FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. — U.S. Army Ranger School is one of the most rigorous 62 days of military training across the Department of Defense, and is responsible for producing elite soldiers to the Army’s fighting force. Those who survive the strenuous tests, physical challenges and prove to be true leaders, are awarded the right to wear the highly sought after Ranger tab, solidifying their place in a prestigious club as one of the military’s best.
Joining that club is one of Fairchild’s own, Staff Sgt. Joseph Pace, 92nd Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman, completed the grueling 62 day course in April after starting in November 2019. This combat leadership course is divided into three phases that focus on small-unit tactics, realistic fieldwork and sound leadership under stressful conditions, such as fatigue and hunger. Only about 300 Airmen have completed the course.
“Living out in field conditions during Ranger school, you have some terrible times,” Pace said. “You’re tired and hungry to the point of hallucinating and you’re freezing, but eventually, you become accustomed to the worst and mold into a decisive leader for strenuous situations.”
Pace joined the Air Force in 2014, where he began his career as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialist candidate but he unfortunately fell short of the standards. Instead of quitting, Pace pressed on, guiding him to the security forces career path. The diverse opportunities security forces provides, such as military working dogs, combat arms, investigations, RAVEN and police officer, excited Pace when offered a spot upon reclassification.
