Ranger Creed
The Ranger Creed is the official creed of the United States Army Rangers. It is also adopted by Rangers in other armed forces around the world.[citation needed] It was initiated by then-LTC Leuer and his Command Sergeant Major Neal R. Gentry.[when?] It was re-drafted by the battalion XO, Major "Rock" Hudson and finalized at Ft Stewart, Georgia in 1974 when the original cadre deployed there on 1 July 1974.
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[edit] The Creed
- Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.
- Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
- Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.
- Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
- Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
- Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.
—Ranger Handbook SH 21-76[1]
[edit] Variations
The original Ranger Creed is above, but variations of the first stanza have occurred. This is due to the diverging histories of the Rangers as a unit and Ranger School. After the consolidation of the Ranger Companies, the phrase, "of the Rangers" was substituted for "of my Ranger Battalion" by members of 1st Ranger Battalion.[citation needed] When 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed, they did likewise. After the formation of the 75th Ranger Regiment, members of all battalions adopted the wording, "of my Ranger Regiment".[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Ranger Handbook" (PDF). http://www.africom.mil/WO-NCO/DownloadCenter/%5C40Publications/Ranger%20Handbook.pdf. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
- ^ 75th Ranger Regiment's version of the Ranger Creed US Army.
