Nomads of the Battlefield

This study analyzes the creation, use, and subsequent inactivation of the U.S. Army Ranger Companies during the Korean conflict from October of 1950 to August of 1951. The records and correspondence of the Office of the Chief of Staff for Operations, U.S. Army and historical after action reports of the 8th U.S. Army in Korea, provide the materials to analyze the Rangers. The study asks were the organization and methods of employment of the Ranger Companies conducive to their effective use. The study also seeks to answer the questions, 1) How were the ranger companies employed in Korea? 2) What impact did they have in the conflict and upon the U.S. Army? 3) Would they have been more effective under a different organization?