Afganistan is replacing Iraq as the center on the war on terror. Saudi Bin Laden and al Qaeda No. 2 Egyptian doctor Ayman al-Zawahiri are still in hiding somewhere in the tribal areas of Afganistain and Pakistain border. The terrain is tough and highly mobile units like the US Army Rangers are leading the hunt for Bin Laden and the Taliban.

The US Rangers are organized into a higly mobile and rapidly deployable light infantry force. Ranger training is tough but that what it takes to build an elite force.

U.S. Army Rangers Prepare to Jump into Afghanistan

At Army basic training at Fort Benning Georgia, the first thing your drill instructor will tell you is don’t mess with Jake the Snake. Did you know that Rangers not only don’t fear snakes, they eat them.

Snakes. All poisonous and nonpoisonous fresh water and land snakes are edible. CAUTION: Take extreme care in securing snakes as the bite of some poisonous snakes can be fatal. Even after a snake’s head is cut off, its reflex action can cause it to bite, injecting poison. The best time to capture snakes is in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are low and they move slow. Kill or use a long stick to pin down its head and capture it. To pick up a snake, place the index finger on the top rear of its head with your thumb and middle finger on either side of the head behind the jaws. Keep your index finger on top of snake’s head to prevent it from turning inside its skin and biting you. To prepare snakes for eating use the following steps (figure 11-9): (a) Grip the snake firmly behind the head and cut off the head with a knife. (b) Slit the belly and remove the innards. (You can use the innards for baiting traps and snares). (c) Skin the snake. (You can use the skin for improvising, belts, straps, or similar items).

The best way to learn more about the US Army Rangers is to read or download the U.S. Army Ranger Handbook SH 21-76 here:

U.S. Army Ranger Handbook SH 21-76