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Ireland

Sciathan Fhiannoglaigh an Airm - 

The Irish Defence Forces Army Ranger Wing

Rangers in training (circa 1970's)

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ARW in East Timor, 1999 - Photo Gallery

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Unit Overview

The Unit is officially designated 'Sciathán Fianóglach an Airm' , which is translated as 'The Army Ranger Wing'. There is no direct English translation of the term 'Fianóglach' so the designation Ranger is the accepted version. 'Fianóglach' links the traditions of the 'Na Fianna' (Legendary Irish Warriors) with the present day Irish Defence Forces (Óglaigh na hÉireann). Qualified members of the unit wear the Fianóglach shoulder flash insignia.

Beginning in the late 1960s, the personnel from the Irish Defense Forces were sent to take part in the US Army's Ranger School. Graduates of this program returned to Ireland and established a new school, very similar in mission and organization to that of the US Army. Students on these courses were selected from among all ranks and all Units of the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. These courses proved to be very beneficial in improving standards of physical endurance, marksmanship, individual military skills and small unit tactics. By 1980, it was decided that the skill level of the members had evolved to a degree which warranted the establishment of an official Army Ranger Wing (ARW). The missions of this unit are multiple, including long range patrolling, training of other units, VIP security, anti-hijacking, hostage rescue, and counterterrorism. These duties, specifically as they related to CT, are considered supplemental to Ireland's primary response unit, the Garda Siochana.

Unit strength is approximately 100 men who are organized into two assault platoons, a support platoon with medical, EOD, aviation, etc. Each of the assault platoons has five assault teams of 3-4 men each. These men are all volunteers, selected from other units already serving with the Defense Forces. Training includes at least three days and one night on the firing range. Advanced tactics are taught in parachuting, combat diving, small boat handling, and mountaineering. Interestingly, ARW members are returned to their original units after a set period of time, thus ensuring their expertise will be shared throughout the Defense Forces. The Rangers have received additional training from the Royal Dutch Marines and the U.S. Army's Delta Force. Operational control of the ARW is the responsibility of the Chief of Staff's Branch at Army Headquarters. The unit is currently located at Curragh Camp, County Kildare.

READER UPDATE (May 1, 2001):

The Irish Army Ranger Wing There has been no 'new developments' in Ireland's outlook on CT/HRT. The Army Ranger Wing is still the country's premier hostage rescue unit, not the Garda Emergency Response Unit. Although both train together closely, the two units have different roles. The ERU is the specialist firearms unit of An Garda Siochana ( which actually means 'guardians of the peace') which is a largely unarmed force. The ERU provide armed backup to the Gardai in situations where weapons may be used. Such situations include dealing with armed robberies, drug dealing, subversive groups etc. The ERU is a separate unit to the SDU. Special Detective Unit are primarily an investigative unit, although they too carry firearms. The Ranger Wing train with other SOF groups around the world, including US Army Rangers, British SAS, Australian & NZ SAS, GIGN, GSG9, Dutch Commandos and the Swedish Special Forces. They would be logical choice for any major hostage incident, with the ERU acting in a support role.