I apologize for this thread going completely off track.
But to clarify CSM Merrits comments, his proposed pipeline in order to justify the higher rank from the get-go was as follows:
-BCT/AIT
-Airborne School
-Pre RASP
-RASP
-SURT
-Ranger School
-WLC
-One additional skill set (such as one of the following: master breacher, EMT-I, SERE, master driver, Ranger Language Program, etc.)
-Go to battalion.
This would be the pipeline for those that go out on target (11 series, 13F, 68W, 25C/U). The 13F, 68W, and 25 series would not have the additional skill set requirement at the end, as they already have additional training after RASP.
This creates an environment where the Ranger can go to the unit and learn and train with his unit, and become proficient as a unit, without having to spend large amounts of time away from the unit for things like Ranger School. The way he explained his "vision" was that even though the baseline rank was higher, you still answered to someone. I think his specific wording was "just because you are both the same rank, doesn't mean you are both wearing that green leader tab on your shoulder". So, the hallmark discipline that Regiment is known for would still be there. Retention would increase. Morale would increase. RFS packets would dramatically drop. I really think it is a win-win-win situation. As I said before, Regiment has undergone some huge changes in the past few years, and I think for those who know about and have seen these changes, this idea is really not that far-fetched, and was brought up by the CSM for good reason. Of course there will always be resistance to change, but hey, there was resistance to guys getting SDAP and demo pay, but that is in place now as well.