combat Medics in the Rangers

As a member of the Ranger Regiment, a Combat Medic, or 68W, plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of fellow Rangers. These medics are integral to the success of Ranger missions. However, it's important to note that the Rangers do not typically take medics on every mission, particularly in stealth operations where engaging with the enemy is not the primary objective.

The Ranger Regiment Recap Tactical Combat Casualty Care (RCTCCC)

The Ranger Regiment's approach to medical support is different from other units. The Rangers do not have a full-time medic attached to the team. Instead, they rely on pre-deployment medical training called the Rangers' Reconstitution and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (RCTCCC). This training ensures that all Rangers, regardless of their specialty, are equipped to provide basic medical care during a mission.

Special Operations Medic Course: A Working Experiment

The current Special Operations Medic Course is a working experiment to revamp the medical training for Rangers and other special operations units. While many 68W medics have completed this course, the majority of its graduates to date are 18D Special Forces Medics, Seal Corpsmen, and Marine Special Operations Corpsmen. This course aims to streamline medical training and reduce costs by combining similar training programs into one.

Role of 18D Special Forces Medics in the Course

Since the specialized medical training for Rangers is being reimagined, the course is also testing whether non-medical personnel, such as 18D's, can effectively perform medical roles. By allowing 11B Infantry soldiers to complete the course and gain both combat and medical skills, the Army aims to create multifaceted soldiers who can handle various mission requirements with ease.

Justification and the Methodology Behind the Madness

The decision to broaden medical training to non-traditional medical personnel is not without its rationale. By training 11B Infantry soldiers to perform medical roles, the Army ensures that they are prepared for any situation. A well-rounded soldier who can fight and treat wounds during a mission would be invaluable to the Rangers. This approach highlights the Army's commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and flexibility.

Conclusion: Joining the Ranger Regiment

If your goal is to join the elite ranks of the US Army Ranger Battalion, consider the Infantry Option 40. A non-infantry path into the Rangers is unlikely to provide the same opportunities for direct combat roles. While 68Ws can and do become Rangers, their role typically involves specialized medical training and specific mission requirements.