In 1974, when Chief of Staff of the Army GEN Creighton Abrams ordered the formation of the modern Ranger Battalions, he envisioned them as the Army’s elite—units that would set the standard for all others. To reflect and reinforce this vision, a distinct Ranger code and philosophy were needed. Command Sergeant Major Neal R. Gentry authored the Ranger Creed to embody these ideals.

The Creed became—and remains—the cornerstone of the Ranger ethos, capturing the spirit, discipline, and sense of duty that define Rangers in both peace and war. To this day, the Ranger Creed is more than words—it is a way of life, guiding how Rangers live, serve, and stand by one another. It forges loyalty between each Ranger, his teammates, and his unit.