The Air Force has scheduled the 2021 Ranger Assessment Course for 10-21 Oct at Fort Bliss, Texas. Supporting details to include course pre-requisites memo and Reporting Information which includes the process to request a slot can be found on AFRIT, Tab 17, Ranger Assessment Course (DoD CAC access required).
RAC affords students the opportunity, by practical application, to develop and prove themselves in a rugged course of instruction in order to determine whether or not they are ready to attend the US Army Ranger Course. RAC is stress-oriented and develops within the student the ability to lead and command under heavy mental, emotional, and physical stress. The emphasis is on practical, realistic, and strenuous field exercises using the infantry rifle squad as the training vehicle to accomplish this development. Air Force RAC is taught using the most current battlefield infantry skills according to Ranger School doctrine. Emphasis is placed on developing military skills in the planning and execution of dismounted squad size operations.
For this year, the course is only allowing CONUS airmen to participate; no OCONUS participants. For Airmen in OCONUS assignments, there may be regional OCONUS assessments taking place at regional hubs- check with your local Security Forces Squadron for add’l information.
For participants interested in the CONUS assessment, students must be fully vaccinated. The course is limited to 30 students. Additionally, all paperwork must be submitted no later than 19 days prior to the course start date (which is 21 Sept 2021). Students must submit:
- Student Information Sheet (Found on AFRIT; Tab 17)
- Complete medical package IAW the reporting instructions
- Commander’s Certification Letter
- Approved rank waiver letter (if applicable)
For a recent take on an Airman completing Ranger School, check out TSgt Dallas Rodgers’ experience in this DVIDS article. Additionally, the Airmen Prep for Ranger School Facebook page, Ranger School Professional app and USAF Ranger Assessment Smart Card are great resources to check out.
Our Take on RAC
If you are looking to crosstrain to AFSPECWAR, RAC can be a beneficial course that can prepare you physically and mentally for Special Warfare A&S. RAC and Ranger School will make you a better leader and follower. From that perspective, we highly recommend attending RAC and Ranger School if you have the opportunity.
On the flip side, any selection course such as this is physically demanding and can open yourself up for injury. One of the leading reasons for failure for A&S applicants is prior injuries that have yet to heal before selection start. Attending RAC and/or Ranger School is a calculated risk in this regard. If you anticipate going to A&S within a year, we recommend weighing the pros of leadership and experience gains vs the possibility of injury. In the end, make an educated decision about your future.
Although it’s already past, the link to the requirements is no longer supportable it seems. Is there a place where the requirements can be viewed, or will there be an updated article with update requirements for 2022?
When will the next course for AF Airmen be? As I’d love to get into this course to better prep myself for SW.
I’d like another shot at it
NEVER QUIT.