The 75^th Ranger Regiment has begun a new initiative in order to boost the success rates of new recruits who attempt the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP). In conjunction with the Fort Benning cadre of the infantry one-station unit training (OSUT), the 75^th Ranger Regiment has been sending Ranger instructors to participate in various physical fitness and soldiering events alongside new recruits.

Their goal is twofold: first, to provide mentors for the aspiring soldiers and help them benefit from their combat experience, and second, to scout for potential recruits for the 75th Ranger Regiment. Although there is the Option 40 contract, which ensures that a recruit would have the opportunity to try RASP, there is a limited number of these highly sought-after contracts. If the Ranger  instructors determine that a recruit undergoing OSUT training has the physical and mental aptitude to be a spec ops Rangers, even if he doesn’t have an Option 40 contract, they will offer him the opportunity to join the next RASP class.

“We believe a lot of soldiers are hesitant to volunteer for RASP because they are misinformed about what RASP is and what the Rangers Regiment does,” said Sergeant 1st Class Lukas Colclough, non-commissioned officer in charge, 75th Rangers Regiment Recruiting Detachment, in an interview with DVIDS. “We are constantly being confused for Rangers School and we take every chance we can get to push the word out that we are not Rangers School.”

RASP has two versions: RASP 1 is for enlisted soldiers up to the rank of sergeant (E-5), and RASP 2 is for enlisted soldiers from the rank of staff sergeant (E-6) and upward, warrant officers, and officers. RASP 1 has a 53 percent attrition rate, whereas RASP 2 has a 74 percent attrition rate.

“This initiative will allow those initial entry soldiers to ask their questions to actual Rangers about what life is like in the Regiment and how it differs from life in a conventional infantry unit. It will also expose them to the quality of individuals that serve in the 75th Rangers Regiment,” added Sergeant Colclough.

During the first OSUT class to be mentored by spec ops Rangers, 22 recruits volunteered for RASP once they graduated OSUT.

“We believe this initiative will make these Option-40 candidates understand they are in the beginning stages of something very special while they are going through OSUT, so they are less likely to withdraw from their Option-40 contract,” added Sergeant Colclough.