Today in Ranger history

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Re: Today in Ranger history

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On September 8, 1994, the Army’s Berlin Brigade is inactivated. This ends the U.S. Army’s presence in Berlin that first began in 1945 after the defeat of Nazi Germany.
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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From Tara Ross:

On this day in 1901, Teddy Roosevelt is sworn in as President of the United States. His predecessor, William McKinley, had just been assassinated.

The country was in mourning for McKinley, obviously, but many Republicans were unhappy for another reason, too: They really didn’t want Roosevelt to be President! In fact, he’d been nominated for the vice presidency because some Republicans were trying to put him in a powerless position.

Hmm. So much for that?!

Roosevelt was pretty progressive for his time, and he continues to get mixed reviews even today. But there is another side to his story, too.

Did you know that Roosevelt spent much of his childhood as an invalid? He had asthma and was considered quite sickly. But sometime in his early teens, Roosevelt decided that he was all done with that life. He simply refused to be an invalid anymore. His dad told him: “[Y]ou have the mind but you have not the body, and without the help of the body the mind cannot go as far as it should. You must make your body. It is hard drudgery to make one’s body, but I know you will do it.”

Roosevelt began exercising regularly. He worked hard and become a healthy, active outdoorsman and athlete. He boxed and he lifted weights. He hunted and he went on treks. He was a believer in the “strenuous life.” And he was accomplishing feats that had once been deemed impossible for him.

The man had determination and perseverance.

Roosevelt soon married Alice Hathaway Lee. But tragedy struck three years later when both Alice and Roosevelt’s mother died on the same day. Roosevelt’s daughter (also Alice) was then only two days old. Poor Roosevelt seemed to flounder for a bit. The heartbroken new father left baby Alice in the care of his sister. He moved to the Dakota Territory, where he spent two years as a rancher.

Teddy was always one to get back on his feet, though. He remarried. He became president of the New York City Police Board; he was known for fighting corruption. He was assistant Secretary of the Navy. He famously led his Rough Riders during the Spanish American War. He was Vice President, then President. During all this time, he never abandoned the “strenuous life” that had earned him his health.

A French ambassador once worked out with President Roosevelt. After tennis, jogging and a workout with a medicine ball, Roosevelt asked the Frenchman what they should do next. Reportedly, the ambassador responded: “If it’s just the same with you, Mr. President, I’d like to lie down and die.”

Roosevelt retired from the presidency, but soon became dissatisfied with his successor, William Taft. He ended up running for President as a third-party candidate. Who else but Teddy Roosevelt could lead the Bull Moose Party? What other third party candidate would gain more electoral votes than a major party incumbent? During the course of that campaign, someone tried to assassinate him. Undeterred, Roosevelt continued to his speech and talked for over an hour with a bullet in his chest.

He lost the campaign, but he did it in Bull Moose style. wink emoticon;)

Roosevelt was approaching 60 years old when America entered World War I, but (naturally) he wanted to serve anyway. He was turned down, but all four of his sons enlisted. His youngest son, Quentin, was shot down flying a mission in Germany. Roosevelt took the news hard. He died in his sleep less than 6 months later.

It may have been the only time in his life that he couldn’t quite get back on his feet.
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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From Tara Ross:

On this day in 1796, George Washington bids the nation farewell. He was
retiring from the presidency and making his last exit from public life.

His move was astonishing! How many people voluntarily give up power and return to civilian life? Remember: Washington could probably have been a King, if he’d really wanted to. Yet, at the end of the day, all he wanted was to return to his beloved Mount Vernon.

Washington had written many goodbyes to the American people, but he surely knew that this would be his last. He spent a great deal of time editing his Farewell Address and thinking about what he wanted to say. The lessons that he wanted to impart to the American people, he wrote, “are the result of much reflection . . . [and] appear to me all important to the permanency of your felicity as a People.”

Indeed, Washington was so intent on his task that he was still editing the Address, even as it went to press. He was working hard to get it exactly right.

The final product reflected the intensity of Washington’s effort. Did you know that James Madison and Thomas Jefferson considered Washington’s Farewell Address to be one of the best guides to American government?

We know this because of an incident that occurred in 1825.

Thomas Jefferson was then working to create a list of “text and documents” for use at the University of Virginia law school. Jefferson asked Madison for help in generating his list, and Madison was quick to suggest Washington’s Farewell Address. Jefferson loved it, pronouncing himself “particularly pleased with your inclusion of Genl. Wash’s addresses, which had not occurred to me or I should have referred to them also.”

Ultimately, the list approved by the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia named Washington’s Farewell Address as one of the “best guides” for understanding the “distinctive principles of the government of our State, and of that of the United States.”

Did you know that the Address is still read on the Senate floor once every year? The Address is read on George Washington’s birthday. In 2017, Republican Senator Ben Sasse read the Farewell. In 2018, it will be the Democrats’ turn to pick a reader.

How appropriate. The Address is not only a distinctive guide to understanding American government, but it is also a reminder of the amazing step that George Washington took: By retiring, he set a precedent for peaceful transitions of power from one President to the next. If he’d died in office, that important precedent might never have been set.

Yet again, one is left wondering what this nation would look like if anyone other than George Washington had served as its first President and its first Commander-in-Chief.
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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On this date in Ranger History: Sept. 19, 1994, Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti) began with the deployment of a Joint Task Force.

U.S. Forces moved to their staging locations; all of 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and elements of 2nd Ranger Battalion (who would eventually be moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba) as well as additional task force elements were pre-positioned on the USS America (CV-66). 3rd Ranger Battalion prepared from CONUS to conduct an airborne assault to secure the Port-au Prince Airport.

The operation began with the alert to the United States and Allied Forces for a forcible entry mission onto the island nation of Haiti. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force were staged in Puerto Rico and South Florida.

In December 1990, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a charismatic Roman Catholic priest, won 67 percent of the vote in a presidential election that observers largely free and fair. Aristide took office February 1991 but was overthrown by dissatisfied elements of the Haitian Army and he was forced to leave the country. On July 3, 1993, the United Nations brokered the Governors Island Agreement, establishing a 10-step process for the restoration of the constitutional government and the return of President Aristide, the military derailed the process, setting the conditions for possible military intervention.

After months of planning and rehearsals and final preparations complete the forces were ready, then word came that a peaceful deal was trying to be reached. In the final hour, just prior to the planned H-Hour, a delegation was able to broker a peaceful solution, thereby averting an invasion by U.S. Forces. The forces remained in their locations for a couple more weeks, but ultimately returned to home station.

This was the first time in Ranger history that a rotary wing assault force of this size was positioned on an aircraft carrier for the purpose of a direction action mission.

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Re: Today in Ranger history

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September 22, 1776 Nathan Hale
‘I only regret, that I have but one life to lose for my country'”.



https://todayinhistory.blog/2017/09/22/ ... than-hale/
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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On this date in U.S. Army SF history.....25 Sep 1961 –The Department of the Army Message 578636, designated the Green Beret as the official and exclusive headgear of the Army Special Forces.
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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This week in Ranger History: Oct. 1, 1974, 2d Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry is organized and located at Grey Army Airfield, Fort Lewis, Wash.

After the activation of 1st Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry, and recognizing the need for a highly trained and mobile reaction force, then Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Creighton Abrams, directed the activation of a second battalion size Ranger unit in the fall of 1973.

In February and March 1975, a group of cadre was trained at Fort Benning, Ga., and formed a solid core of leaders capable of instilling Ranger values and doctrine into the first volunteers of the Battalion. In April 1975, the Battalion conducted its first training event and progressed from individual to team, squad, platoon and company training, and culminated with an externally evaluated battalion Army Training and Evaluation Program in December 1975.

At the completion of the ARTEP, the Chief of Staff of the Army declared the 2d Ranger Battalion "world-wide deployable." this marked the start of a series of rigorous training events conducted worldwide and under varied environmental conditions. The "new era" of Ranger training began in 1980 and focused on special operations training.

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Re: Today in Ranger history

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terreythompson wrote: September 30th, 2017, 3:03 am Very informative details and I learned many things from these. Thanks!
Before you go any further, as per our guidelines and rules, make your next post an introduction.
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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On this date in Ranger history: October 1, 1974 - 2nd Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry is organized and located at Gray Army Airfield, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Recognizing the need for a highly trained and mobile reaction force, and after the activation of 1st Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry, the Army Chief of Staff, General Creighton Abrams, directed the activation of a second battalion size Ranger unit in the fall of 1973.

The 2nd Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry was activated at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, October 1, 1974. In February and March 1975, a group of cadre trained at US Army Fort Benning, Georgia and formed a solid core of leaders capable of instilling Ranger values and doctrine into the first volunteers of the battalion.

In April 1975, the battalion conducted its first training event and progressed from individual to team, squad, platoon and company training, and culminated with an externally evaluated battalion by the Army Training and Evaluation Program December 1975.

At the completion of the ARTEP, the Chief of Staff of the Army declared the 2nd Ranger Battalion "world-wide deployable." This marked the start of a series of rigorous training events conducted worldwide and under varied environmental conditions. The "new era" of Ranger training began in 1980 and focused on special operations training.

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Re: Today in Ranger history

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On the eve of an epic battle, we remember those lost, those still here, the Brothers, family, friends of them all.

Heroes all, forever etched in the annals of history.

RLTW.

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Re: Today in Ranger history

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On this day in U.S. Army SOF history......03 Oct 1993 – Task Force Ranger engaged in the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia, , SOF. 1st SFOD-D MSG Gary Ivan Gordon and SFC Randell David Shughart participated in action for which they were both awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously.
Gary Gordon was Sniper Team Leader,
Gary Gordon and his Delta Force sniper teammates Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart and Sergeant First Class Brad Hallings, who were providing sniper cover from the air, wanted to be dropped at the second crash site in order to protect the four critically wounded crew, despite the fact that large numbers of armed, hostile Somalis were converging on the area.
Mission commanders denied their request, in fact, they said that the situation was already too dangerous for the three Delta snipers to effectively protect the Blackhawk crew from the ground because they were outnumbered by overwhelming Somali militias. The Command’s position was that three of them could be of more assistance by continuing to provide air cover.
Gary Gordon, however, concluded that there was no way the downed Black Hawk crew could survive on their own because they were outnumbered and critically wounded. He keeps repeating his request twice until he finally received permission to engage. Sergeant First Class Brad Hallings had assumed control of a minigun after a crew chief was injured and was not inserted with Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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From Tara Ross:


On this day in 1777, Americans lose the Battle of Germantown—at least technically. In an odd sort of way, Germantown was a morale booster, too! Washington’s army had launched a surprisingly tough attack at a time when it was believed to be down and out.

The conflict at Germantown occurred in the wake of American losses at Brandywine and Paoli. It also followed the British occupation of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777. Not too long after that occupation, General William Howe decided to position a large portion of his forces at Germantown, several miles outside of Philadelphia. He wanted to be able to defend the city from an advance by Washington’s forces.

In the meantime, Washington’s army was in rough shape. They lacked supplies and even some of the basic necessities. But, as the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission describes, “their morale was good and they were still full of fight”! When Washington heard that Howe had cut his troops at Germantown in half, he thought he could still score a victory. He settled upon a daring plan to attack the British.

Four American columns were to approach the British from different directions. They were then to attack simultaneously at 5 a.m. in the morning.

Interestingly, Howe received intelligence suggesting that an American attack was coming, but he still did not think that Washington’s army was much of a threat. He thus failed to fortify his position sufficiently and left his men exposed.

On the American side, General John Sullivan was leading one column that was to attack Howe’s center. These forces arrived at their appointed location on time. Unfortunately, the other columns had become lost and disoriented by a thick fog that had descended upon the area. Sullivan launched his attack at 5 a.m., believing that the other forces were where they were supposed to be.

They weren’t.

Sullivan’s forces nevertheless did well at first—and they were helped by General Anthony Wayne and his men, who were determined to avenge the massacre at Paoli! Howe’s men were in retreat. As he watched his men, Howe was horrified. He reportedly called out to them: “For shame, Light Infantry! I never saw you retreat before. Form! Form! It's only a scouting party.” Some of the British took refuge in a stone mansion in the area, Cliveden. Sullivan continued his advance for more than a mile. For a time, it seemed that Americans might win.

Unfortunately, the fog was still causing disorientation. The smoke was thick and some Americans came under friendly fire. Other aspects of the operation began to suffer from the fact that some columns were arriving too late. Making matters worse, Washington took the advice of Henry Knox and gave an order to attack the British soldiers holed up at Cliveden. It was a bad idea.

Americans tried to storm Cliveden, with the support of cannon, but the building proved to be a strong fort and it did not go well at all. Americans suffered heavy losses and were eventually forced into a retreat. Washington’s army had suffered more than 1,000 killed, captured and wounded. By comparison, the British had suffered slightly over 500 killed and wounded.

The battle seemed like a defeat. But, the French took note of American courage and resilience during these losses! They also took note when Americans won at Saratoga not too long afterwards. Taken in combination, these series of events encouraged the French to join in the Revolution as an ally of the new American nation.

How surprising! And interesting. The series of defeats ended up working to Americans’ advantage.
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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From CSM(R) Jeff Mellinger:

On this date in 2001, Operation Enduring Freedom began.

Sixteen years. Please pause to think a moment of all of the men and women who have answered the Nation's call in that place. And especially think of those lost and wounded, as well as those who loved and love them.

And think of those who to this day are planning and executing missions to destroy us and our way of life.

"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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Re: Today in Ranger history

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Today in Infantry History – Oct. 10, 1951 – The Ranger Course was conceived during the Korean War and was known as the Ranger Training Command. On Oct. 10, 1951, the Ranger Training Command was inactivated and became the Ranger Department, a branch of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga.

Its purpose was, and still is, to develop combat skills of selected officers and enlisted men by requiring them to perform effectively as small unit leaders in a realistic tactical environment, under mental and physical stress approaching that found in actual combat.

"The Tab Or The Slab"

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