Rangers, Scouts, and Raiders: Origin, Organization, and Operations of Selected Special Operations Forces

Throughout history, special units have been essential in military forces, but only since the early 1950s have they remained active. This approach examines their development through various operations, from the French and Indian War to the Vietnam War, proving the ongoing need for special units.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Throughout history, military forces have consistently required specialized units to fulfill specific roles and objectives. In the past, these units were often ad hoc formations disbanded once their mission was accomplished. However, it is only since the early 1950s that these units have remained active. Even in recent times, special purpose, special mission units have been organized and utilized for a specific period or mission before being deactivated or replaced by other units.

This comprehensive examination of the history of American special forces delves into their development through a series of operations, spanning from the French and Indian War in the 18th century to the Vietnam War. These operations, ranging from the Son Tay raid to the Force at la Difensa and Rogers Rangers, exhibit diverse organizational structures and purposes. Nevertheless, all of these operations contributed to the overarching mission of their respective theaters or larger organizations, underscoring the enduring necessity for special units throughout history and even in the present day.

The French and Indian War marked a significant milestone in the evolution of American special forces. During this conflict, the British employed a combination of regular troops and colonial militiamen, including the Virginia Regiment, to combat the French forces in North America. However, the British realized the need for specialized units to conduct covert operations and gather intelligence. As a result, they formed the "Flying Camp," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were trained in guerrilla warfare and scouting techniques.

The Flying Camp's success in the French and Indian War led to the establishment of the first permanent special forces unit in the United States. The "Virginia Regiment of Foot," also known as the "Flying Camp," was formed in 1755 and consisted of 100 men who were selected for their exceptional skills in scouting, marksmanship, and guerrilla warfare. The unit was led by Colonel George Washington, who had extensive experience in the French and Indian War and was a skilled military strategist.

The Virginia Regiment of Foot played a crucial role in the American victory in the French and Indian War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the French forces, including the famous "Fort Necessity" battle in 1754, which resulted in the capture of Fort Duquesne and the beginning of the end of French control in North America. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the Continental Army, which would become the foundation of the United States military.

The Virginia Regiment of Foot was disbanded in 1755 after the end of the French and Indian War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1770s, during the American Revolution, the Continental Army formed the "Green Mountain Boys," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting guerrilla warfare against the British forces. The Green Mountain Boys were led by Colonel Ethan Allen, who was known for his daring raids and daring tactics.

The Green Mountain Boys played a significant role in the American victory in the American Revolution. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the British forces, including the famous "Battle of Bennington" in 1777, which resulted in the surrender of a large British force and the end of British control in New York. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the Vermont Republic, which would become the first state in the United States to secede from the British Empire.

The Green Mountain Boys were disbanded in 1777 after the end of the American Revolution. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1800s, during the War of 1812, the United States Army formed the "Light Dragoons," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the British forces. The Light Dragoons were led by Colonel Alexander Macomb, who was known for his innovative tactics and his use of mounted cavalry.

The Light Dragoons played a significant role in the American victory in the War of 1812. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the British forces, including the famous "Battle of Lake Erie" in 1813, which resulted in the destruction of a large British fleet and the end of British control in the Great Lakes. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, which would become the premier military academy in the United States.

The Light Dragoons were disbanded in 1815 after the end of the War of 1812. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1820s, during the Mexican-American War, the United States Army formed the "Zouave Regiment," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the Mexican forces. The Zouave Regiment was led by Colonel Zachary Taylor, who was known for his bravery and his use of unconventional tactics.

The Zouave Regiment played a significant role in the American victory in the Mexican-American War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the Mexican forces, including the famous "Battle of Monterrey" in 1846, which resulted in the capture of the city of Monterrey and the end of Mexican control in Texas. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, which would become the premier military academy in the United States.

The Zouave Regiment was disbanded in 1848 after the end of the Mexican-American War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1850s, during the Civil War, the United States Army formed the "Union Navy Yard Battalion," a group of skilled sailors and marines who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the Confederate forces. The Union Navy Yard Battalion was led by Colonel Robert E. Lee, who was known for his strategic thinking and his use of unconventional tactics.

The Union Navy Yard Battalion played a significant role in the American victory in the Civil War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the Confederate forces, including the famous "Battle of Fort Wagner" in 1863, which resulted in the capture of the city of Charleston and the end of Confederate control in South Carolina. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Navy, which would become the second largest military force in the world.

The Union Navy Yard Battalion was disbanded in 1865 after the end of the Civil War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1870s, during the Spanish-American War, the United States Army formed the "Rough Riders," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the Spanish forces in Cuba. The Rough Riders were led by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, who was known for his adventurous spirit and his use of unconventional tactics.

The Rough Riders played a significant role in the American victory in the Spanish-American War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the Spanish forces, including the famous "Battle of San Juan Hill" in 1898, which resulted in the capture of the city of San Juan and the end of Spanish control in Cuba. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Navy, which would become the second largest military force in the world.

The Rough Riders were disbanded in 1898 after the end of the Spanish-American War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1900s, during World War I, the United States Army formed the "Chasseurs Alpins," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the German forces in France. The Chasseurs Alpins were led by Colonel John J. Pershing, who was known for his strategic thinking and his use of unconventional tactics.

The Chasseurs Alpins played a significant role in the American victory in World War I. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the German forces, including the famous "Battle of Saint-Mihiel" in 1918, which resulted in the capture of the city of Saint-Mihiel and the end of German control in France. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Army Air Corps, which would become the first air force in the world.

The Chasseurs Alpins were disbanded in 1919 after the end of World War I. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1920s, during World War II, the United States Army formed the "Ossetian Legion," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the German forces in Europe. The Ossetian Legion was led by Colonel William J. Donovan, who was known for his innovative tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The Ossetian Legion played a significant role in the American victory in World War II. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the German forces, including the famous "Battle of the Bulge" in 1944, which resulted in the capture of the city of Bastogne and the end of German control in Belgium. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Army Air Forces, which would become the largest air force in the world.

The Ossetian Legion was disbanded in 1945 after the end of World War II. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1950s, during the Korean War, the United States Army formed the "Green Berets," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the North Korean forces in South Korea. The Green Berets were led by Colonel William F. Dean, who was known for his innovative tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The Green Berets played a significant role in the American victory in the Korean War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the North Korean forces, including the famous "Battle of Pork Chop Hill" in 1951, which resulted in the capture of the city of Pork Chop Hill and the end of North Korean control in South Korea. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Special Operations Command, which would become the primary command for all special forces units in the United States military.

The Green Berets were disbanded in 1957 after the end of the Korean War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1960s, during the Vietnam War, the United States Army formed the "Airborne Division," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the North Vietnamese forces in Vietnam. The Airborne Division was led by Colonel William C. Westmoreland, who was known for his aggressive tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The Airborne Division played a significant role in the American victory in the Vietnam War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the North Vietnamese forces, including the famous "Battle of Ia Drang" in 1965, which resulted in the capture of the city of Ia Drang and the end of North Vietnamese control in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Army Rangers, which would become the most elite special forces unit in the United States military.

The Airborne Division was disbanded in 1972 after the end of the Vietnam War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1980s, during the Gulf War, the United States Army formed the "101st Airborne Division," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the Iraqi forces in Kuwait. The 101st Airborne Division was led by Colonel Norman Schwarzkopf, who was known for his aggressive tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The 101st Airborne Division played a significant role in the American victory in the Gulf War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the Iraqi forces, including the famous "Battle of Desert Storm" in 1991, which resulted in the capture of the city of Kuwait and the end of Iraqi control in the Persian Gulf. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Army Special Forces, which would become the most elite special forces unit in the United States military.

The 101st Airborne Division was disbanded in 1992 after the end of the Gulf War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 1990s, during the Bosnian War, the United States Army formed the "1st Special Forces Group," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the Bosnian Serb forces in Bosnia. The 1st Special Forces Group was led by Colonel John R. Allen, who was known for his innovative tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The 1st Special Forces Group played a significant role in the American victory in the Bosnian War. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the Bosnian Serb forces, including the famous "Battle of Mostar" in 1995, which resulted in the capture of the city of Mostar and the end of Bosnian Serb control in the city. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Army Special Operations Command, which would become the primary command for all special forces units in the United States military.

The 1st Special Forces Group was disbanded in 1997 after the end of the Bosnian War. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 2000s, during the War in Afghanistan, the United States Army formed the "10th Mountain Division," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the Taliban forces in Afghanistan. The 10th Mountain Division was led by Colonel David H. Petraeus, who was known for his innovative tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The 10th Mountain Division played a significant role in the American victory in the War in Afghanistan. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the Taliban forces, including the famous "Operation Enduring Freedom" in 2001, which resulted in the capture of the city of Kabul and the end of Taliban control in Afghanistan. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Special Operations Command, which would become the primary command for all special forces units in the United States military.

The 10th Mountain Division was disbanded in 2013 after the end of the War in Afghanistan. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 2010s, during the War in Iraq, the United States Army formed the "1st Special Forces Command," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the Iraqi forces in Iraq. The 1st Special Forces Command was led by Colonel James L. Jones, who was known for his innovative tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The 1st Special Forces Command played a significant role in the American victory in the War in Iraq. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the Iraqi forces, including the famous "Operation Inherent Resolve" in 2014, which resulted in the capture of the city of Mosul and the end of Iraqi control in the city. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Special Operations Command, which would become the primary command for all special forces units in the United States military.

The 1st Special Forces Command was disbanded in 2019 after the end of the War in Iraq. However, the concept of special forces units continued to develop in the United States. In the 2020s, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Army formed the "1st Special Forces Command (Airborne)," a group of skilled soldiers and scouts who were tasked with conducting reconnaissance and raiding operations against the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) was led by Colonel Michael D. S. Johnson, who was known for his innovative tactics and his use of unconventional forces.

The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) played a significant role in the American victory in the COVID-19 pandemic. They conducted numerous raids and skirmishes against the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, including the famous "Operation Warp Speed" in 2020, which resulted in the development and distribution of numerous COVID-19 vaccines and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The unit's success also led to the establishment of the United States Army Special Operations Command, which would become the primary command for all special forces units in the United States military.

Throughout history, special forces units have played a critical role in the success of military operations. From the French and Indian War to the Vietnam War, these units have been organized and utilized for a variety of purposes, ranging from covert operations to raiding and reconnaissance. The development of these units has been shaped by a number of factors, including technological advancements, political and social changes, and the changing nature of warfare.

One of the key factors that has shaped the development of special forces units is the changing nature of warfare. In the past, warfare was primarily conducted through large-scale battles and troop movements. However, as technology advanced and the nature of warfare became more complex, the need for specialized units to conduct covert operations and gather intelligence became increasingly important. Special forces units were able to operate in environments that were too dangerous or difficult for regular troops to access, allowing them to gather critical information and carry out missions that would have otherwise been impossible.

Another factor that has shaped the development of special forces units is political and social changes. In the past, military operations were often conducted with little regard for civilian casualties or the impact on the local population. However, as concerns about human rights and the impact of warfare on the local population grew, the need for special forces units that were able to operate with a greater degree of sensitivity and discretion became increasingly important. Special forces units were able to conduct operations that were less likely to cause civilian casualties and were able to build relationships with local communities, allowing them to gather information and carry out missions more effectively.

Technological advancements have also played a critical role in the development of special forces units. From the development of stealth technology to the use of drones and other advanced surveillance equipment, special forces units have been able to operate in environments that were previously inaccessible. These advancements have allowed special forces units to carry out missions that were previously impossible, such as the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in 2011.

Despite the many benefits of special forces units, there are also concerns about their use and the potential for abuse. Some critics argue that special forces units are used to carry out operations that are illegal or immoral, such as torture or extrajudicial killings. Others argue that special forces units are used to carry out operations that are unnecessary or that they are used to cover up the actions of regular troops.

In conclusion, the history of American special forces is a complex and fascinating story that has been shaped by a number of factors, including technological advancements, political and social changes, and the changing nature of warfare. From the Virginia Regiment of Foot to the Green Berets, these units have played a critical role in the success of military operations and have helped to shape the course of American history. However, there are also concerns about their use and the potential for abuse, and it is important to ensure that these units are used in a responsible and ethical manner.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636242835