Two Women Make History by Passing Army's Elite Ranger School

[PoliticAverse]

Last edited Tue Aug 18, 2015, 07:52 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: NBC News

For the first time ever, two women have successfully completed the Army's elite Ranger school, one of the toughest combat training courses in the world, the Army said Monday.

The female soldiers weren't identified beyond being described as West Point-trained officers. They were among 96 soldiers who will graduate Friday at Fort Benning, Georgia, with the coveted Ranger tab, the Army said.

The 96 soldiers were winnowed from 400 — 19 of them women — who started the course on April 20. Over the following weeks, more than three-quarters of the trainees fell short of making it through grueling training marked by limited meals, sleep deprivation and physical tests in harsh conditions — all while hauling a 60-pound rucksack.

"This course has proven that every soldier, regardless of gender, can achieve his or her full potential," Army Secretary John McHugh.


Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/two-women-make-history-passing-armys-elite-ranger-school-n411506

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Washington Post article:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/08/17/history-made-first-female-soldiers-to-graduate-army-ranger-school

[mercuryblues]

1. One hell of an accomplishment

Unlike the 94 men who will graduate Friday, the two women won't be allowed to apply to join the join the 75th Ranger Regiment, the elite Special Operations force.

It remains closed to women.

Even more so when they knew all along that they would not be able to join the regiment.

[restorefreedom]

3. that has to change

congrats to them!

[brer cat]

7. I appreciate that you are applauding their strengths,

but daring someone to attempt rape is an awful way to celebrate it.

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

8. I didn't go up to some sleazebag and "dare him to rape" someone.

It's just a figure of speech. All I'm saying is I would love to watch one of these women handle themselves against some obnoxious sexist drunk in a bar that is hitting up and bothering one of them.

I just want to watch! Please reserve me a barstool!!

[Aristus]

10. I guess you'd know 'obnoxious' when you saw it...

[retrowire]

2. they did it!!!

I heard about their journey on NPR and they hadn't finished just yet. its great to hear the conclusion of the story though! they did it! woohoo!!!

[brer cat]

5. Their mountain course was in NE Georgia

near where we live. I wish we could have caught a glimpse of them, but not to be.

They have proven their strength and mettle, and I hope they are given the chance to try out for the 75th rangers.

[tazkcmo]

6. Congratulations!!! n/t

[Recursion]

9. Rangers lead the way

Congratulations, ladies. You earned this.

[jmowreader]

11. Most people who go to Ranger School never join the 75th Ranger Regiment

Ranger School is a combat leadership school. It's eight weeks of learning to lead suicide patrols.

The school that gets you into the 75th Ranger Regiment is Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, or RASP.