The predecessor of the U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment was an irregular force that fought during the French and Indian War in the 18th century. The most famous of them was Roger's Ranger, named after his unit commander. . During this period, the unit was disbanded many times. Since its establishment, the current Ranger Regiment has inherited the honor and pedigree won by the Ranger Battalion during World War II. It has fought all over the world, but sometimes due to "Luck" is bad, and the performance is not very outstanding.
Organization and equipment
The 75th Ranger Regiment was established in April 1987. It was assembled from three battalions of the 75th Infantry Regiment established in 1974. Each battalion consists of 3 infantry companies and a battalion headquarters company. The total number of personnel is about 2,000, including the regimental reconnaissance team. Its amphibious combat capabilities are as excellent as its high-jump, low-open parachute and high-jump, high-open parachute.
The 1st Battalion (Rangers) of the 75th Ranger Regiment was established at Fort Benning in January 1974, and the 2nd Battalion was established at Fort Lewis, Washington in October. The Rangers' first operational deployment was in 1982, when two battalions participated in the rescue operation in Grenada. Their operations were so successful that the 3rd Battalion was activated at Fort Benning during October 1984.
The Rangers use the U.S. Army's standard small-caliber weapons: the rifle company uses M16A2 rifles, M249 squad automatic weapons, and M60 general-purpose machine guns. The 90mm recoilless gun has been officially replaced by the new AT-4 recoilless gun.
Operation Grenada Rescue
After the ignominious withdrawal from the Vietnam War on October 25, 1983, the U.S. military deliberately maintained a low profile on the international stage. Two rescue operations were attempts to free the crew of the Maya Ghez and to rescue hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Iran. U.S. troops also participate in various peacekeeping forces. However, due to both international and domestic reasons, the United States has refrained from using extensive force. But in 1983, President Reagan decided that the United States should join an invasion of Grenada by six Caribbean countries "to re-establish peace, order, and respect for human rights; to evacuate those who wish to leave; and to assist the people of Grenada in rebuilding their system of government."10 On March 17, Grenada's Prime Minister Bishop Morris and several cabinet ministers and labor leaders were murdered by their former military colleagues. The establishment of the Revolutionary Military Council was later announced, and it was reported that other government members were also murdered. U.S. intelligence agencies reported that the Soviet Union and Cuba were supporting revolutionary organizations in returning to the island of Grenada, and determined that Cuba was building new fortifications, arsenals, and military communications equipment on the island.
President Reagan regarded Grenada as "a Soviet-Cuban colony, ready to become the main military export bastion and gradually subvert the democratic government." The most important thing in his mind are the more than 1,000 American citizens there, especially the more than 600 American young people studying at the medical school near Port Shalini Airport. The consequences of these young people being held hostage are extremely serious and may be worse than the hostage of embassy staff in Iran.
The Marine Corps assaulted Pearl Airport at 5 a.m. local time on October 25, while the Rangers' departure time was 5:36. The Rangers boarded the 1st Special Operations Air Wing of the U.S. Air Force at Herbert Air Force Base in Florida hours ago. The MC-130E transport aircraft of the 8th Special Operations Squadron left the temporary airport on the island of Barbados. These aircraft Accompanied by the AC-130 (an improved version of the C-130) "Hercules" special forces heavy fighter belonging to the 16th Special Operations Squadron.
When flying over Shalini Port, the defenders' searchlights suddenly turned on, and they quickly discovered these rumbling aircraft, so they immediately aimed their anti-aircraft guns at those aircraft and the landing paratroopers. The AC-130 special forces aircraft immediately launched a counterattack and suppressed most of the Cuban artillery fire. Among the leading units of this assault, there was a 12-man team from the 317th Tactical Airlift Wing responsible for the combat command of the airborne landing, and these paratroopers quickly broke into the air traffic control building.
As soon as the Rangers reached the ground, they found themselves facing an attack by approximately 600 heavily armed professional soldiers. The Cubans were armed with mortars and machine guns and had a minimum number of armored personnel carriers. Soon after a shootout began, the Rangers gained the upper hand, and by 7 o'clock they were in control of the situation.
Obstacles (boulders, vehicles, water pipes) on the runway were immediately cleared, and at 7:15 the first transport plane in the second batch landed fully loaded with support supplies.
Then the Rangers moved in the direction of the medical school campus, mopping up the snipers and scattered resistance troops on both sides. They arrived at their destination, Yizhongzhen Medical College, at 8:30 and were greeted by some rescued students. The campus was deemed completely safe at 8:50. Another medical school in Grand Anse was rescued by airborne troops the next day. The Grenada rescue operation was successful.
Invasion of Panama
The Rangers played an important role in Operation Justice, the invasion of Panama in December 1989. The 1st Battalion of Rangers and members of the 82nd Airborne Division parachuted into Dulicho Tocuman Airport, which is also the headquarters of the Panamanian Air Force. Other Rangers were ordered to seize Rio Hato Airport, where the most loyal troops to the Panamanian dictator were stationed. After a fierce gun battle, the Rangers captured the headquarters there. Five Rangers were killed and nearly 50 soldiers were injured, but there was no doubt that the invasion of Panama was the ultimate victory.