The Handy Armed Forces Answer Book: Your Guide to the Whats and Whys of the U.S. Military (The Handy Answer Book Series) - Softcover

Who was the Swamp Fox?
Francis Marion, a commander of Continental irregulars during the War for Independence, was nicknamed the Swamp Fox by a frustrated British officer that was outmaneuvered by Francis in the swamps and trails of South Carolina. Much like Robert Rogers, Marion was a veteran of the French and Indian War, where he learned at first-hand how the Cherokee fought. When war broke out with the British, Francis Marion answered the call to arms again and accepted an officer’s commission. Adept in small unit tactics, Marion liked to outmaneuver his opponents, taking them surprise, striking hard, and withdrawing before the superior British numbers could be brought to bear. The Swamp Fox soon gained a well-deserved reputation for guile and cunning, demonstrating repeatedly how a small unit of motivated fighting men could outfox a bigger, more traditionally minded foe.

What makes the AC-130 Spectre/Spooky/Stinger/Ghostrider gunship interesting?
The C-130 Hercules has long been the U.S. military’s workhorse for transporting personnel and supplies. In its AC-130 variant, it is also a flying arsenal, used to provide close air support and battlefield surveillance to forces on the ground. As an eye in the sky, the AC-130 comes equipped with a state-of-the-art suite of optics and sensors that enable it to see in the darkness, through smoke, rain, snow, and to a certain degree, inside structures. Thanks to its large fuel capacity, the AC-130 can patrol on station for extended periods, orbiting out of sight of the enemy until its services are called upon. It also packs one heck of a punch. A 105mm cannon, the same caliber that was mounted on the first model of M1 Abrams main battle tank, fires heavy caliber rounds from a sideways mount. It is capable of taking out armored targets. For softer targets, such as dismounted infantry and soft-skinned vehicles, the gunship can mount rotary cannon capable of spitting out a huge volume of rounds. The AC-130 can also be equipped with guided bombs and missiles mounted on the wings, giving it a diverse mix of weaponry for taking out multiple different types of targets. Fielded by the Air Force, the AC-130 is an “angel on the shoulder” of troops during many special operations.

How are Rangers selected and trained?
R.A.S.P. (the Ranger Assessment & Selection Program) is the gateway to becoming a Ranger. Applicants must be active-duty soldiers who are U.S. citizens, a clean background check, and a willingness to become airborne qualified (or already be qualified). They must also be trained in a Military Occupation Speciality (M.O.S.) that is desirable to the 75th Ranger Regiment, or failing that, be willing to undertake re-training in order to get one. Because of the special operations nature of Ranger missions, the ability to obtain a security clearance is also a must. Prospective Rangers should be of high moral caliber and will have to pass a urine drug test. They will also undertake a psychological evaluation, to ensure that they are mentally stable for the immense pressures that will be placed upon them.

In terms of physical fitness, candidates must crank out 53 push-ups, 63 sit-ups, 4 pull-ups, and run 2 miles in under 14 minutes and 30 seconds, then carry a 35lb pack and rifle over 12 miles in under 3 hours...just to get in the front door. There then follows 8 weeks of testing and training, a mixture of hard physical fitness work and a combination of instruction and assessment in basic Ranger skills, such as marksmanship, land navigation, demolition (breeching doors) and small unit tactics. Applicants will also be expected to know the history and composition of the Ranger Regiment. They are being constantly evaluated by the instructors, not just for their skills, but also for their mindset ― do they have the personal qualities needed to make it as a Ranger? If they complete R.A.S.P., the graduates earn the right to wear the tan beret and scroll signifying their membership in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment.

What are the Marine Raiders?
They are the special operations troops of the United States Marine Corps. All are Marines who have been selected and given additional training to operate in the role of special forces. In a nod to the Corps’ history, these men are known as Marine Raiders.

What are the requirements to become a Marine Raider?
Applicants must be active-duty Marines (Raider positions are not open to reservists). There is no age cutoff. All Marines are at home in the water, by necessity, and this is doubly true of Raiders. In order to be accepted for Raider training, a candidate must successfully conduct an “abandon ship” drill by entering the water from 6 meters up, swim 300 meters while clothed (but without wearing boots) then tread water for 11 more minutes.

What is MARSOC?
MARSOC is the MARine Special Operations Command, the element of the Corps that is dedicated to specialist tasks such as counterinsurgency warfare and covert reconnaissance missions, to name just two. MARSOC units also excel at infiltrating enemy lines and carrying out raids. MARSOC falls under the overall umbrella of the U.S. Special Operations Command (U.S.S.O.C.) and was formed in 2006; its fighting arm was comprised of two special operations battalions. In 2015, MARSOC returned to its World War II Pacific theater roots by reclaiming the title of Marine Raider for its personnel.

What is the Marine Raider Creed?
My title is Marine Raider. I will never forget the tremendous legacy and sacrifice of those who came before me.

At all times my fires will be accurate. With cunning, speed, surprise, and violence of action, I will hunt...