Guam Guard graduates first Army Ranger from Pohnpei

U.S. Army Spc. Rency Une graduated from Ranger School in Ft. Benning on July 15, 2022. He is the first Ranger in the Guam Army National Guard from the island of Pohnpei. (U.S. ARMY SGT. JOSEN PASCUAL)

BARRIGADA, Guam—Spc. Rency Une of Pohnpei State displayed such high levels of leadership potential during his Initial Entry Training, the cadre at Fort Benning offered him a rare opportunity to go straight to Ranger School. 

Une graduated from Ranger School in Ft. Benning on July 15, 2022. He is the first Ranger in the Guam Army National Guard from the island of Pohnpei.

“I chose to join the Guard because I want to serve close to home, make a difference in the community, and at the same time, to take on new challenges and better myself,” he said. 

Une said going straight from Initial Entry Training to Ranger School was no picnic.

“It was really tough. It doesn’t matter how tough you think you are; I think the most important asset is the mindset. For me, personally, it’s my mindset that really pushed me through that rigorous training at Ranger School.” 

He credited his grandmother for being able to endure Ranger School.

“It comes from my grandmother. She’s from the Federated States of Micronesia—specifically, Pohnpei State. She was the one who raised me. She taught me every day to be humble, and always work harder toward the things I really want in life.” 

Asked what advice he would give to others, looking to follow in your footsteps, Une said strike while the iron is hot.

“I strongly encourage my brothers and sisters in the Guam Guard to go out there and seek these great opportunities. Take advantage and go for it while you’re still young, because you are physically able to do a lot—more than you think. All I would say is just go out there and be yourself.” 

As the Army’s premier infantry force, Rangers specialize in conducting close combat raids and direct fire assault missions deep inside enemy territory. Among the most mentally and physically challenging leadership schools in the world, Ranger School trains students to exhaustion, pushing the limits of their minds and bodies for 62
days. 

Une was born and raised on the remote Pacific island of Pohnpei, located in the Federated States of Micronesia. A geographical and cultural neighbor to Guam, the FSM also shares strategic relevance in the INDOPACOM region. Une, however, credits the traditional values instilled by his grandmother for his success in the interview below. (PR)