Could you pass the U.S. Army Ranger School physical fitness test? Three Long Islanders try
Inspired by two women who became the first females to graduate from the U.S. Army Ranger School, three Long Islanders attempted to complete portions of the school's physical fitness test on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015. (Credit: Newsday / Chuck Fadely)
Two women made history this month when they became the first females ever to graduate from the U.S. Army's elite Ranger School, which is known for its challenging physical requirements.
On average, only about 45 percent of Ranger School students graduate, according to armytimes.com, because the tests are so difficult. But 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, 25, and Capt. Kristen Griest, 26, completed the school's physically grueling course to the same standards as their 94 male classmates, NPR reported.
To get a sense of just how tough you need to be to call yourself an Army Ranger, three Long Islanders attempted just a portion of the fitness test that students need to pass just to get into the school.
The initial test requires candidates to complete a 2-mile run in under 15 minutes and 12 seconds; 59 situps and 49 push-ups, each within 2 minutes; six pullups, a 5-mile run in under 40 minutes; a 16-mile hike while carrying a 65-pound pack in under five hours and 20 minutes; and a 15-meter swim while wearing gear, according to military.com. Then, once in the school, the requirements only get harder.
We asked Brian Dessart, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a critical care EMT, if he wanted to give some of these tasks a shot.
On Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, Dessart, 36, a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who writes a Health column for Newsday.com, along with Liz Keller, 25, of North Massapequa, and Kristin McDermott, 27, of Oceanside, met at Marion Street School in Lynbrook and attempted to pass four of these tasks. Watch the video above to see how they fared.
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