Breaking Down the Three Phases of Army Ranger School

As with any of the special operations units in the U.S. military, it takes endurance, stamina, intelligence and mental toughness to become a Ranger.

The Army Rangers require their candidates to score the following before attending Ranger School.

The most important pre-training exercise to do before Ranger School is walking fast in your boots with 50 pounds of weight on your back.

You will do this daily at Ranger School. Running at least five miles 3-4 times a week and swimming in uniform 2-3 times a week is recommended as well.

Tip: Gain 5-10 pounds before going so you have a little to lose when you are consuming fewer calories a day.

Once selected, candidates attend three phases of Ranger School: Fort Moore (formerly known as Fort Benning) Phase, the Mountain Phase and the Florida Phase.

The Moore Phase

The Moore Phase is executed in two parts and lasts 20 days. As with most special operations units, the first phase is very physical.

To be competitive in any of these physical tests, Ranger students must not strive for the minimum standards listed above. Instead, they should maximize their personal physical effort and strive for the following recommended scores:

The second part of the first phase has obstacle courses and long ruck (full-gear) marches as a major part of the physical fitness requirements. However, the fundamentals of patrolling and small-unit tactics are the focus of this part of the Moore Phase. These graded field exercises include ambush and reconnaissance patrols, close quarters combat, airborne operations and air assault operations. The Ranger student then must demonstrate his expertise through a series of cadre and student-led tactical patrol operations.

Related video: Discussing Army PFT CFT and More with Tom Lenz

Mountain Phase 

The Mountain Phase lasts 20 days and nights and teaches students to operate in small units while sustaining themselves and their subordinates in the adverse conditions of the mountains. The rugged terrain, hunger and sleep deprivation are the biggest causes of emotional stress that students encounter. Students will eat, sleep and operate in these conditions for three weeks, usually eating no more than 1-2 MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) a day.

Florida Phase

The third phase, or Florida Phase, teaches small boat operations, ship-to-shore operations, stream-crossing techniques and skills needed to survive and operate in a jungle and swamp environment. This phase lasts 16 days and nights and tests the patrolling and leadership techniques of every Ranger.

Ranger School is grueling because of the long hours of walking with your gear, sleeping in the field and eating 1-2 meals less a day than normal. Many students lose 20-30 pounds in the 56-day school. But the school teaches the Ranger he can overcome insurmountable challenges while under simulated combat conditions. Ranger School has honed the professional skills and techniques necessary to conduct small-unit operations. And of course, Rangers can wear the well-deserved Ranger Tab on their shoulder.

More Army Special Forces articles:

• Army Special Forces overview
• Army Green Beret training
• Army Airborne PFT
• Preparing for Army Ranger School
• Weight gain for Ranger School
• All Army Special Forces articles

Many of my favorite PT programs to train for the Army PFT can be found in these Military.com links:

• Pull-ups/flexed arm hang
• Push-ups and Sit-ups
• Running
• Prepare for ruck marches

Other Army fitness articles:

• Army Basic Training PFT requirements
• Army weight standards
• Army fitness workout plan
• Performing for the Special Forces
• Physical fitness test anxiety

Related video: To, Through, and After with Bubba Eisenhauer (Army Ranger 75th Regiment) Axon Aid

Learn more about available Special Operations opportunities.

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.

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