If your like me – your interested in military history and the gear that soldiers are using. I have been reading several Army Ranger history books and came across this Army Ranger Equipment List. I talked with a good friend of mine who served in Ranger battalion and he gave me a few suggestions on gear.
In this article, we’ll explore this Army Ranger Equipment List, detailing the tools and gear they rely on to accomplish their missions effectively. From specialized clothing to advanced technology, we’ll delve into the must-have items that help these elite soldiers face the demands of their missions with confidence and preparedness.
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OFFICIAL RANGER BOOK
The US Army Rangers are the world’s premier light infantry fighting force. This book contains all of the materials of the official Ranger handbook carried by all Ranger school students.
This is a large desk-top/bookshelf (8.5×11″) sized copy. Unlike other versions of this book for sale (check their feedback), this book is properly formatted with text large enough to actually read!
If I were going to Ranger School I would pick up a copy of the Ranger Handbook and keep it in my ruck sack. I really like the detailed coverage of squad-sized patrols. Small unit tactics and platoon operations.
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ROCKY S2V TACTICAL BOOTS
When it comes to boots that can take a beating and keep going, the Rocky S2V Tactical Military Boot and its variants are a favorite among soldiers who spend long days on foot — including Army Rangers in garrison, training, and operational environments. Built in the USA with rugged flash- and water-resistant leather paired with 1,000-denier CORDURA® nylon, these boots are designed to handle wet conditions, abrasion, and heavy use without falling apart. They feature high-walled Vibram® soles for dependable traction across varied terrain, a fiberglass shank for arch support and stability on long marches, and Roll-Stop ankle stability technology to help prevent common ankle injuries during loaded rucks or uneven ground movement. All of this adds up to footwear that doesn’t quit when the mission gets long, muddy, or unpredictable — exactly what you want when you’re covering miles with weight or moving fast in mixed terrain.
Beyond durability, the S2V boots are built for all-day comfort and field performance, something Rangers and tactical athletes alike appreciate. Moisture-wicking Dri-Lex® linings and Aegis® Microbe Shield footbeds help manage sweat and odor, while the Lycra® tongue and triple-stitched construction keep the fit secure and reliable throughout extended wear — from ruck marches to patrol routes.
Some versions of the Rocky SV2 boot even include insulation and waterproof membranes to keep feet dry and warm in cold or wet conditions, which matters when the mission takes you into harsh weather. While they’re beefier and heavier than lightweight hiker boots, that added mass comes with increased protection and stability — a trade-off many military athletes make for gear they can trust on long movements, rough terrain, or multi-hour missions.
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ROCKY C4R TACTICAL BOOTS
While heavier, aggressive ruck boots like the S2V are great for long loaded marches, some operators prefer a lighter, more breathable tactical boot for everyday use, and that’s where the Rocky C4R comes in. Built with full-grain leather and 900-denier Cordura nylon, these boots are designed to resist water, dry quickly, and handle rugged environments without the bulk that heavier boots bring. The Vibram® EVA/rubber outsole stands up to abrasion, slips, heat, and chemicals, and the NATO hooks combined with speed lace eyelets make donning and doffing fast — a real advantage when time and movement matter. Inside, the Air-Port molded footbed promotes airflow to help keep feet cooler and drier during long days on foot, and the fiberglass shank adds support without a lot of weight.
What makes the C4R appealing for Rangers and tactical athletes is its balance of comfort and durability. Unlike some heavier combat boots that take weeks to break in, this model leans toward lighter use while still complying with military uniform standards and field requirements. Whether you’re wearing them for training sessions, daily operations, or lighter ruck days, these boots deliver a level of mobility and breathability that many athletes appreciate without giving up critical performance features — especially when hot weather, long foot patrols, or extended periods on your feet are part of the plan. Just keep in mind that lighter tactical boots like the C4R prioritize comfort and versatility over the more rugged stability of heavy load-bearing boots, so match them to the task at hand.
Quote from an Army Ranger: “A good boot for ruck marchs, Darby phase and Florida phase.”
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NIKE SPECIAL FIELD BOOT
The Nike Special Field Boot were relatively popular, mostly during RAP week and during Florida Phase. The Nike boots excel during RAP week because they’re light, comfortable and because there is no patrolling during RAP week. The Nike Special Field Boot shine during Florida phase because they dry quickly and absorb less water than most other boots.
I didn’t see many Nike boots in Mountain Phase because they don’t hold up well in rough terrain. You’re practically guaranteed to start ripping the sole off if you use them in Darby or Mountain phase. If you want to use them, make sure to bring Shoe Goo to fix holes and tears.
The Belleville 390 boots were popular simply because they are standard Army issue. If you have a pair and they fit well, keep using them!
Check out our list of the Top 10 Special Forces Boots
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BDU PANTS
We recommend having a sew shop double stitch the crotch and getting your nametape sewn above the right back pocket. Sewing your nametape on your ACU Digital BDU Pants will help you find your pants after laying them out to dry, next to thirty other pairs or after the Ranger Instructor has blown you out of your patrol base.
If you need to buy more pairs, check nearby surplus stores. Surplus stores will sell used ACU pants for significantly cheaper than a new pair of pants . There’s no need to buy brand new pants.
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If you want to check out a tactical pant that has a similar feel but not so clunky.
Check out the SGPT review for the Kuhl Silencer tactical pants.
ACU COAT
The ACU (Army Combat Uniform) coat is the modern evolution of the classic battle uniform and a standard piece of kit for Army Rangers during training, field operations, and daily duty wear. Built from a durable ripstop cotton-nylon blend, the ACU coat is designed to handle abrasion, repeated laundering, and long days under body armor or load-bearing gear. Its slanted chest pockets allow easy access while wearing a plate carrier or ruck, and reinforced elbows improve durability during crawling, climbing, and ground work. The breathable fabric and relaxed fit make it functional across a wide range of climates and missions, from hot-weather patrols to cooler early-morning operations.
What makes the ACU coat especially valuable for Rangers and tactical athletes is its balance of comfort, durability, and mission-ready design. It layers easily over base layers or under outer shells, dries faster than older uniform styles, and maintains mobility during long movements and dynamic training. Whether worn on patrol, during ruck marches, or in field exercises, the ACU coat represents the shift toward lighter, more functional combat clothing — built for operators who move fast, carry heavy loads, and need gear that performs without distraction.
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If you want to pick up something a little more high speed. Check out the tactical jersey that Army Rangers wear when out in the field.
The Antarctica Rapid Assault Ranger Jersey is crafted from a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, providing a durable and breathable fabric perfect for various activities. Featuring a 1/4 zip front with collar and long sleeves with hook & loop adjustable cuffs, this combat shirt offers versatility and comfort. Made of Duratex water-resistant fabric, it’s rip-stop and dirt-proof, making it suitable for tough conditions like army training, paintball, hunting, and more.
The jersey includes 4″W X 5″H arm patch panels and strengthened padded elbows for added functionality. With its abrasion-resistant design and adjustable features, it’s ideal for all-season wear, ensuring you stay comfortable during intense activities like mountaineering or tactical missions. Easy to care for with machine wash instructions, this jersey is a reliable choice for both professional and casual wear.
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RUNNING SHOES
The most important thing about your running shoes is that you use the same pair for trainup that you use for Ranger School. The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe is designed to offer optimal performance during rigorous training sessions. With its Fresh Foam midsole providing lightweight cushioning and a synthetic material construction, these shoes ensure comfort and durability.
Featuring GORE-TEX waterproof fabric, they shield your feet from the elements while maintaining breathability. The forefoot flex grooves enable natural movement, while the EVA foam insert enhances overall comfort. Plus, with approximately 3% bio-based content in the midsole, these shoes contribute to reducing our environmental impact. Gear up with these shoes to conquer your training challenges with confidence and ease.
Check out the SGPT Top 10 Trail Running Shoes
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TACTICAL GLOVES
The Mechanix Wear M-Pact Tactical Gloves are designed to meet the rigorous demands of military tactical operations. Constructed with rugged .8mm synthetic leather, these gloves provide exceptional protection for hard-working individuals in various environments. Featuring touchscreen capability, they allow for seamless interaction with smartphones and tablets while on patrol or in the field. With ergonomic D3O palm padding and Thermoplastic Rubber knuckle protection, they offer superior impact resistance and vibration absorption, ensuring maximum durability and comfort.
The gloves boast a secure fit with a Thermoplastic Rubber wrist closure and adjustable hook and loop design, preventing slippage and keeping out dirt and debris. Additionally, the breathable TrekDry material wicks moisture away, reducing blisters and ensuring cool and comfortable hands during prolonged use. Easy to maintain, these gloves are machine washable, making them a reliable and practical choice for military personnel in demanding situations.
Check out our list of the Top 10 Tactical Gloves
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EOTECH HOLOGRAPHIC SIGHT
Rangers carry the M4 and utilize the new SOPMOD 2 package, which includes the EOTech Tactical HOLOgraphic Sight, LA-5 infrared laser, foregrip, the M3X visible bright light (tactical light) and associated accessories. Also included is the Elcan Spector telescopic sight, which is adjustable from 1 power to 5 power via a throw lever on the side of the optic.
While this is an interesting idea, nearly all Special Forces troops leave these sights in the card board boxes to collect dust and simply use the EO Tech 553. We felt that the Elcan was a little bit too much and perhaps over engineered. Now, if we had been facing long range engagements in Afghanistan, rather than precision raids in Iraq, maybe we would have felt differently. Along with the EO Tech, the LA-5 is much smaller than the PEQ-2 and together these are the most valued items in the SOPMOD kit.
Check out the SGPT Top 5 AR-15 Scopes
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PT SHORTS RANGER PANTYS
“Ranger Panties,” also known as “Silkies” or “Catch-Me-F*** Me’s,” are extremely short nylon shorts commonly worn by members of the United States Army Rangers during physical training (PT) sessions or as underwear beneath their uniform. They are characterized by their minimalistic design, typically featuring a high-cut leg and an elastic waistband.
Ranger Panties are favored for their lightweight and breathable fabric, which provides freedom of movement and comfort during intense workouts or missions. The distinctive style has also gained popularity beyond the military, often worn by athletes and fitness enthusiasts for their practicality and distinctive appearance.
Even Navy SEALs wear them and we always knew that they were gay.
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WRISTWATCH
You cannot use a GPS or Internet capable watch. I used and abused my Casio G-Shock Watch and it kept ticking the whole time.
Your watch should be adjustable so you can synchronize the time with the Patrol Leader. At the end of the Operations Order brief, the Patrol Leader will count down on his watch to synchronize time across the patrol.
Check out the SGPT Top 10 Special Forces Watches
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HEADLAMP
You will become a connoisseur of headlamps by the end of Ranger School. You use headlamps for sensitive item checks, night-time planning and map reading and for hazardous situations, like fording a stream at night. You should buy two headlamps, a primary headlamp to keep on your kit and a backup to keep in your rucksack.
I used the Petzl Tactikka headlamp, which was awesome.
The Petzl Tactikka + RGB Headlamp is bright, practically bombproof, and includes a red filter so you won’t accidently flash your white light.
Check out the SGPT Top 10 Headlamps. We really like this headlamp as it is super lightweight and gets the job done and is replaceable if needed.
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SOCKS
You will need 15 pair cushion sole wool blend socks. You can take two routes for socks. You can just use regular boot socks or spend some money on good boot socks. I opted to splurge and I spent about $150 on Army boot socks.
It worked out for me; I had no issues with my feet during Ranger School. As with your boots, use the same socks for trainup and Ranger School.
Check out the SGPT Top 10 Military Socks
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EYE PROTECTION
Your eyepro must be on the Army Approved Protective Eyewear list and clear lens only. There’s a good chance you will lose a few pairs of eyepro or scratch the lens beyond repair. Use your favorite pair; the ESS Crossbows are a popular choice, as are the Oakley Industrial M Frame Clear Lens Glasses.
However, always have a cheap backup pair or two (like the Uvex S3300X Genesis for $8). You will be dropped from the course as a safety violation if you are caught without eye pro, so keep your backup pair handy. I always kept an extra pair in my rucksack.
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LENSATIC COMPASS
Your unit should issue you a compass. I recommend using the compass with tritium dials. Tritium is a radioactive material which gives off a small amount of natural light, so you can use your compass in the dark.
You really don’t want to charge your compass every time you use it at night. If your unit doesn’t have the right compass, you can purchase the Cammenga Model 27CS Olive Drab Lensatic Compass, which is the same as the standard military issue compass.
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WRIST COMPASS
I also highly recommend a wrist compass as you want to have backup navigation. I specifically like the Suunto M-9 Wrist Compass. A wrist compass incredibly handy for quickly checking your azimuth and getting a bearing on your location. If anything it gives you a backup in case something goes wrong with your primary navigation piece.
If you’re the Platoon Leader of a patrol, you must know your location to within 200 meters at all times.
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WEAPONS CLEANING KIT
There’s no need to buy a fancy weapons cleaning kit. The PS weapons cleaning kit works fine. Its main use will be wiping away the absurd amount of carbon that builds up on the inside of your M4 carbine after firing blank rounds. It must contain 1 cleaning rod handle, 4 cleaning rods, 1 eyelet, 1 bore brush, 1 chamber brush, 1 two ended tooth brush, 1 pack of chamber patches and 1 small bottle of CLP.
Ensure your weapons cleaning kit is well stocked. The essentials are bore snake, a few hundred q-tips, and dental picks for the hard to reach areas, like the star cluster and bolt assembly.
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EOTECH HOLOGRAPHIC SIGHT
Rangers carry the M4 and utilize the new SOPMOD 2 package, which includes the EOTech Tactical HOLOgraphic Sight, LA-5 infrared laser, foregrip, the M3X visible bright light (tactical light) and associated accessories. Also included is the Elcan Spector telescopic sight, which is adjustable from 1 power to 5 power via a throw lever on the side of the optic.
While this is an interesting idea, nearly all Special Forces troops leave these sights in the card board boxes to collect dust and simply use the EO Tech 553. We felt that the Elcan was a little bit too much and perhaps over engineered. Now, if we had been facing long range engagements in Afghanistan, rather than precision raids in Iraq, maybe we would have felt differently. Along with the EO Tech, the LA-5 is much smaller than the PEQ-2 and together these are the most valued items in the SOPMOD kit.
Check out the SGPT Top 5 AR-15 Scopes
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Check price at Palmetto State Armory
PARACORD
When you’re living out of a ruck and every ounce of gear has to earn its place, paracord is one of those items you never leave behind. It’s lightweight, tough as nails, and solves problems you didn’t even know you were going to have. Out in the field, things break—straps snap, buckles fail, gear gets torn up—and paracord is what keeps everything tied down, lashed together, and mission‑ready. You can rig a shelter in the rain, dummy‑cord your essentials so they don’t disappear in the dark, or improvise a fix when the situation goes sideways. It’s not fancy, but it works every single time.
A Ranger carries paracord because it buys options. When you’re cold, wet, tired, and miles from help, options matter. You can use the inner strands for snares or fishing line, secure a splint, build a drag, or mark a route through thick terrain. It’s the kind of tool that disappears into your kit until the moment you need it—and then it becomes the most important thing you’re carrying. Paracord is simple, dependable, and versatile, which is exactly why Rangers trust it.
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MOLLE HYDRATION SYSTEM 100oz
Your hydration bladder carrier cannot have an extra carrying pouch, because the Ranger Instructors don’t want you to sneak food from the DFAC. The Army issued CamelBak holds three liters, or 100 ounces. It’s a good idea to bring a second one, in case you break your primary CamelBak.
The most common ways to bust a hydration bladder include: exploding the bladder by doing an exaggerated ruck sack flop and breaking the drinking valve so it endlessly drains your water.
If you’re a winter Ranger, your hydration bladder can and will freeze. The water in your tube will freeze first. You can delay the water from freezing by blowing the water from the tube back into the main reservoir after you’re done drinking.
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TACTICAL RIGGERS BELT
The BLACKHAWK CQB/Rigger’s Belt is a reliable and versatile choice for military tactical operations. Crafted with parachute-grade buckles and adapters that meet PIA-H-7195 standards, this belt ensures durability and security in challenging situations. Its hook and loop closure system securely fastens the running end, providing a snug fit and easy adjustment.
Made with 1.75-inch webbing, it offers strength and stability for carrying essential gear. Available in three sizes – Small (up to 34 inches), Medium (up to 41 inches), and Large (41 to 51 inches) – it caters to various waist sizes. Compliant with MIL-STD-858 standards, this belt guarantees reliability and performance when it matters most, whether in combat or training scenarios. Easy to maintain with wet wipe cleaning, this belt is proudly made in the USA or imported, ensuring top-notch quality and craftsmanship.
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COLD WEATHER BOOTS
Must meet standards in AR 670-1, no buckles allowed.
The Belleville cold weather boot stands tall at 8 inches, adhering to the standard military height for reliable ankle support and protection. Crafted from durable 100% cattlehide leather, the upper portion of the boot ensures robustness in varied terrains. Its midsole is engineered with high-level cushioning and shock absorption capabilities, delivering comfort during long missions. Designed to excel in icy conditions, the outsole comprises 100% rubber VIBRAM 360° FIRE & ICE compound, providing enhanced traction for secure movement in challenging environments.
This specialized boot features a single density molded removable insert for personalized comfort. Moreover, its insulation system combines 600g composite insulation with GORE THERMIUM, offering extensive protection against extreme cold weather without compromising agility due to added bulk. From its rugged exterior to its thoughtfully engineered interior, the Belleville cold weather boot is tailored to meet the demanding needs of military personnel facing harsh climates and challenging terrains.
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PT JACKET
The US Army Military Gray Physical Training Fitness PT Uniform Top Sweat Jacket, crafted from durable mesh fabric, epitomizes reliability during workout sessions. Its design caters to the rigorous demands of physical training, ensuring breathability and comfort while enduring challenging exercises. With care instructions advocating hand wash only, this sweat jacket promises longevity, complementing its sturdy origin—made in the USA.
This PT Jacket, proudly issued by the U.S. Government, arrives brand new with tags, reflecting its untouched quality and adherence to official standards. Engineered with water and wind-resistant attributes, it stands as a dependable companion during outdoor fitness activities, shielding against the elements while maintaining flexibility and ease of movement. Whether utilized during intense drills or outdoor workouts, this jacket embodies the essence of durability, functionality, and patriotism, meeting the high expectations of military-grade fitness attire.
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LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOM
Long underwear bottoms are a mission-critical base layer for Army Rangers operating in cold weather and extended field conditions, providing thermal warmth without bulk so mobility and load carriage aren’t compromised. Constructed from moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials like merino wool or synthetic blends, these bottoms pull sweat away from the skin and help regulate body temperature when everything else gets cold, wet, or dirty — whether you’re rucking before dawn, sitting on watch in freezing winds, or pushing through rain and snow.
They layer seamlessly under ACU or patrol pants and are rugged enough to handle abrasion and repeated use, making them a reliable piece of kit for long missions where staying warm and dry isn’t just comfortable — it’s essential to performance, focus, and staying in the fight. You cannot have civilian issue poly-pro. Make sure you draw exactly what is on the packing list.
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UNDERSHIRT COLD WEATHER
The US Military Thermal ECWCS Top provides essential cold weather protection. Made of 100% Polypropylene, this top is designed for comfort and performance. Its moisture-wicking properties help with evaporative cooling, making it suitable for mild climates. The fabric is highly breathable and quick-drying, reducing chafing and increasing comfort during movement.
With a crew neck style and contoured long tail, it offers additional protection from the elements. While only the browns are genuine military issue, the blacks are crafted to the same specifications, ensuring reliability and effectiveness in demanding conditions. Easy to care for with machine washable instructions, this PolyPro Cold Weather Gear is a must-have for staying comfortable and focused during operations in cold environments.
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M4 Magazine
I recommend using plain, Army issue magazines. Try to get the magazines with the tan colored follower (the plastic piece that pushes up on the rounds). The tan follower is an improved magazine that feeds more reliably than the magazine with the green follower. You’ll need all the reliability as you can get, especially firing blank rounds.
You don’t need P-mags or other specialty magazines. The magazines will get beat up and cross loaded after fire fights, so it’s difficult to keep track of your magazines. You will probably leave Ranger School with fewer magazines than you started with.
BALACLAVA NECK GAITER
US Army Rangers would use a balaclava or neck gaiter for several reasons:
Protection: They provide protection against extreme weather conditions, including cold, heat, wind, and dust.
Concealment: They help conceal the face and neck, which is crucial for covert operations or in environments where anonymity is necessary.
Comfort: They offer comfort and warmth, especially in cold or high-altitude environments.
Versatility: They can be used in various ways, such as a headband, ski band, neck warmer, hood, balaclava, or face mask.
These head coverings are designed to be adaptable and can be worn in different ways to suit the specific mission and environment.
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ARMY ID Tags with Breakaway Chain with Medical Alert Tags or Bracelet
Civilian clothes:
Collar Shirt,
Pants
Jacket
First Aid Dressing
Duffel Bag
Must be standard Army issue.
Blank Firing Adapter
The blank firing adapter (BFA) must be yellow. Yellow means that the BFA is for an M4. Red means the BFA is for an M16.
Short sleeve T-Shirts
The t-shirt must be ACU tan or green and must be cotton. Do not buy the Under Armour shirts or any shirt that is not 100% cotton. There’s no need to buy high-end or moisture wicking shirts. No matter what you do, you will smell terrible and destroy your t-shirts. Buy the cheap t-shirts at Military Clothing and Sales.
For hot weather, I’m a fan of the HeatGear Boot Socks by Under Armour. The HeatGear socks are thin, breathe well and dry quickly. They’re padded at the normal friction points along your foot to help reduce blisters.
My buddy went through as a winter Ranger and used the Rocky Cold Weather Socks most of the time he was there. The Rocky Cold Weather Merino Wool Socks retained warmth when they were wet and I never had any issues with my feet.
Keep in mind, even if you are a Winter Ranger, you still need hot weather socks. Florida Phase in February can reach 70°. Wearing cold weather socks in warm weather causes excessive sweating which can lead to trench foot and other problems.
Whistle, Olive drab
Must be military issue whistle.
Belt, reflective (High Vis. Yellow)
Combination Lock
You must use combination locks for the packing list. You will use the locks to secure your equipment while you’re in the field. Simplify your life and get a set-your-own combination lock. Then, set each lock to the same combination and eliminate the pain of trying to remember five different combinations.
Ear Plugs with Case
Extra Bootlaces
Flashlight, AA Style, with red lens
Batteries, AA and/or AAA cell (for flashlights and headlamps)
You’ll need AA batteries for your M68 sight, your PVS-14 (night vision), the DAGR (military GPS), Military Mobile Phone and your flashlight. It’s better to go for quantity and load up on cheap AAA batteries. Always make sure you have plenty on hand to replace dead batteries. A mission can quickly turn into a disaster when your NODs (Night Optical Device) die. The type of NODS we are using now are PVS 15 nods and moving towards the PVS-31. You will burn through batteries quickly, especially if you have to help your Ranger buddies, so bring a few to share.
You’ll probably need AAA batteries for your headlamp. As with AA batteries, you might need to share, so pack a few to spare.
LUMINOUS TAPE
You’ll use the Luminous Tape to make cat eyes for your rucksack, assault pack and patrol cap. I recommend doing the sewing before you arrive to Ranger School. Any sew shop outside a military base will sew cat eyes and name-tapes for you. However, you still need to bring a strip to pass the packing list inspection.
It’s difficult to purchase a small strip of luminous tape, so I recommend buying a large roll of luminous tape for $10 and either splitting the cost or sharing it with your Ranger buddies. You’ll want some extra to make various graphics to simplify your life. I made a glow in the dark writing surface on the front of my Ranger Handbook to keep quick notes, like grids of our current location or patrol base and the black and gold plan.
1 each Mouth Piece (Athletic)
Mold your mouthguard before your arrival. You use the mouthguard once during the course, at the combatives class during RAP week.
RANGER LOAD CARRYING SYTEM
The RLCS or Ranger Load Carrying System is manufactured by Eagle Industries and issued to each Ranger upon assignment to one of the three Ranger battalions. Coming in a massive, oversized dufflebag, the RLCS kit contains everything you need and then some. Body Armor carrier, magazine pouches, grenade pouches, hydration pouches, assault pack type kit, a sub-belt for survival gear, and much more all crammed into this thing. This kit is similar but not identical to the SFLCS kit bag issued to Special Forces troops. The most noticeable difference between the two is that the RLCS is green, while the SFLCS is tan.
Latest update on webgear: Rangers have apparently ditched the RLCS and embraced the Condor Recon Chest Rig (Multicam). My information is that they are still rocking the “Ranger” green plate carrier but with Multi-Cam pouches. Also, DCU/ACU uniforms have been discarded in favor of Crye Precision Multi-Cam uniforms.
SHOOTING RANGE GLASSES
The glasses are Oakley M-Frame’s 3.0. They come with three lenses. Clear, Light Red, and Dark Red, The Colored lenses are polarized and will protect your eyes if someone accidentally shines a red lazer in your face.
We have the option to get different colored lenses beside just these three. We can get light green and orange as well.
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LONG RANGE PATROL VEST
The vest is the Rhodesian long range patrol vest that we wear. It is compatible with all molly web pouches. Most of us have multi-cam colored pouches, but the OG guys have olive drab pouches. Mine is sort of bare right now, but if we were using this for a mission I’d have 3 magazine pouches, 2 grenade pouches, and possibly a radio pouch on there as well.
Latest update: I’ve been told that Rangers have since abandoned the Mk46 as the Army has upgraded, or is upgrading the M249 SAW. In this manner, Rangers are able to revert back to the SAW with the US Army footing the bill rather than have it come out of the SOCOM budget.
GRENADE LAUNCHER
The Mk47 grenade launcher is in the inventory of most Special Operations units at the moment and replaces the MK19. Internally, the Mk47 also functions much like a giant revolver, as it has a rotating cylinder inside that ferries the 40mm rounds into position. One interesting feature that soldiers quickly notice is the rip cord. Instead of a charging handle, the gunner pulls a plastic grip attached to a nylon string that charges the weapon. It’s almost like starting a lawnmower.
The Mk47 includes an elaborate thermal imaging system. It is easy to zero, and easy to fire as the on-board computer quickly and accurately computes trajectories for you and tells you exactly where to fire in order to hit your target. In fact, the system is too elaborate to use on mounted operations with the cables running everywhere. The grenade launcher can be stripped down when mounted in the turret of a vehicle, otherwise, the full set-up can be used in static defensive positions.
The M203 grenade launcher is mounted beneath the barrel of an M4 and will serve as the grenadier’s primary weapon during enemy contact. Once the grenadier has exhausted his supply of 40mm grenades, he will then transition to his rifle. The M203 adds to the effectiveness of a squad or platoon sized assault element by giving Rangers the ability to put additional fire into covered and concealed positions. A barrage of High Explosive grenades also acts as a force multiplier during a firefight.
Breaching Kit: Rangers use number advanced demolitions charges and techniques to gain entry into enemy compounds. Ballistic breaching is discussed above, mechanical breaches require tools such as the battering ram, hooligan tool, pry bar, or axe. Explosive breaches are used in a number of instances although the actual types of charges and operational techniques used will have to be left to the imagination due to OPSEC considerations.
Question: Where can I get a lensatic compass with tritium for ranger school? You can get the Cammenga 3H Tritium Compass here. You will definitely need a good compass in Ranger school as land navigation is a key part of the course.
Question: What type of flashlight do the rangers use?
We use insight technology flashlights for our weapons.
A lot of guys buy the Petzl tactical headlamp or grab the princeton tec bluelights for our helmets.
I rock both. Having a headlamp with red lense is a must, but having blue light is a good idea too (you can’t see blood with red light…)
Question: What watch do they wear? the sununto and timex brands are super popular here. For wrist gps we use garmin fortress’s and the Suunto core is popular. The $300 model. My old team leader and squad leader both.had them. A lot of the senior guys rock suuntos and most of the privates/ jr team leaders rock.timex watches
Probably just due to cost. I rock the Timex Ironman triathlon model.
Question: What is the standard issue flashlight for Army Rangers?
Answer: We actually don’t get issued a flashlight. For our weapons we use the insight taclight though. For our helmets we use the Princeton tec blue light.
About the Author
Army Ranger Tango Charlie. Name withheld due to current work.
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