I an very interested with becoming a paratrooper along with being a medic. Could you give me any info about Airborne medics? Training, fitness requirements, anything would be of great help.

The requirements for Airborne School are the same for all MOSs. Here's a website that'll spell out what to expect.

http://www.baseops.net/basictraining/airborne.html

If you go for the Ranger contract - in your case 68W/airborne/option 40 you'll go to Airborne School automatically after AIT & then from Airborne School you'll go to Ranger Idoctrination Program (RIP) & after passing all those courses you'll be assigned to one of the three battalions in the 75th Ranger Regiment. I believe Airborne only is an option 4 contract. You can also get an assignment of choice. For Airborne only you can opt for the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg.

In any case don't leave MEPS without the contract you want. If you only want Airborne then you'll need to have a contract otherwise there's a good chance you won't get it.

Get it in writing & if they don't offer what you want then walk out! Tell them to call you when it's available. You'll probably get it on the spot.

__________________
Proud Dad of a US Army Ranger SSG-Former 3/75 Rangers, 2/334-95 USAR at present
US Navy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
US Army 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired 1SG/MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

Thanks MSG Glen, the site really helped. If they don't offer the contract I want I'll tell them I go talk to the Navy about Recon Corpsman...I think that would get them to open up a little bit.

Or just walk out & say thanks but no thanks. I probably told you in the past but my son got DAMN LUCKY when he joined. They tried pushing Cavalry Scout down his throat but he wanted Infantry, preferrably Airborne (family tradition). He couldn't get anything but the Cav Scout. He signed the contract but I called the recruitiung 1SG & he voided it. After a few months my son not only got Infantry but a $10,000 bonus but still no Airborne. In Infantry OSUT he was given the opportunity to volunteer for Airborne Ranger so right after Infantry School he went to Airborne School & after that to RIP & another $3000 bonus. That's the hard way for sure. No guarantees there. He didn't want to wait another couple months for the possibility of getting an Option 40 contract if they ever offered it but he was able to finally get it. In retrospect knowing what he knows now he would have waited before signing anything until option 40 contracts became available or at least Airborne contracts.

I'll say it again - don't sign nuttin' that isn't exactly what you want. Right now the Ranger Regt. needs medics so this might be your chance. You'll at least get to Airborne School but if you wash out of RIP you probably won't go to an Airborne unit. You'll just be a 5 jump chump in some leg unit. That used to be a ploy for guys who wanted the 82nd Airborne but couldn't get it. They'd put in for RIP & after Airborne School they'd "wash out" & get assigned to the 82nd. They put a stop to that after they got wise. Too many guys wasting option 40 contracts.

__________________
Proud Dad of a US Army Ranger SSG-Former 3/75 Rangers, 2/334-95 USAR at present
US Navy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
US Army 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired 1SG/MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

I can assure you that I will not waste the contract if I am lucky enough to receive it. I am training myself physically and mentally everyday. I WILL be prepared when the time comes.

That's the only way to plan on going to RIP. After RIP you'll have your team leader, squad leader & platoon SGT pushing you so you'll think RIP was a walk in the park. Then after about a year or so they'll send you to Pre-Ranger course that'll prepare you for Ranger School. 62 days of getting kicked in the gonads. All of this gives you character & gives you the privilege of treating wounded & injured Rangers & putting valuable men back in action.

After Airborne School you'll get to wear jump wings.

After RIP you get to wear the tan beret & the Ranger scroll for the batt. that you're in.

After Ranger School you'll get to wear the Ranger tab & will be given the opportunity to lead Rangers, even as a combat medic.

The moments get prouder & prouder!

__________________
Proud Dad of a US Army Ranger SSG-Former 3/75 Rangers, 2/334-95 USAR at present
US Navy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
US Army 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired 1SG/MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

Preparation starts NOW!!

Attaboy!

RIP requirements:

Pass PT test for 17 -21 year olds with 70% of max.

5 mile run no slower than 8 min. per mile.

Combat water test- 15 meters with boots, combat uniform & load bearing equipment.

3 & 6 mile conditioning road marches followed by a 12 mile in 3 hours road march with 35 lb. rucksack plus water & weapon.

http://www.goarmy.com/ranger/index.jsp

__________________
Proud Dad of a US Army Ranger SSG-Former 3/75 Rangers, 2/334-95 USAR at present
US Navy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
US Army 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired 1SG/MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

Hooah! The path will be long and tiring but very worth it!

You bet your a$$ it is! Ask my Army Airborne Ranger SGT son!!

__________________
Proud Dad of a US Army Ranger SSG-Former 3/75 Rangers, 2/334-95 USAR at present
US Navy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
US Army 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired 1SG/MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.