What Does a Ranger Tab Really Mean in the U.S. Military?

The acquisition of a Ranger Tab is a significant milestone in any U.S. Army soldier's career. However, the tab does not automatically denote membership in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. It signifies completion of a rigorous, grueling leadership course but does not guarantee inclusion in the specialized unit.

Understanding the Ranger Tab

Earning a Ranger Tab means you have completed the U.S. Army Ranger School, a highly demanding and intense training program focused on small-unit tactics and operations in diverse environments. This tab is awarded to soldiers who successfully navigate the 62-day curriculum, which includes physical and mental endurance challenges, marksmanship, and combat readiness training.

While the Ranger Tab is a notable achievement, it does not equate to being part of the 75th Ranger Regiment, a special operations unit with unique tasks and responsibilities. The path to joining the 75th Ranger Regiment involves additional stringent requirements such as serving in the regiment and passing its specialized selection process.

The Distinction Between Ranger Tab and 75th Ranger Regiment

While some individuals, such as members of the 82nd Airborne Division or 10th Mountain Division, may view achieving a Ranger Tab as an indicator of higher status, it does not confer the same level of prestige as association with the 75th Ranger Regiment. These units also undergo a rigorous 62-day course, emphasizing leadership and combat tactics. However, life in a Ranger BN is different; Rangers in the 75th Regiment are given more advanced equipment, a larger training budget, and a distinct mission set. They are trained for airfield seizures and direct raids.

Ranger Tab: More Than Just a Badge

A Ranger Tab is a qualification, much like a marksmanship badge or an airborne badge. To truly become an Army Ranger, one must be assigned to a Ranger Battalion or Regiment and receive the Ranger scroll, which is worn underneath the tab. Once the affiliation ends, the scroll is removed, but the individual remains a Ranger. Many personnel who have served in the Ranger Regiment still wear the tab as a symbol of their accomplishments.

For those who have participated in combat, the Ranger scroll is worn on the left shoulder. A combat jump is marked with a gold star, known as a "mustard stain," on the airborne wings, and a Combat Infantryman Badge may also be earned. The last time the mustard stain was awarded was to the 1/75th Infantry Regiment during their operations in Grenada.

Conclusion

In summary, while a Ranger Tab is a significant achievement, it does not necessarily confer membership in the 75th Ranger Regiment. The Ranger Tab is a mark of a highly trained individual, but true Rangers in the 75th Regiment have additional qualifications and responsibilities beyond the Ranger School curriculum.