Did Rangers in WWII Have to Be Parachute Qualified Like They Are Today?

While watching a movie recently, I couldn't help but wonder if Rangers during World War II had to be parachute qualified like they do today. The answer is no, and the Rangers were initially patterned after the British Commandos.

Origins and Organization

The Rangers in World War II and those serving today had vastly different roles and qualifications. The Rangers during World War II were primarily motorized infantry who served in Greece and the Western Desert.

Both battalions of the Rangers were originally part of the 3rd London Brigade. On March 22, 1941, their formation was altered when they became the 9th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, as part of the 20th Armoured Brigade. This change marked the establishment of a special unit with unique objectives and skills.

Training and Operations

The training of the World War II Rangers was exceptionally rigorous, making them a select few for missions such as the assault on Point du Hoc in Normandy. This level of training distinguished them as a force that could operate both covertly and overtly, with a focus on infiltrating and manuevering within larger enemy forces.

While the Rangers of World War II were not parachute qualified, the prospect of airborne operations was explored later on. After the Battle of Cisterna in Italy, where the Rangers suffered heavy losses against German Panzers, some of the surviving Rangers were incorporated into the 1st Special Troops Brigade. This brigade was capable of airborne operations, and was responsible for the first appearance of "Airborne Rangers" in the Korean War.

Airborne Rangers and Modern Comparison

Today, Rangers are trained in a wide range of operations, from covert to overt. However, it's important to note that unless a Ranger qualified prior to joining the unit, they would not be parachute qualified. The only airborne-qualified commando unit that was formed during World War II was the First Special Service Force, a combined Canadian/ American unit known as "The Devil's Brigade."

This unit was specifically trained for airborne operations, but it was not a typical component of the Rangers. The Rangers today are involved in a virtually infinite scale of covert and overt operations, drawing from a rich history of unique training and tactical prowess.

Conclusion

While the modern Rangers are known for their airborne capabilities, the World War II Rangers did not have this qualification as a standard requirement. Their role was more focused on their specialized training for covert and overt missions, which made them invaluable assets in their respective theaters of operation.