Resources

Train Your Body & Your Mind

Workout programs to get you physically ready and study material to get you tactically sharp. All built from Ranger School experience.

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Helps us recommend the right study plan. No wrong answers.

01
What are the five phases of a patrol?
02
Name the eight troop-leading procedures (TLPs).
03
What is the order of a 5-paragraph OPORD?
04
Describe the duties of a PL during a movement to contact.
05
What are the Ranger School phases and their primary focus?
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Fitness
Knowledge
Gear
Mental
Physical Training

Ranger Physical Fitness

Know the standard. Every phase has a physical gate — fail it and you're recycled or dropped. These are the benchmarks you must hit.

82nd Abn. Div. Ranger S.U.R.T. — PT Test
Paratroopers complete a Physical Fitness Test as part of the Small Unit Ranger Tactics (S.U.R.T.) qualification course. • DVIDSHUB • Public Domain
Physical Standards by Phase
Phase 0 — RAP Week
Ranger Assessment Phase
Push-ups (2 min)49 minimum
Sit-ups (2 min)59 minimum
Chin-ups6 minimum
5-Mile Run40:00 max
12-Mile Ruck March3:00:00 max
Combat Water SurvivalPass / No-Go
Day Land Nav4 of 5 points
Night Land Nav1 of 3 points
RAP week drops ~60% of students. The physical events are the gate — meet the standard or go home.
Phase 1 — Darby
Benning Phase (Camp Darby)
Ruck March PaceKeep up or out
Patrol LeadershipGO / NO-GO graded
Ambush OperationsMust execute
Raid OperationsMust execute
Recon PatrolsMust execute
Peer EvaluationsNot lowest 3rd
Sleep / Food~3 hrs / 1 MRE/day
20 days of squad combat patrols in wooded terrain. You will be graded in leadership positions — PL, PSG, SL, TL.
Phase 2 — Mountains
Mountain Phase (Camp Merrill)
Knot Test5 of 6 in 5 min
RappellingPass / No-Go
MountaineeringPass / No-Go
Platoon PatrolsGO / NO-GO graded
Mountain Ruck MovementKeep up / timed
Peer EvaluationsNot lowest 3rd
20 days at Camp Merrill, Dahlonega, GA. Elevation, cold, and exhaustion compound the tactical challenges. Knot test is a gate — fail twice and you're out.
Phase 3 — Florida
Swamp Phase (Camp Rudder)
Small Boat OperationsPass / No-Go
Swamp PatrolGO / NO-GO graded
Airfield SeizureMust execute
Platoon Ambush/RaidGO / NO-GO graded
Water CrossingsMust complete
Peer EvaluationsNot lowest 3rd
Final 17 days at Eglin AFB. Bugs, swamps, sleep dep, and the last push. If you make it here — you're almost there. Finish strong.
82nd Abn. Div. Ranger S.U.R.T. — Obstacle Course
Paratroopers participate in the Obstacle Course portion of the S.U.R.T. qualification course at Fort Bragg, NC. • DVIDSHUB • Public Domain
PPTX
Ranger Physical Fitness Assessment
Full PFA standards breakdown — PowerPoint presentation
Workout Programs

Progressive programs designed to build Ranger-level endurance, strength, and mental toughness. Pick your starting point.

Featured Program
12-Week Ranger Prep — Complete Program

The full package. Rucking, calisthenics, swimming, endurance runs, and mental conditioning. Built to take you from baseline to Ranger-ready in 12 weeks. Includes weekly progression and rest protocols.

12 Weeks 6 days/week  Advanced
Workout Plan
Base Builder — 8 Weeks

Starting from scratch or coming off a break. Build your aerobic base, basic strength, and rucking foundation before jumping into advanced prep.

8 Weeks 5 days/week  Beginner
Workout Plan
Ruck Endurance Builder

Focused program for rucking performance. Progressive load and distance increases. Includes foot care protocols and pacing strategies.

6 Weeks 4 days/week  Intermediate
Workout Plan
Ranger PT Smoker Prep

High-rep calisthenics and body-weight circuits designed to mirror the smoke sessions you'll face at RAP week. Flutter kicks, push-ups, overhead arm claps — all of it.

4 Weeks 5 days/week  Advanced
Workout Plan
Peak Week — Final 2 Weeks

Taper and sharpen. Reduce volume, maintain intensity, and peak your body right before you ship. Includes nutrition and sleep protocols.

2 Weeks 4 days/week  Intermediate
Study Material

Tactical Knowledge

Courses and lesson plans covering every major topic you'll be tested on. Know the material before you arrive.

82nd Abn. Div. Ranger S.U.R.T. — React to Contact Drill
Paratroopers executing a Patrol and React to Contact during the S.U.R.T. qualification course. Upon completing S.U.R.T., soldiers advance to Ranger School. • DVIDSHUB • Public Domain
Ranger Course Material

Official training slides, handouts, and practical exercises from the 82nd Airborne Division Ranger S.U.R.T. program. Download and study before you go.

PPTX
Troop Leading Procedures Class
The 8-step TLP process — presentation slides
PDF
Ambush Class
Near/far ambush operations — class reference
PPTX
Patrol Base Class
Establishing and operating a patrol base — slides
DOCX
Patrol Base — Program of Instruction
Detailed POI for patrol base operations
DOCX
Scheme of Maneuver — Student Handout
How to build and brief a scheme of maneuver
DOCX
OPORD Practical Exercise
Operations Order PE — practice writing an OPORD
XLSX
FRAGO Practical Exercise
Fragmentation Order PE — evaluation template
PPTX
Ranger Physical Fitness Assessment
PFA standards and requirements breakdown
Field Reference Downloads

Official Army training circulars and field references. Download these PDFs and study them before you arrive — several are directly tested during RAP week and Mountain Phase.

PDF
TC 3-21.60 — Arm & Hand Signals
Dismounted operations, vehicle, and aircraft signals reference
PDF
Knot Guide — Army Mountain Warfare School
Figure-8, Bowline, Clove Hitch, Water Knot — Mountain Phase gate
PDF
TC 3-22.23 — M18A1 Claymore Mine
RTT #5 reference — employment and recovery procedures
PDF
TC 21-24 — Tower & Helicopter Rappelling
Mountain Phase rappelling, knots, UH-60/CH-47 operations (Feb 2025)
Lesson Plans & Courses
Featured Course
Ranger School Complete Study Guide

Covers all three phases — Benning, Mountain, and Florida. OPORDs, battle drills, patrol base operations, ambush/raid planning, land navigation, and knot tying. Everything in one place.

All Phases 40+ Lessons Comprehensive
Lesson Plan
5-Paragraph OPORD Deep Dive

Master the operations order format. Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command & Signal. Includes templates and practice scenarios.

8 Lessons Templates Included
Lesson Plan
Battle Drills 1-8

React to contact, break contact, react to ambush, knock out a bunker — all eight battle drills broken down with diagrams and key leader actions.

8 Lessons Diagrams Included
Lesson Plan
Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs)

The eight-step process every patrol leader must execute. From receiving the mission to supervising and refining. Includes time-management strategies.

8 Lessons Checklists Included
Lesson Plan
Land Navigation Fundamentals

Map reading, terrain association, pace count, azimuth plotting, and night nav techniques. Covers the Benning phase land nav test format.

10 Lessons Practice Scenarios
Lesson Plan
Patrol Base Operations

Establishing, occupying, and defending a patrol base. Security plans, priorities of work, and stand-to procedures. What RIs are grading you on.

6 Lessons RI Focus Areas
Lesson Plan
Ambush & Raid Planning

Near/far ambush setup, objective rally points, actions on the objective, and withdrawal plans. Includes leader recon checklists.

8 Lessons Planning Templates
Quick Reference
Ranger Knots & Rope Work

Square knot, bowline, rappel seat, figure-eight, clove hitch, prusik. Step-by-step with visual guides for the mountain phase knot test.

6 Knots Visual Guides
Equipment Modifications

Ruck Mod Complete Guide

Your ruck is your life at Ranger School. Over 200+ miles of movement means hot spots, pressure points, and broken hardware will end your course faster than a failed patrol. These modifications fix the MOLLE II's worst design flaws — but all mods must be RI-approved.

Gibson's Ruck Modifications

The gold standard for MOLLE II ruck modifications. Better weight distribution, improved load lifters, and fixes for the Quick Release System housing.

The 'Infamous' Gibson Ruck Mod
The complete ruck modification that started it all. Transforms the MOLLE II into a bearable system for long movements.
Gibson's Kidney Pad Setup
Proper kidney pad positioning and adjustment for eliminating lower back hot spots during extended movements.
Improving the Load Lifters — FAQ
Common questions answered on how to get the load lifters actually working to transfer weight to your hips.
Fixing the QRS Housing and More — FAQ
Quick Release System housing fix and additional modification FAQs for the MOLLE II system.
Ruck Pro-Tip: 2qt Canteen Cover Tie-Down
How to secure your 2-quart canteen cover so it doesn't flop around during movement.
DIY Knee Pad Hack

A field-expedient knee pad modification that actually stays in place. Two-part build guide.

DIY Knee Pad Hack — Part 1
Materials and initial construction for knee pads that won't shift during patrols and kneeling positions.
DIY Knee Pad Hack — Part 2
Final assembly and fitting. How to integrate with ACU/OCP trousers for a secure hold.
TAPs / Harness Setup

The Tactical Assault Panel (TAP) is your fighting load carrier. Ranger School allows the issued MOLLE TAP, Crye Precision AVS harness, Eagle Industries Rhodesian Recon Vest, or any personally procured TAP — but it must be inspected and approved by your RI. Get your setup dialed in before Day 1.

HOW TO: Adjusting the New AIRBORNE TAPS Harness
Step-by-step guide for properly fitting and adjusting the TAPS harness over your kit for airborne operations and tactical movements.
Knowledge Check

Ranger Creed Assessment

You will recite this every day at Ranger School. Type each stanza from memory — no peeking. Hit "Check My Creed" to see your score.

Ranger Tactical Tasks

RTT — Pass 5 of 7

Tested during RAP week Day 4. No re-tests are offered. Scoring below 5/7 is a MAJOR MINUS. There is no substitute for physically working through these tasks to standard.

Weapons Tasks
M249 & M240B
RTT 1 — Maintain an M249 Machine GunGo/No-Go
RTT 2 — Clear, Load, Reduce Stoppage, Unload & Clear M249Go/No-Go
RTT 3 — Maintain an M240B Machine GunGo/No-Go
RTT 4 — Clear, Load, Reduce Stoppage, Unload & Clear M240BGo/No-Go
Disassemble, inspect, reassemble, perform functions check. Know the TM steps cold — they grade exactly to standard.
Demolitions & Comms
Claymore & Radios
RTT 5 — Employ/Recover M18A1 Claymore MineGo/No-Go
RTT 6 — Communicate by ASIP RadioGo/No-Go
RTT 7 — Communicate by MBITR RadioGo/No-Go
Claymore is nonelectric initiation. Radios require loading frequencies, performing comms checks, and sending reports. Practice hands-on before you arrive.
Featured Course
RTT Trainup Course

Step-by-step walkthrough of all 7 tasks. Covers task, conditions, and standards exactly as graded during RAP week.

7 Tasks Hands-On Focus RAP Week Gate
Reference
RTT Standards

Full Go/No-Go standards for each Ranger Tactical Task. Know exactly how you will be graded.

Standards Go/No-Go 5 of 7 Required
Product Creation & TMK

Build What Gets You a GO

During graded patrols, the PL and subordinate leaders must produce planning products — terrain models, sector sketches, range cards, ACE reports, and more. Knowing how to build these is the difference between a GO and a NO-GO.

Course
Terrain Model Building Course

Build macro models (big picture — route to OBJ) and micro models (zoomed in — actions on the OBJ). Covers yarn placement, symbol usage, grid lines, elevation, and how to brief off your terrain model during the OPORD.

Macro & Micro OPORD Brief Ready Visual Guides
Course
Product Creation Course

Master every planning product you need for a graded patrol: range cards, sector sketches, ACE reports, OPORD boards, and IA drill cards. Includes templates and field-expedient techniques using MRE cardboard.

All Products Templates Included Field Tested
Key Products You Must Build
Terrain Models
Macro Terrain ModelRequired
Micro / Objective Terrain ModelRequired
TMK Setup & BreakdownTimed
Defensive Products
Range Cards (DA 5517)Required
Sector SketchesRequired
Sector Stakes (Emplacement)Required
Fire PlansRequired
Reporting & Planning
ACE Reports (A/C/E)Required
OPORD BoardRequired
WARNORequired
IA Drill CardsRequired
Shop TMK & Product Kits
Recommended by MOS

Study Focus by Branch

Your MOS determines your strengths and gaps. Focus your study time where it matters most for your background.

Infantry (11B / 11A)
Battle Drills 1-8 Critical
Ambush & Raid Planning Critical
Patrol Base Operations High
5-Paragraph OPORD High
Land Navigation
Ruck Endurance Builder Recommended
Engineer (12B / 12A)
Battle Drills 1-8 Critical
Troop Leading Procedures Critical
Patrol Base Operations High
Ambush & Raid Planning High
5-Paragraph OPORD High
Knots & Rope Work Recommended
Signal (25-Series)
Battle Drills 1-8 Critical
Troop Leading Procedures Critical
5-Paragraph OPORD Critical
Land Navigation High
Patrol Base Operations High
12-Week Ranger Prep Critical
Medical (68W / 68-Series)
Battle Drills 1-8 Critical
Patrol Base Operations Critical
Troop Leading Procedures High
5-Paragraph OPORD High
Ambush & Raid Planning High
Ruck Endurance Builder Recommended
Field Artillery (13-Series)
Battle Drills 1-8 Critical
5-Paragraph OPORD Critical
Land Navigation Critical
Troop Leading Procedures High
Ambush & Raid Planning High
12-Week Ranger Prep Critical
All Other MOS
Complete Study Guide Critical
Battle Drills 1-8 Critical
5-Paragraph OPORD Critical
Land Navigation Critical
12-Week Ranger Prep Critical
PT Smoker Prep High
Recommended by Rank

Study Focus by Experience Level

What you should prioritize depends on where you are in your career. Junior leaders need fundamentals; senior leaders need to sharpen planning and execution.

Junior Enlisted (E1 — E4)
12-Week Ranger Prep Critical
PT Smoker Prep Critical
Land Navigation Critical
Battle Drills 1-8 Critical
Knots & Rope Work High
Ranger Complete Study Guide High
You likely haven't planned or briefed an OPORD before. Start studying TLPs and the OPORD format early — this is where most junior guys struggle.
NCOs (E5 — E7)
Troop Leading Procedures Critical
5-Paragraph OPORD Critical
Patrol Base Operations Critical
Battle Drills 1-8 High
Ambush & Raid Planning High
Ruck Endurance Builder Recommended
You know tactics, but you need to execute as a PL/PSG without your normal support structure. Focus on time management during TLPs and briefing under pressure.
Officers (O1 — O3)
5-Paragraph OPORD Critical
Troop Leading Procedures Critical
Ambush & Raid Planning Critical
Patrol Base Operations High
Battle Drills 1-8 High
12-Week Ranger Prep High
You'll be expected to plan and lead at a high level from Day 1. RIs will hold you to a higher standard. Physical fitness can't be a weakness — get your ruck time down.
Medical

Medical Requirements & Preparation

Arrive medically ready or don't arrive at all. 100% participation is required — no temporary profiles, no duty limitations. Failure to meet medical standards at in-processing will result in dismissal before Day 1.

Medical Requirements at Arrival
Required Forms & Documentation
DD 2807-1 & DD 2808: Physical exam completed within 18 months of course start, meeting AR 40-501 standards
MEDPROS Printout: Must include full immunization summary — bring a hard copy
DD Form 2216E: Current audiogram on file
Labs / Radiology / EKG: As applicable based on your medical history and age
Flu Vaccination: Required for winter courses (Oct 16 — Apr 14)
Participation & Contact
100% Participation: No temporary profiles or duty limitations of any kind are accepted. You must be fully medically cleared.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Disclose everything during in-processing. Hiding a condition that surfaces during the course will get you dropped and potentially flagged.
BDE Surgeon Contact: (706) 544-6674 — call before your class date if you have any medical questions or concerns.
Non-Waiverable Medical Conditions

The following conditions will prevent you from starting the course. There are no exceptions — resolve these before you arrive or you will be sent home.

Automatic Disqualifiers
Chronic / Daily Medications: Case-by-case basis — most are disqualifying. Contact BDE Surgeon well in advance.
Non-Deployable Conditions: Any condition rendering you non-deployable per AR 40-501 is a no-go
LASIK / PRK: Must be more than 3 months post-surgery before course start date
Seasonal Restrictions
Previous Heat Injuries: Restricted from attending Apr 15 — Oct 15 courses. Heat cats are tracked in MEDPROS.
Previous Cold Injuries: Restricted from attending Oct 16 — Apr 14 courses. Cold weather injuries are tracked and flagged.
Plan your class date around your medical history. If you've had a heat or cold injury, pick the opposite season.
Common Medical Issues at Ranger School

These are the top medical reasons students are dropped, recycled, or pulled from training. Most are preventable with proper preparation.

40%
Musculoskeletal / Orthopedic
20%
Cellulitis
15%
Flora / Fauna
10%
Illness
10%
Heat / Cold Injury
5%
Foot Care
Cellulitis
Bacterial skin infection caused by cuts, scrapes, and abrasions that go untreated in the field. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain — can escalate rapidly to hospitalization.
Prevention: Treat every cut immediately. Bring extra moleskin, antibacterial ointment, and keep wounds clean and dry. Change socks regularly.
Flora & Fauna Hazards
Poison Ivy / Poison Oak: Extremely common in Benning and Mountain phases. Learn to identify and avoid. Wash exposed skin ASAP.
Fire Ants: Prevalent at Fort Moore and Camp Rudder. They will find you at night. Check your sleep position.
Copperheads: Active during warm months, especially in leaf litter at Camp Darby and Camp Merrill. Watch where you step and sit.
Spiders (Brown Recluse / Black Widow): Found in woodlines and abandoned structures. Shake out gear before wearing.
Heat Acclimatization Guide

Heat acclimatization is the physiological adaptation to working in hot environments. It improves sweating efficiency, lowers core temperature, reduces heart rate, and decreases the risk of heat casualties. If you're attending a summer class — this is mandatory preparation.

What Changes with Acclimatization
Heart Rate: Lower resting and working heart rates in the heat
Sweat Response: Earlier onset, greater volume, more dilute sweat (less sodium lost)
Core Temperature: Lower resting and peak temperatures during exertion
Skin Blood Flow: Improved heat dissipation through peripheral vasodilation
Perception: Reduced perceived exertion and thermal discomfort
How to Acclimatize
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks of daily heat exposure before course start
Protocol: 2+ hours per day of cardiovascular exercise in the heat (outdoor running, rucking, PT)
Week 1: Expect >60% adaptation — your body begins adjusting sweat rate and core temp regulation
Week 2: >80% adapted — cardiovascular and thermoregulatory systems are significantly improved
Retention: Acclimatization retained for ~1 week without exposure, then decays over ~3 weeks
Acclimatization Strategy
Start Early: Begin 1 month before your class date to build a full adaptation buffer
Mimic the Climate: Train in conditions as close to Fort Moore, GA heat/humidity as possible. If you can't, add layers to simulate.
Adequate Stress: Heart rate must be elevated — walking in the heat isn't enough. Run, ruck, and do calisthenics.
Progress Gradually: Start at 60-70% intensity and build up. Don't start with a 12-mile ruck in 95°F heat.
Hydration Protocol
Sweat Rate: You can lose >1 quart per hour during intense exertion in the heat
Weigh Yourself: Before and after training sessions — every pound lost equals ~0.5 quarts of fluid deficit
Replace: Drink 0.5 quarts per pound of body weight lost during training
Electrolytes: Water alone isn't enough for extended heat exposure. Use electrolyte packets to maintain sodium and potassium levels.
Pre-Hydrate: Drink 16-20 oz of water 2 hours before heat exposure. Don't wait until you're thirsty.
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