Actually, any kind of aerobic conditioning should be some help, since that is the keep to being able to run a long distance. Your son surely has the muscle mass in his legs, so it's mostly a matter of providing an ample supply of oxygen to it continuously to support the energy requirements of a longer run. (Disclaimer: I'm not a kinesiologist. But I am the son of a kinesiologist. ;-)
He will go through the RAP program, if that is what it is still called...ranger assessment program. Lasted 3 weeks when I was in it in the mid - 90s.
His mountain experience will be the biggest plus because most recycles are in the mountain phase, as it was with me twice ;(.
If he can get an airborne slot before Ranger school, that would benefit also.
Tell him 62 days of mind games, 1 MRE and constantly thrown into the lead decision maker on patrol. His fellow ranger-candidates will rate him, so keeping your mouth shut and completing the mission are a must. Most of it is mind over body, and mind over stomach, and mind over sleep. Tobassco sauce under the eyelids keeps you from getting stuck by the cadre ;)
Good luck!
Like I said, this is 1994-95 info. I don't know how much it has changed. I was recycled twice and never got my tab due to injuries at mountain phase.
My son is starting his Pre-Ranger training tomorrow. From what I understand from him, it is mostly physical conditioning to get candidates in-shape for the more rigorous Ranger training. I would think that the Pre-reanger training will get your son’s 5-mile time where it needs to be.
I don't know anything about Ranger School, but thank you for raising a patriot ready to defend this great nation.
I find it refreshing he is concerned about being fit enough - the fact that he was selected speaks volumes. He will be pleasantly surprised at how much hiking in the mountains with a full pack does for his overall fitness and running ability - young, fit men can do amazing things with the amazing design God endowed them with.
No pre-ranger for me back in ‘84 but different times. My son w/ the 173 went thru pre-ranger with his unit for an August Ranger School Class. The Pre-Ranger is to get them in shape for the real course. His unit will not send him if he is not ready. He should not have a big problem with the run he is getting enough with normal work down range.
1st bit of advice - pass the PT test with a score of 275 or better. Yes, that means running. I know he can hump, but you got to be able to run. If because of his current deployment, he is unable to run, have him start by running in place. If he can run “high knees” for 15 min without stopping or slowing down, he will be doing ok.
If he has leave saved up, see if he can get his CO to let him take 20 or 30 days leave prior to reporting to school. If he can, then when he gets back ... run.
The second thing is to rest. I know it is a contradiction but Ranger school will wear you down mentally. So get as much rest as possible ahead of time. By rest, I mean the no stress kind of rest. Going to be tough coming back from a combat zone but it will do him words of good.
I am interested in the answers too. My son was accepted into the Ranger program as a new recruit, and leaves for basic training in just a couple of weeks. Basic, jumpschool, pre-ranger, some time in the field and then the famous 62 days....if all goes well.
No. PRC (pre-Ranger course) is a preparatory school (I can't remember how long, 2-3 weeks?) that almost every major Army post runs in order to get candidates prepared for Ranger school. PRC usually has its own PT entrance requirements, but I don't know what they are. I can tell you for sure, though, that he will finish out his deployment with his unit like normal, then, upon return, he'll go to PRC and Ranger school. My advice would be to take that post-deployment leave time period to get in good running shape. I sympathize--the five-mile run is what got me in Ranger school.
Many years ago, several classmates in my ROTC commissioning class (20-22), were exhorting me to go Ranger. The farthest I got was Airborne, and that was enough for me.
As a Clint Eastwood character (Dirty Harry?) stated, "you have to know your limitations." I was never a runner, though I could LRP all day long. The thought of averaging 1-2 hours of sleep (if that) for extended periods also intimidated me.
Absolutely no second thoughts have arisen from that decision.
Best wishes to all!