What should I be doing to prepare for Basic Training?

Question

I'm only 15, but am planning to join ROTC when I'm old enough. I want to be as prepared as possible because I hope to continue to be a Ranger. What kind of PT should I be doing right now? Also, is there anything that I can do to mentally prepare myself for Ranger training?

Answer 1

Situps, pushups, and running were the physical fitness test requirements when I was in the military. Oh, and being able to touch your toes from a sitting position without bending your knees.

You might want to work on all the above for physical training. Mental, I couldn't help you with. I'm not sure what Rangers do.

Answer 2

If you want to join the Army and go in a Ranger battalion, your best bet is to enlist when you're 18 as infantry and opt for airborne school.

  You might be able to go in ROTC in college, get branched Infantry, and somehow make it to a Ranger battalion, but chances are you won't.  

And their is a difference between going to Ranger school and being in a Ranger unit.  Just because you to through Ranger school doesn't mean you go to a Ranger unit.

My advice to you is to do well in school, be active and play school sports.  Not only will it help you physically, but playing a sport such as football will help you mentally by dealing with adversity when you're physically worn out.  

As far as working out, running and weight training are important, but so is "Rucking"; strapping on a heavy backpack and go for a long walk.  Not only will it help you physically, it'll help increase your bone density and help prevent injuries that plague young men your age that are part of the "Nintendo Generation".  As far as how much weight to use, it depends on your body weight.

This should help you out:

http://www.goarmy.com/life/ranger_school...

http://www.baseops.net/militarybooks/ran...

http://www.military.com/military-fitness...

And this should motivate you:

https://www.benning.army.mil/rtb/rtbmain...

Answer 3

If you are planning to go ROTC, this means you will not be going to "Basic Training". You will gain a comission threw the ROTC branch, I am guessing Army because of your desire to become a ranger. If this is the case, you are a ways away from being close to ranger school. I would be focusing more on your grades to get an ROTC scholarship. You will have plenty of time  to work out in your four years of college. Don't think that something like ranger school is all physical, because its probably at least 75% mental. Do your normal push-ups, sit-ups, and running, but like I said, get that ROTC scholarship then focus on your grades, then working out.