United States Army Ranger School

United States Army Ranger School is a premier leadership and small unit tactics course operated by the United States Army. Established in 1950 at Fort Benning, now part of Fort Moore, the course is designed to develop combat arms-related functional skills and is renowned for its extreme physical and mental demands. While not a prerequisite for service in the 75th Ranger Regiment, the school's coveted Ranger tab is a highly respected mark of distinction within the United States Armed Forces.

History

The school was formally established in 1950 at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the wake of lessons learned from World War II and the early stages of the Korean War. Its creation was heavily influenced by the experiences of elite units like Darby's Rangers and the Merrill's Marauders, with the first commander being then-Lieutenant Colonel John Gibson Van Houten. The curriculum was initially shaped by veterans of the Korean War, including Major Ralph Puckett, who would later receive the Medal of Honor. Throughout the Cold War, the school evolved, with its training tested in conflicts from the Vietnam War to Operation Just Cause in Panama. A significant milestone was the 2015 decision to open all positions to qualified female soldiers, following a directive from the Secretary of the Army.

Selection and training

Prospective students, known as Ranger students, are typically officers and enlisted personnel from the United States Army, though slots are also available for members of other U.S. military branches and allied nations. Prerequisites are stringent, including passing the Army Physical Fitness Test at a high standard and completing a pre-Ranger assessment like the Ranger Physical Assessment Test. The initial phase at Fort Moore begins with the notoriously difficult Ranger Assessment Phase, which includes events like the Combat Water Survival Assessment, land navigation testing, and the grueling Ranger Physical Fitness Test. A high attrition rate is common during this phase, weeding out those unable to meet the exacting physical and mental standards.

Course phases

The course is divided into three distinct phases, each conducted in a different, demanding environment. The first is the **Benning Phase** at Fort Moore, which focuses on small unit tactics, patrols, and military mountaineering at locations like Camp Rogers and Camp Darby. The second, the **Mountain Phase**, is held at Camp Frank D. Merrill near Dahlonega, Georgia, in the rugged terrain of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Here, students conduct patrols in mountainous terrain and receive training in assault climbing. The final **Swamp Phase** takes place at Camp James E. Rudder on Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida panhandle, where students execute waterborne operations, small boat movements, and patrols in the swampy environment, often while sleep-deprived and operating with minimal food.

Ranger tab and significance

Graduates are authorized to wear the Ranger tab on the left shoulder of their Army Combat Uniform. This small, black-and-gold cloth tab is one of the Army's most respected identifiers of proven leadership and endurance. While distinct from the beret flash of the 75th Ranger Regiment, the tab signifies that a soldier has mastered the core competencies of leading small units under conditions of extreme stress, fatigue, and hunger. It carries significant weight in an officer's career progression, particularly within the Infantry Branch, and is often seen as a critical credential for advancement to senior NCO and field grade officer positions.

Notable graduates

Many prominent military figures are graduates, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey and United States Secretary of State Colin Powell. Renowned combat leaders like General Stanley McChrystal, who commanded Joint Special Operations Command, and Lieutenant General David Barno are also alumni. The school has produced numerous Medal of Honor recipients, such as Command Sergeant Major Gary L. Littrell and Major William S. Carpenter. Fictional portrayals of Rangers, like those in the film Saving Private Ryan, have further cemented the school's legendary status in popular culture.

Category:United States Army schools Category:Leadership training Category:Military education and training in the United States