View source for Army Ranger Wing

{{short description|Special operations force of the Irish Defence Forces}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=December 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Irish Army Ranger Wing
| native_name = {{lang-ga|Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm}}
| image = [[File:ARW shoulder flash.gif|200px]]<br />[[File:ARW unit insignia.gif|200px]]
| caption = Shoulder flash and insignia of the Army Ranger Wing
| dates = {{Start date|df=y|1980|03|16}} – present<ref name="1990 magazine">{{cite journal|title=Army Ranger Wing - 10 Years in Existence|journal=An Cosantóir|date=April 1990|volume=50|issue=4|pages=2–3|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._50_No._4_-_Apr_1990.pdf|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107105114/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._50_No._4_-_Apr_1990.pdf|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|Ireland}}
| branch = {{army|Ireland}}
| command_structure = [[File:Badge of the Irish Defence Forces.svg|25px]] [[Defence Forces (Ireland)|Defence Forces]]
| garrison = [[Defence Forces Training Centre|DFTC]], [[Curragh Camp]], [[County Kildare]]<ref name="DFTC">{{cite web|title=Defence Forces Training Centre|url=http://www.military.ie/army/organisation/dftc/|website=Defence Forces|access-date=14 November 2016}}</ref>
| size = Classified
| type = [[Special forces]]
| role = [[Counter-terrorism]]<br />[[Special operations]]<br />[[Direct action]]<br />[[Counterinsurgency]]<br />[[Special reconnaissance]]<br />[[Extraction (military)|Extraction operations]]
| motto = ''Glaine ár gcroí, Neart ár ngéag, Agus beart de réir ár mbriathar''<ref name="ARW">{{cite web|title=The Army Ranger Wing|url=http://www.military.ie/army/organisation/arw/|website=Defence Forces|access-date=19 November 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140514052241/http://www.military.ie/army/organisation/arw/|archive-date=14 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><br />("The cleanliness of our hearts, The strength of our limbs, And our commitment to our promise")<ref name="ARW"/>
| nickname = ''Fiannóglaigh/Fianóglach''"<ref>{{cite web|title=Sciathán Finnóglach na hAirm (Army Ranger Wing)|url=http://www.shadowspear.com/2009/01/army-ranger-wing/|work=28 January 2009|publisher=Shadow Spear|access-date=14 May 2014|archive-date=8 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408230255/https://www.shadowspear.com/2009/01/army-ranger-wing/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| colours = [[Black]], [[Red]] and [[Gold (color)|Gold]]<ref name="30 years magazine">{{cite journal|last1=Bourke|first1=Wesley|title=ARW 30 years in action|journal=An Cosantóir|date=April 2010|volume=70| issue = 3|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Vol._70_No._3_-Apr_2010._Low.pdf|access-date=14 November 2016}}</ref>
| battles = [[United Nations Operation in Somalia II|UNOSOM II]]<br />[[International Force for East Timor|INTERFET]]<br />[[United Nations Protection Force|UNPROFOR]]<br />[[United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus|UNFICYP]]<br />[[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|UNIFIL]]<br />[[United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara|MINURSO]]<br />[[United Nations Mission in Liberia|UNMIL]]<br />[[United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad|MINURCAT]]<br />[[United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali|MINUSMA]]
| identification_symbol = [[File:ARW bottle green beret.gif]]
| identification_symbol_label = Green Beret
| identification_symbol_2 = ARW
| identification_symbol_2_label = Abbreviation
| website = {{URL|http://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/army/arw/}}
}}

The '''Army Ranger Wing''' ('''ARW''') ({{lang-ga|Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm}},<ref name="arwabout">{{cite web|url = https://www.military.ie/en/members-area/army-ranger-wing-sofq/about-the-arw/about-the-arw1.html | publisher = Irish Defence Forces | website = military.ie | title = About The ARW | quote = Unit is officially designated 'Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm' which is translated as 'The Army Ranger Wing' (ARW) | accessdate = 11 September 2021 }}</ref> "''SFA''") is the [[special forces|special operations force]] of the [[Defence Forces (Ireland)|Irish Defence Forces]], the military of [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. In late 2023, it was reported that the unit was to be renamed the '''Ireland Special Operations Force''' (IRL-SOF).<ref name="irishtimes2023">{{Cite news |title=Army's elite special forces unit to be overhauled in major revamp |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/12/30/armys-elite-special-forces-unit-to-be-strengthened-with-new-recruits/ |access-date=30 December 2023 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> It is a branch of the [[Irish Army]], it also selects personnel from the [[Naval Service (Ireland)|Naval Service]] and [[Air Corps (Ireland)|Air Corps]]. It serves at the behest of the Defence Forces and [[Government of Ireland]], operating internally and overseas, and reports directly to the [[Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces (Ireland)|Chief of Staff]]. The ARW was established in 1980 with the primary role of [[counter terrorism]] and evolved to both [[special operations]] and counter-terrorism roles from 2000 after the end of [[The Troubles|conflict in Northern Ireland]].<ref name="30 years magazine"/><ref name="2007 magazine 1">{{cite journal|last1=Bourke|first1=Wesley|title=Tomorrow's Forces Today|journal=An Cosantóir|date=August 2007|volume=67|issue=6|pages=6–7|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._67_No._7_-_Aug_2007.pdf|access-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305001516/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._67_No._7_-_Aug_2007.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The unit is based in the [[Curragh Camp]], [[County Kildare]]. The 2015 White Paper on Defence announced that the strength of the ARW would be considerably increased due to operational requirements at home and overseas.<ref name="Whitepaper 2015">{{cite web|title=White Paper on Defence|url=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP2015E|website=Department of Defence|access-date=18 November 2016|date=August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201032254/http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP2015E|archive-date=1 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The unit has served abroad in a number of international peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions including in [[Somalia]], [[East Timor]], [[Liberia]], [[Chad]], and [[Mali]].<ref name="30 years magazine" /> The ARW trains with special forces units around the world, particularly in [[Europe]].<ref name="2010 magazine">{{cite journal|author1=OC ARW|title=Special Forces in the 21st Century|journal=An Cosantóir|date=April 2010|volume=70| issue = 3|page=24|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Vol._70_No._3_-Apr_2010._Low.pdf}}</ref> The ARW in its domestic counter terrorism role trains and deploys with the [[Garda Síochána]] (national police) specialist armed intervention unit, the [[Garda Emergency Response Unit|Emergency Response Unit]] (ERU).<ref name="Independent 2014">{{cite news|last1=Brady|first1=Tom|title=Frontline forces: elite Ranger Wing grows in size by one-third|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/frontline-forces-elite-ranger-wing-grows-in-size-by-onethird-29881983.html|access-date=18 November 2016|work=Irish Independent|date=2 January 2014}}</ref>

==Roles==
[[File:An ARW team clears the deck of a ship.jpg|thumbnail|Rangers on a maritime counter-terrorism exercise in 2011|250px]]
[[File:ARW 30th Anniversary - 4478684586.jpg|thumbnail|Rangers on a counter terrorism exercise in 2010|250px]]

The Army Ranger Wing roles are divided between wartime special operations ("Green Role") and anti-terrorism ("Black Role"), the latter known formally as [[Military aid to the civil power|military Aid to the Civil Power]] (ATCP):<ref>{{cite web|title=Roles of the Army Ranger Wing|url=http://www.military.ie/army/organisation/arw/roles/|website=Defence Forces|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>

===Military tasks (''Green Role'')===
'''Offensive operations behind enemy lines'''
*securing of vital objectives
*[[long-range reconnaissance patrol]] (LRRP)
*[[Razzia (military)|razzias]] ([[raid (military)|raid]]s)
*[[ambush]]es
*[[sabotage]]
*capture of key personnel
*diversionary operations
*[[Espionage|intelligence gathering]]

'''Defensive operations'''
*[[Very Important Person|VIP]] protection
*[[counter-insurgency]]
*training in and conduct of [[black operation|specialist operations]]
*delay operations

===Aid to the civil power tasks (''Black Role'')===
*anti-hijack operations 
*hostage rescue operations
*airborne and seaborne interventions
*search operations - specialist tasks on land or sea
*pursuit operations
*recapture of terrorist-held objectives 
*VIP security operations/close protection of VIPs
*contingency planning to counter terrorist/subversive threats

==Name and motto==
The unit's official name is ''Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm'' in the [[Irish language]] which translates into English as "Army Ranger Wing".<ref name="arwabout"/> ''Fianóglach'' (representing "Ranger") is an amalgamation of two Irish words. ''Fiann'' is closest to the word "warrior", and refers to the ancient band of warriors known as ''[[Fianna|Na Fianna]]'' in [[Irish mythology]].<ref name="ARW"/> ''Óglach'' literally means "young soldier", and is often translated as '"volunteer". Use in this context refers to the name of the Defence Forces in Irish: ''[[Óglaigh na hÉireann]]'' ("Irish Volunteers"). ''Na Fianna'' were purportedly expert warriors, so the addition of the word ''Fiann'' before ''Óglaigh'' denotes an elite element to the unit.<ref>{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing|url=https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/army/arw/about-the-arw|publisher=military.ie|access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref> The shoulder flash insignia of the unit uses ''Fianóglach''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing|url=http://www.kildare.ie/defenceforces/ORG/arw.htm|publisher=Kildare.ie|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref>

The motto of the Army Ranger Wing is taken from an old Fianna poem, in Irish it is: ''"Glaine ár gcroí, Neart ár ngéag, Agus beart de réir ár mbriathar"'', which translates as: "The purity of our hearts, the strength of our limbs and our commitment to our promise".<ref name="ARW"/>

==History==
In the late 1960s, the Defence Forces established 'Special Assault Groups' (SAG) in the Army to meet security challenges on the border with [[Northern Ireland]].<ref name="SAG">{{cite journal|last1=Bourke|first1=Wesley|title=The 69' Rangers|journal=An Cosantóir|date=August 2009|volume=69|issue=6|pages=16–17|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._69_No._6_-_Aug_2009.pdf|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910221705/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._69_No._6_-_Aug_2009.pdf|archive-date=10 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> A number of Army officers attended the [[United States Army]] [[Ranger School]] in [[Fort Benning]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] who returned to conduct Army Ranger courses in Ireland with the first held in 1969.<ref name="SAG" /> Among its founding officers was later-to-be Chief of Staff [[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]] [[Dermot Earley Snr|Dermot Earley]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lt Gen Dermot Earley retires|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0609/132008-army/|access-date=22 June 2016|publisher=RTÉ News|date=9 June 2010}}</ref> Special Assault Groups were formed comprising 40 Rangers trained in all arms, engineering and ordnance techniques.<ref name="SAG" /> 

By the mid-1970s, the Defence Forces had over 300 Rangers who conducted support operations on the request of the Garda Síochána.<ref name="SAG" /> Students on these courses were selected from among all ranks and units of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps.<ref name="History 2007">{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing History|url=http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/history.htm|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016192606/http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/history.htm|archive-date=16 October 2007}}</ref> The courses improved standards of physical endurance, marksmanship, individual military skills and small unit tactics.<ref name="History 2007" /> In December 1977, the Garda Síochána formed a counter-terrorist unit named the Special Task Force (STF) to operate in border regions that was later to become the Emergency Response Unit.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rank and Structure in the Garda Síochána and the Role of the Emergency Response Unit|url=http://www.mulley.net/BarrTribunalReport/BarrTribunalReportChapter10.html|website=Barr Tribunal Report (Ireland) 2006|publisher=Damien Mulley|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>

Following an assessment of the SAG, and Rangers receiving training from the [[M-Squadron]], an elite [[counter-terrorism]] (CT) branch of the [[Netherlands Marine Corps|Royal Netherlands Marine Corps]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Irish Army Ranger Wing (ARW) Selection & Training|url=https://bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com/elite-special-forces/irish-army-ranger-wing-arw-selection-training/|website=www.bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com|date=25 October 2018}}</ref> in 1978 it was decided to consolidate the Rangers into a new special forces unit with a counter-terrorist capability following an increase in [[Terrorism in Europe|international]] and national terrorism, such as the 1972 [[Munich massacre]] in [[Germany]] (then [[West Germany]]) and a number of hostage-takings by the Provisional IRA (such as the [[Balcombe Street siege]]).<ref name="1990 magazine" /><ref name="30 years magazine" /><ref name="SAG" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Carry|first=Robert|title=Ireland's most infamous tiger kidnappings|url=http://www.joe.ie/news/current-affairs/irelands-most-infamous-tiger-kidnappings/|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=joe.ie|date=28 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530002041/http://www.joe.ie/news/current-affairs/irelands-most-infamous-tiger-kidnappings/|archive-date=30 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Army Ranger Wing (ARW) was formally established, in accordance with the Defence Act, by Government order on 16 March 1980.<ref name="1990 magazine" /><ref name="History 2007" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Unit History|url=http://www.fianoglach.ie/unithistory.html|website=Fianoglach|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803133551/http://www.fianoglach.ie/unithistory.html|archive-date=3 August 2008}}</ref> The ARW received its colours in 1981; Black, Red and Gold, signifying Secrecy, Risk and Excellence.<ref name="30 years magazine" /> In 1991, the ARW was granted permission to wear the Green beret.<ref name="30 years magazine" />

In April 2017, it was reported that there had been no increase in the strength of the ARW despite the 2015 White Paper's aim to considerably increase the strength of the unit.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Paul|title=Coveney's promise to double the number of Army Rangers has gone nowhere|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/coveneys-promise-to-double-the-number-of-army-rangers-has-gone-nowhere-35644245.html|access-date=9 September 2017|work=Independent.ie|date=22 April 2017}}</ref>

On 16 January 2022, there were recommendations made for some ARW operators to be based in Cork to work alongside their colleagues in the Naval Service in improving its maritime anti-terrorism capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/army-ranger-wing-irish-defence-forces-base-cork-5656420-Jan2022/|title=Report expected to call for new Cork Army Ranger Wing base to counter maritime terror threat|date=16 January 2022 }}</ref> In January 2022, the ex-ARW operator turned politician [[Cathal Berry]] said that he backed proposals to rename the unit as the 'Ireland Special Operations Force' (ISOF).<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/politics/td-ex-army-ranger-cathal-26090867 | title=TD and ex-army Ranger backs plan to rename army's special forces unit | date=31 January 2022 }}</ref> On 30 December 2023, the unit was revamped and restructured to be officially renamed as ISOF.<ref name="irishtimes2023"/>

==Structure==
The Officer Commanding the Army Ranger Wing is responsible for the administrative, disciplinary and operational control of the unit, and is in turn directly under the command of the [[Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces (Ireland)|Chief of Staff]] at Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ).<ref name="C3 2002">{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing - C3 Function|url=http://www.military.ie/army/arw_c3.htm|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020217083142/http://www.military.ie/army/arw_c3.htm|archive-date=17 February 2002}}</ref> Information on the numerical strength of the unit and the identity of its personnel is restricted.<ref>{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing|url=http://kildare.ie/defenceforces/org/arw.htm|publisher=kildare.ie|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Minister for Defence (Deputy Simon Coveney)|title=Defence Forces Personnel Data|url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/DebatesWebPack.nsf/takes/dail2015111900060|website=Houses of the Oireachtas Service|access-date=19 November 2016|ref=Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 897 No. 2|date=19 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="Dáil Éireann 2005">{{cite web|author1=Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Mr. Kitt)|title=Written Answers - Defence Forces Deployment|url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/DebatesWebPack.nsf/takes/dail2005120700039|website=Houses of the Oireachtas Service|access-date=19 November 2016|ref=Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 611 No. 17|date=7 December 2005}}</ref> Estimates variously put the strength at "well over a hundred" or between 140 and 150 personnel.<ref name="Herald 2010">{{cite news|last1=Lavery|first1=Michael|title=The Rangers at 30|url=http://www.herald.ie/news/the-rangers-at-30-27945665.html|access-date=18 November 2016|work=The Evening Herald|date=18 March 2010}}</ref><ref name="Flying 2015">{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Jim|title=Government's new White Paper on Defence published|url=http://flyinginireland.com/2015/08/governments-new-white-paper-on-defence-published/|access-date=18 November 2016|work=Flying in Ireland - The Irish Aviation Magazine|date=27 August 2015}}</ref><ref name="Independent 2014" /> In 2015, the Defence White Paper announced an increase in strength with reports of the unit doubling in size.<ref name="Flying 2015" /><ref name="Whitepaper 2015" /><ref name="Irish Times 2016">{{cite news|last1=Murtagh|first1=Peter|title=Army Ranger Wing to double in size due to terror threat|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/army-ranger-wing-to-double-in-size-due-to-terror-threat-1.2653974|access-date=18 November 2016|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=20 May 2016}}</ref> The Wing is divided into operational task units each comprising several assault teams relative to each operator's area of speciality.<ref name="SOFQ" /><ref name="Signal Winter 2015" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Power|first1=Vincent|title=An elite, secretive anti-terrorist unit|work=The Cork Examiner|date=3 May 1993|page=4}}</ref><ref name="1990 magazine" /> After serving one year in an assault team an operator can apply to join a specialist team such as combat diving team, free fall parachuting team and sniping team.<ref name="2007 magazine 2" /><ref name="2013 September" /> An example of an operational task unit is the Special Operations Maritime Task Unit (SOMTU).<ref name="2013 September" /><ref name="April 2016">{{cite web|title=April 2016|url=http://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/659344-april-2016|publisher=An Cosantóir|access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> Support elements provide expertise in [[bomb disposal]], medical treatment, maritime and aviation operations.<ref name="support">{{cite news |last1=O'Keefe |first1=Cormac |last2=Michael |first2=Neil |title=Army Rangers to travel to Kabul to help Irish citizens escape Taliban |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40365275.html |access-date=23 August 2021 |publisher=The Irish Examiner |date=23 August 2021}}</ref> The Army Ranger Wing is headquartered at the [[Irish Army#Defence Forces Training Centre|Defence Forces Training Centre]] (DFTC) in the Curragh Camp, with Army Rangers required to live within a defined radius.<ref name="Herald 2010" /> Training is carried out nationwide at a number of Department of Defence properties, including Lynch Camp in [[Kilworth]], [[County Cork]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Riordan|first1=Sean|title=Army sets its sights on €1m digital firing range at Kilworth camp|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/army-sets-its-sights-on-euro1m-digital-firing-range-at-kilworth-camp-279071.html|access-date=24 August 2014|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=11 August 2014}}</ref>

The ARW is on immediate call 24/7, 365 days a year for operations throughout the state and abroad. The ARW is on 96 hours' notice to deploy overseas on special operations.<ref name="ranger22">{{cite book |last1=Goggins |first1=Ray |title=Ranger 22: lessons from the front |date=2021 |publisher=Gill Books |location=Dublin |isbn=9780717192496 |url=https://www.gillbooks.ie/biography/biography/ranger-22 |access-date=3 September 2021}}</ref> The ARW is on a 1-hour alert for anti-terrorist operations to deploy anywhere on land in the Republic of Ireland using Air Corps aircraft and up to 200 miles out to sea via the Naval Service vessels.<ref name="ranger22"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Bushe|first=Andrew|title=Ireland to beef up crack commando unit|url=http://irishecho.com/2011/02/ireland-to-beef-up-crack-commando-unit-2/|access-date=19 November 2016|newspaper=Irish Echo|date=16 February 2011}}</ref> In the event of a major terrorist, hijacking or hostage incident, the ARW may be called to aid the [[Garda Emergency Response Unit|Garda ERU]], and in the past, they have been put on standby to assist the [[Irish Prison Service]] during major [[prison riot]]s. The unit has on occasion been tasked for [[search and rescue]] (SAR) operations, as the ARW have trained Arctic survival specialists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Airlift of stricken Wicklow climbers begins|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/airlift-of-stricken-wicklow-climbers-begins-398432.html|access-date=13 February 2015|website=breakingnews.ie|date=10 February 2009}}</ref>

Besides sanctioned international military missions, the unit may be deployed overseas to protect [[List of diplomatic missions of Ireland|Irish diplomatic missions]] and diplomats (particularly in times of war or civil unrest in host countries),<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donohoe|first1=Miriam|title=Army might be used to guard Irish embassies|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/army-might-be-used-to-guard-irish-embassies-1.214304|access-date=19 June 2015|publisher=Irish Times|date=7 August 1999}}</ref> to provide close protection to members of the Irish government travelling overseas,<ref>{{cite news|title=Enda Kenny visits war-torn Lebanon under protection of Irish elite forces|url=http://thestar.ie/about-us/enda-kenny-visits-war-torn-lebanon-under-protection-of-irish-elite-forces/|access-date=20 June 2014|work=Irish Daily Star|date=17 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121044037/http://thestar.ie/about-us/enda-kenny-visits-war-torn-lebanon-under-protection-of-irish-elite-forces/|archive-date=21 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=McMahon|first1=Cathal|title='We've got your back Taoiseach': Enda Kenny visits troops in south Lebanon|url=http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/weve-your-back-taoiseach-enda-3707360|access-date=20 June 2014|publisher=Irish Mirror|date=17 June 2014}}</ref> to rescue [[Kidnapping|kidnapped]] Irish citizens,<ref name="Signal Winter 2015">{{cite journal|author1=Representative Association of Commissioned Officers|title=Tip Of The Spear: Special Forces - Strategic Asset of a Modern Military Force|journal=Signal Magazine|date=Winter 2015|volume=13| issue = 2|pages=12–17|url=http://data.axmag.com/data/201601/20160114/U136844_F367150/FLASH/index.html|access-date=20 November 2016|issn=1649-7635}}</ref><ref name="iraq">{{cite news |last=Harden |first=Tony |title=Westerners face new fears as Rory returns to his delighted family |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/westerners-face-new-fears-as-rory-returns-to-his-delighted-family-26214177.html |access-date=17 February 2014|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=25 October 2005}}</ref> to [[Non-combatant evacuation operation|extract citizens in hostile or conflict zones]], or to conduct intelligence operations.<ref name="Irish Independent">{{cite news |last1=Brady |first1=Tom |title=Irish Ranger Wing handed key role in elite EU battle-group |url=https://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/irish-ranger-wing-handed-key-role-in-elite-eu-battlegroup-36590423.html |access-date=6 November 2019 |publisher=Irish Independent |date=11 February 2018}}</ref>

The ARW is equipped with [[SINCGARS|SINCGAR]] [[ITT Corporation|ITT]], [[Harris Corporation|Harris]] and [[Racal]] communications equipment, which have an inbuilt [[encryption]] and [[Frequency-hopping spread spectrum|frequency-hopping]] systems.<ref name="C3 2002" /> It is also equipped with satellite communications, through the ARW C3 (Command, Control & Communications) function and in cooperation with the [[Communications & Information Services Corps|Communications and Information Services Corps]] (CIS).<ref name="C3 2002" /> This means ARW teams can communicate with their GHQ from anywhere in the world. The Army Ranger Wing Intelligence Section has the ability to remotely intercept electronic and [[Telecommunication|telephonic]] communications,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ingle|first1=Roisin|title=Keynote of Army elite is controlled aggression|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/keynote-of-army-elite-is-controlled-aggression-1.228630|access-date=21 November 2016|publisher=The Irish Times|date=18 September 1999}}</ref> working with the [[Directorate of Military Intelligence (Ireland)|Directorate of Military Intelligence]] (J2)<ref>{{cite web|title=A Look at Intelligence Section|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Vol._65_No._9_-_Dec_2005_low.pdf|publisher=[[An Cosantóir]]|access-date=22 May 2016}}</ref> and Army CIS Corps.<ref>{{cite news|title=Military 'can help stop cyber attacks'|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/military-can-help-stop-cyber-attacks-313573.html|access-date=5 June 2015|publisher=The Irish Examiner|date=20 February 2015}}</ref>

==Selection and training==
[[File:Irish Army Ranger Wing Sniper Training Best 25 (11291975743).jpg|thumb|ARW sniper course in 2013]]
[[File:Irish Army Rangers team fast-ropes onto the deck of a ship (5900406498).jpg|thumb|Rangers fast rope from an [[AgustaWestland AW139|AW139]] helicopter in a maritime counter-terrorism exercise on the [[Irish Sea]] in 2011]]

Candidates must be serving members of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) from any of the three branches (Army, Air Corps or Naval Service).<ref name="1990 magazine" /><ref name="Oireachtas June 2008" /> The candidate must be medically fit and have attained the rank of at least 3 Star Private (or equivalent).<ref name="Oireachtas June 2008">{{cite web|title=Written Answers - Defence Forces Strength|url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/DebatesWebPack.nsf/takes/dail2008060400246|website=Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas|access-date=19 November 2016|date=4 June 2008}}</ref> There is no age limit to attempt selection.<ref name="Selection 2011" /> Selection has been open to females since 1984, however, none have been successful.<ref name="Herald 2010" /><ref name="2011 women magazine">{{cite journal|title=Here come the girls|journal=An Cosantóir|date=January 2011|volume=70|issue=10|pages=14–153|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._70_No._10_-_Jan_2011-low.pdf|access-date=19 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107114336/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._70_No._10_-_Jan_2011-low.pdf|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Oireachtas December 2005">{{cite web|title=Written Answers - Defence Forces Deployment|url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/DebatesWebPack.nsf/takes/dail2005120700039|website=Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas|access-date=19 November 2016|date=7 December 2005}}</ref> Usually 40 to 80 candidates attempt selection annually.<ref name="Selection 2011"  />

The ARW recently{{when|date=May 2024}} revised its selection and assessment procedures combining the previous Selection course & Basic Skills course into a new single course named the ''Special Operations Force Qualification Course'' (SOFQ).<ref name="Independent 2014" /><ref name="SOFQ">{{cite web|title=ARW Selection Course|url=http://www.military.ie/en/army/organisation/arw/selection-course/|website=Defence Forces|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref> The SOFQ is conducted over 10 months (40 weeks).<ref name="Facebook" /> The Selection Course had been conducted over 3 weeks after being reduced in 2006 from 4 weeks.<ref name="Selection 2011">{{cite web|title=ARW Selection Course|url=http://www.military.ie/army/organisation/arw/selection-course|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613042236/http://www.military.ie/army/organisation/arw/selection-course|archive-date=13 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="2007 magazine 3">{{cite journal|last1=Bourke|first1=Wesley|title=Being 'THE BEST'|journal=An Cosantóir|date=August 2007|volume=67|issue=6|pages=8–10|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._67_No._7_-_Aug_2007.pdf|access-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305001516/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._67_No._7_-_Aug_2007.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing training|url=http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/train.htm|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118214542/http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/train.htm|archive-date=18 November 2007}}</ref> The Basic Skills course had been conducted over 5 months.<ref name="Selection 2011"/><ref name="2007 magazine 3" /><ref name="2008 January magazine">{{cite journal|last1=Bourke|first1=Wesley|title=Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen|journal=An Cosantóir|date=January 2008|volume=68|issue=1|pages=18–19|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._68_No._1_-_Jan_2008.pdf|access-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107113144/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._68_No._1_-_Jan_2008.pdf|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The SOFQ is divided into 5 modules:<ref name="SOFQ" />
# Assessment & Evaluation
# Skills & Leadership
# SOF Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures TTPs
# Counter-Terrorism Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures TTPs
# Continuation training

Module 1 assesses a candidate's level of physical fitness, motivation and suitability to progress on towards further modules (2-5) of the SOFQ course similar to the previous selection course.<ref name="SOFQ" /> Candidates must pass a series of fitness assessments, map reading and individual navigation assessments, claustrophobia, water confidence, and psychometric testing.<ref name="SOFQ" /> The final phase of Module 1 includes individual navigation exercises with set weights over unknown distances and completion times which can be over 250&nbsp;km, culminating in an additional 65&nbsp;km cross-country march carrying a 65&nbsp;lb combat load in the Dublin & Wicklow mountain range.<ref name="SOFQ" /><ref name="Facebook" /> On average candidates get between four and five hours sleep per night.<ref name="Selection 2011" /> Officer and senior NCO candidates are subjected to separate, rigorous scrutiny of their planning and decision-making skills to determine their suitability.<ref name="SOFQ" /> The length of Module 1 is 3 weeks similar to the previous selection course length.<ref name="Facebook">{{cite web|title=Photo|url=https://www.facebook.com/DefenceForces/photos/a.462303761165.253473.169367391165/10153556634036166/?type=1&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/169367391165/10153556634036166 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|website=Facebook - Irish Defense Forces|date=10 October 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Typically 85% of candidates fail Module 1.<ref name="Facebook" /> Between 2000 and 2005, approximately 240 attempted selection, including a female, with 50 successful.<ref name="Dáil Éireann 2005" />

Modules 2 to 4 consist of assessment and training in weapons and marksmanship, live-fire tactical training, special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures (green role) and counter-terrorism tactics, techniques, and procedures (black role), combat water survival, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Extraction (SERE), communications and medical training.<ref name="SOFQ" /> Upon successful completion of Module 3, candidates are awarded the ''Fianóglach'' shoulder tab and are provisionally assigned to the unit. Upon successful completion of Module 4, candidates are awarded the distinctive ARW green beret.<ref name="SOFQ" />

Module 5 Continuation training is the conclusion of the SOFQ course, and candidates are posted to an operational ARW task unit as an assault team operator.<ref name="SOFQ" /> 3 Star Privates (and equivalents) who are successful in completing the SOFQ course pass out at the rank of Acting [[Corporal]], and the lowest commissioned rank in the unit is that of [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]].<ref name="April 2016"/> All candidates must successfully complete the basic parachute course of five (5) static line jumps from 3,000 feet using T10 round canopies.<ref name="Parachute 2002">{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing - Training Parachuting|url=http://www.military.ie/army/arw_parachuting.htm|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020613153912/http://www.military.ie/army/arw_parachuting.htm|archive-date=13 June 2002}}</ref><ref name="2007 magazine 2" />

As of 2012, it was reported that since the unit's inception fewer than 400 had completed training to become a Ranger.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hostile Environment (RTÉ One) |url=http://www.rte.ie/tv/programmes/hostileenvironment.html| publisher=RTÉ Television|access-date=13 June 2014}}</ref>

Further specialist training courses for Rangers include advanced combat medical skills, military freefall, combat diving (taught by the specialist [[Naval Service Diving Section]]) and boat handling, close protection and handling of advanced weapons.<ref name="SOFQ" /><ref name="2007 magazine 2" />

Prior to 2000 with [[The Troubles]], approximately 85% of Ranger training had been dedicated to [[counter-terrorism]].<ref name="Independent 1998">{{cite news|last1=Brady|first1=Tom|title=Elite anti-terrorist units join forces for rescue exercise|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elite-antiterrorist-units-join-forces-for-rescue-exercise-26164252.html|access-date=19 November 2016|work=Irish Independent|date=2 December 1998}}</ref> The average age of a Ranger is 31 years old with the eldest 44 years old.<ref name="Selection 2011" /> On average, a member of the ARW spends between 5 and 10 years serving with the unit before being returned to their home unit bringing their skills with them, but it is not uncommon for some to spend 15 years in the unit.<ref name="2007 magazine 2" />

The ARW has its own purpose-built tactical training facilities, including shooting ranges, kill houses and various urban and rural settings. The main facility is known as "Tac Town", based in the [[Curragh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing of the Republic of Ireland Military Forces|date=30 July 2014|url=http://stateofguns.com/army-ranger-wing-republic-ireland-military-forces-1751/|publisher=State of Guns|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref> Other ranges are located in [[County Wicklow]]. These facilities are also made available to the [[Garda Emergency Response Unit|ERU]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Lally|first=Conor|title=Garda centre axed over cutbacks|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0429/breaking87.htm|access-date=15 May 2014|newspaper=Irish Times|date=29 April 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (subscription required)</ref>

The ARW has trained with other military and law enforcement special operations forces, including;
* {{AUS}} – [[Special Air Service Regiment]] (SASR) & [[2nd Commando Regiment]] (2 CDO) <ref name="Tactical 2013" />
* {{BEL}} – [[Special Forces Group (Belgium)|Special Forces Group]] (SFG)<ref name="April 2016"/>
* {{CAN}} – [[Joint Task Force 2]] (JTF2) & [[Canadian Special Operations Regiment]] (CSOR)<ref name="Tactical 2013" />
* {{FRA}} – [[GIGN]] & [[1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment|RPIMa]]<ref name="2007 magazine 1" /><ref name="2007 magazine 2" /><ref name="Independent 1998" /><ref name="International 2002">{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing - Training - International Interchange|url=http://www.military.ie/army/arw_fx.htm|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020221011926/http://www.military.ie/army/arw_fx.htm|archive-date=21 February 2002}}</ref>
* {{GER}} – [[GSG 9]] & [[Kommando Spezialkräfte|KSK]]<ref name="2007 magazine 2" /><ref name="International 2002" />
* {{ITA}} – [[Gruppo di intervento speciale|GIS]] & [[Comando Raggruppamento Subacquei e Incursori Teseo Tesei|COMSUBIN]]<ref name="2007 magazine 2" /><ref name="International 2002"/><ref name="Tactical 2013" />
* {{NED}} – [[M-Squadron|UIM]]<ref name="2007 magazine 2" /><ref name="International 2002" />
* {{NZL}} – [[New Zealand Special Air Service]] (NZSAS)<ref name="Tactical 2013" />
* {{POL}} – [[JW GROM]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Irish Army Ranger Wing|url=http://www.special-ops.org/5743/irish-army-ranger-wing/|access-date=20 November 2016|publisher=Spec Ops Magazine|date=13 December 2013}}</ref>
* {{SWE}} – [[Särskilda operationsgruppen|SOG]] & [[Fallskärmsjägarna|FJS]]<ref name="2007 magazine 1" /><ref name="2007 magazine 2" /><ref name="International 2002" />
* {{UK}} – [[Special Air Service]] (SAS)<ref>{{cite news|last=McDonald|first=Henry|title=Elite Irish troops on standby to keep peace in Afghanistan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/23/afghanistan.henrymcdonald|access-date=15 May 2014|newspaper=The Guardian Newspaper|date=23 December 2001}}</ref> 
* {{USA}} – [[75th Ranger Regiment (United States)|75th Ranger Regiment]], [[Delta Force]], [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]] & [[United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance|Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance]]<ref name="Herald 2010" /><ref name="Tactical 2013">{{cite web|last1=Thompson|first1=Leroy|title=Ireland's Army Rangers (page 1)|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/irelands-army-rangers/#irish-arw-5_phatch|website=Tactical-Life|access-date=19 November 2016|date=1 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="Herald SAG 40th" />

The ARW and ERU train specifically for marauding terrorist firearms/explosive attacks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Murtagh|first1=Peter|title=Can Ireland really prepare for a terrorist attack?|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/can-ireland-really-prepare-for-a-terrorist-attack-1.2441077|access-date=26 November 2015|publisher=The Irish Times|date=24 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Paul|last2=Brady|first2=Tom|title=Units to counter terrorism step up training|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/units-to-counter-terrorism-step-up-training-34228317.html|access-date=24 November 2015|publisher=Irish Independent|date=24 November 2015}}</ref>

In 2015, the Irish Defence Forces signed agreements with their British counterparts to deepen joint special forces peacekeeping co-operation,<ref>{{cite news|title=Defence co-operation agreement a sign of deepening relationship with our neighbours - "Marching in step with UK"|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/defence-co-operation-agreement-a-sign-of-deepening-relationship-with-our-neighbours-1.2064750|access-date=17 January 2015|publisher=The Irish Times|date=14 January 2015}}</ref> extending from previous deployments with [[United Kingdom Special Forces|British special forces]] in a number of combat zones.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Collins|first1=Stephen|title=Ireland and UK agree historic defence agreement |url= https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/ireland-and-uk-agree-historic-defence-agreement-1.2062356|access-date=17 January 2015|publisher=The Irish Times|date=12 January 2015}}</ref>

==Notable missions==
Rangers have seen active service in a number of [[peacekeeping]] missions around the world with the United Nations, [[European Union]] (EU) and [[Partnership for Peace]] (PfP) of the [[NATO|North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (the Republic of Ireland is not a member of NATO, due to its policy of [[Irish neutrality|military neutrality]]). Individual deployments include [[Lebanon]], [[Bosnia]], [[Cyprus]], [[Iraq]] and [[Western Sahara]].<ref name="International 2002" />

===Somalia===
The ARW's first deployment overseas was in [[Somalia]] in 1993 as part of [[United Nations Operation in Somalia II|UNOSOM II]] where a number of teams joined the [[United States]]-led peacekeeping coalition tasked with imposing a ceasefire in the [[Baidoa]] region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Second United Nations Operation in Somalia|url=http://www.military.ie/overseas/past-missions/africa/unosom/|publisher=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=31 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ireland's History with the UN|url=http://members.westnet.com.au/kirwilli/unservice/unservice.htm|work=2000|publisher=Irish armed forces in service of the United Nations|access-date=17 May 2014}}</ref> Over 100 Irish troops took part in the mission.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Tonra |first1=Ben |title=Global citizen and European Republic: Irish foreign policy in transition |date=2006 |publisher=Manchester University Press |location=Manchester |jstor=j.ctt155j8jj |isbn=9780719056079 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt155j8jj |access-date=29 September 2023}}</ref>

On one regular return journey, from protecting a food convoy/supply run to [[Mogadishu]], Irish and Indian UN troops were ambushed by insurgents. Following an intense firefight, there were more than 10 enemies killed with no Irish or Indian fatalities reported. Following this, the Irish contingent was supplied with armoured vehicles as they had previously been relying on soft-skinned vehicles mounted with heavy calibre machine guns.<ref name="shadow warriors"/>

===East Timor===
[[File:ARW EastTimor1.jpg|thumbnail|Rangers on a reconnaissance patrol in [[East Timor]]]]

In October 1999, No 1 IRCON (Irish Contingent), an ARW platoon of 30 Rangers deployed to [[East Timor]] as part of the [[International Force for East Timor]] (INTERFET) to restore peace and security following the independence referendum in August.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Donohoe|first1=Miriam|title=Army team in talks on role for Rangers|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/army-team-in-talks-on-role-for-rangers-1.229630|access-date=2 December 2016|publisher=Irish Times|date=21 September 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rangers unit is an elite fighting machine|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/rangers-unit-is-an-elite-fighting-machine-1.227878|access-date=8 November 2016|publisher=The Irish Times|date=16 September 1999}}</ref><ref name="Interfet">{{cite web|title=UNMET/UNTAET|url=http://www.military.ie/en/overseas/past-missions/asia/unmetuntaet/|website=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Irish times">{{cite news|last1=O'Clery|first1=Conor|title=Rangers guard eerily quiet Timor town|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/rangers-guard-eerily-quiet-timor-town-1.244616|access-date=8 November 2016|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=30 October 1999}}</ref> The Australian-led mission had begun nearly a month earlier with an allied special forces coalition of Australian Special Air Service, New Zealand Special Air Service and British [[Special Boat Service]] (SBS) armed Response Force.

No 1 IRCON was embedded in the reconnaissance company in the [[Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment|1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Regiment]] (1 RNZIR) Battalion Group together with an infantry company from the Canadian [[Royal 22nd Regiment|3rd Battalion, Royal 22 Regiment]] bringing the battalion to full strength.<ref name="Irish times" /> The Battalion Group based in [[Suai, East Timor|Suai]] was responsible for securing the south-west of the country from pro-Indonesian militia and Indonesian military (TNI) that included a long section of the border between East and Indonesian controlled [[West Timor]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Whittaker|first1=Capt John|title=ARW in East Timor|journal=An Cosantóir|volume=59 Number 9|issue=December–January 2000|page=19|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._59_No._9_-_Dec-Jan_2000.pdf|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107111306/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._59_No._9_-_Dec-Jan_2000.pdf|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

No 1 IRCON completed a four-month deployment followed by No 2 IRCON. In February 2000, INTERFET handed over command of military operations to the [[United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor]] (UNTAET). No 2 IRCON completed its four-month deployment in June 2000 with subsequent rotations from infantry platoons.<ref name="Interfet" /> The Battalion Group had several contacts (firefights) and a number of incidents with threat forces sustaining no casualties.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Blaxland|first1=John|title=East Timor intervention: a retrospective on INTERFET|date=2015|publisher=Melbourne University Publishing|location=Carlton, Victoria|isbn=9780522867770}}</ref>

===Liberia===
The ARW was deployed in [[Liberia]] in the aftermath of the [[Second Liberian Civil War]] as part of a peacekeeping contingent of more than 400 troops from the Irish Army, in turn, part of the mixed Irish-[[Sweden|Swedish]] Force Reserve Battalion of the United Nations mission in the country, [[United Nations Mission in Liberia|UNMIL]] (2003). The ARW's area of operations (AO) was "all of Liberia", consisting of 4.7 million people and 111,369 sq km (43,000 sq mi).<ref name="shadow warriors"/>

One of their most successful missions during this deployment was the rescue of a large group of civilians captured by gunmen from renegade Liberian forces.<ref name="Irish Article">{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/africa/crack-troops-rescue-hostages-from-gunmen-in-daring-raid-187696.html|title=Crack troops rescue hostages from gunmen in daring raid|publisher=[[Irish Independent]]|access-date=13 April 2009|date=8 January 2004|author=Tom Brady}}</ref> Acting on intelligence, a team of twenty heavily armed Rangers were dropped via helicopters at the town of "Gbapa".<ref name="Irish Article"/> To avoid casualties among the hostages, the ARW implemented a policy of less-lethal intervention and, after surrounding a 40-foot container holding 35 hostages, rescued the innocent civilians and captured the rebel forces, including their commander.<ref name="Irish Article"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0108/liberia.html|title=Smith praises Irish UN rescue in Liberia|date=8 January 2004|access-date=13 April 2009|publisher=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann|Radio Telefís Éireann]]}}</ref> The incident, which resulted in no Irish casualties, drew praise from the international community and boosted the reputation of the ARW worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.raco.ie/attachments/080_3_1_Liberia.pdf|title=Liberia: Waking from the Nightmare|access-date=1 October 2009|publisher=Signal Magazine|author=Ruairi Kavanagh}}</ref>

Ranger Sergeant Derek Mooney (33) of [[Dublin]], was killed when his vehicle was involved in a [[Traffic collision|motor vehicle accident]] during a transport convoy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indymedia.ie/article/62445|title=Irish Army Ranger killed in Liberia|date=28 November 2003|access-date=1 October 2009|publisher=[[Indymedia.ie]]|author=James McKenna}}</ref>

===Chad and Central African Republic===
[[File:Irish Army Ranger Wing Ford Special Recon Vehicle in Chad (4109830420).jpg|thumbnail|ARW vehicle patrol in [[Ford Super Duty|Ford F-350]] SRV in [[Chad]] in 2008]]
In February 2008, a Special Forces Task Group of 58 Rangers deployed to [[Abéché]] in [[Chad]] as part of the [[EUFOR Tchad/RCA|European Union Force Chad/CAR]] based at Camp Croci.<ref name="shadow warriors">{{cite book |last1=O'Brien |first1=Paul |last2=Fitzgerald |first2=Wayne |title=SHADOW WARRIORS - The Irish Army Ranger Wing |year=2020 |publisher=Mercier Press |isbn=978-1-78117-762-4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Minister for Defence Deputy Willie O’Dea|title=Written Answers - Overseas Missions|url=http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20authoring/debateswebpack.nsf/takes/dail2008022600283|website=Houses of the Oireachtas|access-date=16 November 2016|ref=Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 648 No. 2|date=26 February 2008}}</ref> The ARW was an Initial Entry Force together with other EUFOR special forces that conducted special reconnaissance within the Irish assigned south eastern Chad area of operations.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Earley|first1=Lt Gen Dermot|title=Chad Mission - Irish Soldiers deploying to Chad will continue our proud tradition|journal=An Cosantóir|date=February 2008|volume=68|issue=2|pages=7–9|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._68_No._2_-_Feb_2008.pdf|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107113204/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._68_No._2_-_Feb_2008.pdf|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Nash|first1=Lt Gen Pat|title=Command & Control|journal=Signal Magazine|date=Summer 2008|pages=25–26|url=http://www.raco.ie/attachments/034_Command_and_Control.pdf|access-date=17 November 2016|publisher=Representative Association of Commissioned Officers}}</ref> 

The ARW was later based at Multi-National Base-South at [[Goz Beïda]] known as Camp Ciara in the area of operations providing security during the construction of the base. The ARW conducted vehicle patrols along the Chad / [[Sudan]] border in their [[Ford Super Duty|Ford F-350]] Special Reconnaissance Vehicles.<ref name="Signal Winter 2015" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lally|first1=Conor|title=Chad rebels confront Army Rangers|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/chad-rebels-confront-army-rangers-1.1214290|access-date=16 November 2016|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=22 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|author1=Cunningham, Paul (Reporter)|title=Irish Special Forces, Elite Army Ranger Wing in Chad, RTÉ News|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WwRWnyMW5g|medium=Television production|work=News|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref> The ARW mission ended in June 2008 with the arrival of the 97th Infantry Battalion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lt Gen D Earley's - Address to the Annual Delegate Conference|url=http://www.military.ie/press-office/speeches/single-view/article/lt-gen-d-earleys-address-to-the-annual-delegate-conference/?cHash=8060e1053c27d71ab8c3022055dc20ce|website=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=16 November 2016|date=8 October 2008}}</ref>

===Mali===
In June 2019, [[Dáil Éireann]] approved sending an ARW Task Unit and staff officers to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali ([[United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali|MINUSMA]]) in intelligence and operational roles, on 4-month rotations for two years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Halloran |first1=Marie |title=Army Rangers set for UN mission in Mali after 77-39 Dáil vote |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/army-rangers-set-for-un-mission-in-mali-after-77-39-d%C3%A1il-vote-1.3932453 |access-date=6 November 2019 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=20 June 2019}}</ref> The ARW were deployed in response to an upsurge in violence in north-eastern Mali, led by militants affiliated with al-Qaeda. The Irish contingent were primarily tasked with conducting long-range reconnaissance patrols (LRRP) and deployed as part of a German-led [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|ISTAR]] Task Force, benefiting from the protections and medical support in place for the larger force.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Wayne |title=Rangers Head to Mali (Page 16/17) |url=https://www.dfmagazine.ie/product/an-cosantoir/?token=ZDQzNGU0YjhkODkyMGQ2NjQ0ODk3NjVlYjkyOTY4YjU1ZTkzYjAxZA== |access-date=6 November 2019 |publisher=An Cosantóir, Official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces |date=November 2019}}</ref> 14 ARW operators are reported to be involved per rotation.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/army-rangers-to-begin-deployment-to-mali-in-coming-days-1.3997014 | website = irishtimes.com | publisher = Irish Times | title = Army rangers to begin deployment to Mali in coming days | date = 25 August 2019 | accessdate = 1 June 2021}}</ref>

MINUSMA is the most dangerous UN peacekeeping mission. As of October 2019, 204 peacekeepers had been killed out of a total of 15,000 deployed uniformed personnel.<ref>{{cite web |title=MINUSMA United Nations Peacekeeping |url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/minusma |publisher=United Nations |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref> It is the first overseas operational deployment for the ARW as a unit, in ten years.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2019/0107/1021824-army-ranger-wing/ | publisher = RTÉ News | website = rte.ie | title = Govt considering proposal over sending army rangers to Mali | date = 7 January 2019 | accessdate = 1 June 2021 }}</ref>

In February 2020, three ARW personnel were injured when an IED blast hit the armoured patrol vehicle they were travelling in, 70&nbsp;km east of [[Gao]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brady |first1=Tom |title=Three Irish soldiers injured after bomb blast hit their patrol in warn-torn Mali |url=https://www.independent.ie/news/three-irish-soldiers-injured-after-bomb-blast-hit-their-patrol-in-warn-torn-mali-38990496.html |access-date=24 March 2020 |publisher=Irish Independent |date=25 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lally |first1=Connor |title=Three Irish Army Rangers lightly wounded in Mali roadside blast |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/three-irish-army-rangers-lightly-wounded-in-mali-roadside-blast-1.4184959 |access-date=24 March 2020 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=25 February 2020}}</ref> The personnel were airlifted to hospital but after two weeks were reported to be "back to work".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brady |first1=Tom |title=The Army Rangers get back to work after roadside bomb blast |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/the-army-rangers-get-back-to-work-after-roadside-bomb-blast-39027222.html |access-date=24 March 2020 |publisher=Irish Independent |date=9 March 2020}}</ref>

===Overseas extraction operations===
In October 2005, Rangers and [[Arabic language|Arabic]]-speaking [[intelligence officer]]s from [[Directorate of Military Intelligence (Ireland)|Military Intelligence]] (J2) were deployed to [[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]],<ref name="iraq"/><ref>{{cite news|last=King|first=Stephen|title=British spooks' story sheds light on key aspects of modern Irish history|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2009/1021/opinion/british-spooksapos-story-sheds-light-on-key-aspects-of-modern-irish-history-103751.html|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=Irish Examiner|date=21 October 2009}}</ref> following the abduction of Irish journalist [[Rory Carroll]] by [[al-Qaeda]]-affiliated militants.<ref>{{cite news|last=MacAskill|first=Ewan|title=Guardian journalist abducted in Baghdad|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/oct/20/theguardian.iraqandthemedia|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=The Guardian Newspaper|date=20 October 2005}}</ref> Following negotiations with Irish, British and American government representatives, Rory Carroll was released unharmed days later and returned safely to Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kidnapped reporter freed in Iraq|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4362378.stm|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=BBC News|date=21 October 2005}}</ref>

In 2009, the ARW were involved in the evacuation of GOAL aid worker [[Kidnapping of Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki|Sharon Commins]] who was kidnapped by [[Janjaweed]] in Darfur, Sudan for more than 100 days before being released, although the government denied the involvement of the ARW at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clonan |first1=Tom |title='Lisa Smith's story will continue to divide and provoke Irish public opinion - and rightly so' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/tom-clonan-lisa-smith-4878763-Nov2019/ |access-date=5 November 2019 |publisher=thejournal.ie |date=5 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Oral answers (6 contributions) (Question to Minister for Defence) |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2009-11-19/section/25/ |publisher=Oireachtas.ie |access-date=5 November 2019}}</ref>

With the fall of [[Muammar Gaddafi]] in 2011 and the [[Libyan Civil War (2011)|Libyan Civil War]], the ARW, Air Corps and other Defence Forces assets were deployed in order to evacuate upwards of 115 Irish citizens from the country, mainly via the capital [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]]. The ARW operated out of the British diplomatic mission in Malta.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lally |first1=Conor |title=Smith faces complex dynamic in bid to leave Syria for Ireland |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/smith-faces-complex-dynamic-in-bid-to-leave-syria-for-ireland-1.3948118 |access-date=5 November 2019 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=5 July 2019}}</ref> It was reported at the time that Irish officials printed fake boarding passes in order to bypass "tight" security at Tripoli airport, where authorities refused to allow a large number of aircraft to land or take off.<ref>{{cite news |title=How fake boarding passes became tickets out of Tripoli |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/how-fake-boarding-passes-became-tickets-out-of-tripoli-1.562694 |access-date=5 November 2019 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=4 March 2011}}</ref> Three Irish aircraft were involved in the operation.

In October 2019 it was reported that the ARW were deployed to the Syrian border to extract [[Lisa Smith (soldier)|Lisa Smith]] - a former Irish Army soldier who converted to Islam before fleeing Ireland to join [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIS]] - and her two-year-old child in a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) after the [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria]] resulted in Kurdish-held ISIS prisoners escaping, including Smith, although the Defence Forces or Irish government did not confirm this.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connell |first1=Patrick |title=Irish Defence Forces launch secret mission to bring home Islamic State bride Lisa Smith and her child |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/irish-defence-forces-launch-secret-mission-to-bring-home-islamic-state-bride-lisa-smith-and-her-child-38656481.html |access-date=6 November 2019 |publisher=Irish Independent |date=3 November 2019}}</ref> ARW personnel were in plainclothes and "discreetly armed" for protection purposes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Conor |title=Irish officials and special forces attempt to repatriate Lisa Smith |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/irish-officials-and-special-forces-attempt-to-repatriate-lisa-smith-1.4070918 |access-date=19 August 2021 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=3 November 2019}}</ref> Smith was repatriated to Dublin Airport where she was arrested by Gardai and charged with terrorism offences.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Elwazer |first1=Schams |last2=Taggart |first2=Peter |last3=John |first3=Tara |title=Irish 'ISIS bride' Lisa Smith in custody in Dublin |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/01/europe/isis-lisa-smith-dublin-intl/index.html |access-date=19 August 2021 |publisher=CNN News |date=1 December 2019}}</ref>

On 23 August 2021 in the aftermath of the [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Fall of Kabul]] to the [[Taliban]], Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence [[Simon Coveney]] approved the deployment of an Emergency Consular Assistance Team (ECAT) comprising ARW personnel and a small team of [[Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland)|DFA]] diplomats to [[Kabul International Airport|Hamid Karzai International Airport]] in [[Kabul]] in order to evacuate Irish citizens.<ref>{{cite news |title=Irish Army Rangers go to Kabul to help evacuation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58309751 |access-date=23 August 2021 |publisher=BBC News |date=23 August 2021}}</ref> The options available to the Irish government to extract its citizens were hampered by Ireland's lack of an organic [[Airlift#Strategic airlift|strategic airlift capability]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Conor |last2=Leahy |first2=Pat |last3=O'Leary |first3=Naomi |title=Government to send special forces to Kabul to aid in evacuation of Irish citizens |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/government-to-send-special-forces-to-kabul-to-aid-in-evacuation-of-irish-citizens-1.4654244 |access-date=23 August 2021 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=23 August 2021}}</ref> The mission ended on 26 August, just 48 hours after the team touched down in Kabul and resulted in the evacuation of 26 Irish citizens.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Conor |last2=McGee |first2=Harry |title=Irish evacuation mission in Kabul Airport ends with rescue of 26 citizens |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-evacuation-mission-in-kabul-airport-ends-with-rescue-of-26-citizens-1.4656813 |access-date=26 August 2021 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=26 August 2021}}</ref> It was reported the last members of the ECAT team left minutes after a [[2021 Kabul airport attack|deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Government says 75 Irish citizens and residents still in Afghanistan |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/government-says-75-irish-citizens-and-residents-still-in-afghanistan-1.4656813 |access-date=27 August 2021 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=26 August 2021}}</ref>

In April 2023, a team of up to 12 ARW were deployed to Sudan as part of the [[evacuation of foreign nationals during the 2023 Sudan conflict]]. ARW and DFA personnel travelled to Sudan via [[Djibouti]] to link up with and extract Irish citizens. The ARW provided medical & security support, secure communications and an intervention element.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Conor |title=Sudan conflict: evacuation of Irish citizens slows but continues on EU partner planes |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/04/24/sudan-conflict-evacuation-of-irish-citizens-slows-but-continues-on-eu-partner-planes/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=24 April 2023}}</ref>

===Other overseas missions===
During the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]], ARW personnel served in small numbers with [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] and [[Resolute Support Mission|RSM]] from October 2006 to March 2007 and from September 2014 to March 2015, mainly as trainers, medical staff and IED experts.<ref name="support" />

From 2006 to 2014, it has been reported that operatives from the ARW, including from the Intelligence Section and Military Intelligence Directorate, had been on the ground in [[Afghanistan]], [[Iraq]], [[Syria]], [[Lebanon]], [[Israel]], [[Sudan]], [[Ivory Coast]], [[Liberia]], [[Kosovo]] and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia-Herzegovina]] as part of various international missions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clonan|first=Tom|title=Irish Intelligence Staff Work From Kosovo To Kabul|url=http://arrow.dit.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1065&context=aaschmedart|work=1 January 2006|publisher=Dublin Institute of Technology {{!}} School of Media|access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://beta.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2018-04-17/161/#pq_161 | publisher = Houses of the Oireachtas | work = Parliamentary debates - Record | title = Dáil Éireann Debate - Tuesday 17 April 2018 - Written Answers - Overseas Missions | date = 17 April 2018 | access-date = 23 April 2018}}</ref>

In 2012, it was reported that the ARW could deploy 30 Rangers in the [[Gulf of Aden]], subject to Government, Dáil and UN approval ("triple-lock"), to protect international shipping lanes against [[Piracy off the coast of Somalia|Somali pirates]] as part of the EU's [[Operation Atalanta]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Army's elite to take on Somali pirates in Aden|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/armys-elite-to-take-on-somali-pirates-in-aden-28811128.html|access-date=19 November 2016|work=Irish Independent|date=18 September 2012}}</ref>

As of 2014, Rangers were serving missions on three continents, including training foreign forces in [[Africa]] and the [[Balkans]], protection duties in [[Lebanon]] for the United Nations mission and security and intelligence operations on the Israeli-Syrian border ([[Golan Heights]]).<ref name="Independent 2014" />

In late 2015, Private John O'Mahony (Ret.) gave evidence as a witness in a military trial in [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]] against Mahmoud Bazzi, a former Lebanese militia fighter accused of murdering Private Thomas Barrett and Private Derek Smallhorne of the Irish Army in April 1980 in Southern Lebanon (see [[At Tiri Incident]]). O'Mahony was accompanied during his entire time in Lebanon by a Close Protection Team from the Army Ranger Wing.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hosford|first1=Paul|title="It brought me back to the day in 1980 when he rounded us up and took us out to shoot us."|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/lebanon-shooting-irish-soldiers-2477864-Dec2015/|access-date=4 December 2015|publisher=thejournal.ie|date=1 December 2015}}</ref>

The ARW was chosen to spearhead the special operations task group (SOTG) for the [[EU Battlegroup]] rapid reaction force based in Germany, deploying in late 2019.<ref name="Irish Independent"/> It was the fourth time the Irish Defence Forces served in the Battlegroup, but the first time the ARW have as a unit. The wider force comprises 1,500 troops from EU member states. The ARW trained with the battlegroup for six months after which they remained on standby with it for 18 months.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Riordan |first1=Sean |title=Members of Ireland's special forces deployed to German based EU Battlegroup for first time |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/members-of-irelands-special-forces-deployed-to-german-based-eu-battlegroup-for-first-time-956295.html |access-date=6 November 2019 |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=10 October 2019}}</ref> This overlapped with the unit's rotations to MINUSMA in Mali.

===Reported domestic missions===
[[File:An ARW team in a Tactical Assault Craft..png|thumb|ARW maritime counter-terrorism exercise on the [[Irish Sea]] in 2011]]
In December 1983 the ARW was involved in an operation against a [[Provisional Irish Republican Army|Provisional IRA]] "unit" on the loose in woodland in the South of [[County Leitrim]] that had been holding hostage for [[ransom]] a kidnapped businessman, the ARW having been sent in by the Government after the P-IRA had murdered a Garda officer and an Irish Army soldier that had found their hideout.<ref>R.T.E. News report, December 1983. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGgfGdJJSrs</ref>

In the early 1990s the ARW took part in operations in support of the [[Garda Emergency Response Unit]] against the Provisional IRA.<ref>'The Rangers at 30', 'Herald.ie', 18 March 2010. https://www.herald.ie/news/the-rangers-at-30-27945665.html</ref>

In January 1997, two teams of 12 from the ARW were sent to [[Mountjoy Prison]] in central Dublin where three prisoners armed with knives had taken two prison officers hostage and barricaded themselves inside the Medical Unit where they were threatening to kill the prison officers. The ARW took up positions ready to blow down the steel door to the unit and eliminate the threat posed by the hostage-takers. The siege ended within a few hours of the ARW being called in after the hostage-takers were made aware of their presence during negotiations and surrendered.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rangers signal new UN role for Irish troops|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/rangers-signal-new-un-role-for-irish-troops-1.228728|access-date=2 September 2016|publisher=The Irish Times|date=18 September 1999}}</ref>

In May 2011, the unit had a major role in protecting [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] on her [[Queen Elizabeth II's state visit to the Republic of Ireland|state visit to Ireland]],<ref name="lavery">{{cite news|last=Lavery|first=Don|title=No-fly zone over Dublin Castle for EU Presidency|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/nofly-zone-over-dublin-castle-for-eu-presidency-28950836.html|access-date=15 May 2014|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=22 January 2013}}</ref> where "viable" assassination attempts by [[dissident republican]] terrorists were prevented.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kelleher|first=Lynne|title=Arrests made to protect Queen, reveals Callinan|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/arrests-made-to-protect-queen-reveals-callinan-30158974.html|access-date=16 May 2014|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=6 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=McDonald|first=Henry|title=Irish police arrest dissident republicans before Queen's visit|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/may/16/irish-police-arrest-republican-dissidents-queens-visit|access-date=15 May 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|date=16 May 2011}}</ref> The ARW had airborne sniper teams in three [[AgustaWestland AW139]] helicopters, counter assault teams in the [[motorcade]] and a number of ground teams, including 20 close protection officers.<ref name="lavery"/>

Also in May 2011, [[President of the United States]] [[Barack Obama]] received protection from the ARW on his visit to Ireland just days after the visit of the Queen.<ref name="lavery"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Lavery|first=Don|title=Snipers equipped with record-breaking rifle|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/snipers-equipped-with-recordbreaking-rifle-26789281.html|access-date=16 May 2014|newspaper=The Independent|date=1 December 2012}}</ref> The two visits were the largest civil security operations ever undertaken in the Republic of Ireland,<ref>{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Laura|title=The Queen in Ireland: security operation is largest in republic's history|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/8518003/The-Queen-in-Ireland-security-operation-is-largest-in-republics-history.html|access-date=16 May 2014|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=17 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hogan|first=Eugene|title=Visit sparks biggest security operation in history of State|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/visit-sparks-biggest-security-operation-in-history-of-state-25911840.html|access-date=16 May 2014|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=23 November 2012}}</ref> both ultimately successful.

From January to July 2013, the wing formed part of the security apparatus for the [[Presidency of the Council of the European Union]], held by Ireland for six months, which included supplying sniper and spotter teams. Also in June 2013, they helped secure the [[Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom border]] on land and at sea as part of the security operation for the [[39th G8 summit]] in [[Northern Ireland]].<ref>{{cite news|last=McDonald|first=Henry|title=G8 summit: Irish trade unions call in human rights monitors|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jun/11/g8-summit-trade-unions-human-rights|access-date=16 May 2014|newspaper=The Observer|date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

In the early morning of 26 September 2023, an ARW Maritime Task Unit was involved in the [[Interdiction of MV Matthew|storming of MV ''Matthew'']], a Panamanian-registered bulk cargo vessel, off the coast of Cork in what was described as an "opposed boarding operation".<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Niall |title=Over €100m worth of drugs on board cargo ship seized by Army Ranger Wing off Irish coast |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/army-ranger-wing-special-forces-boarding-cork-6179188-Sep2023/ |access-date=27 September 2023 |publisher=The Journal |date=27 September 2023}}</ref> The ship had crossed the Atlantic from Venezuela; approximately 2,200 kilograms of [[cocaine]] with an estimated street value of €157 million were found hidden on board the next day, in the largest seizure of illegal narcotics in Irish history.<ref>{{cite news|title=€157m drugs seizure is 'largest in history of State'|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/0927/1407537-cork-wexford-ship-operation/|newspaper=RTE News|date=27 September 2023}}</ref> The ship, which had been monitored after entering Irish territorial waters, reportedly refused orders to halt for inspection and headed for [[international waters]] when warning shots were fired by the {{ship|LÉ|William Butler Yeats}}. This was followed by ARW maritime operators [[fast roping]] onto the vessel from an [[Irish Air Corps]] helicopter. After the ship was secured, it was escorted into [[Cork Harbour]] for further investigation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gardaí to pull apart cocaine 'mothership' stormed by Army Rangers as drugs haul 'could be over €100m'|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/crime/gardai-to-pull-apart-cocaine-mothership-stormed-by-army-rangers-as-drugs-haul-could-be-over-100m/a1613579607.html|newspaper=The Irish Independent|date=27 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Smugglers burned cocaine as Army Rangers stormed ship|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41235124.html|newspaper=The Irish Examiner|date=26 September 2023}}</ref> The 25 crew members detained for interview,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Paul |title=€157m drugs seizure is 'largest in history of State' |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/0927/1407537-cork-wexford-ship-operation/ |access-date=27 September 2023 |publisher=RTÉ News |date=27 September 2023}}</ref> with nine people arrested (of whom one was released) {{As of|2023|September|30|alt=as of 30 September}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=MacRedmond |first1=David |date=30 September 2023 |title=Eighth man arrested in connection with MV ''Matthew'' cargo ship drug seizure as another released |language=en |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/man-arrested-mv-matthew-cargo-ship-drugs-seizure-6183340-Sep2023/ |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>

==Casualties==
{{See also|List of Irish military casualties overseas}}
Three Rangers are known to have died while serving in the unit since its foundation in 1980, one of them overseas. Sergeant Derek Mooney, aged 33, of Blackrock, Dublin, died after the [[Land Rover Defender]] he was driving in a convoy overturned due to poor road conditions, 40&nbsp;km south of [[Monrovia]], Liberia on 27 November 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Finn|first=Melaine|title=Bad road a factor in death of Army ranger in Liberia|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/bad-road-a-factor-in-death-of-army-ranger-in-liberia-26008462.html|access-date=15 May 2014|newspaper=Irish Independent|date=24 November 2012}}</ref> Sgt Kevin Mayne (1987) and [[Regimental quartermaster sergeant|RQMS]] Patsy Quirke (1998) also lost their lives while serving in the unit,<ref>{{cite web|title=In memory of those who died while serving in the Army Ranger Wing|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/dfmagazine/4478065437/in/set-72157623615393723|work=19 March 2010|date=19 March 2010|publisher=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=15 May 2014}}</ref> however no details regarding the cause of their deaths are publicly available. No other losses have been publicly disclosed.

In Paul O'Brien and Wayne Fitzgerald's book ''Shadow Warriors'', it states "four operatives losing their lives while on active service" with the ARW, however, their names and details are omitted at the request of the Irish Defence Forces. They are remembered on a memorial located within the ARW compound at the Curragh Camp.<ref name="shadow warriors"/>

==Equipment==

===Weapons===
In addition to standard [[Modern equipment of the Irish Army#Weapons|weapons of the Irish Defence Forces]], weapons used by the ARW include:-

====Personal weapons====
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:13%;"|Name
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:10%;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:12%;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc; width:7%;"|Caliber
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;width:8%; "|Photo
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;width:50%;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Pistol]]s'''
|-
| [[SIG Sauer P226]]
| rowspan="2" | {{GER}}<br />{{CHE}}
| rowspan="3" | [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| rowspan="3" | [[9×19mm Parabellum]]
| [[File:SIG Sauer P226 neu.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" /><ref name="Weapons 2002">{{cite web|title=Army Ranger Wing - Weapons & Equipment|url=http://www.military.ie/army/arw_weapons.htm|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020812103900/http://www.military.ie/army/arw_weapons.htm|archive-date=12 August 2002}}</ref>
|-
| [[SIG Sauer P226#P228 (M11)|SIG Sauer P228]]
| [[File:SIG-P228-p1030033.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="Herald 2010" /><ref name="Tactical 2013" />
|-
| [[Heckler & Koch USP]]
| {{GER}}
| [[File:First-year H&K USP 9mm (32415150000) modified.png|120px]]
| [[Suppressor|Suppressed]]<ref name="Tactical 2013" /> 
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Submachine gun]]s'''
|-
| [[FN P90]]
| {{BEL}}
| [[Personal defense weapon]]
| [[FN 5.7×28mm]]
| [[File:FN P90 PDW.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" /><ref name="gourley2003">Gourley, S.; Kemp, I (November 2003). "The Duellists". Jane's Defence Weekly ({{ISSN|0265-3818}}), Volume 40 Issue 21, pp 26–28.</ref><ref name="di2004">"New ARW Weapons". D&I Magazine (July 2004)</ref> 
|-
| [[Heckler & Koch MP5]]
| {{GER}}
| [[Submachine gun]]
| [[9×19mm Parabellum]]
| [[File:Heckler Koch MP5.jpg|120px]]
| Including [[Heckler & Koch MP5#Variants|MP5A3]], MP5SD6, MP5F and MP5K variants<ref name="Tactical 2013" /><ref name="Weapons 2002" /> 
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Combat shotgun]]s'''
|-
| [[Benelli M3|Benelli M3T (Tactical)]]
| rowspan="3" | {{ITA}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Semi-automatic shotgun]]
| rowspan="4" | [[Gauge (bore diameter)|12 gauge]]
| [[File:Benelli M3 Super 90.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" /> 
|-
| [[Benelli M4|Benelli M4 Super 90]]
| [[File:Benelli m4 2.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" /> 
|-
| [[Franchi SPAS-12]]
| [[Combat shotgun]]
| [[File:SPAS 12 Fixed Stock and Folding Stock.JPG|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" />
|-
| [[Remington Model 870]]
| {{USA}}
| [[Pump action]]
| [[File:Remington Model 870.png|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" /><ref name="Weapons 2002" />
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Assault rifle]]s/[[Carbine]]s'''
|-
| [[Heckler & Koch HK416]]
| {{GER}}
| [[Assault rifle]]
| rowspan="3" | [[5.56×45mm NATO]]
| [[File:HK416N.png|120px]]
| [[HK416 A5]] in 11" and 14.5" variants. 
|-
| [[Steyr AUG|Steyr AUG A1]]
| rowspan="2" | {{AUT}}
| [[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]]
| [[File:AUG A1 508mm 04.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" /> 
|-
| [[Steyr AUG#Variants|Steyr AUG A3]]
| [[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]]
| [[File:Steyr AUG A3.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="Tactical 2013" /> 
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Sniper rifle]]s'''
|-
| [[Heckler & Koch HK417]]
| {{GER}}
| [[Battle rifle]]
| [[7.62×51mm NATO]]
| [[File:ARW 30th Anniversary - 4478683088.jpg|120px]]
| [[Suppressor|Suppressed]]<ref name="Tactical 2013" /> 
|-
| [[Accuracy International AWM|Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum]]
| rowspan="2" | {{UK}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Bolt action]] [[sniper rifle]]
| [[.338 Lapua Magnum]]
| [[File:L115A3 sniper rifle.jpg|120px]]
| <ref name="2007 magazine 2">{{cite journal|last1=Kennedy|first1=Sgt Rena|title=Multitasked|journal=An Cosantóir|date=August 2007|volume=67|issue=6|pages=14–16|url=http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._67_No._7_-_Aug_2007.pdf|access-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305001516/http://www.dfmagazine.ie/site-assets/uploads/Vol._67_No._7_-_Aug_2007.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Tactical 2013" /><ref name="Sniper 2011">{{cite news|last1=Lavery|first1=Don|title=Snipers equipped with record-breaking rifle|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/snipers-equipped-with-recordbreaking-rifle-26789281.html|access-date=18 November 2016|work=Sunday Independent|date=6 November 2011}}</ref>
|-
| [[Accuracy International AW50]]
| [[.50 BMG|12.7×99mm NATO]]
| [[File:AW50.png|120px]]
| <ref>{{cite web|title=Army Home Weapon|url=http://www.military.ie/uploads/tx_templavoila/Army_Home_Weapon_1_707pxl.jpg|website=Defence Forces|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212212034/http://www.military.ie/uploads/tx_templavoila/Army_Home_Weapon_1_707pxl.jpg|archive-date=12 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="2007 magazine 2" /><ref name="Tactical 2013" /><ref name="Sniper 2011" />
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | '''[[Light machine gun]]s'''
|-
| [[FN Minimi]]
| {{BEL}}
| [[Light machine gun]]
| [[5.56×45mm NATO]]
| [[File:M249 FN MINIMI DA-SC-85-11586 c1.jpg|120px]]
| Para<ref name="Herald 2010" /><ref name="Tactical 2013" />
|}

====Support weapons====
[[File:Army Ranger Wing (ARW) ACMAT VLRA 2.jpg|thumb|[[ACMAT VLRA]] used by the ARW as a 'mothership' to resupply Ford F-350 SRV]]
[[File:ARW 30th Anniversary - 4478069963.jpg|thumb|Ranger parachuting for ARW 30th Anniversary in 2010]]
*[[M203 grenade launcher]]<ref name="Platoon Weapons">{{cite web|title=Army - Platoon Level Weapons|url=http://www.military.ie/army/weapons/platoon/|website=Defence Forces|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>
*[[Denel Vektor M1 60mm Mortar]] [[Commando mortar]]<ref name="TW1">Tactical Weapons, May 2010 Issue. Guns of the Elite: Multi-Mission Warriors, page 93.</ref><ref name="Company Weapons" />
*[[Carl Gustav recoilless rifle|Carl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifle]]<ref name="Company Weapons">{{cite web|title=Army - Company Level Weapons|url=http://www.military.ie/army/weapons/company/|website=Defence Forces|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref> – including M2 and M3 variants
*[[AT4|AT4 Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon]]<ref name="Platoon Weapons" />
*[[FGM-148 Javelin|Raytheon Javelin]] [[Anti-tank missile|Anti-tank guided missile]]<ref name="Battalion Weapons">{{cite web|title=Army - Battalion Level Weapons|url=http://www.military.ie/army/weapons/battalion/|website=Defence Forces|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>

====Vehicle-mounted weapons====
*[[FN MAG|FN 7.62mm]] [[General-purpose machine gun|GPMG]]<ref name="Company Weapons" />
*[[M2 Browning|Browning M2 heavy machinegun .50cal]]<ref name="Battalion Weapons" />
*[[Heckler & Koch GMG|Heckler & Koch GMG 40mm automatic grenade launcher]]<ref name="Tactical 2013" />

===Specialised equipment===
'''Terrain vehicles'''
*13 x [[Ford Super Duty|Ford F-350]] Special Reconnaissance Vehicle (SRV) - WMIK (Weapons Mount Installation Kit) by Ricardo Engineering<ref name="Herald 2010" /><ref name="independent">{{cite news|last= Lavery |first=Don|title=World's toughest trucks for Rangers|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/worlds-toughest-trucks-for-rangers-26750295.html|access-date=27 March 2016|newspaper=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WMIK (Weapons Mount Installation Kit) Programme - Defence|url=https://www.ricardo.com/Documents/Downloads/pdf/Defence_brochure_LR.pdf|website=Ricardo|access-date=2 December 2016|pages=14–15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806084447/http://ricardo.com/Documents/Downloads/pdf/Defence_brochure_LR.pdf|archive-date=6 August 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*3 x [[ACMAT VLRA]] tactical support vehicle (to re-supply SRV)<ref name="independent"/>
*[[Nissan Navara]] ([[SWAT#Vehicles|tactical assault vehicle]])<ref name="Tactical 2013 page2">{{cite web|last1=Thompson|first1=Leroy|title=Ireland's Army Rangers (page 2)|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/firearms/irelands-army-rangers/2/#irish-arw-5_phatch|website=Tactical-Life|access-date=19 November 2016|date=1 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Nissan Patrol]] ([[Armored car (VIP)|armoured]]) 
*[[Ford Ranger (T6)]]
*[[Mitsubishi Pajero]]
*[[Range Rover]] (modified for [[counter-terrorism]] duties)<ref name="Herald SAG 40th">{{cite news|last1=Lavery|first1=Michael|title=Ireland's elite Army special forces unit are celebrating their 40th anniversary|url=http://www.herald.ie/news/big-guns-turn-up-for-elite-units-40th-27915542.html|access-date=19 November 2016|work=The Herald|date=19 June 2009}}</ref>
*[[Yamaha Raptor 660|Yamaha 660 All-terrain vehicles]]<ref name="Tactical 2013 page2" />
*[[KTM|KTM motorcycles]]<ref name="Tactical 2013 page2" />
*[[Suzuki]] [[Suzuki DR350|DR350]] and [[Suzuki DR-Z400|DR-Z400]] motorcycles

'''Watercraft'''
*[[Drägerwerk|Dräger]] [[Rebreather|LAR VII Rebreather]]<ref name="Herald 2010" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Dräger LAR VII Combi FA|url=http://www.draeger.com/sites/en_me/Pages/Chemical-Industry/Draeger-LAR-VII-Combi-FA.aspx|website=Dräger|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>
*[[Diver propulsion vehicle|STIDD Diver Propulsion Device (DPD)]]<ref name="2013 September">{{cite journal|last1=Millar|first1=Cpl Paul|title=ARW Maritime Task Unit|journal=An Cosantóir|date=September 2013|volume=73|issue=7|pages=18–19|url=http://empamil.eu/files/download/1557|access-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114172838/http://empamil.eu/files/download/1557|archive-date=14 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Diver Propulsion Device (DPD)|url=http://stiddmil.com/diver-propulsion-device-dpd/|website=STIDD Systems|access-date=19 November 2016}}</ref>
*[[Folding kayak|Klepper MK13 kayak]]<ref name="Herald 2010" /><ref name="2007 magazine 2" />
*Nautiraid Mark VI kayak<ref name="2007 magazine 2" />
*Zodiac M9 inflatable boat<ref name="2007 magazine 2" />
*[[Combat Rubber Raiding Craft]]<ref name="2007 magazine 2" />
*[[Rigid-hulled inflatable boat|Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)]] (Delta 7 metre, Lencraft 5.1 metre dive, and Lencraft 7.5 & 6.5 metre intruder RIBs)<ref>{{cite web|title=Lencraft Boats|url=http://www.lencraft.com/|publisher=Lencraft Boats Ireland|access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref>

'''Parachuting'''
*[[High-altitude military parachuting]] (HALO) & (HAHO) equipment<ref name="Parachute 2002" /><ref name="2007 magazine 2" />
*AFF rig Xerox Initial training rig<ref name="sw20202">"Drop zone". Shadow warriors (pg137 April 2020)</ref>
*SOV/MMS-360 advanced MFF training rig<ref name="sw20202">"Drop zone". Shadow warriors (pg137 April 2020)</ref>
*SOV/MMS Silhouette operational 1 man/ Tandem sigma 2 man HALO/HAHO rig<ref name="sw20202">"Drop zone". Shadow warriors (pg137 April 2020)</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Underwater diving}}
*{{annotated link|Naval Service Diving Section|abbreviation=NSDS}}
*{{annotated link|Garda Emergency Response Unit|abbreviation=ERU}}

==References==
{{Reflist|3}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Irish Army Ranger Wing}}
*[http://www.military.ie/army/organisation/arw/ Irish Defence Forces - Army Ranger Wing (ARW)]

{{Irish Army & Army Reserve|state=expanded}}
{{Irish Defence Forces}}

{{Coord|53|08|50.8|N|6|49|47.4|W|display=title}}

[[Category:1980 establishments in Ireland]]
[[Category:Armed forces diving]]
[[Category:Military counterterrorist organizations]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1980]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the Irish Army|Rangers]]
[[Category:Special forces of Ireland]]
[[Category:Army reconnaissance units and formations]]