75th Ranger Regiment

75th Ranger Regiment
US Army Institute of Heraldry · Public domain · source
Unit name	75th Ranger Regiment
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia
Dates	1984–present (modern regiment)
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Special operations force
Role	Direct action, Airfield seizure, Special reconnaissance
Size	Regiment
Command structure	United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Garrison	Fort Moore, Georgia, U.S.
Nickname	Army Rangers
Motto	*"Sua Sponte" (Of their own accord), *"Rangers lead the way!"
Colors	Black and gold
Battles	Invasion of Grenada, Invasion of Panama, Gulf War, Somali Civil War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War, Syrian Civil War
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award
Current commander	Colonel

75th Ranger Regiment is a premier light infantry special operations force within the United States Army. It operates under the United States Army Special Operations Command and is a key component of the United States Special Operations Command. The regiment specializes in direct action, airfield seizure, and special reconnaissance missions, maintaining a constant state of readiness for worldwide deployment.

History

The lineage of modern Army Rangers traces back to World War II units like Darby's Rangers and the Merrill's Marauders, with notable actions during the Normandy landings and the Battle of Cisterna. Following the war, Ranger companies were active during the Korean War, such as those involved in the Battle of Chipyong-ni. The modern regiment was formally constituted in 1984, consolidating earlier battalions that had been reactivated for the post-Vietnam War era. Its first major combat deployment as a regiment was during the United States invasion of Panama for operations like the Battle of Rio Hato.

Organization

Headquartered at Fort Moore, the regiment consists of three geographically dispersed battalions and a special troops battalion. The 1st Ranger Battalion is stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, while the 2nd Ranger Battalion and 3rd Ranger Battalion are based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. The regimental structure includes a military intelligence battalion, a signal company, and a dedicated Regimental Reconnaissance Company. This organization allows for rapid, scalable force deployment in support of United States Central Command and other combatant commands.

Operations

The regiment has been deployed in virtually every major U.S. conflict since its inception. It played a critical role in the Gulf War, conducting Scud missile hunts. During the Battle of Mogadishu, Rangers were part of the Task Force Ranger operation. Following the September 11 attacks, it has been persistently engaged, conducting high-value target raids in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. More recently, Rangers have been involved in operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria, including the Battle of Marawi support and advising the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Selection_and_Training

Prospective Rangers must first pass the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP). Candidates are drawn from across the United States Army, including the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division. Successful attendance and graduation from the United States Army Ranger School is a requirement for all officers and non-commissioned officers. The regiment's training is relentless, emphasizing small-unit tactics, military free fall, combat diving, and close-quarters battle. This ensures proficiency for complex missions in environments ranging from urban warfare to mountain warfare.

Notable_Rangers

Many distinguished soldiers have served in the regiment. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General David Petraeus served as a battalion commander. Sergeant First Class Matthew O. Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in the Shok Valley during the War in Afghanistan. Other notable figures include former United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who served as a platoon commander in the 1970s, and Lieutenant General Stanley A. McChrystal, who commanded the regiment and later Joint Special Operations Command.

Equipment_and_Uniforms

Rangers employ advanced, mission-specific equipment. Their standard rifle is the M4 carbine, often modified with accessories like the AN/PEQ-15 laser. They utilize specialized vehicles such as the Ground Mobility Vehicle and the M-ATV. For insertion, they employ the MH-60 Black Hawk and the CV-22 Osprey. The distinctive Ranger Tab is worn on the left shoulder, and the tan beret with the regiment's distinctive unit insignia is their standard headgear. They are also known for using the Crye Precision MultiCam combat uniform.

Deployments

The regiment maintains a continuous deployment cycle, with elements routinely forward-staged in strategic locations. It has maintained a persistent presence in the Horn of Africa under Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. Battalions regularly rotate through Kuwait and other locations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Rangers have also conducted training and joint exercises with allies like the British Army's Special Air Service and the Jordanian Armed Forces, enhancing interoperability for global response.

Category:United States Army Category:Special operations forces of the United States Category:Military units and formations established in 1984