South Vietnamese Rangers:
ARVN Ranger Major, 34th Ranger BN., 6th Ranger Corps, III Corps Tactical Zone:
The Biet Dong Quan (BDQ), more is commonly known as the ARVN Rangers, was part of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Trained and assisted by American Special Forces and the U.S. Army Ranger Advisors, the Vietnamese Rangers infiltrated beyond the enemy lines in daring search and destroy missions. Initially trained as counter-insurgency a light infantry force they later expanded into full swing force capable of conventional as well as counter-insurgency operations.
in 1962, BDQ companies were initially formed into counter-insurgency ‘Special-Battalions’ but by 1963 Ranger units were organized into battalions and their mission evolved from counter-insurgency to light infantry operations.
During 1966 the battalions were formed into task forces, and five Ranger Group headquarters were created at Corps Level to provide command and control for tactical operations. The Ranger Group structure was maintained until 1970 as the U.S. force reduction commenced. The III Corps headquartered at Bien Hoa was made up of the 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 81st (Airborne) Ranger Groups, each with 3 assigned battalions. The Corps Area of Operations was the area around Saigon.
The Major is the Executive Officer for the 34th Battalion and is working to facilitate the ‘New’ Task Force Program at III Corps Headquarters and make sure the training of the new BDQ is on schedule and on par to fill the ranks of the battalion. While his duties at the moment are mostly administratively allowing the Battalion Commander to deal with Combat Leadership he wears what is often called ‘Duck Hunter’ camouflage. The camouflage leaves little doubt that he has been with the Biet Dong Quan since the American advisory forces began working with the expanding ARVN Ranger Force. His uniform has both III Corps insignia on his right sleeve, and the distinctive 34th Battalion on the left.
He earned long ago the coveted ‘Steel Refinery” ARVN Ranger Qualification Badge and proudly wears it above his right pocket. The gold bar under the flower blossom indicates his rank in the ARVN system. His short sleeve custom shirt has a pen pocket sewn into it on the left sleeve. He wears matching pattern-trousers, with the ranger Beret and black boots on the compounds, the uniform was thrown into a box of ARVN uniforms, and I was somewhat confused when pulling them all out, so there are helmet and cap options are also shown for different occasions. As the Burgandy beret, indicate (Airborne Qualified) as well as the scarf, this may not be appropriate for he has no wings qualification on the shirt, hence the optional caps.
ARVN Ranger, II Corps Duck Camp Corporal:
