The 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment is a special operations force of the United States Army, falling under the umbrella of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). As one of the three battalions that make up the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 2nd Battalion is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The battalion is tasked with conducting large-scale joint forcible entry operations and precision targeting raids, deep area reconnaissance, and personnel and equipment recovery in support of U.S. policy and objectives.
History and Lineage
The lineage of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, dates back to World War II, with its roots in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, which was activated on April 1, 1943, at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. The 2nd Ranger Battalion saw action in Europe, notably during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, where it conducted a heroic assault on Pointe du Hoc, a crucial German fortified position. The battalion’s valor and sacrifice during this operation have become legendary within the U.S. military. Following World War II, the 2nd Ranger Battalion was deactivated and reactivated several times, reflecting the changing needs of the U.S. military.
Modern Era and Operations
In 1974, the 1st and 2nd Battalions (Ranger), 75th Infantry, were reactivated, marking the beginning of the modern Ranger Regiment. The 2nd Battalion, as part of the 75th Ranger Regiment, has since been involved in numerous operations worldwide, including Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), Panama (Operation Just Cause), and the Gulf War. More recently, the battalion has played a significant role in the Global War on Terror, with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, conducting missions aimed at disrupting and defeating terrorist organizations.
| Operation | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Urgent Fury | Grenada | 1983 |
| Operation Just Cause | Panama | 1989 |
| Gulf War | Kuwait and Iraq | 1990-1991 |
| Operation Enduring Freedom | Afghanistan | 2001-2014 |
| Operation Iraqi Freedom | Iraq | 2003-2011 |
Key Points
- The 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, is part of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, specializing in joint forcible entry operations and precision targeting raids.
- The battalion has a rich history, tracing its lineage back to the 2nd Ranger Battalion of World War II, which famously assaulted Pointe du Hoc on D-Day.
- Modern operations include involvement in the Global War on Terror, with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq aimed at disrupting terrorist organizations.
- The battalion's capabilities are underscored by its adherence to the Ranger Creed, emphasizing readiness, teamwork, and duty.
- Its operations reflect the broader strategic objectives of the U.S. military, combining special operations capabilities with conventional military power to achieve policy goals.
Training and Selection
To become a member of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, soldiers must undergo a rigorous selection and training process. This begins with the Army’s Basic Airborne Course, followed by the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), which evaluates candidates’ physical and mental toughness, leadership abilities, and tactical skills. Successful candidates are then assigned to one of the Ranger battalions, where they undergo further training to prepare for the unique demands of Ranger operations.
Ranger Creed and Values
The Ranger Creed is a central part of the identity and ethos of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and indeed all Ranger units. It emphasizes the values of recognizing one’s capabilities and limitations, the importance of teamwork, and the commitment to one’s fellow Rangers. The Creed also underscores the responsibility to do one’s duty, even in the face of danger, reflecting the high standards of courage, loyalty, and duty that define the Ranger community.
The 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, operates within the framework of U.S. military doctrine, which increasingly emphasizes the importance of special operations forces in achieving strategic objectives. The battalion's activities are planned and executed in coordination with other military units and government agencies, reflecting the complex, interagency nature of modern military operations.
What is the primary mission of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment?
+The primary mission of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, is to conduct large-scale joint forcible entry operations and precision targeting raids, deep area reconnaissance, and personnel and equipment recovery in support of U.S. policy and objectives.
How does one become a member of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment?
+To become a member, soldiers must undergo the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) after completing the Army's Basic Airborne Course. Successful candidates are then assigned to a Ranger battalion.
What is the significance of the Ranger Creed to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment?
+The Ranger Creed is central to the battalion's identity and ethos, emphasizing values of recognizing one's capabilities, teamwork, and the commitment to one's fellow Rangers, as well as the responsibility to do one's duty.
In conclusion, the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, represents the pinnacle of U.S. military special operations capabilities, with a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and achievement that spans decades. Through its rigorous training, adherence to the Ranger Creed, and commitment to operational excellence, the battalion stands as a testament to the effectiveness of highly trained, specialized forces in achieving strategic objectives in complex and dynamic environments.
