Ramstein Air Base, Germany — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Salvione, 435th Security Forces Squadron ground combat readiness training center instructor, shouts “Ranger” as he jumps into a pool while wearing his uniform and equipment as part of the Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 27, 2021.
This portion of the course tests an Airmen’s confidence and combat water survival. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course hosted, by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they are accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
By Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published April 09, 2021
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gavin Saiz, 435th Security Forces Squadron contingency response flight chief, right, observes U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jin Lau, 435th Contingency Response Group logistics planner, left, perform pull-ups during the physical fitness portion of the Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 27, 2021. A minimum of six pull-ups is required for a passing score which mirrors the official ranger school examination. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course, hosted by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they are accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Salvione, 435th Security Forces Squadron ground combat readiness training center instructor, shouts “Ranger” as he jumps into a pool while wearing his uniform and equipment as part of the Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 27, 2021. This portion of the course tests an Airmen’s confidence and combat water survival. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course hosted, by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they are accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gavin Saiz, 435th Contingency Response Squadron contingency response flight chief, above, instructs and evaluates U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Silva, 435th Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, below, during the firearms portion of the Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2021. Course participants are evaluated on their speed and accuracy to safely fire and clear their weapon of any malfunctions. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course, hosted by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they are accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trent Sloan, 435th Contingency Response Squadron mobile aerial port journeyman, charts waypoints on a map of the local area as part of the Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2021. Participants are challenged to find several points in the woods without GPS, using only a map and compass. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course hosted, by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they are accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Alvino, 435th Security Forces Squadron airborne team member lays on the ground reading a map to limit his visibility while plotting a course through the woods during the land navigation portion of the Ranger Assessment and Preparation course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2021. Course participants search for waypoints that could simulate real-world rally points or other mission objectives. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course, hosted by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they are accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trent Sloan, 435th Contingency Response Squadron mobile aerial port journeyman, connects a blasting cap to a training claymore mine during the Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2021. Securing a perimeter is an important part of the objectives discussed in the course. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course, hosted by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they get accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trent Sloan, 435th Contingency Response Squadron mobile aerial port journeyman, carries a 45-pound rucksack and his weapon for 12 miles as the final event in the Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, March 30, 2021. The 12-mile ruck must be completed in three hours, testing an Airmen’s fortitude. The Ranger Assessment and Preparation Course, hosted by the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is designed to familiarize Airmen with the skills and challenges they will face if they get accepted to the United States Army Ranger School. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Sanchez)
Jose J. Sanchez, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Defender Magazine, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Presidential Honor Guard, Bolling AFB, Washington DC, the 416th Security Police Squadron, Griffiss AFB, NY, and the 89th Security Forces Squadron, Andrews AFB, MD
