Whiteman Airmen train for shot at pre-ranger course

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 509th Security Forces Squadron is sending one member to represent Whiteman AFB in the Air Force Pre-Ranger Course at Indian Springs, Nev., Oct. 12. The leadership course prepares and tests Airmen as a precursor to the U.S. Army Ranger course.

Members of the 509th Security Forces Squadron prepared physically and mentally for the Air Force Pre-Ranger Course by brushing up on their land-navigation and water-survival skills Sept. 15 and 16.

The Airmen navigated through the local woods with only a map and the local terrain to guide them. During water survival training they practiced the skills that will save them if they fall into water from an aircraft. These survival techniques are essential for those attending pre-ranger school.

"We are sending the best possible candidate to represent Whiteman at the course," said Tech. Sgt. Jesse Guerra, 509th SFS trainer, who hosted the volunteer based pre-ranger try-outs here.

The volunteers needed to meet the ranger physical standard - a five-mile run under 40 minutes, 55 push-ups in two minutes, 65 sit-ups in two minutes, no less than 10 pull-ups and a 12-mile ruck in less than 3 hours.

Twelve members of the 509th SFS volunteered, but within the first two weeks it dropped to four remaining members, two of whom remain in the running to attend the pre-ranger course, according to Guerra.

"These guys can get through anything that is put in their way," said Guerra. "They give more than 100 percent, which they are going to need if they want to pass the pre-ranger course."

The Airman who meets the previous physical requirements and displays the best leadership skills will be sent to the pre-ranger course.

"Out of the remaining candidates, I could see either one making it through the pre-ranger course, but we have to make a decision," Guerra said. "It just comes down to who shows the most fortitude on their patrols and who is a better leader at the end of the day - who can make those leadership decisions on the battlefield?"

A month of training remains before a final candidate for the course is chosen. Future training will involve 29 core infantry skills and the students creating a warning order and operation order. From there the students conduct a one- or two-day mission to prepare them for what they will see in the pre-ranger course.