Rogers Rangers Rules and Creed
The last ten of Rogers Rules along with the Modern Ranger Creed
Nov 7, 2006
The 10 Rules below are from the 28 standing orders of operation of Rogers Rangers --the unit, a field manual if you prefer. This set of rules for irregular warfare was included in his Journal published in 1765. These rules, while the vernacular they use are dated, are still valid for small unit tactics today and are still in use. Truly the more things change the more they stay the same.
Find the first section of these rules here and the second section here.
XX. If you have to pass by lakes, keep at some distance from the edge of the water, so that, in case of an ambush or attack from the enemy your retreat will not be cut off.
XXI. If the enemy forces pursue your rear, circle around until you come to your own tracks and form an ambush there to receive them and give them the first fire.
XXII. When you return from a patrol and come near our forts, avoid the usual roads and avenues to it; the enemy may have preceded you and laid an ambush to receive you when you are almost exhausted with fatigue.
XXIII. When you pursue any party that has been near our forts or encampments, do not follow directly in their tracks, lest you be discovered by their rear guards that, at such a time, would be most alert. But endeavor, by a different route, to intercept and meet them in some narrow pass, or lie in ambush to receive them when and where they least expect it.
XXIV. If you are to embark in canoes, or otherwise, by water, choose the evening for the time of your embarkation, as you will then have the whole night before you to pass undiscovered by any enemy parties on hills or other places that command a view of the lake or river.
XXV. In paddling or rowing, order that the boat or canoe next to the last one wait for it, and that each wait for the one behind it to prevent separation and so that you will be ready to help each other in any emergency.
XXVI. Appoint one man in each boat to look out for fires on the adjacent shores, from the number and size of which you may form some idea of the number that kindled them and whether you can attack them or not.
XXVII. If you find the enemy encamped near the banks of a river or lake that you think they will try to cross for their security when attacked, leave a detachment of your party on the opposite shore to receive them. With the remainder, you can surprise them, having them between you and the water.
XXVIII. If you cannot satisfy yourself as to the enemy’s number and strength from their fires and the like, conceal your boats at some distance and ascertain their number by a patrol when they embark or march in the morning, marking the course they steer, when you may pursue, ambush, and attack them, or let them pass, as prudence directs you. In general, however, so that you may not be discovered at a great distance by the enemy on the lakes and rivers, it is safest to hide with your boats and party concealed all day, without noise or show, and to pursue your intended route by night. Whether you go by land or water, give out patrol and countersigns in order to recognize one another in the dark, and likewise appoint a station for every man to go to in case of any accident that may separate you.
THE RANGER CREED
The Ranger Creed was written by Command Sergeant Major Gentry, HHC 75th Rangers, in 1974. Today it is recited by Rangers during upon graduation from Ranger school, change of command ceremonies, and physical training.
I. 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.
II. 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.
III. 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
IV. 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.
V. 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.
VI. 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.
