在美國眾多的特種部隊中,遊騎兵(又稱突擊兵或特攻隊)是一支歷史悠久,武力強悍的精銳部隊。擁有光榮歷史與優秀傳統的遊騎兵,憑著不畏不懼的精神和毅力在各地執行世界警察的角色,並獲得國際上的認同與讚揚。基本上遊騎兵屬於輕型步兵,和騎兵並無任何關聯。它可以運用各式交通工具迅速進入戰區執行任務,因此往往在其它特種部隊抵達之前,遊騎兵就已經完成了任務。就如同代表遊騎兵精神的座右銘"遊騎兵,做前鋒(Rangers,lead the way)"和繡著RANGER字樣的黑色貝雷帽及飄帶型臂章, 一直是遊騎兵榮耀與尊嚴的象徵。
原文如下：
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 the Rangers.
Acknowledging the fact that a Rangers 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 excepts me to move further, faster,
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.
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 other to follow.
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 never embarrass my country.
Readily will display the intestinal fortitude to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
Rangers, Lead The Way!
歷史起源
第一支正規的遊騎兵部隊成立於1756年的新漢普郡, Robert Rogers少校首先組織九連的遊騎兵部隊代表英國對抗法國及印地安人。他們廣為運用快速游擊與偵察戰術潛入敵後攻擊目標,巡防距離遠達400哩。Rogers少校建立的19項遊騎兵信條及頭戴黑色貝雷帽的傳統即由當時成型。在美國獨立革命時各地陸軍紛紛成立遊騎兵部隊,其中較著名的包括由 Daniel Morgan率領一群經驗老到的步兵組成的突擊隊‘The Corps of Rangers"。以及由Francis Marion所率領,多次與華盛頓軍隊並肩作戰的游擊隊"Swamp Fox"。由於遊騎兵的驍勇善戰不但深得華盛頓信賴,並讓英國人留下深刻的印象。總計美國獨立後陸軍共擁有12連的遊騎兵。南北戰爭時較著名的遊騎兵部隊是南軍陸軍上校John S. Mosby率領的騎兵隊。他們利用小隊戰術,快速突擊北軍的哨站或重要據點。不論獨立革命及南北戰爭,美國軍隊已肯定遊騎兵對戰爭的重要性。當時所使用的戰術及兵學思想亦構成今日遊騎兵戰鬥準則的基礎。
