Ranger Assessment and Selection Program

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Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) is an eight-week course at Fort Benning, Georgia, for the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. In 2009, RASP replaced the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP) for enlisted soldiers and the Ranger Orientation Program (ROP) for officers. RASP prepares soldiers—often fresh from basic and advanced training—to join the 75th Ranger Regiment. Soldiers from other units can try to transfer to the 75th, but that’s less common. After RASP, graduates must complete follow-on training such as Airborne School and MOS-specific skills (for example, SOCM, the Special Operations Combat Medic). If they don’t finish the follow-on training, they risk losing Ranger status or being reassigned.

History and purpose: After the 1st Ranger Battalion was reformed in 1974, selections were run by that unit. The 2nd Battalion later began its own selections. RIP started in 1975, first at Fort Stewart, then with the 2nd Battalion. When the Regimental Headquarters formed in 1986, a consolidated RIP began at Fort Benning, and in 2009 it changed to RASP. In 2017 Army Times reported a woman became the first to pass RASP II, the Rangers’ selection program for some special operations units; a female NCO had attempted it in 2016 but did not finish.

Training style: The program is designed to be extremely challenging, with intense physical and mental tests. In weeks 2 and 4, classes go to Cole Range at Fort Benning, a remote training area used to push recruits to their limits. Trainees may sleep only a few hours and complete tough tasks like long patrols and demanding navigation. Winter classes can have high dropout rates due to the harsh conditions.

Structure: RASP has two levels. RASP 1 is for junior enlisted and NCOs (pay grades E-1 through E-5). RASP 2 is for senior NCOs, officers, and warrant officers. The course covers physical fitness, marksmanship, small-unit tactics, medical skills, and mobility. It is fast-paced and tightly screened, with the goal of selecting only the best for the Ranger Regiment. After successful completion, new Rangers graduate at the Ranger Memorial, or at Freedom Hall if weather requires, receive the tan Ranger beret, and have the battalion’s scroll placed on their shoulder.