5 Facts About 2nd Battalion Ranger Regiment

The 2nd Battalion Ranger Regiment, also known as the 2nd Ranger Battalion, is a prestigious unit within the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). With a rich history and a reputation for excellence, the 2nd Ranger Battalion is a force to be reckoned with. Here are five fascinating facts about this elite unit.

Fact #1: History and Lineage

The 2nd Ranger Battalion has its roots in World War II, specifically in the 1st Ranger Battalion, which was activated on June 19, 1942, in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. The 1st Ranger Battalion was formed from a group of volunteers from the 34th Infantry Division and was trained in Scotland by British Commandos. In 1943, the 2nd Ranger Battalion was activated, and both units saw extensive combat in North Africa and Europe, including the famous D-Day landings in Normandy.

Missions and Operations

The 2nd Ranger Battalion has participated in numerous missions and operations throughout its history, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. In recent years, the battalion has been involved in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Fact #2: Training and Selection

To become a member of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, one must undergo rigorous training and selection. The process begins with the Army's Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), which is an eight-week course that pushes candidates to their limits. Only those who successfully complete RASP are invited to join the 2nd Ranger Battalion, where they undergo further training and evaluation.

Requirements and Standards

To be eligible for the 2nd Ranger Battalion, soldiers must meet specific requirements and standards, including:

• Being a U.S. citizen
• Being a member of the U.S. Army
• Having a minimum of two years of service remaining
• Holding a security clearance
• Meeting specific physical fitness standards

Fact #3: Organization and Structure

The 2nd Ranger Battalion is organized into several companies, each with its own specialized role. The battalion is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and consists of:

• Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC)
• Alpha Company
• Bravo Company
• Charlie Company
• Delta Company
• Echo Company ( mortar and artillery support)
• Foxtrot Company (military intelligence and signals)

Tactical Operations

The 2nd Ranger Battalion is trained to conduct a wide range of tactical operations, including:

• Airborne and air assault operations
• Direct action and rapid deployment
• Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations
• Signals intelligence and communication security

Fact #4: Equipment and Vehicles

The 2nd Ranger Battalion uses a variety of equipment and vehicles to support its operations, including:

• M4 carbines
• M249 machine guns
• M240 machine guns
• M2.50-caliber machine guns
• MK19 grenade launchers
• AT4 anti-tank rockets
• UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
• CH-47 Chinook helicopters
• MRZR all-terrain vehicles

Specialized Equipment

The 2nd Ranger Battalion also has access to specialized equipment, such as:

• Night vision goggles
• Thermal imaging devices
• Satellite communication systems
• Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment

Fact #5: Awards and Decorations

The 2nd Ranger Battalion has received numerous awards and decorations for its service, including:

• Presidential Unit Citation
• Valorous Unit Award
• Meritorious Unit Commendation
• Army Superior Unit Award

Individual Awards

Many 2nd Ranger Battalion soldiers have also received individual awards and decorations, including:

• Medal of Honor
• Distinguished Service Cross
• Silver Star
• Bronze Star
• Purple Heart

2nd Battalion Ranger Regiment Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the 2nd Battalion Ranger Regiment and its rich history. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.