Irish Army Rangers

The Irish Army Rangers (more formally known as the Irish Army Ranger Wing) are the special forces unit of the Army division of the Irish Defence Forces. The unit is regarded internationally as one of the most elite special forces units in the world, along with the British SAS with whom they occasionally train. The unit's official name is "Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm", which roughly translates into English as "The Army Ranger Wing". The word "Fianóglach" is an amalgamation of two words, "fian" and "óglach". Both have similar meanings, "soldier" or "warrior", but have different associations or nuances of meaning, just like the difference between "warrior" or "soldier" in English. The word "Fianóglach" links the present day Defence Forces (óglaigh na h-eireann) and the warriors of the Fianna of the Fenian Cycle Myths (Fian, see also Amhrán na bhFian, "A Soldier's Song", the Irish National Anthem).

Related Topics:
Special forces - Irish Defence Forces - British - SAS - English - Fianna - Fenian Cycle

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The Ranger Wing is on hand for every visit of a major dignitary to Ireland, in a VIP protection role.

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The Army Ranger Wing is Ireland's premier hostage rescue unit. The premier firearms unit of the Garda Síochána is known as the "Emergency Response Unit" or ERU. The ERU and the Ranger Wing train closely together and in any major hostage incident, the Ranger Wing would be involved with the ERU in a supporting role.

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The Army Rangers have seen active service assisting peacekeepers in Liberia, East Timor, Somalia and Lebanon.

Related Topics:
Liberia - East Timor - Somalia - Lebanon

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