Ranger School Training Plan
$99.00
- 8-Week, 6x day/week plan designed to prepare you for the rigors of Ranger School
- Assessment-based plan automatically scales to your incoming fitness level
- Includes specific, focused training for RAP week including specific RPA and 12-Mile Ruck training efforts
- Complete this plan the 8 weeks directly before Ranger School
- This training plan is one of the 450+ Plans included with an Athlete’s Subscription.
Description
The following is a very intense, sport-specific 8-week program is specifically designed to prepare athletes for Ranger School. The plan includes a taper, and is designed to be completed the 8 weeks directly prior the start of RAP week.
This is Version 4 of the plan, updated October 2024.
PROGRAM APPROACH
Statics have shown that 75%+ of Ranger School Candidates who make it through RAP week successfully complete Ranger School and earn a tab. Accordingly, this training plan is instensely focused on the fitness demands of RAP week, including:
– Ranger Physical Assessment (Push Ups, Sit Ups, 5-Mile Run, Chin Ups). You’ll take the RPA four times over the course of your plan, and complete follow-on, RPA-specific progressed programming based on your most recent RPA result.
– High volume bodyweight calisthenics combined with sprint-based work capacity for the “smokers” you’ll experience between RAP week events.
– High volume Running and Rucking
– 12-MIle Ruck for Time with 60# at the end of RAP Week. You’ll Ruck every Saturday in this plan, working your way up to 12 miles, which you’ll complete twice on successive Saturdays following bodyweight strength endurance work.
– Long days of constant movement – you’ll complete 2x, 2-a-Days per week, plus Saturdays will be a long with a long ruck following bodyweight strength endurance work.
To successfully complete this program you’ll need to make training for selection a priority during your work day.
Changes from V3
- Even more intense focus on RAP Week, including moving the long ruck to the end of the week and preceeding it with bodyweight calisthenics
- Eliminated barbell-based strength work in favor of calisthenic-based strength endurance
- Elimintated swimming on Saturdays
- Changed the schedule so your long ruck day is on Saturday, and so Monday’s are rest days.
What This Plan Doesn’t Train
- Swimming, specifically the Combat Swimming Assessment. We recommend you complete this on your own at least once, on a Monday, prior to RAP Week, including swimming in ACUs.
- Orienteering. The plan includes significant rucking volume, but the focus is on passing the 12-Mile RAP week ruck event. We recommend you practice you orienteering skills during Monday rest days.
Here is the Weekly Schedule for Weeks 1, 3, 5, & 8
- Monday: Total Rest
- Tuesday: 2-A-Day: AM – RPA or RPA Progression; PM – Calisthenic “Smoker”
- Wednesday: Lower Body Strength Endurance, Chassis Integrity, Moderate Ruck Run
- Thursday: 2-A-Day RPA Progression, Moderate Run
- Friday: 2-A-Day: AM –Bodyweight Strength Endurance; PM – Moderate Pace Run
- Saturday: Lower Body Strength, RPA Caliethenic Progression, Long Ruck (6-12 miles)
- Sunday: Recovery Run
COMMON QUESTIONS
What equipment is needed to complete this program?
- This is a limited equipment training plan…
- Stop Watch with Repeating Countdown Timer – Smartphone app will worklnn
- 60# Sandbag
- Ruck you will use at selection, 60# of filler, 10# Rubber Rifle, 10# Sledge Hammer or 10# Dumbbell to carry while you ruck
What if I have less then 8 weeks before I start Ranger School?
Still start at the beginning of this training plan anyway. Skip to Week 8the week directly before Ranger School.
What if I have more than 8 weeks before I start Ranger School?
Email coach@mtntactical.com and ask for guidance.
What if I can’t handle the training volume at first?
Building stamina and reslience is a key training goal of this plan, and physical and mental stamina is also key to completing Ranger School. If you can’t handle the training volume at first, its better to cut training sessions short, rather than take unscheduled rest days..
Unfamiliar Exercises? Questions?
Go to http://mtntactical.com/category/exercises/ to see unfamiliar exercises.
What if I have more questions?
Email coach@mtntactical.com
DISCLAIMER
Before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician to ensure that you are in proper health. Physical training contains inherent risks including, but not limited to, muscle strains, tears, physical and bodily injury up to and including death. This training program is not meant to provide medical advice; you should obtain medical advice from your private health care practitioner. If you are unable to assume these risks then you should not engage in this training program. No liability is assumed by Mountain Tactical Institute, Inc, its owners or employees, and you train at your own risk. Mountain Tactical Institute makes no warranty, express or implied, of any kind in connection with this training program.
Required Equipment
- Fully equipped gym- Ruck sack w/ 60# of load
- 10# sledgehammer or rubber rifle
- 5-mile track or trail
- 12-mile track or trail
- 60# Sandbag
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
- GPS Watch (Garmin Forerunner 10 is the best) for rucking and running distances
- Stopwatch (Timex IronMan Triathlon is the best) for 60 sec. PFT intervals
Sample Training
Below is the first Week from this Training Plan:
SESSION 1 - Monday
Objective: Total Rest
Warm Up:
TOTAL REST
SESSION 2 - Tuesday: 2-a-Day
Objective: Ranger Physical Assessment #1, Work Capacity/Bodyweight Strength Endurance
Warm Up:
- 4 Rounds
- 3x In-Place Lunges
- 5x Push-ups
- 3x RPA Sit Ups
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
Training:
AM SESSION: Ranger Physical Assessment #1
Uniform: PT Gear
- Push Ups:
- Max Rep Push Ups - in 2 Minutes
- Perfect, Ranger-School Form - Chest to Ground, overemphasize elbow lockout at top. RECORD RESULT
- *** Rest 5 Minutes
- RPA Sit Ups:
- RPA Sit-Ups - in 2 Minutes
- Max Reps Sit Ups in 2 Minutes. Fingers locked behind head, Full range of motion. RECORD RESULT
- *** Rest 5 Minutes
- 5-Mile Run:
- Run 5 Miles for Time
- RECORD FINISH TIME
- *** Rest 10 Minutes
- Chin Ups:
- Max Rep Chin Ups - No time limit
- Chest bar to bar, full elbow extension at bottom. No bullshit. RECORD RESULT
PM SESSION: Bodyweight Endurance, Work Capacity
Uniform: ACUs, Boots
- 3 Rounds:
- 5x Walking Lunges
- 5x Hand Release Push Ups
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- 20 Minute Grind
- 3x Push Ups
- 3x Hand Release Push Ups
- 3x Clapping Push Ups
- 2x Pull Up
- 2x Chin Up
- 10x In-Place Lunges
- 3x Walking Lunges
- 3x Jumping Lunges
- Run 200m
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through these circuits again and again for 20 minutes. Pace yourself, but don’t stop to rest.
- 1 Round:
- Hip + Hip Mobility Drill
SESSION 3 - Wednesday
Objective: Lower Body Strength, Chassis Integrity, Moderate Run
Uniform: PT Gear
Warm Up:
- 4 Rounds:
- 3x Squat
- 5x Push Up
- 10x Flutter Kicks
- 200m Run
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- 10 Rounds:
- Mini Leg Blaster
- Rest 30 Seconds
- 3 Round Grind:
- Bar Complex Only - 60# Alternate Shoulders with Bar
- 20x Sandbag Zercher Carry - 60#
- 40x Ankles to Bar
Grind = work steadily, not frantically through the exercises in this circuit for the prescribed number of rounds. Pace yourself, but don’t stop to rest.
Moderate Run:
- Run 3 Miles, Moderate Pace
- Moderate = comfortable, but not easy
- 1 Round:
- Foam Roll Complex 2
SESSION 4 - Thursday: 2-a-Day
Objective: RPA Progression, Ruck Run
Warm Up:
- 4 Rounds:
- 3x In-Place Lunges
- 5x Push-ups
- 3x RPA Sit Ups
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
Training:
AM SESSION: RPA Progression
Uniform: PT Gear
- Based on SESSION 1 RPA RESULTS
- 5 Rounds, Every 75 Seconds:
- 35% Max Rep Push Ups
- 5 Rounds, Every 75 Seconds:
- 35% Max Rep RPA Sit Ups
- 5 Rounds, Every 75 Seconds:
- 35% Max Rep Chin Ups
- 2 Rounds:
- Run 2 Miles - at "1-2 Mile Interval Pace" based on your SESSION 1, 5-Mile Run Finish Time and the MTI Running Calculator
- Rest 12 Minutes between efforts
- Running Calculator
- 1 Round:
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- Instep Stretch
- Pigeon Stretch
PM SESSION: Ruck Run
Uniform: ACUs, Boots
- Ruck Run:
- Ruck Run 3 Miles - 60# Ruck + 10# Sledge, rubber rifle or dumbbell
- 1:15 Time Limit:
- Ruck Run in trot or jog.
- 1 Round:
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- Instep Stretch
- Pigeon Stretch
SESSION 5 - Friday
Objective: Bodyweight Strength Endurance, Moderate Run
Uniform: PT Gear
Warm Up:
- 3 Rounds:
- 3x Squat
- 5x Push Up
- 5x RPA Sit Ups
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
- Lat + Pec Stretch
Training:
- 20 Minute Grind:
- 10x 1/4 Squat
- 5x Push Up
- 40x Flutter Kicks
- 4x Prone To 40th Sprint
Grind = work steadily, not frantically, through these circuits again and again for 20 minutes. Pace yourself, but don’t stop to rest.
Moderate Run:
- Run 3 Miles, Moderate Pace
- Moderate = comfortable, but not easy
- 1 Round:
- Foam Roll Legs, Low Back
SESSION 6 - Saturday
Objective: Lower Body Strength, RPA Progression, Ruck Run
Uniform: ACUs, Boots
(This is a long training session by design — try not to split it up. If you have to, do the Ruck Run in the PM)
Warm Up:
- 4 Rounds:
- 3x In-Place Lunges
- 5x Push-ups
- 3x RPA Sit Ups
- Run 100m
- Instep Stretch
Training:
- 10 Rounds:
- Mini Leg Blaster
- Rest 30 Seconds
RPA Progression maxes below based on SESSION 1 Assessment Results
- 5 Rounds, Every 75 Seconds:
- 35% Max Rep Push Ups
- 5 Rounds, Every 75 Seconds:
- 35% Max Rep RPA Sit Ups
- 5 Rounds, Every 75 Seconds:
- 35% Max Rep Chin Ups
Ruck Run:
- Ruck Run 6 Miles - 60# Ruck + 10# Sledge, rubber rifle or dumbbell
- 1:15 Time Limit:
- Ruck Run in trot or jog.
- 1:15 Time Limit:
- 1 Round:
- Hip Flexor Stretch
- Instep Stretch
- Pigeon Stretch
SESSION 7 - Sunday
Objective: Recovery Run
Warm Up:
- Training:
- Run 4 Miles, Easy Pace
- Easy = you can speak in full sentences while moving
- Run 4 Miles, Easy Pace
- 2 Rounds:
- Instep Stretch
- Frog Stretch
Testimonials
"I want to note that I followed your Ranger program leading up to the course. I made it straight through with no injury. I owe this to MTIs programming. So thank you again. RLTW"
*********************
"Really love the website and training plans. I used the Ranger School prep plan and it got me through RAP week and the school straight through. I was very impressed how physically prepared I was by just following your plan and eating well. I use a combination of your plans now to make the PT plan for my platoon. Last week my platoon scored a 276 average on the APFT… the BEST in the entire battalion. So thank you all for your hard work in putting all these plans together."
*********************
"I just wanted to thank you for the years of knowledge I’ve been getting from you guys. I used the rasp plan with success a few years ago and then used many other plans in between and I followed the ranger school plan as much as I was able to before going to school. I went straight through with no recycles and even met some guys there that we’re talking about rob Shaul and caught my attention. They followed your programming and did the same thing. I’m with first ranger battalion, 75th ranger regiment"
*********************
First and foremost, I'm in the National Guard so I required RTAC before Ranger school. So, my experience is a bit different than most (IBOLC, Ranger Regiment, MCCC, etc). Prior to the Ranger training program, I already had completed the Valor program which gave me a nice base of fitness due to the 3 mile interval rucks and added running. I started the Ranger School training program 9 weeks before the start of the school (this was when the program was only 7 weeks). I doubled up on Week 4 and Week 5 since I had a little extra time. During Week 7, I did a lot of "active recovery" with walking and swimming. I believe this week was the most important..I also upped my diet so I could gain some "healthy" fat.
I initially tested at the following numbers:
12 mile: 2:25
I finished the program at the following numbers:
I reported to RTAC in January 2018 and graduated Ranger school in April. There were a couple of things that the RTAC cadre loved that wasn't in the Ranger programming:
- You do have these in the programming but I strongly suggest if you can go over the prescribed # in the Ranger program do it because you do a shit load of them.
I had 2 days between RTAC and Ranger. Not much time recover but I definitely lived it up with food and some active recovery. As for RAP week I had no issues. I completed the ruck march in 2:28 and received a Major Plus for finishing before 2:30. A tip is to have 1 duffel bag filled with all of your clothes and use it to prop up your feet with the 1-2 hours of sleep you get each night prior to the ruck. It'll help a lot.
I want to touch on a few things that I loved during the programming and a couple of things that I changed:
- The program does a wonderful job of hitting this. But, it's definitely worth stressing.
Other than that, I suggest the program to any and every one. Just a reminder, I did the v1, not v2, so I'm not sure what has changed.
*********************
I just graduated Ranger School after 62 days and I would like to take a moment to thank both you and your team for helping to make that happen. I have been using your programs since December, 2016. Following a knee surgery in May, I used the post rehab leg injury training, Valor, Resilience, Gratitude, and finally the Ranger School plan to get me in the physical shape necessary to finish at the top of my class in IBOLC and spend the least amount of time in Ranger School. Specifically, I felt that the heavy focus on Chassis Integrity and durability work helped me move through without issue while many of my peers complained about their knees and backs. I look forward to starting your Afghanistan pre-deployment plan in preparation for my unit’s upcoming rotation overseas, as well as more of the school-specific plans as I progress in my career. Thank you again!
*********************
Rob,
Just graduated from Ranger school today. I just want to tell you that following your planning was something that settled me up for success.
I just med recicle Darby because one level 2 ankle sprain but I was able to recover in 2 weeks and be back on the game going straight through the end.
Awesome plans and insight.
RLTW
*********************
I wanted to say thank you.I just graduated from Ranger School on Friday. I used your plan and had no issues. I felt like I was in the best possible shape I could be and think your program was critical to me earning my tab. I cannot thank you enough. What program and/or advice do you have for me getting back in shape. I really am not too broken down, but at this point I am out of shape except for rucking. Thanks again.
-T, July 2016
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Rob,
First I wanted to write kudos to you on your ranger school prep plan. Before I went to ranger school I wrote you asking about the difference between your plan and the Official RTB plan. I ended up using your plan and I definitely had positive results. Ranger, though not easy, would have been harder without your plan. - V
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Rob,
I just completed Ranger School. I used your Ranger school prep program to get ready for the course. It definitely prepared me for both pre-ranger and ranger school itself. The sandbag get-ups, in my opinion, were the most helpful, due to all the time spent under a ruck. Thank you for your time and help.
-F
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Rob ,
I just wanted to take a quick minute and thank you for your programming. I just recently graduated Ranger school. I used your Ranger school prep program and let me say it is spot on. I don’t feel like there is anything else out there that could prepare you as well as this program. While going through the program I wondered if I was doing enough or too much but once I got to school I saw that you definitely studied what would physically prepare you to complete the course. I will say that most beneficial aspect of your program is the sandbag getups. When you are humping a 100# plus ruck you need that core and lower back strength, not to mention the only want to successfully get that heavy of a pack on is to start from the seated position and get up. I don’t know how many times I did that movement while in school but all the getups in the program sure helped. Once my body began to fully break down I knew that I still had a little more to give because physically I was as prepared as I could be. Again thank you so much and I look forward to getting back into shape.
- M
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Rob -
Just graduated Ranger School last week and I'm emailing you to send big time KUDOS to you for developing the Ranger School train up program. All I can say is that I'm 28 years old and followed your program to the letter (I completed the 6 week cycle about 3 times before I actually went to school...) and I went straight through the course without issue. The mountain phase in particular was not even close to as bad for me as it was for 90% of the other dudes out there and I have to credit your program for really helping me get my legs ready for the exceptional challenges. I really do believe that I had the endurance to go the distance... And even as I was losing pounds of body mass and muscle each week, I had the foundation and confidence to know that I could take the next step and keep moving.
- J.
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Just wanted to give you guys some feedback. I just completed Ranger school. I used the Ranger train up program twice prior to my original start date, then got delayed a month since the january class was overbooked and followed your operator pentathalon program. There wasn't a single day my legs felt the hurt that some other guys were feeling. I even volunteered to carry the heavier equipment on multiple long walks and the hike up Mount Hawk.
-T
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Rob-
I just completed Ranger School. I used your Ranger school prep program to get ready for the course. It definitely prepared me for both pre-ranger and ranger school itself. The sandbag get-ups, in my opinion, were the most helpful, due to all the time spent under a ruck. Thank you for your time and help.
-J
*******************************
I just graduated Ranger School and was able to make it through without any recycles. A large part of that I think is due to my training leading up to Ranger using your Ranger School prep program. The program did an excellent job of preparing my physically and mentally for the rigors of Ranger School. I cycled through it once before our Brigade level Ranger Assessment Program, then cycled through it again before going to RTAC at the WTC in Fort Benning. Thank you for all you all do, and the support you give to the military and law enforcement communities.
--B
*************
I would also like to give you all some kudos. I graduated Ranger School on Friday (17OCT) and was able to make it through without any recycles. A large part of that I think is due to my training leading up to Ranger using your Ranger School Prep program. The program did an excellent job of preparing my physically and mentally for the rigors of Ranger School. I cycled through it once before our Brigade level Ranger Assessment Program, then cycled through it again before going to RTAC at the WTC in Fort Benning. I would recommend that you somehow incorporate more flutterkicks into the workouts as they seemed particularly fond of them in Darby Phase. Also, for those of us who are time-constrained, if push comes to shove between a workout and a ruck march on the plan, always pick the ruck march. During Ranger School you spend so much time under a ruck that rucking will serve you best instead of lifting weights. For the rucks in the plan, since you have two per week, I would recommend having one be for time (i.e. to prep for the 12 miler that weighs about 50lbs) and then one that is for distance and at a heavier weight (i.e. 60-80lbs). After RAP week, I can't think of a time when we rucked with anything less than 60lbs (maybe through Darby if you didn't carry any squad equipment).
Just some thoughts and comments. All in all, I thought it was a great plan, and am still an avid fan of Military Athlete. Thank you for all you all do, and the support you give to the military and law enforcement communities.
-J
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