Ouch. After months of preparation in the
Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (IBOLC) and beyond I didn't even make
it 24 hours at Ranger school (RS). In fact, I didn't even make it “in” to RS by
virtue of “RAP” week, or the Ranger Assessment Phase. I knew what to expect,
was (I thought) physically and mentally prepared, and by all means probably
should have been at least more successful. But lo, I arrived and failed the RPFT
by one pull-up. It was embarrassing to say the least.
We reported on
Sunday, sat around all day, and got assigned to our companies. I was assigned
to B Co for both my short stay in January and my return in February. Wake-up
Monday was early, like 0400ish, and a banana and some water prepared us for the
push-up event. For many it’s the push-ups that provide a challenge, since while
there is only one standard the Ranger Instructors (RIs) are infamous for just
how strictly they adhere to that standard. I actually didn't have any trouble
reaching the 49 push-ups, or the 59 sit-ups, or even the 5 mile run in under 40
minutes. After a brief cool down from the run we lined up behind a set of
pull-up bars. Behind the bars we could see the “Malvesti” obstacle course and
all the fun that offered. I stepped up, said a quick (rather insincere) prayer,
and mounted the bar. Two attempts later I was in the drop formation with the rest
of the RPFT no-gos heading home. I’m not sure if I was intimidated by the
challenges ahead, if I had a tough grader (unlikely; I think they were both
fair), or if perhaps I was not meant to pass.
Calling my wife, who
at the time was at a spouses club meeting, and telling her I failed was
humbling. What I didn't expect was three weeks of mostly light duty and time to
prepare. I worked out a lot, did pull-ups every day, and kept a decent enough
diet. I also had the opportunity to spend time with my wife and enjoy life, the
fortunate consequence of which I’ll discuss later. Most importantly, in terms
of spiritual health, was the chance to sit with the local priest and discuss
why I should attend RS. That’s right; you read correctly, “why” I should
attend. I realized, during my brief furlough, that I really didn't know why I
wanted a tab other than because I am an Infantry officer and am supposed to
have one. What I gathered from the padre was that in RS I had an opportunity to
both grow my individual faith and to possibly even help others grow in theirs.
I suddenly had an undeniably solid “why.” On my return to RS in February I
resolved to remain prayerful and focused on spiritual growth and if at any time
I could find no other motivation I would petition God for help.
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