Old Rangers vesus New Rangers

[Rock Island Ranger]

I spoke with with one of my favorite buds today on this topic. Not specifically a "who was better" type thing. Just a comparitive of times. He, he is a younger generation warrior who treats his Ranger elders as honored in his eyes. Most do. But, speaking with some of the elders (being one my damned self) I and they came to a conclusion that we seldom share. You younger men impress the hell out of us. No shit. Slowpoke, LRP 1, Jim, Steadfast....all of us at times have discussed how incredibly impressed we have been with the young Rangers we meet. Different times call for different measures in warfare. I can honestly say that while each of us did fine at what we did, you young men have excelled beyond boundaries. I know how impressed I have been in meeting you, talking with you, sharing time with you.

I only say this because many times we get wrapped around an era that is now gone. Not gone like dead, but an era of tactics, technology, and mindset that needed freshening. And, it needed to pass into the new. The younger men, they brought this forward with HUGE success. The younger men have seen combat so many times and did it with honor and lethality. And, these are bright kids, brave kids, kids who know their shit and then some. They use stuff I dreamed of but never saw. Use techniques that make me wide eyed. And they have a blatant candor we all admire. These newer Rangers are the shit. You make us proud, you honor us with your service and committment. You newer Rangers AMAZE us.

Just thought you should know.

[Lefty]

A simple "X2" doesn't get it here.

I couldn't agree more with what the pastor said. From the first time I met today's Rangers in 2000 through the present, I have been in complete awe of the young men who are today's Rangers. They are simply the finest young men this country has. Period. Okay, okay, there are the other studs, too, SEALs and all, who are, all inter-service rivalry aside, cut from the same cloth.
Despite this country's (and the news media's, and the bleeding heart liberal's, etc. etc.) best efforts, we still can produce the dedicated hard charging young stalwarts who don't know the word "quit". Where do we come up with such men as these? I for one am deeply grateful that we still have these outstanding troops. It is one reason I have tried to mentor the two aspirants I came across. The first never made it out of Basic/AIT, the second just shipped.
And while I'm getting maudlin, I want to interject - the great majority of this country's spoiled masses have no clue how thin the veneer of protection of this country is. What a small percentage of our population puts their lives on the line to keep us safe from the teeming hordes who want to cut our throats simply because we are who we are.

As I have practiced at previous reunions, so will I continue this August to ensure that no current active duty Ranger who attends pays for any drink or meal at the reunion.

Although we are far removed from the mainstream, HH6 and I have, and will always, keep our home open to all Rangers.

[Earthpig]

That was probably the biggest thing that hit me square between the eyes when I attended the '07 Rendezvous. Every one of those young studs who I was lucky enough to meet was rock solid. I couldn't get over how they have evolved since our time. Sure, we did some cool shit, and it was hard.....but these guys have surpassed any standards we might've had. The lesson I walked away with when I left Rendezvous was: Anybody who fucks with the USA is a complete idiot. They will get their ass handed to them by the US Army Rangers.

Great post, Andy!

RLTW
EP

[Slowpoke]

Great post Andy, and it isn't possible for me to agree more! Todays Rangers are fuckin' unbelievable!!!!!

I had started to worry about if we can keep coming up with young studs like todays Rangers...and then I met your son! Wheather he becomes a Ranger someday or not, he's a fine example of the next generation that will pick up the staff and continue to set new standards.

[McD]

I agree X2!

Sure wish I was born 30 years later so I could go play the "Boys".

[Silverback]

And you accuse me of being soft?

[Ranger Ron]

Good post Pastor! As others have said, I too look forward to meeting more "Young Guns" at RR 09 as we did at 07. It's coming soon!!

[Ranger Bill]

Bunch of soft, sentimental, broke down old men blabbering about how good today's studs are... and I couldn't agree more.

[Ranger Ron]

Bunch of soft, sentimental, broke down old men blabbering about how good today's studs are... and I couldn't agree more.

HEY! I resemble that remark!

[Ranger Bill]

Bunch of soft, sentimental, broke down old men blabbering about how good today's studs are... and I couldn't agree more.

HEY! I resemble that remark!

Me too!

[Rock Island Ranger]

Great post Andy, and it isn't possible for me to agree more! Todays Rangers are fuckin' unbelievable!!!!!

I had started to worry about if we can keep coming up with young studs like todays Rangers...and then I met your son! Wheather he becomes a Ranger someday or not, he's a fine example of the next generation that will pick up the staff and continue to set new standards.

Thank you, Poke...pretty much the highest compliment I can get is that right there.

[Jim]

Agree with everything everyone has said. Today's Rangers are truly the best trained and equipped Rangers we've ever had. God, I wish I were 45 years younger so I could join them and do it all again.

[Rock Island Ranger]

Agree with everything everyone has said. Today's Rangers are truly the best trained and equipped Rangers we've ever had. God, I wish I were 45 years younger so I could join them and do it all again.

Such truth. Wait......Id be 8 years old!