The United States Army Ranger Training Brigade: Into The Future

The nature and lethality of the urban environments, newly developed navigational aids, core values of Rangers past and present, and the Total Force concept, requires an examination of the current training program. New thinking in what we teach, how we teach, and where we teach the U.S. Army Ranger Course should be carefully examined. Certainly, there will not be a shortage of ideas on how we should or should not train soldiers to become Rangers for our future force. However, the philosophical cornerstone of the Ranger Training Brigade must always be to produce the Armys toughest, most disciplined small unit combat fighters our country has to offer. This study examines current training in the Ranger Training Brigade in light of future challenges for our Army. Some continue to resist change, especially if it means the training is more demanding mentally and physically. There are those who cannot grasp the notion that leaders lead by inspirational example, without cynicism, trusting in themselves, their subordinates and their superiors. We must have the courage to tailor the course to be more proactive in meeting the physical and mental challenges of future warfare. We must produce Rangers capable of leading our soldiers on the complex and uncertain battlefields of tomorrow. Our soldiers, our Army, and our country deserve nothing less than the best.