Officer vs Enlisted Route to 75th Ranger Regiment with Long-Term Goal of CAG (Delta)

[DarshSingh]

I’m looking for informed perspectives from current or former Rangers / SOF personnel.

My long-term goal is to eventually assess for CAG (Delta). I understand that selection is independent of branch and that performance, maturity, and operational credibility matter more than titles — but I’m trying to decide which entry path best supports that end state.

I’m currently weighing two routes:

Option 1: Officer Route

• College → ROTC / OCS → Infantry Officer
• IBOLC → RASP 2 → Ranger Platoon Leader
• Progression through PL/XO time, company-grade leadership

Pros (as I see them):

• Earlier leadership experience
• Broader operational and planning exposure
• Strong professional development

Concerns:

• Less direct trigger time
• Shorter window at the platoon level
• Risk of being pulled away from tactical roles earlier

Option 2: Enlisted Route

• Enlist with Option 40
• RASP 1 → Ranger Battalion
• Team Leader / Squad Leader progression over multiple deployments

Pros (as I see them):

• Longer time in direct-action roles
• Deeper small-unit experience
• More sustained exposure to high-tempo operations

Concerns:

• Later access to higher-level planning and command
• Potential ceiling without commissioning later

What I’m specifically trying to understand:

1. From a CAG assessment standpoint, does one background tend to prepare candidates better than the other?
2. Is depth of enlisted experience valued more than breadth of officer leadership, or vice versa?
3. For those who’ve seen both, which route realistically gives a better chance to build the kind of reputation and skill set selectors look for?

I’m not asking for shortcuts — I’m prepared to earn my place either way. I just want to choose the path that best aligns with long-term performance, not ego.

Appreciate any insight from those who’ve been there or worked alongside both.

To clarify: I’m not in a rush to assess. I’m focused on becoming excellent at whatever role I’m in first — Ranger first, everything else second.

 

[AWP]

Wait...are you going to to be a SEAL or a Ranger or SF or what? Is Air Force Special Warfare next on your list?

High school and thinking about how to get to Delta? No one is going to take you seriously. I'm being blunt here, you're planning your touchdown dance at the Super Bowl and you haven't even tried out for Pop Warner, but playing for the Yankees or Lakers isn't off the table?

Good luck.

 

[DarshSingh]

Wait...are you going to to be a SEAL or a Ranger or SF or what? Is Air Force Special Warfare next on your list?

High school and thinking about how to get to Delta? No one is going to take you seriously. I'm being blunt here, you're planning your touchdown dance at the Super Bowl and you haven't even tried out for Pop Warner, but playing for the Yankees or Lakers isn't off the table?

Good luck.

I'm just a little confused abt which one im gonna do, and there's no harm in planning ahead i nowhere mentioned that i wanna directly go to delta or some shit, i just asked assuming i would get some insights from someone who'd be willing to rather than shit on someone's questions and dreams

 

[Ooh-Rah]

I'm just a little confused abt which one im gonna do, and there's no harm in planning ahead i nowhere mentioned that i wanna directly go to delta or some shit, i just asked assuming i would get some insights from someone who'd be willing to rather than shit on someone's questions and dreams

New internet friend: Stand down.

It’s great that you have goals, but you are so far out of your depth. Please back away from the keyboard a bit and spend time reading through the many threads on this site. Ask pointed questions that seek clarification of something you read/heard, and learn to write without using abbreviations, slang and please add punctuation. It is how the professionals you desire to join, write.



This is such an awesome analogy.

you're planning your touchdown dance at the Super Bowl and you haven't even tried out for Pop Warner, but playing for the Yankees or Lakers isn't off the table?

 

[AWP]

i just asked assuming i would get some insights from someone who'd be willing to rather than shit on someone's questions and dreams

You don't know me and that's fine. I don't know you and while I could draw some conclusions I won't. I will say you are 100% wrong with your post in its entirety, at least where it concerns me.

Tell you what, I'll stick my neck out here and let the forum at large judge me and you can make whatever conclusions you'd like.

Many of us have gone above and beyond to help young men and women find a path in today's military and have done so on this forum for nearly TWO decades. 20 years, longer than you've been alive. I have devoted dozens, if not hundreds of hours researching and mentoring people. I've found and quoted medical regs, asked people in units I supported, scoured Google like my life depended on it, all to benefit others. I received no prizes, no awards, nothing of value except the respect of my peers...and I never asked for that. I would do it all again because this forum has built careers. We haven't just helped people enlist or commission, we've been there for members when they sought to go to some of the highest levels around.

And you want to shit on me? That's fine, I get it, but you don't know what you don't know which is a lot. I'l close with this:

If you don't know what you want and are just gathering information, then work towards the WHAT and not the HOW. Figure out the culture of the service and the job or jobs within that service.

 

[Marauder06]

I'm just a little confused abt which one im gonna do, and there's no harm in planning ahead i nowhere mentioned that i wanna directly go to delta or some shit, i just asked assuming i would get some insights from someone who'd be willing to rather than shit on someone's questions and dreams

You're going to have a hard time, both here on the site and in life in general, if this is your attitude.

The random guy that you're picking a fight with on this site is not only my longtime personal friend, but probably also has the most time in a combat zone out of anyone else here. And there are a LOT of people here with a LOT of time downrange. For example, he was literally in Afghanistan all four times I went there, and before and after. Additionally, he is one of the few people here who is willing to give his time and effort to help wannabes like you. He is also one of the most-liked and most-respected members here. Consider yourself warned.

Here's what I suggest:

1) Drop the attitude and adopt some humility. That will serve you well, no matter what path you take in life.
2) Don't talk to us like we're your junior high classmates. Use real words and proper grammar. "I'm on my phone," or "It's just the Internet," I don't care; if you want to be taken seriously by professionals, you need to communicate professionally. Your first post was a good one from that perspective. The post above is straight garbage.
3) Delete the above post. Answer the questions that AWP asked. You might just get the insights that you're looking for.

Or, you know, don't, and see what happens.

Up to you.

 

[Topkick]

I just asked assuming i would get some insights

I think we're glad you're here and I won't pile on, but if you want to get better then I'd first learn how to listen to constructive advice from people who've done a thing or two.

 

[DarshSingh]

Understood.


I recognize that my previous response was not written in a professional manner, and I take responsibility for that. I appreciate the time and effort several members here took to provide perspective, even if the delivery was blunt.


My intent was to seek informed guidance, not to challenge experience or diminish the contributions of anyone on this forum. I clearly did not communicate that well, and I will correct it.


I will take the advice given — spend more time reading existing threads, ask more precise questions, and communicate with the level of professionalism expected in this community.


Thank you to those who took the time to respond.

 

[Ooh-Rah]

I love when a thread can end with a Kumbaya.