Ranger: Defining the term

[goon175]

I found this paper, written in 1989, to be very interesting. It was written in a time when the Regiment was very young, and is very interesting to see the thought processes pertaining to the "Ranger idea" at the time. He brings up some great points, and I think after reading this and really thinking about it, it hasn't been until the last 10 years or so that the Ranger mission has really been defined. From what I understand, it is still an evolving concept. I think it is entirely appropriate at this point that Abrams charter be replaced with a new charter that defines the purpose of the modern Regiment. Also, I think there is still confusion even within the Regiment about exactly what the Regiment SHOULD be. Anyway, I could ramble on, but here is the article and I'm curious to see what some of your thoughts are:

http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a208204.pdf

 

[exarmy]

Awesome, thanks for posting.

 

[Lefty375]

Great read. Thanks for this.

I remember when I was new to the Army in the 82nd and first heard about Rangers. I asked people around here about them, and I was just told they are pretty much glorified Infantry that sometimes does cordons for SF. I was told they are Light Infantry just like the article said and that there is pretty much no difference between 82nd and 75th except for some higher PT standards.

It still goes on today, as I'm waiting on orders to RASP and people ask me why I just don't go to SF. Most people here don't even understand what the 75th does.

 

[goon175]

Great read. Thanks for this.

I remember when I was new to the Army in the 82nd and first heard about Rangers. I asked people around here about them, and I was just told they are pretty much glorified Infantry that sometimes does cordons for SF. I was told they are Light Infantry just like the article said and that there is pretty much no difference between 82nd and 75th except for some higher PT standards.

It still goes on today, as I'm waiting on orders to RASP and people ask me why I just don't go to SF. Most people here don't even understand what the 75th does.

I think this is a double edged problem. Not only do a lot of guys not volunteer for the 75th because of that line of thinking, but it also puts guys in SF that SF probably doesn't want.