I searched and couldn't find anything on this particular topic so I was told that in order to serve in the 75th Ranger Regiment you have to first be a platoon leader elsewhere, so how would I go about joining the 82nd after I got my commission as an officer? Specifically how would I go about joining one of the parachute brigades, either the 1st or 3rd? Thanks for the help.

I forgot to say that I wanted to join the 82nd Airborne because it seems like it is the most similar to the 75th.

Why 1st and/or 3rd Brigade? 2nd is just as good This is where your comissioning source can be a big factor - ROTC, you place your locations where you want to be on a "dream sheet" and then DA (Department of the Army) places you.

At West Point, you are put on an OML (Order of Merit List) basically a ranking of how you are as a cadet. In ROTC, there is no set equation to how you are ranked, school, camp, activities all play into the "secret formula".

I'm not sure at all how they evaluate you at West Point.

Thanks for the info. Is the 2nd brigade the same as the 1st and 3rd?

Yeah, its just one of the three maneuver brigades here in the 82nd.

1st Brigade / 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment
2nd Brigade / 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment
3rd Brigade / 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

With the reorganization I believe there will be another Brigade... but I'm not so sure...

Some good links on the 82nd...

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...army/82abn.htm
http://www.bragg.army.mil/www-82DV/

Originally Posted by Borm

I forgot to say that I wanted to join the 82nd Airborne because it seems like it is the most similar to the 75th.

Not so, two completely different worlds. Any abn unit will give you an advantage in knowledge, however.

You will have to be lucky enough to branch infantry first - remember, for officers, needs of the service are priority one. Think of the officer world as a casino, you're always gambling something and there are no guarantees.

Do well in school, and even though I disagree with sending cadets to specalised schools, get as many slots as you can, airborne, dive, mtn warfare, air assault, etc. This will help.

Just keep in mind, regardless of what you branch, you will be an officer in one of the finest militaries in the world. Suck it up, and drive on.