More Lessons on Leadership from the U.S. Army Rangers
Other guiding principles for the U.S. Army Rangers are captured in the Ranger Creed, which was written by Command Sergeant Major Gentry of Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Battalion in 1974. Today it is recited by Rangers during upon graduation from Ranger school, change of command ceremonies, and physical training.
As you read through the creed, I'm sure Nehemiah's words will come echoing back from Chapter 4, verse 14: When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses."
(As an aside, the reference scripture for the U.S. Army Ranger Association is Isaiah 6:8: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!")
The 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 further, 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.
- May 17, 2007
- Operations
David Craig November 16, 2007
As I read this creed there were a number of phrases that stood out to me, such as, “I will always keep myself mentally alert,” “I will shoulder more than my share of the task…One hundred percent and then some,” and, “Under no circumstance will I ever embarrass my country.” As a soldier of the cross, I am reminded by these phrases of the importance of (1) always being “mentally alert” of the fact that I am in the midst of a spiritual struggle; (2) fighting for the Lord and loving Him with 100% of all that I am; and (3) hating to do anything that would in any way disgrace the name if Christ or cause others to think less of Him.
Please login to post a comment.
Member Log In
Register Now
Register now to gain access to all of the resources available on our site. Basic membership is free!