The U.S. Army Rangers stand as an enduring testament to the courage, excellence, and ingenuity that define the American military tradition. From their inception during the nation’s earliest conflicts to their role as one of the Army’s most elite units today, the Rangers have continually adapted to new challenges while honoring their historic roots.
“Rangers lead the way” is the Ranger motto.
The Beginnings
The formal history of U.S. Army Rangers begins on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress established ten companies of skilled riflemen. These marksmen, drawn from wilderness-savvy colonial frontiersmen, excelled in tracking, reconnaissance, and skirmishing. This date, now celebrated as the U.S. Army’s birthday, marked the beginning of a proud lineage.
During the Revolutionary War, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton, under orders from General George Washington, formed Knowlton’s Rangers. Credited as the first official U.S. Ranger unit by name, they focused on intelligence and reconnaissance rather than combat. While significant, they are not typically regarded as direct predecessors of the modern Rangers.
In June 1775, Ethan Allen and Seth Warner created a Continental Ranger Regiment, authorized by the Continental Congress. Including many famed Green Mountain Boys and led by Warner, they played a key role in the Continental Army’s invasion of Quebec, demonstrating expertise in unconventional tactics. Disbanded in 1779, their legacy highlighted the value of specialized units during the fight for independence.
By 1777, Daniel Morgan’s Corps of Rangers, or “Morgan’s Riflemen,” gained prominence. A seasoned soldier, Morgan led his men with discipline and ingenuity, pivotal in battles like Saratoga and Cowpens, where sharpshooting and guerrilla tactics secured decisive victories.
Another Revolutionary War Ranger unit, Marion’s Partisans, embodied similar ingenuity. Led by Francis Marion, “The Swamp Fox,” they operated in South Carolina swamps, using hit-and-run tactics to disrupt British supply lines. Their terrain mastery and ability to strike and vanish made them legendary figures in the war for independence.
Pre-Revolutionary Roots
The Rangers’ lineage extends even further back in history to the mid-17th century. Captain Benjamin Church is often regarded as the father of American Rangers. During King Philip’s War, Church organized a small, mobile force capable of conducting raids and ambushes against hostile forces. Church’s tactics emphasized the importance of surprise, speed, and adaptability—qualities that would come to define the Ranger ethos.
Building on these foundations, Major Robert Rogers established the first formalized Ranger units during the French and Indian War. Rogers’ Rangers excelled in scouting, reconnaissance, and combat in the dense forests of the frontier. Rogers codified his strategies into 19 standing orders, a set of principles that emphasized discipline, teamwork, and flexibility. These orders, such as “always have your musket clean as a whistle,” remain part of Ranger tradition and serve as a tribute to Rogers’ lasting influence.
Rangers Throughout American History
The Revolutionary War showcased the effectiveness of Ranger tactics, but the Ranger spirit continued to evolve throughout the 19th century. During the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, Ranger units were employed for reconnaissance and raiding missions, often in challenging and unfamiliar territories.
The Civil War saw the deployment of irregular units akin to Rangers on both sides of the conflict. These units conducted reconnaissance, gathered intelligence, and executed daring raids behind enemy lines. Though they lacked the formal organization of earlier or later Ranger units, their role in advancing Ranger tactics was significant.
Modern Rangers
The Rangers underwent a dramatic transformation during World War II, when the U.S. Army sought to develop elite units modeled after British commandos. The 1st Ranger Battalion, established in 1942 under the leadership of Major William Darby, set a new standard for what Rangers could achieve.
Known as Darby’s Rangers, these soldiers conducted high-risk operations, including amphibious assaults and night raids, in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Their bravery and success inspired the creation of additional Ranger battalions. Following the conclusion of World War II, the Ranger battalions were disbanded as part of the Army’s postwar restructuring.
During the Korean War, the Rangers were reactivated, with specialized companies tasked with critical missions, including reconnaissance and raiding deep behind enemy lines. Despite their effectiveness, these units were again disbanded after the war ended.
It was during the Vietnam War that the Rangers were reformed once more, evolving into highly skilled long-range reconnaissance patrol units. Operating deep in enemy territory, they excelled in gathering intelligence and executing precision strikes. These missions demanded exceptional endurance, resourcefulness, and resolve—qualities that have become synonymous with the Ranger name.
The 75th Ranger Regiment
The formation of the 75th Ranger Regiment in 1974 marked the culmination of the U.S. Army Rangers’ evolution into a unified and highly specialized force. This regiment, consisting of three battalions, is the epitome of modern military excellence. Equipped with advanced technology and rigorous training, the 75th Ranger Regiment operates as a rapid-deployment force capable of executing missions worldwide.
U.S. Army Rangers have been at the forefront of America’s military engagements in the 21st century, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the cities of Iraq. They conduct a wide range of operations, including:
- High-stakes direct action raids to eliminate enemy targets.
- Airfield seizures to secure vital strategic locations.
- Special reconnaissance missions to gather crucial intelligence.
- Personnel recovery operations to rescue individuals.
- Clandestine missions designed to disrupt enemy activities and conduct sensitive site exploitation (SSE).
Their versatility and effectiveness are a direct result of the centuries-old traditions laid down by figures like Church, Rogers, Morgan, and Marion.
The 75th Ranger Regiment is one of the U.S. Army’s premier special operations forces, renowned for its versatility and effectiveness. As part of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the Regiment plays a critical role in executing high-stakes missions that demand precision and adaptability.
The Regiment remains combat-ready and capable of deploying rapidly to address emerging threats worldwide. Their motto, “Rangers Lead the Way,” reflects their commitment to excellence and leadership in every mission.
THE Ranger Creed
Central to the U.S. Army Rangers’ identity is the Ranger Creed, a code of conduct that reflects the principles of courage, discipline, and dedication. This creed encapsulates the ethos of the Rangers, serving as a constant reminder of their commitment to excellence and the profound responsibility they bear as guardians of the Army’s legacy. The creed’s principles embody the core values of teamwork, selflessness, and resilience that have defined Ranger units since their inception.
Beyond words, the creed is a living doctrine, inspiring Rangers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and honor, whether in training or on the battlefield.
Closing Thoughts
The history of the U.S. Army Rangers is a story of transformation, resilience, and excellence. From their early days as frontier riflemen to their role as modern-day elite warriors, the Rangers have continually adapted to meet the challenges of their time while staying true to the principles that define them.
As we honor the contributions of the Rangers, it is clear that their legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the defense of freedom. They are more than a fighting force—they are the embodiment of the U.S. Army’s highest ideals.
