Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP) is a 4 week course held at Fort Benning, Georgia. RIP is required for E-4s and below to attend if they wish to be assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment.
RIP is designed to prepare soldiers, many of whom have just graduated Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School and are still considered "fresh" recruits, for assignment to the 75th Ranger Regiment. Soldiers from other units attempting to transfer to the 75th Ranger Regiment also attend the course, but are less common than new soldiers.
History
After 1st Ranger Battalion was reformed in 1974, RIP was held directly by them. When 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed shortly thereafter, they began hosting their own RIP. In 1986, when the Regimental Headquarters was fully formed, a new consolidated RIP was started at Fort Benning, beginning on 1 October 1986, where it has been held ever since.
Curriculum
The course contains map reading, land navigation, airborne operations, knot tying, fast-roping, and the history of the United States Army Rangers. A soldier who attends RIP can be identified by his rope, and 2 quart canteen, both of which are worn like a sash over the shoulder. If a soldier gets injured during the course they can be either be recycled through the course again or placed on "Worldwide status", meaning that their next duty station is at the needs of the Army and can be anywhere in the world. Drop outs are also placed on "Worldwide status".
Graduation
Upon successful completion of RIP, the new Rangers graduate at the Ranger Memorial where they will don the tan Ranger beret and will have the scroll of the battalion they will be assigned to pinned on their shoulder.