Forging a Special Operations Force: The U.S. Army Rangers details the origins and development, combat philosophy, and key engagements of America's elite fighting force. Structured topically, the book gives a chronological review of the history of the Ranger from the 17th century to the present day, with special attention paid to the establishment of the 1st Ranger Battalion in the post-Vietnam era—the origins of the elite fighting force that exists today.

Authored by a lifetime soldier who served in combat with the 75th Ranger Regiment, this book is replete with information garnered from dozens of interviews with the individuals who created the initial Ranger Force. By integrating the words and firsthand accounts of these founding fathers, the work offers insights unavailable elsewhere. Additionally, the author delves into the unique psyche of the soldiers who volunteer for—and are accepted into the ranks of—the ‘Rangers’.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• List of photographs
• Preface by Keith Nightingale
• Introduction
• 1 Ranger History through the post-Vietnam War Era
• 2 State of the Army in 1974
• 3 The Abrams Charter, the Ranger Creed and Manning the Force
• 4 Readying the Battalion: Forts Benning and Stewart
• 5 Rangers in Action – the Post Vietnam Era Operations
• 6 Forging a Special Operations Force – Rangers in the War on Terror
• 7 Future role of the Rangers in a post Afghanistan/Iraq World
• Epilogue
• Appendix
  • A Ranger Hall of Fame
  • B Rules of Discipline and Standing Orders
• Notes
• Bibliography