6th Ranger Training Battalion

• Origins in World War II: The lineage of the 6th Ranger Training Battalion traces back to the 6th Ranger Infantry Battalion, which was activated in 1944 and played a key role in the liberation of the Philippines during World War II. • Ranger School’s Florida Phase: The 6th RTB conducts the grueling "Swamp Phase" of U.S. Army Ranger School at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, focusing on waterborne operations, small boat movements, and swamp navigation. • Home at Camp James E. Rudder: The battalion is based at Camp James E. Rudder, named after Major General James E. Rudder, who led the 2nd Ranger Battalion during the D-Day landings at Pointe du Hoc. • Harsh Training Environment: Trainees face unique challenges in the Florida panhandle, from alligator-infested swamps to intense heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather. • Combat Legacy: The original 6th Rangers executed the legendary Raid at Cabanatuan in 1945, rescuing over 500 Allied prisoners of war from a Japanese camp in the Philippines. • Ranger Instructors: The battalion's instructors are selected from among the best Rangers, and are responsible for imparting advanced leadership and combat skills to Ranger students. • Joint Training: The 6th RTB often hosts training for other branches of the U.S. military and international partners, sharing expertise in jungle and swamp warfare. • Rudder’s Rangers: The battalion’s nickname, "Rudder’s Rangers," honors their namesake and his legacy of courage and innovation in Ranger operations. • Environmental Stewardship: The 6th RTB balances rigorous military training with environmental conservation, operating in a region home to endangered species and sensitive ecosystems. • Annual Swamp Ranger Challenge: The battalion sponsors the "Swamp Ranger Challenge," a demanding competition that tests Army units’ skills in navigation, waterborne operations, and leadership in the harsh swamp environment.