Introduction – the ‘ranger’ in history, as a behind-the-lines
guerrilla soldier – the US Army Rangers, from World War II to
Vietnam and after
Changes in structure and operational remit since the 1980s – Ranger
Indocrination Program, Ranger Assessment & Selection Program,
Ranger School, and the Ranger Regiment
Operation Just Cause: Panama, 1989 – the Rangers’ last
‘conventional war’
Op Desert Storm: Iraq, 1991 – from combat search-and-rescue to
long-range heliborne assault
Op Gothic Serpent: Somalia, 1993 – the lessons of ‘Black Hawk
Down!’
Op Enduring Freedom: Afghanistan, 2001-present – the wide range of
missions accomplished, and coordination with other special
units
Op Iraqi Freedom, 2003-2010 – from hunting Scuds, to hunting down
al-Qaeda as part of the JSOC Task Force – comparisons with
Afghanista
The evolution of the modern Ranger – the Ranger Reconaissance
Company & Regimental Special Troops Battalion
The future
Weapons, equipment and vehicles
Bibliography
A Special Forces expert recounts the major changes in organization, equipment and operational missions of the Ranger Regiment (75th Infantry), and its combat record since from the invasion of Panama through to the War on Terror.
Leigh Neville is an Australian national who has written a number of books on both modern conventional military units and special operations forces serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, their weapons and their vehicles including six titles for Osprey with several more in development. He has also consulted on military topics for several wargame companies and television documentary makers. He lives in Sydney with his wife and two dogs. He can be contacted via his website at www.leighneville.com. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.
"I heartily recommend this tome to anyone interested in the U.S. Army Rangers, their operations, training and equipment, and their continually-evolving tactics in the fight against various insurgencies around the globe." --IPMS "In all, this book makes for an interesting read and provides insight into one of America's premier fighting units. A book that you really will enjoy reading." --Modeling Madness "This book is relatively brief, but full of information about the Rangers' history, weapons, equipment, vehicles and even their projected future." --Toy Soldier & Model Figure
![]() |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
![]() |