Idaho Army National Guardsman earns Airborne Ranger after commissioning

Courtesy Photo | Idaho Army National Guard officer, 2nd Lt. Christian Briggs, pins on his Ranger tab Nov. 16 at Fort Benning, Georgia, after becoming the first officer sent by the organization to graduate. Days later Briggs continued on to Airborne School, earning his airborne tab on Nov. 6, again as the first officer sent by the organization to graduate Airborne School.  

BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES

12.07.2018

Story by 2nd Lt. Crystal Farris 

Idaho Army National Guard

From an Idaho State Trooper with no military experience to an Idaho Army National Guard infantry officer and airborne Ranger in two years, 2nd Lt. Christian Briggs, conquered personal goals and made organizational history in a short amount of time.

“It’s been a busy few years,” said Briggs, C Company, 2-116th Calvary Regiment platoon leader. “But support from my family has enabled me to stay focused and complete some of my major life goals.”

Briggs became the first officer sent by the IDARNG to graduate not just Ranger School but also Airborne School when he pinned on his Ranger tab Nov. 16 and airborne tab Dec. 6.

“It’s quite an accomplishment,” said Lt. Col. Jason Gracida, 2-116th CAV battalion commander. “A new officer coming to the unit already Ranger qualified will help to set the example for other Soldiers.”

He first set an example last year when he received his commission through the organization's 18-month Officer Candidate School program. There Briggs earned distinguished honor graduate and the highest physical fitness award.

Six months later, Briggs left home for Fort Benning, Georgia, where he completed his Basic Officers Leaders Course as a qualified infantry officer. It was only months after that he returned to Georgia and completed 61 days of rigorous Ranger training, followed by 19 days of airborne training.

“It was emotionally stressful and my body feels broken, but t I got through it because I didn’t want to let myself or my family down,” said Briggs.

While both schools are physically and mentally demanding, Ranger School is one of the hardest courses the Army has to offer. With less than a 50 percent passing rate in the first of its three phases, many Soldiers struggle to survive its longevity let alone continue on to jump school.

“I was well prepared and didn’t struggle too much in the beginning,” said Briggs. “But toward the end I was definitely sleep deprived, only resting some nights for ten minutes before starting another mission.”

With little to no sleep, Briggs trained an average of 19 hours a day in swamps and mountains completing missions involving troop leading procedures, land navigation and combat tactics. During this time, he developed useful skills to bring back to his unit as an Infantry platoon leader.

“He brings back priceless small unit tactics and lessons to the company through his experience,” said Capt. John Bomsta, Brigg’s company commander. “His training is very timely to the unit as a newly formed Infantry Company. It will enhance the lethality and combat power of our dismounted troops immensely.”

Having survived Ranger School with minor bumps and scratches, Briggs walked onto the airborne course two days after graduation. In those last few weeks of training, he completed five parachute jumps from a C-130 aircraft at 1,250 feet above ground before earning his final tab and returning home.

Despite just completing a long two-year journey, Briggs will train for another two years as he and his unit prepare for their ready year and possible deployment in 2020.

• Date Taken: 12.07.2018
• Date Posted: 12.07.2018 16:36
• Story ID: 302653
• Location: BOISE, ID, US