United States Army Rangers facts for kids
The United States Army Rangers are special soldiers in the U.S. Army. When we talk about Rangers, we mean either specific Army units called "Ranger units" or soldiers who have completed a very tough training program called the U.S. Army Ranger School. The word ranger has been used for soldiers who scout and fight in the wilderness since the early 1600s.
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What Are the US Army Rangers?
The U.S. Army Rangers are known for being highly skilled and ready for many different missions. They are part of the U.S. Army's special operations forces. This means they are trained for difficult and important tasks that regular soldiers might not do.
Who Can Be a Ranger?
To become a U.S. Army Ranger, soldiers must go through intense training. This training tests their physical strength, mental toughness, and leadership skills. It's one of the hardest courses in the Army.
Ranger School Training
The U.S. Army Ranger School is a very challenging course. It teaches soldiers how to lead small teams in combat. They learn skills like:
- Moving quietly through different types of land
- Surviving in tough environments
- Planning and carrying out missions
- Working together as a team under pressure
Soldiers who graduate from this school earn the Ranger Tab, which is a special patch they wear on their uniform.
A Look Back at Ranger History
The idea of "rangers" has been around for a long time. These were often soldiers who went out ahead of the main army. They would scout, explore, and sometimes fight in small groups.
Early American Rangers
One of the earliest American Rangers was Colonel Benjamin Church. He lived in the 1600s in the Plymouth Colony. He led groups of soldiers who were very good at tracking and fighting in the wilderness. He is often called the "father of American Ranging." His methods helped shape how future Ranger units would operate.
Rangers in World War II
During World War II, special Ranger battalions were formed. These units were trained for dangerous missions. For example, on D-Day in 1944, U.S. Army Rangers bravely climbed cliffs at Pointe du Hoc in France. They had to take out German guns that were a threat to the Allied invasion.
Modern Ranger Units
Today, the main Ranger unit is the 75th Ranger Regiment. This regiment is made up of highly trained soldiers who are ready to deploy anywhere in the world very quickly. They are experts in direct action missions, which means they can attack enemy targets directly. They also specialize in special reconnaissance, gathering important information about the enemy.
Important Ranger Missions
The 75th Ranger Regiment has been involved in many important operations. For example, in 1945, Rangers helped rescue Allied prisoners of war from a camp called Cabanatuan. More recently, Rangers have served in places like Afghanistan, carrying out missions to protect freedom and safety.
Images for kids
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Colonel Benjamin Church (1639-1718) from the Plymouth Colony, known as the father of American Ranging
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U.S. Army Rangers during D-Day at Pointe du Hoc
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Rangers on their way to free Allied soldiers from the Cabanatuan POW camp
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Rangers from 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, operating in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, 13 February 2012
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The scroll emblem of the 75th Ranger Regiment
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Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment
