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For a series overview of groups named "Rangers", see Rangers. For the Fallout 2 generic NPC, see NCR Ranger (Fallout 2). For the Fallout: New Vegas generic NPC, see NCR Ranger (Fallout: New Vegas). |
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| New California Republic |
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| Shady · Los Angeles · Hub · Maxson · Dayglow |
| Military |
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NCR Army · NCR Rangers Brotherhood War (Operation: Sunburst, Battle of Griffith Observatory) · Mojave Campaign (First Battle of Hoover Dam, Second Battle of Hoover Dam) |
| Politics |
| Republican Farmer's Committee · Stockmen's Association · Agri- and Brahmin barons · Propaganda |
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The New California Republic Rangers, formerly known as the New California Rangers,[3] are a post-War elite military unit within the New California Republic. They have appeared in Fallout 2 and Fallout: New Vegas.
A volunteer special forces renowned as much for their expert reconnaissance capabilities as their bravery and combat prowess,[4] the Rangers' primary purpose is dealing with threats the forces of the republic's standing Army cannot handle, as well as general peacekeeping around the borders of NCR territory, scouting out known and potential threats, and other special assignments.[5] Their cutting-edge training, weaponry and assortment of both pre- and post-War technology often allows them to serve as lynchpins for victory in the republic's conflicts even when a situation may see them outnumbered and outgunned.[6]
Background[]
Origins[]
In the 2160s, when the NCR was a mere dream in the minds of Aradesh, leader of the town of Shady Sands, and his daughter Tandi, their homestead was protected by Seth and the defenders he captained, guarding the people against threats such as radscorpions and raiders. After the Vault Dweller rescued Tandi from the Khans tribe and later saved the wasteland from the threat of the Master and the Unity, allowing the New California Republic to begin,[7] Aradesh and Seth set out on a journey to discover the Vault Dweller's origins at Vault 13, but were presumed dead after not returning for years.[8] As the republic grew, the now-President Tandi decided to have Seth posthumously immortalized on the republic's currency and for his efforts protecting Shady Sands from outside threats, he was revered and retroactively regarded as the founder and "First" of the Rangers of the NCR.[9]
Political stratum[]
Eventually, as their numbers and strength grew, the Rangers became an independent law enforcement agency focusing on abolishing slavery inside and outside its borders. For decades they fought the practice, both in courts and on the field of battle, slowly building up their political and military power. By 2241, their activism and the advent of many friends in high places ensured the passage of legislation in the lands of the republic south of Shady Sands, after which they turned their attention to the territories outside the capital region to the north.[10]
Their limited numbers made their mission difficult, as they were routinely outnumbered by their foes. As such, the Rangers operated in secret, especially outside NCR territories. Where slavers were present, they would raid them, help potential slaves flee their would-be captors, and smuggle liberated slaves south to the republic. Their operations were a major thorn in the side of the Slaver's Guild, especially around New Reno and Klamath. Operational security implemented by the Rangers made their cells and safehouses impossible to detect for the untrained slaver muscle.[3] Even their headquarters were kept a secret, hidden in plain sight in the auto-mechanic shop within Shady Sands itself.[11][12] It's commonly believed that the clarity of purpose and a clear moral compass, served the Rangers' efforts in beating seemingly impossible odds to prevail.[13]
Ultimately, their perseverance proved essential to helping the growing republic and its still-young Army survive in a wasteland full of despots, slavers and raiders. The Rangers steadily helped tip the balance in favor of the republic, which stood for freedom and democracy. Their abolitionism evolved into a fundamental dedication to protecting the people of the wasteland against all forms of tyranny.[14]
Unification[]
The Rangers' work took on a new shape in 2271, when then-Chief Elise signed the Ranger Unification Treaty, integrating the Desert Rangers into the NCR Rangers and dedicating the organization to protecting the republic's interests in the Mojave Wasteland, namely the Hoover Dam, the allied city of New Vegas and most of southern Nevada against the republic's enemies, chiefly the marauding army east of the Colorado River, Caesar's Legion.[15][16][17]
For the next ten years, the Rangers' duties slowly transformed into a permanent vigil, looking east and watching the borders against threats like the Legion.[18] Rangers patrolled both sides of the waters of the Colorado, trying to fight an enemy who refused to fight fair, often setting up ambushes to catch their targets unaware, and routinely used heinous methods like giving explosives to children to play on the Rangers' morality and drop their guard. Many were wounded and forced to leave the Rangers as a result, incapable of continuing their patrols. The few who recovered could count on priority assignments to elite units of the Army, always in need of capable soldiers.[19][20][21]
First Battle of Hoover Dam[]
The greatest achievement of their war with the Legion came in 2277, when Rangers under the command of Chief Hanlon turned the tide of the First Battle of Hoover Dam. In a cunning trap laid by them with assistance from First Recon sharpshooters, they lured the best of the Legion's soldiers through the dam into the town of Boulder City. Shortly after the bulk of the Legion passed the city limits, the Rangers detonated the explosives placed in advance within the buildings, devastating Caesar's main force and serving to effectively cripple the enemy's offensive and force them to retreat entirely from the Mojave afterward.[22]
Patrolling the Mojave[]
Subsequently being credited as the decisive factor in the republic's victory against the Legion, the Rangers were celebrated across the republic as heroes, while overshadowing the sacrifice of scores of Army soldiers under the command of General Lee Oliver. The resentful general then took it upon himself to win the next confrontation with the resurgent Legion on his own terms, frequently to the detriment of the troops under his command, especially the Rangers. In preparation for Caesar's return, the New California Republic Army has adopted a confrontational posture, entrenching itself on the banks of the Colorado River while facing Legion positions on the opposite side. Given ongoing manpower shortages and overstretched supply lines, this only made the republic's strategic situation even more precarious than before. On the side of the war room, General Lee Oliver consistently does the opposite of what Chief Hanlon recommends, to the extent of placing the Rangers in the middle of the western part of the dam.[23]
Against Oliver's best efforts, however, their image in the larger republic remains unblemished. The incumbent President Aaron Kimball often arranges for Veteran Rangers to serve as his bodyguards[24] and the Rangers are given carte blanche to maintain a network of outposts across the Mojave to expand the reach of their activities. However, the same closeness with the presidency has resulted in an imbalance of power regarding Ranger deployments, for while patrol Rangers hold the line in the Mojave and on other frontiers, acting as informants and scalpels to destabilize enemies,[25] on President Kimball's orders their veterans have been largely occupied with assignments in Baja, performing a task that Chief Hanlon blithely describes as "chasing ghosts."[26] While the squalid state of political affairs has not affected the dedication of the rank and file Rangers, it weighs heavy on the mind of their Chief, who believes that holding the Dam will be the death of the republic.[27]
By 2281, they represent the elite of the NCR and are often given dangerous or prestigious tasks, such as forming the elite bodyguard of the then president of the republic, Aaron Kimball. However, according to Chief Hanlon, a Ranger's life boils down to the phrase "looking east," tools to be used for the territorial expansion of the republic.[18] Regardless, a Ranger failing in their objective is a rare sight and their success is often taken for granted.[25]
The rangers operate from six Ranger stations across the Mojave Wasteland: Ranger Station Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo and Foxtrot. These stations are tasked with patrolling the NCR's territory, who then transmit their reports to the Rangers' headquarters (Camp Golf in the Mojave) who will then analyze the threat and directly call reinforcements from the regular army. However, these messages have been getting mixed up with conflated sightings.[27] Paired with both General Lee Oliver's favor over the rank-and-file soldiers of the NCR military, and Rangers routinely being put in harm's way in favor of Oliver's power-armored shock-troops[28] has made Ranger work exceedingly frustrating for Chief Hanlon and the average patrol Ranger.
Organization[]
Standard uniform patch
What started as an independent outfit dedicated to uprooting slavery evolved over the years into a distinct organization with the characteristics of civilian survey companies, special forces, and law enforcement: Part scout, part commando, part sheriff.[29] Although once autonomous, by 2271, the Rangers were folded into the NCR's military chain of command, operating under army officers in any major engagements or ongoing operations of strategic locations like Mojave Outpost or Camp McCarran. However, Rangers are given leeway in terms of carrying out their duties and as such often do not wear NCR dog tags, blurring the line between an independent agency and army special forces.[Non-game 1]
The Rangers are not numerous. In the Mojave Wasteland, the total number of Rangers across the region initially does not exceed a couple dozen, concentrated in Ranger stations.[30] The troop surge in preparation for the Second Battle of Hoover Dam increases their numbers substantially.[31]
They are organized into Ranger battalions, which are in turn divided into companies and those into platoons and then squads. There are at least four Ranger battalions in existence, and their companies can be named after animals (eg. Cazador company.)[32][33] One of the most elite Ranger squads is the Alpha Squad.[34] A NCR Ranger hit squad also exists in the Mojave in 2281, ready to "do terrible things to terrible people" if ordered by NCR leadership.
Rangers frequently serve a lifetime, until they are incapacitated, killed or retire. Veterans who served 20 years do not receive medals or watches, but rather the traditional Ranger Sequoia, a ceremonial (but still very functional) hunting revolver.[35] Like troopers of the army, Rangers receive compensation for their work in the field. Payment is also incentive-based, and the discovery of important intel can lead to a salary raise.[36]
Recruitment[]
Unlike the republic's Army, the Rangers are an all-volunteer force and make no use of conscription.[37] Instead, the Rangers proactively recruit members, most commonly from among the soldiers of New California Republic Army who demonstrated excellence at fighting and/or scouting, though prospective Rangers are free to refuse the offer.[38] As long as the candidate demonstrates the requisite skills, anyone can join: the Rangers accept humans, ghouls and super mutants all on an equal basis.[39][Non-game 2]
All candidates are expected to undergo rigorous training, with roughly 8 out of 10 dropping out due to the extreme standards. Those who finish and are awarded the badge, have proven that they are "quieter than a shadow and more ferocious than even a deathclaw."[29]
Before the Rangers were formalized as an agency of the republic, the Ranger chiefs had much greater flexibility in nominating Rangers.[40] Those who aided the Rangers' cause in substantial ways were fast-tracked to full Ranger status, complete with their distinctive pin.[41]
Ranks[]
The Rangers are a close-knit outfit, with a great deal of emphasis placed on respecting the wisdom of their veterans and elders. The greatest of these in 2281 is Chief Hanlon, who is the object of near-reverence by his fellow Rangers. The Rangers do not generally use the NCR Army's standard military rank structure. Their known ranks are:
- Ranger
- Veteran Ranger
- Chief (only the top Ranger holds this rank)
However, sometimes the Rangers do use standard NCR Army military rank; a Ranger by the name of Balmoral referred to himself as a staff sergeant while he was in the Divide.[42]
Ranger Unification[]
The New California Republic Rangers were originally a separate institution and political entity from the Desert Rangers who were spread across the former Southwest United States. The Desert Rangers were squeezed out of most of their territory outside of Nevada by the rise of Caesar's Legion, and found an alliance with the New California Republic to be the best option. The Unification Treaty was signed in 2271, with a monument forged over the Mojave Outpost to commemorate the signing. The conditions outlined that the Desert Rangers would be integrated into the New California Republic, though the exact transitions in hierarchy are not explicit. In exchange, the New California Republic would pledge to defend Nevada from the Legion, and more specifically, the Mojave Wasteland.[15]
Technology[]
Veteran Ranger with an anti-materiel rifle
As the elite military force of the republic, the NCR Rangers have access to the best equipment the New California Republic can offer, although that doesn't include power armor, energy weapons, or force fields. Under Chief Elise in 2241, a Ranger's default combat outfit was the second generation reinforced combat armor with a variety of advanced weapons at their disposal, including fully automatic combat shotguns, flamers and miniguns. Everything was kept at a high level of maintenance.[43] The Ranger Unification Treaty in 2271 brought changes, as the Desert Rangers merged into the Republic Rangers, bringing with them their traditional brown dusters.[44]
By 2281, the Rangers have firmly established themselves as the elite military branch of the republic. As such, they have access to the finest armor and weapons the republic can muster. Their regular Ranger patrol armor is hand-made in the NCR and offers good, balanced protection in combat and from the hardships of the desert, while the elite black armor uses advanced pre-War LAPD riot armor combined with the traditional Desert Ranger duster, a symbol of their skills and bravery.[45] Ranger combat helmets are also old pre-War military gear that has built in low-light optics, allowing for more advance night scouting and sharpshooting to assist regular army troops.[46] Ranger armories are also significantly better than that of regular troops and include anti-materiel rifles, brush guns, various automatic weapons and more.[47]
Members[]
2241[]
2241 Ranger pin
Various unnamed NCR Rangers make up patrols that circulate both around NCR itself and along major slave trafficking routes. They wear combat armor and carry several high end weapons like miniguns, assault rifles (ex. H&K CAWS) and sniper rifles. Around the NCR capital, they can be found fighting random hostiles like super mutants and raiders, whereas on the slave routes they can be found killing slavers.
2281[]
2281 Ranger hat
In addition to unnamed NCR Rangers and NCR Veteran Rangers, members include:
- Chief Hanlon
- Ranger Anders
- Ranger Beaumont
- Ranger Castillo
- Ranger Dobson
- Ranger Erasmus
- Ranger Ericsen
- Ranger Ghost
- Ranger Gomez
- Ranger Grant
- Ranger Green
- Ranger Jackson (Mojave Outpost)
- Ranger Jackson (
) - Ranger Keller
- Ranger Kudlow
- Ranger Lenk
- Ranger Lineholm
- Ranger Milo
- Ranger Morales
- Ranger Pason
- Ranger Scheffer
- Ranger Stella
- Ranger Stepinac
- Ranger Stevens
- Ranger Tilden
Relations with the outside[]
The Rangers, especially the Veteran Rangers, have a fearsome reputation with friend and foe alike. In the Mojave, posters can be seen of them and some NCR troopers believe they "chew nails and spit napalm." Even men of Caesar's Legion speak of the Rangers with respect, calling them "the best the profligates have to offer."
Occasionally, to deal with "terroristic threats," the Rangers will be used as roving deathsquads that hunt enemies of the NCR.
Interactions with the player character[]
Fallout 2[]
Their headquarters appear in the New California Republic capital. Unless the player joined the Slaver's Guild, Chief Elise will offer an assignment to free the slaves in the slave pen, for the Rangers, which also includes taking out Vortis, the local slave driver. Doing so will make the Chosen One a Ranger, together with their Ranger pin, which can be shown to the Sheriff at Redding for an unique interaction. Other than that, the Rangers have no bearing on the story.
NCR Rangers can be seen in random encounters and will usually leave the Chosen One alone, only attacking if they are a slaver.
Fallout: New Vegas[]
The Courier can encounter Rangers throughout the Mojave, in various outposts and camps. They can choose to help them in various quests, such as updating their radio security codes or rescuing a member from Vault 3. If the Courier chooses to aid the NCR, a squad of Veteran Rangers will aid in the Second Battle of Hoover Dam.
The Courier can call a Ranger in as backup through the NCR emergency radio, as long as the player character has a good reputation with the NCR. Alternatively, if they have a negative reputation with the NCR, they may send a squad of Rangers to kill the Courier.
Choices made in Fallout: New Vegas will change the fate of the Rangers. The ending can range from Chief Hanlon and those few Rangers accompanying him being slain to the very last man and revered for their sacrifice, to them either being victorious and hailed as heroes or reviled and permanently disgraced should Chief Hanlon's plot against the occupation be exposed.[48]
Notes[]
The ranger armor outfit apparel set in Fallout 76 (automatically given to all players who subscribe to Fallout 1st) as well as the advanced ranger armor outfit and elite ranger armor outfit also made available through this program, are highly resemblant of the NCR Ranger combat armor, as well as the advanced riot gear and elite riot gear from the Lonesome Road add-on; the only difference is that they are described as belonging to the Charleston Police Department in Appalachia.
Appearances[]
The NCR Rangers appear in Fallout 2 and Fallout: New Vegas, and were intended to appear in Van Buren, the canceled Fallout 3 by Black Isle Studios. Two characters in the Fallout TV series are seen wearing NCR Ranger armor, and NCR propaganda featuring Rangers appear as set dressing.
Behind the scenes[]
According to the Fallout Bible, the Rangers are similar to their pre-War equivalent, the Texas Rangers.[Non-game 1]
Gallery[]
References[]
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Non-game
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fallout Bible 6 New California Republic: "[...] The NCR military is composed of several Divisions, including special cavalry and mechanized units. One of their "Special Forces" units consists of the Rangers, a select group that is pledged to protect the people of the Wastes much like the Texas Rangers of old. The Rangers are said to have numerous safehouses throughout the wastes, and they use these to strike at slavers outside of NCR territory (usually in the North). As expected, the two groups hate each other with a passion. NCR was also in the habit of establishing marshals in the major population centers in their territories, responsible for enforcing the laws of NCR throughout the Republic. Ghouls, super mutants, and humans were all known to serve in the NCR armed forces, even in the rangers.
- ↑ Fallout Bible 6: "5. So if supermutants can now reproduce..."
"They can't. Marcus was joking in New Reno. Super mutants are sterile. Blame me for another episode of bad humor, oh cruel reader."
"...Goris and Xarn can perpetuate the intelligent deathclaw race, and new ghouls are being made from over-radiated people dying..."
"Goris and Xarn did not perpetuate the race – they are the last of their kind. See below."
"...that would mean Humans, Supermutants, Ghouls, and Intelligent Deathclaws would be major races in New California right?"
"Not as of the end of Fallout 2, no. The predominant and most accepted race in NCR is human (and probably will be for generations). While super mutants and ghouls are tolerated (although some gain true acceptance, especially in the military and in the NCR Rangers), deathclaws of any intelligence would not be, assuming any significant number survived the Enclave's massacre at Vault 13, which they didn't."
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