Army Ranger Wing - Training and Selection

Training and Selection

Selection for the ranger wing lasts 3 weeks, plus on success of completion, another 6 months continuation where basic skills such as LRRP, parachuting are taught - which takes place annually, usually in October. Course candidates must be serving members of the Defence Forces, but are not subject to an age limit. The 3 week course is organised into 2 distinct phases. Selection is open to females, although none have passed the initial training course. Any and all serving personnel from the three branches of the Irish military are allowed to enter.

In the first phase, instructors demonstrate the basic requirements to become a Ranger and candidates must pass a number of initial physical tests - including: water confidence training, assault course training, individual navigation tests as well as a 10 km combat run test. If a candidate fails more than 3 out of the 9 basic tests they are returned to their home unit. A selection course may only be attempted three times by any candidate.

In the second phase, candidates are taught special forces tactics such as long range reconnaissance patrolling, surveillance, intelligence gathering, search tactics, and ambush organisation. The course culminates in a 45 km group march which must be completed in a set time.

In all, candidates must complete assessment in the following areas:

• Abseiling - Assesses a student's confidence when working at height.
• Bridge jump - Tests confidence in water.
• River crossing - Evaluates ability to work in a team.
• Claustrophobia - Tests a student's ability to work with their equipment in confined spaces.
• Gym tests - Assesses muscular endurance and strength while performing a set number of exercises.
• 10 km run - Tests cardiovascular endurance over a set distance and time.
• Mountain walk - Tests endurance over a set uphill march, while carrying a medium load.
• Hill circuit - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course, while carrying a light load.
• Forced march "cross-country" - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course and time while carrying a medium load around 15 kg.
• Forced march "road" - A group test to assess the student's tolerance of pressure over a set course and time, while carrying a medium load, the distance is between 35–40 km.
• Route march - A group test to assess overall stamina, endurance and strength during a forced march over the mountains while carrying a medium load.

Of the 40 to 80 candidates that start the annual Ranger selection course, only 15% remain at the conclusion. All candidates who successfully complete the Ranger course are presented with the Fianóglach shoulder flash.

If a student passes selection at this stage, they are sent on a further six-month ranger skills course. This course includes long range reconnaissance and survival training, unarmed combat, counter-terrorism, close protection, advanced driving, combat diving, boat handling, sniping, explosive intervention, advance navigation, and close quarters combat skills, advanced first aid, advanced combat shooting and parachuting. Upon passing this selection course and probationary period they then earn the right to wear the prestigious Green beret Some parts of the combat diving training course are done under the supervision of the Naval Service's Naval Service Diving Section.

The ARW also has its own purpose built tactical training facility, including "shoot houses", training ranges and various urban settings. The facility is known as "Tac town".