The third or capstone Phase of Ranger School is conducted at Camp James E. Rudder (Auxiliary Field #6), Eglin AFB, Florida.  Emphasis during this phase is to continue the development of the Ranger student's combat arms functional skills.  He must be capable of operating effectively under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress.  This is accomplished through practical exercises in extended platoon level patrol operations in a Jungle/Swamp environment.  Training further develops the students' ability to plan for and lead small units on independent and coordinated airborne, air assault, small boat, ship to shore, and dismounted combat patrol operations in a low‑intensity combat environment against a well trained, sophisticated enemy.

The Florida Phase continues the progressive, realistic OPFOR scenario.  As the scenario develops, the students receive "In‑Country" technique training that assists them in accomplishing the tactical missions in the phase.  Technique training includes: small boat operations, ship to shore operations, expedient stream crossing techniques, and skills needed to survive and operate in a jungle/swamp environment.

The Ranger students are updated on the scenario that eventually commits the unit to combat during techniques training.  The 10‑day FTX is a fast‑paced, highly stressful, challenging exercise in which the students are evaluated on their ability to apply small unit tactics/techniques.  They apply the tactics/techniques of raids and ambushes to accomplish their missions.  Upon completion of the Florida Phase of training, students conduct a airborne insertion into Fort Benning.

SUMMARY

High standards are required and maintained despite the stressful environment in Ranger training.  The Ranger course produces a mentally hardened soldier, who possesses an enhanced capability to perform combat arms related associated functional skills and is more confident in his ability to overcome obstacles, withstand the stresses of combat and accomplish his mission under extremely adverse conditions.

During the Ranger course, the Ranger proves he can overcome seemingly insurmountable mental and physical challenges.  He has demonstrated, while under simulated combat conditions, that he has acquired the professional skills and techniques necessary to plan, organize, coordinate, and conduct small unit operations.  He has demonstrated that he has mastered basic skills needed to plan and execute dismounted small‑unit day and night operations, low altitude mountaineering, and infiltration as well as exfiltration techniques via land, air, and sea.  As a result of proving that he can successfully accomplish these tasks during the Ranger course, he is authorized to wear the Ranger Tab.

Map of Eglin AFB, Florida.

FIELD SIX: Named for 1st Lt. Andrew Biancur, who died in an aircraft accident Jan.8, 1944. He was a test pilot with the Medium Bombardment Section of the 1st Proving Ground Group at Eglin. Today, the area is the site of the U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion and referred by them as Camp Rudder. It is 23 miles from Eglin Main and was the home of the Federal Prison at one time. It is identified on most base maps at Tab 6, and located just north of area B-12.