Hey guys, new recruit.

I ship out on the 15th of January under 11X.

I was wondering how you would lock in airborne and ranger if it wasn't in your contract.

I had 40 option in my contract but I was recovering from the flu during my meps physical so I couldn't get my right ear to pop for the airborne test.

I'd really like to give Ranger a shot, and I'm determined to earn that tan beret.

I would say that you need to rework your contract right now. seeing as i went through OSUt at Benning 3 years ago, things may have changed, but from what my new guys tell me it is the same. Rip slots will be a "little" easier to come by if you are a pt stud with a good head on your shoulders, and it doesn't hurt if your DS like you and you don't get called out much if at all. As for airborne, expect no slots to be available, again my new guys were tlling me that th DS told them all ABN slots are going to new contracts as a recuiting option for new joes to sign up. Your recruiter will be pissed, and you may have to wait a few months, but tell him you want the opt 40 slot. But if you want to be all high speed, get the opt 18X, intent for special forces contract. with this you will get abn after osut, then go to SOPSE, which is like pre-selection (SFAS) camp

Great question. I do have the Airborne option but a friend of mine from UCLA ROTC said that when he was at OSUT some people wanted to volunteer for RIP and were denied because they said they were all full. Is this possible and true? I would be devastated if I couldn't at least attempt to make Rangers. I didn't get Ranger in my contract because of a DAT waiver I needed from when I wasn't accepted in 1997 at age 17 thus disqualifying me for a security clearance. I was told by my service councilor to mention volunteering right away when I get to basic and that I would be able to go to RIP then earning an interim security clearance. I know I meet the PT criteria, but is there ever a time when slots are just flat-out full and they won't accept any new RIP candidates????? Thanks for the conversation! God bless you soldiers.