West European Studies

United States Army Rangers refer to the elite American military members who are capable of undertaking short-term strikes and small-scale offensive operations in sensitive and hostile political environments.  They started their service in the 17th century during wars between the Native American Indian and colonist tribes.  
They were employed by the colonial governments as full-time soldiers to make patrols in their fortifications and to give early warnings incase of raids.  They also acted as guides and scouts in offensive operations to locate villages as well as other targets for the task forces gotten from the colonial troops and the militia.  

The Knowltons Rangers are the historical parents of the current Army Rangers for the United States, who were elites selected to carry out reconnaissance missions (Ambrose, 1992).

During the World War two, the British Commandos in Scotland sanctioned, recruited and started training the first Ranger Battalion for war.  They were the first American soldiers to participate in the war since it was formed shortly after the entrance of the United States in the World War two(Kersten, 2008).  Although the United States joined the battle, they were not sure about the outcomes of their involvement.  However, throughout the war, the American troops played major roles in the battle field. Firstly, they led the troops in the breakthrough of the Omaha Beach where many people had been killed.  This was achieved by their effort to put out the actions of the destroyers on the beach through either suppressing or eliminating their machine-gun fires, pillboxes and bluff.  Secondly, they were able to crack the stalemate that was on the winter line of Italy.  This was achieved through capitulation of Italy by patience and negations. Thirdly, they helped in fighting to save the Salerno and Sicily beach heads, which was enhanced by overthrowing of the Mussolini government and knocking Italy out of war through an allied conference.  Fourthly, they spearheaded the Holland invasion where they met a lot of resistance but due to persistence and working objectively they were able to overcome the resistance and through allies they captured Arnhem.  Fifthly, they were in a position to turn the tide in the battle for the Buldge where they were able to stand against Hitlers plan of regaining the west initiative.  By the end of the battle the American troops had taken back all the ground lost and they had also defeated Germany (Ambrose 1992).   Finally, they were able to make the final plunge into Germany. This was due to the effects of the world war one that had dislocated the democratic institutions in the country.  The depression was felt worldwide enhancing the collapse of German (Kershaw, 2004).

These important victories were enhanced by the fact that the American troops consisted of very experienced men who made it possible to make strategies to achieve all that they focused on.  The men in the troops had also love for each other which created bonds and friendships that kept them strong throughout the war.  They were willing to lay down their own lives for the teammates next to them. They advised each other on survival strategies, and regardless of the horrific and distressing experiences in war, they still encouraged each other without complaining (ODonnell, 2001).