| Expert Ranger Tape | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by Civil Air Patrol | |
| Type | Tape |
| Eligibility | See Ranger Grades |
| Awarded for | Completion of Ranger Tests |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| First awarded | 1960s |
| Total awarded | 240 Expert Rangers |
The Hawk Mountain Ranger Tapes are a series of military style badges of the Hawk Mountain Ranger School, a National Cadet Special Activity of the Civil Air Patrol. The tapes signify qualification as a Hawk Mountain Ranger. Various levels of the award exist, one for each grade of HMRS Ranger, the highest grade being that of Expert Ranger.
Those successfully graduating from Hawk Mountain Ranger Schools are presented with the Ranger Tape equivalent to the grade of award they have earned. The tape is worn above the left breast pocket, resting centered on, but not over, the Civil Air Patrol tape. The award is only worn on field uniforms (such as the Battle Dress Uniform).[1] This award is not authorized for wear on any United States military uniform.
The expert grade of the Ribbon can only be earned by completing a special course during a Ranger Summer School. This course exposes Rangers to an expert level of search & rescue, woodsmanship, and survival. Most subjects are tailored to the student’s needs and taught on a one-on-one basis by expert instructors. An extensive week long survival exercise is conducted away from the rest of the Summer School's training. This course stresses the development of individual skills, and requires participants to possess a high degree of motivation and strong self-confidence. A comprehensive interview and physical fitness test are given prior to attending this course. As of March 2010, only 230 Rangers have become Expert Rangers.[2]
The HMRS Ranger Tapes are derived from the Ranger tab of the United States Army Rangers.
| This article incorporates material and text originally from a Civil Air Patrol website. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the material is in the public domain. |