Shadow Warriors: A History of the US Army Rangers (General Military)

No American military unit can claim as colorful and volatile a history as the 75th Ranger Regiment. From the French and Indian War of the 18th century when its guiding principles were first written down by Robert Rogers, to the most recent combat operations in Iraq, Rangers have led the way in America's wars for well over 300 years. Today's Army Rangers combine the rugged individualism of American frontiersmen with the finely-honed ability to operate as a close-knit team, wreaking havoc amongst enemy forces wherever they are deployed. This book portrays some of the most fearsome warriors of the most powerful army in the world.

The book has three parts: The Rise of the Rangers - Their origins through Vietnam; America's Small Wars - The modern Rangers in Iran, Grenada, Panama, Iraq and Somalia; The Global War on Terrorism - Afghanistan and Iraq. The post-Vietnam era occupies 75% of the narrative, which contains many dramatic first hand accounts of combat with fascinating supporting detail on doctrine, training, tactics and equipment. Appendices supply further information on regimental lineage, honors and citations, organization and equipment, medals awarded, regimental commanders, NCO roles and Ranger doctrine.

From the Ranger Creed
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.... Never shall I fail my comrades. I will keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight; I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent, and then some more.

From the reminiscences of the first commander of the modern 1st Battalion, 75th Regiment
'The things I remember; it'll be the Gold Medal Infantry of the world; they'll be able to do more with their hands and weapons than any other infantry unit in the world. Wherever they go they'll be recognised for their superior excellence. There will be no hooligans or bums in that organization... There will be a creed that they will develop, live by, train by, and fight by.'

From the Military Book Club
'From the first battles fought by Robert Rogers' Rangers in the mountains and swamps of upstate New York, to fierce battles in the blistering desert towns of Iraq, Shadow Warriors takes you for a 250-year tour with the Army Rangers. And what a tour it is!

...Honor the men who lead the way with this informative illustrated history.'

Mir Bahmanyar received his BA in History from the University of California at Berkeley. Subsequently, he joined the US Army, serving with the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as a machine-gunner and training non-commissioned officer. Mir also created www.suasponte.com a website chronicling the history of the American Ranger. He is a feature film producer and screenwriter, recently completing the award-winning film Soldier of God (www.soldierofgod.net). He lives in Los Angeles. The author lives in LA, California.