Can an Airborne Platoon Handle a Ranger Mission Efficiently?

Yes, an Airborne platoon with the proper training and experience can definitely handle a Ranger mission. One of the benefits of having a robust selection and training process for Infantry units, such as the Rangers, is that their graduates return to their companies equipped with advanced skills and knowledge, enabling them to lead and train others effectively.

Key Differences Between Regular Army Units and Rangers

The primary distinction between a standard Army unit like the 82nd Airborne Division and a Ranger unit lies in the sustained and rigorous training requirements for Rangers. To become a Ranger, one must successfully complete a grueling selection course and subsequent Ranger School, followed by continuous performance reviews. Rangers maintain a high standard and set the bar for excellence, but this does not mean that regular Airborne platoons are incapable of completing Ranger missions. They may not achieve the same level of proficiency or efficiency, but they can still accomplish the mission successfully.

Soldier Preparations for Rangers

During my service in A Company, 2/505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, our mission statement aligned closely with the Ranger ethos. We shared the same MOS, Military Occupational Specialty, as Rangers – 11B, which stands for Infantry Rifleman. This shared understanding and training ethos significantly bolstered our ability to handle Ranger missions.

I served in Ranger Class 1-92, which was one of the most challenging 72 days and nights of my life. Upon graduating, I earned the distinguished Victor designation for my MOS. Our preparation for the Rangers started long before the Ranger School. We trained rigorously in various combat warfare techniques, including airfield seizures, urban, mountain, desert, and jungle warfare operations.

Practical Examples and Missions

One of the defining moments of my service was when the 82nd Airborne jumped under enemy fire alongside Rangers, SEALs, and Delta Force to capture Manuel Noreiga in Panama. In Desert Storm, we participated in one of the largest air assaults in U.S. Army history, landing behind enemy lines to secure Iraq's largest weapon storage facility, Kamasiyah. These experiences underscored the capabilities of our Airborne division, including our proficiency in high-speed operations and our ability to execute complex missions under stress.

Another significant mission was our preparations for the Haitian operation. We created mock-ups of the airport to practice airfield seizures and had detailed operation orders for overthrowing the prime minister. Although these plans were never executed, they demonstrated our readiness for high-risk, high-stakes missions.

Training and Resources

While Rangers have some specialized training in areas like HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) and scuba operations, our Airborne division benefits from the opportunity to attend many of the best warfare schools. Our soldiers receive comprehensive training in combat engineering, survival, escape, and evasion, as well as Jungle Warfare and Pathfinder skills. This well-rounded training contributes to our overall combat readiness.

Our barracks at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, are just a few kilometers from Delta Force's compound, reinforcing our connection to other elite units. While the 82nd Airborne is not part of Special Operations Command, we are still considered an elite fighting force that garners the respect of any military combat arms unit. Our red berets distinguish us as a highly capable division.

In conclusion, while Rangers operate with a level of specialized expertise that sets them apart, an Airborne platoon can handle a Ranger mission, albeit with the understanding that their approach and execution might differ due to varying training emphases. Their extensive combat experience and rigorous training ensure that they leave no stone unturned in achieving their goals.

References and Additional Information

For further research on the 82nd Airborne Division and other related units, I recommend the following resources:

U.S. Army Infantry School Ranger School Brochures and Documentation Historical records of the 82nd Airborne Division and other special forces units