Every element of our crest carries meaning — a tribute to the Rangers who came before, the ground they trained on, and the creed they live by.
The USMRA coat of arms — also called our crest or logo — is more than an emblem. Every shape, color, and symbol on it was chosen deliberately, tying the association to the history, terrain, and creed of the Ranger.
The arrowhead shape of the shield memorializes the first Rangers and Ranger-type units, such as those of Robert Rogers and Daniel Morgan. It also symbolizes the out-front nature of Rangers.
The scroll represents the history of modern Rangers, from those organized and activated by William O. Darby in 1942 to the present.
The gold star portrays the city of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County, Georgia — the site of mountain Ranger training since 1952 and the home of Camp Frank D. Merrill, completed in 1960.
TVD stands for the Tennessee Valley Divide, the dominant topographical feature of the mountain Ranger training area, reflecting the challenges of patrolling the rough, steep terrain of the mountains of North Georgia.
Borrowed from the 75th Ranger Regiment unit insignia, the sun stands for the operations of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) — Merrill's Marauders — whose legendary exploits in the China-Burma-India theater of World War II gave the mountain Ranger training facility its name.
The lightning bolt depicts quick, aggressive action — a trademark of Ranger operations. A Ranger, according to his creed, is expected to "move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier."
The points of the compass show the Ranger's ability to navigate successfully in any type of terrain, and to operate effectively in any global environment.
"Lead the Way" is the Ranger motto, which originated on Omaha Beach, Normandy, when the division commander of the 29th Infantry Division exhorted his troops to clear the beach and advance inland or die, while instructing Rangers of the 5th Battalion to "Lead the Way!"
The crossed axe and piton hammer represent expertise in military mountaineering techniques — instruction that is unique to Camp Merrill.
The development of brotherhood and fellowship among all those who serve their country as Rangers is the purpose of the U.S. Mountain Ranger Association.
