Rogers' Rangers — commanded by Major Robert Rogers (1731-1795) — was an Independent Company of Rangers formed from hunters and trappers experianced in fighting Indians in the woods of New Hampshire and Vermont. The term “Ranger” derives from a handful of mounted men paid to “range” between the forts marking the edge of settlement. The unit was trained by Robert Rogers using the rules below as a rapidly deployable Light Infantry force tasked with scouting and conducting special operations. Their military tactics were so bold and effective that the unit became the chief scouting unit of British and Colonial forces in the French and Indian War (Seven Years War). Members of Rogers' Rangers became the leaders in the American Revolutionary War and a large number of ex-rangers were present as patriot militiamen at the Battle of Concord Bridge. Rogers helped to form the King's Rangers in the British Army as well as the Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) of the Canadian Army which is still in existance. Todays 75th Rangers Regiment of the US Army as well as the 1st Battalion 119th Field Artillery Regiment of Michigan Army National Guard claim decent from this famous special operations unit.
The 28 Rules below were the standing orders of operation of the unit, a field manual if you prefer. This set of rules for irregular warfare was included in his Journal published in 1765. These rules, while the vernacular they use are dated, are still valid for small unit tactics today and are still in use. Truly the more things change the more they stay the same.
I. All Rangers are to be subject to the rules and articles of war; to appear at roll call every evening on their own parade ground, each equipped with a firelock, 60 rounds of powder and ball and a hatchet, at which time an officer from each company is to inspect them to see that they are in order, so as to be ready to march at a minute’s warning; and before they are dismissed the necessary guards are to be chosen, and scouts for the next day appointed.
II. Whenever you are ordered out to the enemy’s forts or frontiers for discoveries, if your number is small, march in single file, keeping far enough apart to prevent one shot from killing two men, sending one man or more forward, and the like on each side, at a distance of 20 yards from the main body, if the ground you march on allows it, to give the signal to the officer of the approach of an enemy, and of their number etc.
III. If you march over marshes or soft ground, change your position and march abreast of each other to prevent the enemy from tracking you (as they would do if you marched in single file) until you get over such ground, and then resume your former order and march until it is quite dark before you encamp. Camp, if possible, on a piece of ground that gives your sentries the advantage of seeing or hearing the enemy at considerable distance, keeping half of your whole party awake alternately through the night.
IV. Some time before you come to the place you would reconnoiter, make a stand and send one or two men in whom you can confide to seek out the best around for making your observations.
V. If you have the good fortune to take any prisoners, keep them separate until they are examined, and return by a route other than the one you used going out so that you may discover any enemy party in your rear and have an opportunity, if their strength is superior to yours, to alter your course or disperse, as circumstances may require.
VI. If you march in a large body of 300 or 400 with a plan to attack the enemy, divide your party into three columns, each headed by an officer. Let these columns march in single file, the columns to the right and left keeping 20 yards or more from the center column, if the terrain allows it. Let proper guards be kept in the front and rear and suitable flanking parties at a distance, as directed before, with orders to halt on all high ground to view the surrounding ground to prevent ambush and to notify of the approach or retreat of the enemy, so that proper dispositions may be made for attacking, defending, etc. And if the enemy approaches in your front on level ground, form a front of your three columns or main body with the advanced guard, keep out your flanking parties as if you were marching under the command of trusty officers, to prevent the enemy from pressing hard on either of your wings or surrounding you, which is the usual method of savages if their number will allow it, and be careful likewise to support and strengthen your rear guard.
VII. If you receive fire from enemy forces, fall or squat down until it is over, then rise and fire at them. If their main body is equal to yours extend yourselves occasionally; but if they are superior, be careful to support and strengthen your flanking parties to make them equal with the enemy’s, so that if possible you may repulse them to their main body. In doing so, push upon them with the greatest resolve, with equal force in each flank and in the center, observing to keep at a due distance from each other, and advance from tree to tree, with one half of the part ten or twelve yards in front of the other. If the enemy pushes upon you, let your front rank fire and fall down, and then let your rear rank advance through them and do the same, by which time those who were in front will be ready to fire again, and repeat the same alternately, as occasion requires. By this means you will keep up such a constant fire that the enemy will not be able to break your order easily or gain your ground.
VIII. If you force the enemy to retreat, be careful in pursuing them to keep out your flanking parties and prevent them from gaining high ground, in which case they may be able to rally and repulse you in their turn.
The Rules are continued in subsequent articles.
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