My Path from Civilian to Special Operations

My Path from Civilian to Special Operations:

In January 2019, I embarked on a life-changing journey that would transform me from an ordinary civilian into a highly skilled and decorated soldier. It all began with intense preparation for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB). My dedication paid off when I scored an impressive 99 on the ASVAB and 135 on the DLAB in March 2019.

With these exceptional scores, I enlisted in the Army as a 35P/Cryptologic linguist, committing to a five-year term and earning a $30,000 bonus. Little did I know that this decision would lead to a series of remarkable achievements and personal growth1

Basic Training and Language Acquisition

My journey started with basic training, where I pushed myself to the limit. I graduated as the distinguished honor graduate, showcasing my physical prowess with 67 push-ups, 90 sit-ups, and a 13:03 two-mile run.

This was just the beginning of my military career

Next, I attended the Defense Language Institute to learn Farsi. My dedication to linguistic studies resulted in a stellar 3.9 GPA. Following this, I graduated at the top of my Advanced Individual Training (AIT) class, demonstrating my commitment to excellence in both physical and academic pursuits1

Advanced Training and Specializations

My journey continued with more specialized training. In February 2021, I ranked third out of 175 in my Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) class, pushing my physical limits even further with 87 push-ups, 107 sit-ups, 21 pull-ups, and a 12:48 two-mile run1

November 2021 marked another milestone as I successfully completed Ranger School, earning the coveted Ranger tab. I also excelled in the Basic Leader Course (BLC), graduating in the top 10 percent of my class1

Language Proficiency and Deployment

My linguistic skills continued to improve, reaching a 3/3 level in Farsi and a 3/2 in Dari, which earned me an additional $1,000 per month. In 2023, I deployed, putting my skills to the test in real-world scenarios1

Future Aspirations

As I look to the future, I'm excited about the opportunities ahead. In May 2024, I re-enlisted for an impressive $80,000 tax-free bonus. My next challenge awaits in 2025 when I return to the Defense Language Institute to learn Arabic, further expanding my linguistic repertoire and value to the 75th. Once I return, I want to go to selection for the 75th's Ranger Reconnaissance Company (RRC).

This journey has been filled with challenges, growth, and remarkable achievements. From mastering languages to conquering physical feats, each experience has shaped me into the soldier I am today. I am extraordinarily grateful to the 75th Ranger Regiment for all of incredible opportunities I have had up to this point, and I look forward to seeing what else lies ahead.