[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 6TH RANGER TRAINING BATTALION'S 
              RANGER CAMP AT EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to 
recognize the 60th anniversary of the 6th Ranger Training Battalion 
located on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
  On November 15, 1951, the U.S. Army Amphibious/Jungle Training 
Committee was established to conduct the final phase of the U.S. Army 
Ranger School. Now known as the Florida Ranger Camp, the 6th Ranger 
Training Battalion emphasizes platoon training in a humid coastal and 
swamp environment. This final phase of the Army Ranger School places 
students under severe mental and physical stress in an attempt to 
replicate the rigors of combat.
  The first Ranger class arrived at Eglin Air Force Base on January 24, 
1952. This first class learned survival techniques for amphibious 
environments and leadership in combat situations. Today, students in 
the Army Ranger School experience training very similar to that 
received by the first Ranger class. The initial six days are focused on 
technique training, which is then followed by a ten-day field training 
exercise. Leadership skills are tested vigorously through small unit 
operations in a simulated combat environment. Students in the Florida 
Ranger Camp learn to overcome severe weather, difficult littoral and 
swamp terrain, and sleep and food deprivation while combating mental 
and physical exhaustion. Through their rigorous training, students at 
the Florida Ranger Camp learn the techniques necessary to undertake 
demanding and difficult assignments in protection of our nation. These 
techniques are then put to the test in a simulated combat environment 
to create adaptive and effective combat leaders for our Armed Forces.
  During its time on Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Ranger Camp has 
trained over 100,000 students of the United States Armed Forces and 
over 60 allied countries worldwide. The 6th Ranger Battalion trains 
over 2,500 students annually, conducting its 18 day program 11 times 
per year. The 6th Ranger Training Battalion has 225 officer and 
enlisted personnel complemented by 30 civilian support personnel who 
work together to run the Florida Ranger Camp.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is my honor 
to thank the men and women who make up the 6th Ranger Training 
Battalion, as well as the Army Rangers they train, for their 
professionalism and commitment. Their indefatigable service and 
dedication to our nation protects our inalienable liberties and 
freedoms, allowing the United States of America to prosper as the 
world's greatest nation. My wife Vicki and I congratulate the 6th 
Ranger Battalion, and each of the more than 100,000 graduates of the 
Florida Ranger Camp, for 60 exceptionally successful years of service 
to our country.

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