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    Strike Brigade Soldiers prepare for Ranger School in Bulgaria

    Strike Brigade Soldiers prepare for Ranger School in Bulgaria

    Photo By Pfc. Aiden O'Marra | Sgt. Christopher Prograis from 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade...... read more read more

    NOVO SELO, BULGARIA

    02.17.2024

    Story by Pfc. Aiden O'Marra 

    82nd Airborne Division

    Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria — The 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, held a Pre-Ranger Course at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Feb. 10-17, 2024. Over a week, the Pre-Ranger course gave the Strike Brigade soldiers the tools to succeed at Ranger School and to enhance lethality on the battlefield.

    The Pre-Ranger course was constructed to mimic the first week of Ranger School. Including the Ranger physical assessment, a test of physical endurance and strength, in which each candidate must complete 49 pushups, 59 situps, 6 chinups, and a 5-mile run in under 40 minutes. The combat water survival assessment, a test in which candidates must display their ability to swim and survive in full uniform and gear. The land navigation practical exercise, requiring candidates to find three out of four points from the late hours of night into day. Ranger tactical tasks, challenging the students to demonstrate their ability to execute six tactical tasks that they will employ on a daily basis in Ranger school. A 12-mile ruck march, in which they had to complete in three hours or less. Then finally, after completing all RAP (Ranger Assessment Phase) week events, candidates were then given instructions on small unit tactics that were executed in austere weather conditions followed by an in depth troop leading procedures class.

    Master Sgt. Joshua Reyes, head instructor for the 2nd Brigade Combat team, 1st Armored Division Pre-Ranger Course, spoke to the importance of soldiers striving to go to Ranger school.

    “Ranger school is beneficial for all soldiers,” said Reyes. “First and foremost, you will become a better leader. In addition it teaches you the basics of infantry tasks and battle drills which you will use in the future, and it helps save lives on the battlefield. A soldier who has gone to Ranger school has the ability to train soldiers under them on tasks they have learned and if they have to, those soldiers can then execute them flawlessly.”

    On day one the class started with 42 candidates, and by the end of the week was left with only 23 Strike Brigade soldiers.

    Lt. Col. Trinidad Chavez, Commander of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, spoke to what it means to be a Ranger.

    “Rangers are known for the saying ‘Not for the weak or fainthearted’. It’s on a sign right outside of Camp Rogers. I believe this captures the essence of what a Ranger is. A Ranger is someone that deals with adversity, someone that can solve problems, make sound decisions under duress, and most importantly take out the enemy when the opportunity arises.”

    The Strike Force Brigade soldiers who graduated the Pre-Ranger course now have the tools they need to attend Ranger School and earn the coveted Ranger tab.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.17.2024
    Date Posted: 02.20.2024 10:06
    Story ID: 464240
    Location: NOVO SELO, BG

    Web Views: 88
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN