What is the primary purpose of the United States Army Ranger School?

The United States Army Ranger School is a 62-day training course focused on developing small unit tactics and leadership skills. Its objective is to prepare soldiers for missions that involve engaging the enemy in close combat and direct fire engagements.

When and where was Ranger School established?

Ranger training was established in September 1950 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

How long is the current Ranger School course, and what are its main phases?

The current Ranger School course is 62 days long and is divided into three phases: Darby Phase, Mountain Phase, and Swamp Phase.

Where are the three phases of Ranger School conducted?

The Darby Phase takes place at Fort Benning, Georgia. The Mountain Phase is held in the mountains near Dahlonega, Georgia, at Camp Merrill. The Swamp Phase is conducted in the coastal swamps near Camp Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

What is the relationship between Ranger School and the 75th Ranger Regiment?

Ranger School is not organizationally affiliated with the 75th Ranger Regiment. While Ranger School falls under the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, the 75th Ranger Regiment is a Special Operations warfighting unit under the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. However, they share a common heritage, and Ranger School is a requirement for officers and non-commissioned officers in the 75th Ranger Regiment.

What insignia is awarded upon graduation from Ranger School?

Graduates of Ranger School are presented with the Ranger Tab, which is worn on the upper shoulder of the left sleeve of a military uniform. This tab can be worn for the remainder of a soldier's military career.

How is the Ranger Tab worn on different U.S. Army uniforms?

The cloth version of the Ranger Tab is worn on the Army Combat Uniform and the Army Green Service Uniform. A smaller, metal version is worn on the Army Service Uniform.

What was the historical duration of the Ranger course, and how has it changed?

The Ranger course initially had a duration of 59 days in 1952. It was extended to 65 days in 1983 with the addition of the Desert Phase, then to 68 days in October 1991. Since May 1995, it has been reduced to its current 61-day length, with approximately 19.6 hours of training per day.

Was Ranger training always voluntary?

No, Ranger training was not always voluntary. In 1966, a recommendation was made to make it mandatory for all Regular Army officers upon commissioning, a policy implemented in July 1967. This policy was rescinded in June 1972, making Ranger training voluntary again.

When was the Ranger Training Brigade established?

The Ranger Training Brigade was established in August 1987, splitting from the Infantry School. Its subordinate battalions became the 4th, 5th, and 6th Ranger Training Battalions.

What was the purpose of the Desert Phase, and when was it discontinued?

The Desert Phase, added in 1983, was designed to instruct students in desert warfare operations and survival techniques, particularly in desert environments like those found in the Middle East. It was removed from the Ranger course in May 1995, and the last class to go through it was class 7-95.

Which U.S. military branches have limited slots for Ranger School?

The U.S. Marine Corps is allotted only twenty slots for Ranger School each year, while the U.S. Air Force is allotted only six slots annually.

What is the general training scenario used throughout Ranger School?

The basic scenario involves combating enemy drug and terrorist operations, specifically the fictional 'Aragon Liberation Front.' Students are tasked with taking the fight to the enemy's territory, which is simulated across the varied terrains of Georgia and Florida.

Describe the daily training intensity and resource limitations at Ranger School.

Ranger students endure intense training, conducting approximately 20 hours of activity per day. They are limited to two or fewer meals daily, totaling about 2,200 calories, and receive an average of only 3.5 hours of sleep per night, with slightly more sleep permitted before parachute jumps for safety.

What is the typical weight of equipment carried by Ranger students during patrols?

Ranger students typically carry between 65 to 90 pounds (29 to 41 kg) of weapons, equipment, and training ammunition while patrolling distances exceeding 200 miles (320 km) throughout the course.

What is the purpose and location of the Darby Phase?

The Darby Phase, conducted at Camp Rogers and Camp Darby at Fort Benning, Georgia, is the initial phase focused on assessing physical stamina, mental toughness, and leadership. It teaches the fundamentals of squad-level mission planning and tactical execution.

What are some key physical challenges within the Darby Phase's Ranger Assessment Phase (RAP)?

The RAP includes rigorous tests such as the Ranger Physical Fitness Test (RPFT) with specific minimum standards for push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups, a timed 5-mile run, a Combat Water Survival Assessment involving jumps and equipment ditching from heights, a demanding night/day land navigation test, a buddy run followed by the 'worm pit' obstacle course, and a 12-mile ruck march completed within 3 hours.

What skills are taught during the Mountain Phase of Ranger School?

The Mountain Phase, held at Camp Merrill near Dahlonega, Georgia, focuses on military mountaineering tasks, mobility training, and techniques for platoon-level combat patrol operations in mountainous terrain. This includes learning knots, belaying, anchor points, rope management, climbing, and rappelling.

How does the Mountain Phase test a student's stamina and commitment?

The Mountain Phase significantly stresses a student's stamina and commitment by requiring them to lead tired, hungry, and physically expended peers through demanding combat patrol missions in rugged terrain and potentially severe weather conditions.

What types of combat missions are conducted during the Mountain Phase's Field Training Exercise (FTX)?

During the Mountain Phase FTX, students execute missions such as cross-country movement over mountains, vehicle ambushes, raiding communications and mortar sites, river crossings, and scaling steep terrain, all against a conventionally equipped threat force in a Mid-Intensity Conflict environment.

What is the focus of the Swamp Phase at Ranger School?

The Swamp Phase, conducted at Camp James E. Rudder in Florida, focuses on developing combat arms functional skills related to waterborne operations, small boat movements, and stream crossings. It tests students' ability to operate effectively under extreme mental and physical stress in a coastal swamp environment.

What specific survival skills related to the swamp environment are taught?

In the Swamp Phase, students receive training on how to survive and operate in a swamp environment, including learning how to identify venomous and non-venomous snakes and dealing with other wildlife, guided by specially trained reptile experts.

What is the culminating event of the Swamp Phase?

The capstone event of the Swamp Phase is the planned raid on the fictional 'Atropian Liberation Front's' island stronghold, involving platoons working together on separate missions to neutralize the simulated cartel's final point of strength using small boat operations.

How are students evaluated on leadership during Ranger School?

Students' graduation heavily depends on their performance in graded leadership positions, typically two per phase. They must meet high standards set by Ranger Instructors (RIs), receiving a 'GO' or 'NO GO' for each evaluated role. Success often requires motivating and leading teams ranging from a few individuals to a 45-person platoon.

What role do peer evaluations play in a student's progression through Ranger School?

Peer evaluations are a significant part of the student assessment. Scoring less than a 60% approval rating from squad members can lead to disqualification, especially if it occurs twice, indicating potential issues with competence or motivation.

What is 'recycling' in the context of Ranger School, and why might it occur?

Recycling occurs when a student is unable to complete a phase due to injury or failure to meet standards (like patrol evaluations or peer reviews). Medically recycled students are given a chance to heal and rejoin a later class, while those recycled for performance issues might be assigned tasks or offered a 'day one restart' if they fail a phase twice.

What are the typical graduation rates for Ranger School?

Historically, Ranger School graduation rates have fluctuated, often around 50%. In recent years, rates have sometimes dropped below 50%, with figures like 42% in 2010 and 43% in 2011 reported. These rates include students who have been recycled.

What are the common physical effects experienced by students after completing Ranger School?

After completing Ranger School, students often find themselves in poor physical condition due to extreme stress, sleep deprivation, and low calorie intake. Common issues include significant weight loss, dehydration, trench foot, frostbite, various injuries like fractures and tears, nerve damage, and skin conditions.

How does food and sleep deprivation impact Ranger School students?

Food and sleep are strictly controlled by Ranger Instructors, with students receiving minimal calories and sleep, especially during field exercises. This deprivation, combined with constant physical exertion, significantly impacts their physical and mental recovery throughout the course, leading to substantial weight loss and altered metabolic states.

What is the William O. Darby Award?

The William O. Darby Award, also known as the Distinguished Honor Graduate award, is presented to the Ranger student who demonstrates the best tactical and administrative leadership, receives the most positive spot reports, and has not recycled during the course.

Who is the Ralph Puckett Award named after, and what are its criteria?

The Ralph Puckett Award for Officer Honor Graduate is named in honor of Colonel Ralph Puckett. To receive it, a Ranger must pass all graded leadership positions and peer reports, without recycling, losing equipment due to negligence, or needing retests on critical tasks.

What criteria must an enlisted soldier meet to receive the Glenn M. Hall Award?

The Glenn M. Hall Award for Enlisted Honor Graduate is given to the Ranger who passes all graded leadership positions and peer reports without recycling. They must also avoid losing equipment through negligence and refrain from retesting any critical tasks.

What are the Keith Antonia and Michael Kelso Leadership Awards?

The LTC Keith Antonia Officer Leadership Award is given to the highest-ranked commissioned officer selected by peers for outstanding leadership, initiative, and motivation. Similarly, the CSM Michael Kelso Enlisted Leadership Award recognizes the highest-ranked enlisted Ranger chosen by peers for the same qualities.

Have there been fatalities during Ranger training?

Yes, there have been fatalities during Ranger training. Incidents include deaths from hypothermia in the Florida swamp in 1977, drowning during a stream crossing in 1985, a fall in 1992, a hypothermia incident in 1995 involving four students and nine instructors, a drowning in 2021, and two soldiers killed by a falling tree in 2022.

What safety measures were implemented after the 1995 hypothermia incident?

Following the 1995 incident where four students died from hypothermia, 38 new safety measures were implemented. These included providing one-man rafts to help students out of the water, water measuring devices, GPS monitoring stations, enhanced command and control procedures with the Battalion Commander having final say on waterborne operations, and pre-exercise lane walks by instructors.

What are the 'Rules of Ranging' associated with Ranger history?

The text mentions 'Robert Rogers' 28 "Rules of Ranging"' in the context of historical U.S. Army Rangers, indicating a set of established principles for ranger operations dating back to the colonial era.

What is the significance of the 'Ranger Creed'?

The Ranger Creed is mentioned as a related item in the 'See also' section, suggesting it is a foundational document or statement of principles for U.S. Army Rangers, likely outlining their ethos and commitment.

What is the purpose of the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP)?

The Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) is listed as a related topic. It is a program designed to assess and select soldiers for the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, distinct from but related to the skills developed at Ranger School.

What is the difference between Ranger School and the 75th Ranger Regiment?

Ranger School is a training course focused on developing small unit tactics and leadership skills, open to various branches of the U.S. military and allied nations. The 75th Ranger Regiment is an active duty special operations force, a specific unit within the U.S. Army that requires successful completion of Ranger School for its personnel.

What is the 'Ranger Tab' and where is it worn?

The Ranger Tab is an insignia awarded upon successful completion of the U.S. Army Ranger School. It is worn on the upper shoulder of the left sleeve of a military uniform, signifying the wearer has graduated from the rigorous training.

What historical units are mentioned in relation to British American Rangers?

Historical British American Ranger units mentioned include Church's Rangers during King Philip's War, Queen Anne's War, and King William's War; Gorham's Rangers during King George's War, Father Le Loutre's War, and the French and Indian War; and Rogers' Rangers, Danks' Rangers, and Burke's Rangers during the French and Indian War.

Which Ranger units participated in the American Revolutionary War?

During the American Revolutionary War, units like Knowlton's Rangers and Whitcomb's Rangers served as U.S. Army Rangers. Additionally, Loyalist forces included Butler's Rangers and Queen's Rangers.

What were some notable U.S. Army Ranger units during World War II?

During World War II, notable U.S. Army Ranger units included the 1st through 6th Ranger Battalions, Merrill's Marauders (also known as the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)), the Provisional Ranger Group, the 6615th Ranger Force, and the 29th Ranger Battalion.

What specific Ranger companies were active during the Korean War?

During the Korean War, several Ranger Infantry Companies were active, including the Eighth Army Ranger Company, and the 1st through 5th Ranger Infantry Companies (United States).

What is the significance of the Best Ranger Competition?

The Best Ranger Competition is listed as a related topic, indicating it is an event that recognizes the top-performing U.S. Army Rangers, likely testing skills and endurance similar to those required in Ranger School but in a competitive format.

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Course Overview

Core Mission

The U.S. Army Ranger School is a 62-day intensive course focused on developing advanced small unit tactics and leadership skills. It is designed to prepare soldiers for missions requiring them to engage the enemy in close-quarters combat and direct fire engagements.^[1]^[2]

Establishment and Duration

Established in September 1950 at Fort Benning, Georgia, the course has maintained its core structure over the decades. The current 62-day curriculum is divided into three distinct phases: Darby Phase, Mountain Phase, and Swamp Phase.^[1]^[4]

Training Locations

The rigorous training spans multiple environments:

Benning Phase (Darby): Conducted at Camp Rogers and Camp Darby, Fort Benning, Georgia.
Mountain Phase: Takes place at Camp Merrill in the mountainous terrain near Dahlonega, Georgia.
Swamp Phase: Conducted in the coastal swamps near Camp Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Historical Evolution

Origins and Early Development

Ranger Training commenced in September 1950 with the formation of 17 Airborne Companies. The first class graduated in November 1950, forming the 1st Ranger Infantry Company. The Ranger Department was officially established at the Infantry School in December 1951, with the first formal class running from January to March 1952, lasting 59 days.^[9]^[10]^[11]

Policy Changes and Restructuring

In 1966, a recommendation was made to mandate Ranger training for all Regular Army officers, a policy implemented in July 1967 but rescinded in June 1972, returning the course to voluntary status.^[11] By August 1987, the Ranger Department separated from the Infantry School, establishing the Ranger Training Brigade and its subordinate battalions (4th, 5th, and 6th).^[3]

Inclusion of Women

A significant milestone occurred in 2015 when Ranger School was permanently opened to female students. Captain Kristen Marie Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Lynne Haver were the first women to graduate, followed by Major Lisa Jaster. This marked a pivotal moment in the school's history, demonstrating the capability of women to meet the course's demanding standards.^[13]^[14]^[17]

Student Demographics

Eligibility and Attendance

Ranger School is accessible to personnel across all branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force, as well as selected international allied students. While open to all Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs), the primary attendees are typically from the Army's Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (IBOLC) and the 75th Ranger Regiment.^[15]

Typical Profile

Students generally range in rank from Private First Class to Captain, with lieutenants and specialists forming the largest demographic. The average student age is 23. Annually, approximately 11 classes convene, each typically comprising around 366 students.^[15] A significant majority of students are already Airborne qualified, though exceptions exist for those who complete tasks without parachuting.

International Participation

The school also hosts selected students from allied nations, fostering interoperability and sharing best practices in elite military training. This international presence underscores the global recognition of Ranger School's demanding curriculum.

The Training Regimen

Intensity and Conditions

Ranger School is renowned for its extreme physical and mental demands. Students operate on approximately 3.5 hours of sleep per day, consuming only two meals totaling around 2,200 calories. They carry 65-90 pounds of gear while covering over 200 miles on foot. The training simulates combat conditions, emphasizing leadership under duress, with instructors creating a high-stress environment.^[15]

Darby Phase: Foundation

The initial phase at Fort Benning focuses on foundational skills. It includes the Ranger Physical Fitness Test (RPFT), land navigation, obstacle courses (like the Malvesti Field and the "worm pit"), demolitions training, and culminates in a 12-mile ruck march completed within 3 hours. This phase assesses physical stamina, mental toughness, and basic tactical proficiency.^[22]

Mountain Phase: Endurance

Conducted at Camp Merrill, this phase emphasizes military mountaineering, mobility training, and platoon-level operations in rugged terrain. Students learn to sustain themselves and their subordinates, pushing their physical and mental limits through challenging patrols, river crossings, and climbs, often in adverse weather conditions.^[22]^[22]

Swamp Phase: Adaptation

Held at Camp Rudder, Florida, this phase focuses on waterborne operations, small boat movements, and survival in swamp and coastal environments. Students practice techniques for navigating difficult terrain, dealing with wildlife, and conducting patrols under extreme stress, culminating in complex platoon-level operations.^[22]

Historical Desert Phase

Historically, a Desert Phase was included, focusing on desert warfare and survival techniques. This phase involved airborne assaults into arid regions and training on desert-specific challenges. Although discontinued in 1995, its principles influenced subsequent training evolutions.^[23]^[24]

Leadership and Evaluation

Success hinges on performance in graded leadership positions, evaluated through spot reports and peer assessments. Students must demonstrate consistent proficiency in planning, execution, and leading small units. Failing to meet standards in leadership or critical tasks can lead to disqualification or recycling.^[22]

Recognition and Awards

Distinguished Honor Graduate (Darby Award)

Awarded to the Ranger demonstrating superior tactical and administrative leadership, positive spot reports, and overall excellence without recycling. Named after BG William O. Darby, a pioneer of Ranger units.^[28]

Officer Honor Graduate (Puckett Award)

Presented to the outstanding officer graduate who meets all performance standards without negligence or retests. Honors Colonel Ralph Puckett, a Korean War hero.^[28]

Enlisted Honor Graduate (Hall Award)

Recognizes the top enlisted Ranger for exceptional leadership and performance, adhering to all standards. Named for Corporal Glenn M. Hall, a Korean War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross.^[28]

Leadership Awards

Additional awards include the LTC Keith Antonia Officer Leadership Award and the CSM Michael Kelso Enlisted Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding leadership, initiative, and motivation as selected by peers.^[28]

Training Incidents and Fatalities

Historical Incidents

While designed to push limits safely, Ranger School has experienced fatalities. Notable incidents include deaths from hypothermia in the Florida swamps (1977), drowning (1985), and a fall during mountaineering training (1992).^[33]^[29]

1995 Swamp Phase Tragedy

A severe incident in February 1995 resulted in the deaths of four students from hypothermia during the Swamp Phase. Investigations identified human error compounded by unexpected weather. This led to significant safety enhancements, including new equipment and stricter command oversight.^[30]

Recent Incidents

More recent events include a drowning incident in March 2021 and fatalities caused by a falling tree during mountaineering training in August 2022, highlighting the inherent risks of the demanding training environment.^[33]^[35]

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References

United States Army, U.S. Army Ranger School Command Brief, United States Army. PowerPoint Presentation, n.d.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ranger School Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data derived from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia, and has been refined for clarity and academic context. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional military or training advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for official military doctrine, training manuals, or consultation with qualified military professionals. Always refer to official U.S. Army publications and consult with experienced personnel for authoritative guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Forging Rangers

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Course Overview ℹ️

🎯 Core Mission

🗓️ Establishment and Duration

📍 Training Locations

Historical Evolution 📈

📜 Origins and Early Development

🔄 Policy Changes and Restructuring

🌟 Inclusion of Women

Student Demographics 👥

🎓 Eligibility and Attendance

📊 Typical Profile

🌍 International Participation

The Training Regimen ⚙️

💪 Intensity and Conditions

⛰️ Darby Phase: Foundation

🌲 Mountain Phase: Endurance

🌊 Swamp Phase: Adaptation

🏜️ Historical Desert Phase

⭐ Leadership and Evaluation

Recognition and Awards 🏆

🎖️ Distinguished Honor Graduate (Darby Award)

🎖️ Officer Honor Graduate (Puckett Award)

🎖️ Enlisted Honor Graduate (Hall Award)

⭐ Leadership Awards

Training Incidents and Fatalities ⚠️

💀 Historical Incidents

🔥 1995 Swamp Phase Tragedy

🌳 Recent Incidents

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Course Overview

Core Mission

Establishment and Duration

Training Locations

Historical Evolution

Origins and Early Development

Policy Changes and Restructuring

Inclusion of Women

Student Demographics

Eligibility and Attendance

Typical Profile

International Participation

The Training Regimen

Intensity and Conditions

Darby Phase: Foundation

Mountain Phase: Endurance

Swamp Phase: Adaptation

Historical Desert Phase

Leadership and Evaluation

Recognition and Awards

Distinguished Honor Graduate (Darby Award)

Officer Honor Graduate (Puckett Award)

Enlisted Honor Graduate (Hall Award)

Leadership Awards

Training Incidents and Fatalities

Historical Incidents

1995 Swamp Phase Tragedy

Recent Incidents

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice