On 1 February 1969, as part of the U.S. Army Combat Arms Regimental System (CARS), all U.S. Army Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) units were reorganized as the 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger).

Fifteen Ranger companies were formed from reconnaissance units in Europe and Vietnam with lineage to Merrill's Marauders.

The companies were designated C through I and K through P. Further companies were later added (including in 1969, Bravo Company).

There was no "J" Ranger Company. This was due to the newly formed J company arriving from Hawaii not trained to the level required (trained as an Airmobile, Helicopter Insertion Unit and not even Airborne trained). J company, Juliet company arrived patched up as Rangers but were soon dispersed to other unit.

Whilst some believe that the non-existence of J has to do with possible confusion with typed paperwork and I (india) company, this is not correct. (This would apply to any number of lettered companies and is why we use, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Juliett, India etc.

Companies A and B were kept stateside as a strategic reserve in case they were needed overseas in Europe or the Americas. Company O, 82^nd Airborne on deployment back to the USA in 1969 deployed to Alaska and became known as the ‘Artic Rangers’.

The Ranger companies were composed of small, heavily armed long range reconnaissance teams that patrolled deep in enemy-held territory.

Each independent company was attached to a division or separate brigade and acted as the eyes and ears of those units.

Rangers collected intelligence, discovered enemy troop locations, surveilled trails and enemy hot spots, directed artillery and air strikes, did bombing damage assessment, performed ambushes, and sniper attacks. Additionally, Rangers attempted recovering prisoners of war, captured enemy soldiers for interrogation, tapped the wire communications of the North Vietnam Army and the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam (Vietcong) on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and mined enemy trails and roads.

The Ranger Creed

(Lone Survivor)

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 my Ranger Regiment.

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 farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

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 others 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 ever embarrass my country.

Readily 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!