Ranger Creed

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The Ranger Creed is the official mission statement of the United States Army Rangers, and is also adopted by Rangers in other armed forces around the world. It was initiated by then-LTC Leuer and his Command Sergeant Major Neal R. Gentry. It was re-drafted by the battalion XO, Major "Rock" Hudson and finalized at Ft Stewart, Georgia in 1974 when the original cadre deployed there on 1 July 1974.

[edit] Ranger Creed

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.

Rangers Lead The Way!

[edit] Variations

The original Ranger Creed is as stated above, however variations of the 1st stanza have occurred. This is due to the diverging histories of the Rangers as a unit and Ranger School. After the consolidation of the Ranger Companies, "of the Rangers" was substituted for "of my Ranger Battalion" for members of 1st Ranger Battalion. When 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed, they did likewise. After the formation of the 75th Ranger Regiment, members of all Battalions began adopting "of my Ranger Regiment".^[1]

These variations cause a noticeable amount of friction for students of Ranger School that are also Rangers. Rangers rarely adopt the official version of the Ranger Creed, preferring to maintain the Regimental variation, much to the chagrin of Ranger Instructors.