Irish Army Rangers

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name=Sciathán Fiannóglach na hAirm


caption=Shoulder flash of Sciathán Fiannóglach na hAirm
dates=March 1980-Present
country=Republic of Ireland
branch=Army
garrison=Curragh Camp, County Kildare [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.]
type=Special Forces
motto="Glaine ár gcroí, neart ár ngéag agus beart de réir ár mbriathar"
(The cleanliness of our hearts, the strength of our limbs and commitment to our promise)
battles=UNOSOM II, INTERFET, UNMIL, UNIFIL, UNFICYP, UNPROFOR, MINURSO, MINURCAT
identification_symbol=
identification_symbol_label=Shoulder TabThe Irish Army Ranger Wing (ARW, _ga. Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm) [http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/index.htm Irish Defence Force's ARW Page.] Retrieved on 9 August 2008.] is the special forces unit of the Irish Defence Forces.

The ARW trains and operates with many international special operations units worldwide, including the US Army Rangers [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , Marine Corps Force Recon, Delta Force [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] and Navy SEALs, French GIGN [http://members.tripod.com/~audgen/irishpara/irishwing.htm Irish Paratroopers.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , German GSG 9 [http://members.tripod.com/~audgen/irishpara/irishwing.htm Irish Paratroopers.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , Swedish SSG [http://members.tripod.com/~audgen/irishpara/irishwing.htm Irish Paratroopers.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , Italian COMSUBIN [http://members.tripod.com/~audgen/irishpara/irishwing.htm Irish Paratroopers.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , Australian SAS [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] and New Zealand SAS [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , among others.

The Army Ranger Wing is the Republic of Ireland's premier hostage rescue unit, and trains closely with the specialised firearms service of An Garda Síochána (known as the Emergency Response Unit or ERU) [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] . In any major hostage incident the Ranger Wing would be involved with the ERU in a supporting role [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] .

Name

The unit's official name is "Sciathán Fiannóglach an Airm", which roughly translates into English as "Army Ranger Wing" [http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/index.htm Irish Defence Force's ARW Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.] .

"Fiannóglach" (representing "Ranger") is an amalgamation of two words. "Fian" is closest to the English word "warrior", and refers to the ancient band of warriors known as "Na Fianna" in Irish Mythology. "Óglach" (literally 'young hero') means "soldier" and refers to the name of the Defence Forces in Irish: "Óglaigh na hÉireann".

History

[http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/index.htm Irish Defence Force's ARW Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.] [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] and covered physical endurance, marksmanship, individual military skills and small unit tactics.

Formalising these standards and creation of the Army Ranger Wing resulted from the increase in international terrorism in the late 1970s and 1980s [http://www.specwarnet.net/europe/ire_arw.htm Specwarnet's Irish Army Ranger Wing Page.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] . The increased skills and endurance training of 'Ranger'-trained personnel provided the perfect basis for the creation of a new specialist unit to counter these threats [http://www.specwarnet.net/europe/ire_arw.htm Specwarnet's Irish Army Ranger Wing Page.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] . The Army Ranger Wing (ARW) was formally established, in accordance with the Defence Act, by Government order in March 1980.

Roles

The ARW has a wide variety of roles, covering conventional warfare, anti-terrorist warfare and training for the Defence Forces including: [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/default.htm Unofficial Irish Army Ranger Wing Page] at Special Operations.com. Retrieved on January 4, 2008.]

*Offensive Operations behind enemy lines, e.g. Securing of vital objectives, Long Range Patrolling - Raids - Ambushes - Sabotage, Capture of key personnel, Diversionary Operations.
*Defensive Operations, e.g. VIP Protection, Counter-insurgency.
*Specialist Aid to the Civil Power (Anti-Terrorist Tasks).
*Standards, e.g. Testing and evaluation of military equipment, conducting specialist courses.
*Returning highly-skilled personnel to the Defence Forces on completion of service in the ARW.

Training and selection

Selection for the ranger wing lasts 3 weeks, plus on success of completion, another 6 months continuation where basic skill's such as LRRP, parachuting are taught - which takes place annually, usually in October. Course candidates must be serving members of the Defence Forces, but are not subject to an age limit. The 3 week course is organised into 2 distinct phases. Selection is open to females.

In the first phase instructors demonstrate the basic requirements to become a Ranger, and candidates must pass a number of initial physical tests - including: water confidence training, assault course training, individual navigation tests as well as a 10km combat run test. If a candidate fails more than 3 out of the 9 basic tests they are returned to their home unit. A selection course may only be attempted 3 times by any candidate.

In the second phase candidates are taught special forces tactics in long range reconnaissance patrolling, surveillance, intelligence gathering, search tactics, and ambush organisation. The course culminates in a 40km group march which must be completed in a set time.

In all, candidates must complete assessment in the following areas:
* Abseiling - Assesses a student's confidence when working at height.
* Bridge jump - Tests confidence in water.
* River crossing - Evaluates ability to work in a team.
* Claustrophobia - Tests a student's ability to work with their equipment in confined spaces.
* Gym tests - Assesses muscular endurance and strength while performing a set number of exercises.
* 10km run - Tests cardiovascular endurance over a set distance and time.
* Mountain walk - Tests endurance over a set uphill march, while carrying a medium load.
* Hill circuit - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course, while carrying a light load.
* Forced march "cross-country" - Assesses stamina and strength over a set cross-country course and time while carrying a medium load around 15kgs.
* Forced march "road" - A group test to assess the student's tolerance of pressure over a set course and time, while carrying a medium load, the distance is between 22-26 miles.
* Route march - A group test to assess overall stamina, endurance and strength during a forced march over the mountains while carrying a medium load.

Of the 40 to 80 candidates that start the annual Ranger selection course, only 15% remain at the conclusion. [http://www.fianoglach.ie/selection.htm Fianoglach.ie] ] All candidates who successfully complete the Ranger course are presented with the Fianóglach shoulder flash.

When it comes to selection the Officers and NCO's meet to assess the candidates, and the best are retained according to the number of places available.

If a student passes selection at this stage, they are sent on a further six-month ranger skills course. This course includes long range reconnaissance and survival training, unarmed combat, anti-terrorist and close quarters combat skills, advanced first aid, advanced combat shooting and parachuting. Upon passing this selection course and probationary period they then earn the right to wear the prestigious Green beret.

The ARW also has its own purpose built tactical training facility, including "shoot houses", training ranges and various urban settings. The facility is known as "Tac town".

Command and communications

The Officer Commanding the Army Ranger Wing is responsible for the Administrative, Disciplinary and Operational control of the unit, and is in turn directly under the command of The Chief of Staff at Defence Forces HQ. The Army Ranger Wing is on immediate call for operations throughout the State.

The ARW is equipped with state of the art ITT SINCGAR, RACAL and Harris communications equipment, all of which have an inbuilt encryption and frequency hopping systems. It is also equipped with satellite communications, though it should be noted that Ireland is a neutral state and does not have its own military satellites.

Missions

The Army Rangers have seen active service assisting peacekeepers in Chad, Liberia, East Timor, Somalia and Lebanon, as well as operations at home in the 1980s against the Provisional Irish Republican Army and other armed groups.

Liberia

The ARW was deployed in Liberia following the Second Liberian Civil War as part of a peace-keeping contingent of more than 400 troops from the Irish Defence Forces, in turn part of a rapid reaction force for the United Nations mission in the country. One of their most successful missions during this deployment was the rescue of a group of civilians captured by gunmen from renegade Government of Liberia forces [http://www.independent.ie/world-news/africa/crack-troops-rescue-hostages-from-gunmen-in-daring-raid-187696.html Crack troops rescue hostages from gunmen in daring raid.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] . Acting on intelligence, twenty heavily armed Rangers were dropped by helicopter into the town of Gbapa. To avoid casualties among the hostages, the Rangers implemented a policy of non-lethal intervention and, after surrounding a 40-foot container containing the 35 hostages, rescued them. [Irish Independent report [http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=28&si=1104428&issue_id=10269 Crack troops rescue hostages from gunmen in daring raid] ]

East Timor

In 1999, the Dáil voted to send the ARW to serve with the United Nations International Force, East Timor (INTERFET). Mandated under a UN Security Council resolution, INTERFET was a peacekeeping force deployed to restore security in the region, support and protect the UN Mission in East Timor, and to facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. The detachment of 30 ARW personnel was involved in peacekeeping duties with Canadian and New Zealand troops near the West Timor border.

Iraq

As Ireland's premier hostage rescue unit, operators from the ARW were deployed to Iraq alongside Arabic-speaking members of G2 (the military intelligence branch of the Irish military), after Irish journalist Rory Carroll was abducted in 2005. The Rangers were charged with liaison with U.S. Special Operations Forces in regard to a possible rescue operation, and to provide security to the Irish Government representatives who were attempting to negotiate his release. Their assistance was not required however, as Mr. Carroll was released a short time later. [Sunday Independent report [http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1492695&issue_id=13173 ARW involvement in plans to release captured journalist] , and The Guardian report [http://www.guardian.co.uk/rorycarroll/story/0,,1598108,00.html Carroll abduction] ]

Chad

An ARW force of 54 was recently deployed in Chad [ [http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0221/chad.html?rss RTE.ie - News - 50 Irish troops arrive in Chad] ] , as part of the peacekeeping European Union Force (EUFOR TCHAD/RCA). The ARW arrived on February 19th and have completed reconnaissance missions to select a mission base for the Irish Defence Force deployment, which has received the troops and has been named "Camp Ciara".

Equipment

Weapons

In addition to standard issue weapons of the Irish Defence Forces, weapons used by the ARW include:

quad weapons

*Pistols
**SIG P228 [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]
**SIG P226 [http://www.geocities.com/enda_mcg/arw.html Unofficial Army Ranger Wing - Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm Page.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] ("See: " )
** Walter PPK [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]
** HK USP [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]
*Combat Shotguns
**Benelli M3T Tactical
**Benelli M4 Super 90
**Franchi SPAS-12
**Remington 870 [http://www.geocities.com/enda_mcg/arw.html Unofficial Army Ranger Wing - Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm Page.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.]
*Assault rifles and Carbines
**Steyr AUG A1 [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]
**Steyr AUG A3 [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]
**HK33/SG1 [http://www.geocities.com/enda_mcg/arw.html Unofficial Army Ranger Wing - Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm Page.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] ("See: " )
**Heckler & Koch G36K/C
**Heckler & Koch HK53 [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]
*Submachine guns
**Heckler & Koch MP5 - Including MP5A3 [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.] [http://www.geocities.com/enda_mcg/arw.html Unofficial Army Ranger Wing - Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm Page.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , MP5F and MP5K [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.] variants
**FN P90 (Not a standard issue weapon)
*Sniper rifles
**Accuracy International PM/L96 - Including L115 (.338), AI96 (.308) [http://www.geocities.com/enda_mcg/arw.html Unofficial Army Ranger Wing - Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm Page.] Retrieved on January 4, 2008.] , and AW50 (.50 Anti-materiel variants ("See: " )
*Light machine guns
**FN Minimi Para [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]

upport weapons

*Denel vector 60mm commando mortar
*Carl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifle [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.] - Including M2 and M3 variants
*Raytheon Javelin Anti-tank guided missile

Vehicle-mounted weapons

*FN 7.62mm GPMG [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.]
*Browning M2 heavy machinegun .50cal [http://www.fianoglach.ie/unitequipment.html Equipment, Unofficial Fianoglach Page.] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.] ("See: " )
*" )

Specialised equipment

*Ford F350 (modified as Special Reconnaissance Vehicle)
*Land Rover Range Rovers (modified for Counter Terrorist duties)
*Yamaha 660 All-terrain vehicles
*KTM LC400 motorbike
*Suzuki DR 350 and " )
*Dräger ")
*Klepper MK13 canoe
*Combat Rubber Raiding Craft
*")

References

Gallery

External links

* [http://www.military.ie/army/ranger/index.htm Irish Defence Forces - Army Ranger Wing] en icon
* [http://www.fianoglach.ie Fianoglach.ie] en icon