FORT GORDON, Ga. (April 3, 2015) -- Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment out of Fort Benning, Georgia, were here last week in an effort to recruit qualified Soldiers to fill its ranks.
Master Sgt. Harold Jarrell, 75th Ranger Rgt. military intelligence noncommissioned officer in charge, and Sgt. David Porter, 75th Ranger Rgt. recruiter, conducted briefings for Soldiers and officers at Olmstead Hall, March 26 -- 27.
"We need responsible folks who can operate autonomously, that have creativity, initiative, and can exercise the full extent of our operation's reach," said Jarrell.
The regiment is an all-volunteer force, but not everybody is eligible to volunteer. Rangers must submit an extensive packet of paperwork before being considered for acceptance into the U.S. Army Ranger School; a process that can take as long as six months. If accepted, candidates must successfully complete Army's Parachutists Course (Airborne School) and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program.
Those who graduate from the courses will be deemed a U.S. Army Ranger and assigned to the 75th Ranger Rgt.
Widely known as the most elite infantry force in the world, Porter said a common misconception about the regiment is that it consists entirely of infantrymen, when it includes a multitude of military occupational specialties.
"A lot of people think the Ranger regiment is all about kicking in doors," said Porter. "We are a direct action force designed to get at the enemy, however, there are a lot of things that go on in the background."
There is a need for most MOS's within the regiment, but a critical need among the low density MOS's including military intelligence, field mechanical maintenance, and fire support. The needs change frequently, so Porter suggests checking back every six months if a service member's MOS is presently filled.
Regardless of MOS, all candidates endure the same training and maintain the same standards that set them apart from other U.S. Army elements. Porter emphasized there is no difference between what he, an infantryman, and Jarrell, military intelligence, had to do to get into the organization. Everyone is treated with the same respect and is expected to exceed military standards whether in a support or combat arms position.
"We're one team, focused on one objective," Jarrell said. "Everybody has their particular role to play, but we all go through the same assessment and selection program, and we all have the same requirements on us as far as training is concerned."
Benefits of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger include pay incentives, increased promotion potential, and access to distinguished military schools and training.
As a former infantryman who changed MOS's and joined the Ranger regiment later than many in their careers, Jarrell said his experience has been eye-opening. His advice to anyone considering Ranger School is to go into it with a mindset that success will ensue.
"The greatest mistake is not trying," Jarrell said. "If you want to reach out and do something different … try something harder … please contact us."
Anyone who missed the briefing or would like to get more information should contact the 75th Ranger Rgt. at 75recruit@ soc.mil, or by visiting www.benning.army.mil/tenant/75thranger/recruiting.htm.
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