19 women signed up for the first co-ed class of the U.S. Army’s Ranger School. Considered to be the most physically and mentally challenging school in the Army, military officials are keeping a close eye on their progress. As of right now, it looks like several female candidates may be able to finish. Of the 19 who enrolled in Ranger School, eight have completed the Ranger Assessment Phase, or RAP Week.
Considered to be the most grueling week of the course, RAP Week is responsible for most Ranger School failures. 184 men out of 380 failed RAP Week, giving women similar attrition rates to the men. 40% of students typically make it through RAP Week, which consists of physical tests such as chin-ups and push-ups, a 12-mile march, and water survival training. 75% of candidates who get through RAP Week will go on to graduate from Ranger School.
Three of the 19 women who signed up were not able to pass the Ranger Physical Fitness Test. The eight women remaining after RAP Week still have more than 50 days left before graduation. Any women who complete the school will be permitted to wear the Ranger tab, but will not be allowed to serve in the prestigious 75th Ranger Regiment.