75th Ranger Regiment

75th Ranger Regiment is a premier light infantry special operations force within the United States Army Special Operations Command. Tracing its lineage to Merrill's Marauders and World War II Ranger Battalions, the regiment is a rapidly deployable unit specializing in direct action raids and airborne assaults. It maintains a constant state of readiness, with one battalion always prepared for worldwide deployment to support the United States Special Operations Command and regional combantant commands.

History

The modern regiment was activated in 1974 at Fort Stewart, Georgia, following lessons from the Vietnam War which highlighted the need for a dedicated Ranger unit. Its first major operation was the disastrous attempt to rescue American hostages during Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, a failure that spurred major reforms in U.S. special operations. The regiment subsequently saw combat in Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada and Operation Just Cause in Panama, where it conducted a critical airborne assault on Torrijos Airport. During the Gulf War, Rangers conducted special reconnaissance and direct action missions, and a battalion later participated in the Battle of Mogadishu as part of Task Force Ranger.

Organization

Headquartered at Fort Moore, the regiment consists of three geographically dispersed line battalions and a special troops battalion. The 1st Ranger Battalion is stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, the 2nd Ranger Battalion is at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, and the 3rd Ranger Battalion is at Fort Moore. The Regimental Special Troops Battalion provides intelligence, communications, and maintenance support. Each battalion is further organized into three rifle companies and a headquarters company, allowing for flexible and modular task organization for missions.

Selection and training

Prospective Rangers must first complete the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), an intensive eight-week course held at Fort Moore that assesses physical stamina, mental toughness, and tactical skills. All enlisted members and officers must earn the Ranger tab by graduating from the Ranger School, a separate two-month leadership course known for its extreme stress and limited sleep. Following assignment, Rangers undergo continuous training in advanced marksmanship, military free fall, combat diving, close quarters combat, and urban warfare, often training with units like the Delta Force and DEVGRU.

Equipment and capabilities

The regiment employs a variety of specialized weapons and vehicles to execute its missions. Standard individual weapons include the M4 carbine, often modified with SOCOM-approved accessories, and the Mk 48 machine gun. For mobility, Rangers utilize the Ground Mobility Vehicle and are proficient in fast-roping from MH-60 and MH-47 helicopters. Their capabilities are enhanced by dedicated support from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and integral combat controllers from the 24th Special Tactics Squadron. This allows for precise, night-capable air assault operations anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

Notable operations

Beyond its early campaigns, the regiment has been persistently engaged in the War on Terror. Following the September 11 attacks, Rangers were among the first conventional forces in Afghanistan, conducting a parachute assault onto Objective Rhino. During the Iraq War, they conducted numerous raids targeting Al-Qaeda in Iraq networks and Ba'ath Party leaders. In 2011, elements supported the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad. More recently, Rangers have been deployed to Syria and Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting direct action against ISIL targets.

Traditions and insignia

The regiment's motto, "Sua Sponte" (Of Their Own Accord), signifies its volunteer-only status, while the phrase "Rangers Lead the Way" is a historic battle cry from the D-Day landings at Pointe du Hoc. The distinctive tan beret is a symbol earned upon completion of RASP. The shoulder sleeve insignia features a white star on a blue field, a design derived from Merrill's Marauders, with the red, white, and black scroll representing the lineage from the original six World War II Ranger battalions. The regiment also maintains a memorial at Fort Moore honoring Rangers who have fallen since the Vietnam War.