The 75th Ranger Regiment is the U.S. Army’s premier light infantry unit, with a storied history of bravery, skill, and unparalleled combat effectiveness.
From the shores of Normandy during World War II to the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, Rangers have consistently been at the tip of the spear, executing some of the most challenging and critical missions to defend our nation.
But what sets these elite warriors apart? How do they maintain such a high level of readiness and proficiency?
A Specialized Force for Rapid Deployment
The 75th Ranger Regiment, or the Army Rangers, is the U.S. Army’s premier light infantry unit and direct-action raid force. (ref) As part of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), the Rangers specialize in joint special raids in hostile or sensitive environments, often targeting high-value enemy assets.
With a long and storied history dating back to World War II, the modern 75th Ranger Regiment continues to lead the way in special operations, displaying unmatched skill, toughness, and agility.
Organizational Structure & Capabilities
The 75th Ranger Regiment, headquartered at Fort Moore, Georgia, comprises a regimental headquarters company, a military intelligence battalion, a special troops battalion, and three Ranger battalions.
Each battalion can deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours of alert notification to conduct missions, including direct action raids, airfield seizure, special reconnaissance, personnel recovery, clandestine insertion, and site exploitation.
The regiment’s ability to rapidly deploy and execute complex special operations worldwide makes it an indispensable asset to the U.S. military.
The Ranger Assessment & Selection Program (RASP)
Becoming an Army Ranger is no easy feat. Candidates must complete one of the toughest military training programs in the world, pushing themselves to the limits mentally and physically.
The 75th Ranger Regiment has an intensive selection process, with candidates first completing the grueling Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP).
Challenges & Expectations
RASP is an 8-week course designed to assess a soldier’s suitability for assignment to the regiment. It begins with the Ranger Physical Assessment, requiring candidates to perform 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, 6 chin-ups, and a 5-mile run in under 40 minutes.
Candidates then move on to the Darby Queen obstacle course, platoon-level patrolling training, demolitions, battle drills, and several graded patrols in a simulated combat environment.
Only the most physically and mentally tough soldiers make it through to earn the coveted Ranger Scroll and tan beret.
Expertise in Special Tactics & Combat
The 75th Ranger Regiment provides the U.S. military with unique special operations capabilities. Each Ranger is an expert in special tactics, demolitions, and hand-to-hand combat. (ref)
Ranger missions often involve airborne or air assault infiltration into enemy territory to conduct complex raids on strategic targets and capture or kill high-value enemy personnel.
Versatility in Any Environment
In addition to direct action, Rangers conduct special reconnaissance deep behind enemy lines, establish landing zones for follow-on forces, and recover personnel and special equipment.
The regiment is trained to operate in any environment, including arctic, jungle, desert, and mountain terrain.
Rangers are also experts in urban combat and close-quarters battle. With their specialized training and flexibility, Rangers provide a vital special operations skill set.
World War II & Reactivation
The 75th Ranger Regiment traces its lineage to six Ranger battalions that fought bravely in World War II. Rangers saw action on D-Day, scaling the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to destroy key German gun positions.
They also fought in North Africa, Italy, and the Pacific, conducting daring raids and special operations missions. After the war, the Ranger units were deactivated, but the Ranger tradition lived on.
Modern Conflicts & Continued Importance
The 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions were reactivated in 1974, and in 1984, the 3rd Battalion and regimental headquarters were formed, becoming the 75th Ranger Regiment.
In the decades since Rangers have been at the tip of the spear in America’s conflicts. They saw action in Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan, spearheading assaults and conducting complex special operations missions.
Today, the 75th Ranger Regiment remains essential to America’s special operations capability, ready to strike anywhere on short notice.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.