Ranger Creed

The Ranger Creed is the official mission statement of the United States Army Rangers. The Ranger Creed was written in 1974 by CSM Neal R. Gentry, the original command sergeant major of the reactivated 1st Ranger Battalion. It was initiated by the Battalion Commander, then-LTC Kenneth C. Leuer, and re-drafted by the battalion XO, MAJ "Rock" Hudson and finalized at Fort Stewart, Georgia in 1974 when the original cadre deployed there on 1 July 1974. Today, members of Ranger community recite the Ranger Creed during formations, ceremonies, physical training activities and upon graduations from the Ranger Indoctrination Program, the Ranger Orientation Program and the U.S. Army Ranger Course.

The Ranger Creed
": R ecognizing 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 sprit of the corps of my Ranger Regiment.
 * A cknowledging 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.
 * N ever 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.
 * G allantly 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.
 * E nergetically 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.
 * R eadily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.
 * Rangers Lead The Way!!!"

- Ranger Handbook SH 21-76

Variations
The original Ranger Creed is above, but variations of the first stanza have occurred. This is due to the diverging histories of the Rangers as a unit. After the consolidation of the Ranger Companies, the phrase, "of my Ranger Battalion" was substituted for "of the Rangers" by members of 1st Ranger Battalion. When 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed, they did likewise. After the formation of the 75th Ranger Regiment, members of all battalions adopted the wording, "of my Ranger Regiment", and this version remains in use throughout the regiment. However, the version containing the phrase "of the Rangers" continues to be used in the Ranger Handbook.