The Lighter Side of a Ranger Lightning Strike

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U.S. Army Soldiers participate in waterborne operations training during the Ranger Course on Camp Rudder on Eglin Air Force Base, Fl., August 04, 2015. Soldiers attend the Ranger Course to learn additional leadership and small unit technical and tactical skills in a physically and mentally demanding, combat simulated environment, (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Brooks/ Released)

There was a certain irony to it.

At the time the 44 soldiers at Army Ranger School were struck by lightning last week, "they were conducting lightning-protection protocols," as my colleague Matt Cox reported at Military.com.

Knowing that all the soldiers, including 40 students and four instructors, were treated at a local hospital and eventually returned to duty, readers of the story apparently felt like they could make light of the situation.

Here's a taste of some of the more colorful comments, some of which are admittedly tacky but nevertheless smile-worthy:

"If they were working on lightning protection protocols and got struck by lightning, do they get a no-go at that station?" --Sean

"One of the most SHOCKING Stories from MDC in a long time!" --33834685

"If it ain't raining, we ain't training. There's no lightning, it ain't frightening." --disqus_mbkF20E77K

"And meanwhile Col. David Fivecoat refused to share one of his coats. That is all." --8675309

"The lightning strike was a scheduled event...It's Ranger Training." --wtpworrier

"They all should've been issued 1 Irons, held them above their heads...because not even God, can hit a 1 Iron!!!" --Jackernie

"They were struck by lightning and then 'discharged'?" --Silence

"Because Ranger School doesn't suck enough. (Sarcasm)" --zader118k

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