• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • skorpFull-Auto Fun — Shooting the full-Auto vz. 61 Škorpion
        • p320-full-leftSIG Sauer M17/M18/P320 Pistol Just Can’t Seem to Escape Safety Controversies
        • TISAS_10100520_1__98179Tisas 1911A1 U.S. Army Review: Best Budget .45 ACP WW2 1911 Clone?
        • Photoroom_20250531_143432Pyramyd AIR’s Springfield Hellcat Pro CO2 BB Pistol Is the Ultimate Dry-Fire Trainer
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • Hunting in TexasThese 5 ATV Dealers Will Get You Ready For Hunting Season in Texas
        • ac65a540-2ef3-4598-8d11-afdf53f46e94.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X: A Thoroughly Bright Review
        • Bluetti 2 handsfree power backpackBluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
        • The Gallagator 10 day pack on the shoreline next to a hiking trail.Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Tom and Blake Sell TeaHow Sasquatch Tea Is Revitalizing a Stagnant Tea Market With Veterans and Outdoorsmen in Mind
        • redcat-blackwidow-articleheaderWar of Words: In the Ultra-Competitive Defense Tech Industry, Storytelling is a Secret Weapon
        • Photoroom_20250525_074933Juggernaut Tactical Frame Review: The Best Upgrade for Your 365
        • craft holstersCraft Holsters Makarov Tuckable IWB Holster Report
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise
Mission Gear

Ranger Special Operations Vehicle | RSOV

October 4, 2018 by Erik Meisner 1 Comment

Ranger Special Operations Vehicle | RSOV

Back in the 1990’s, the vehicle of choice for the 75th Ranger Regiment was the RSOV. Produced by Land Rover, the Ranger Special Operations Vehicle met the criteria we needed in a wheeled vehicle. Helping us facilitate airfield seizures, the RSOV offered a team of Rangers rapid mobility. Used primarily for setting up blocking positions on major roads leading into an airfield, this vehicle was quick and stealthy. Under the hood was a 4 cylinder turbo diesel coupled to a manual transmission. As a “bike and Jeep” instructor, I spent most of the time teaching Rangers how to drive a stick. But it was the quiet engine and black paint scheme that allowed up to move around undetected.

The ability to mount an M2 .50 Caliber machine gun or a Mk-19 40mm grenade launcher on the open turret gave the team a good standoff range. It’s open cockpit allowed every member to provide 360-degree security while underway. Additionally, the TC, or right seater, had an M249 mounted on a swivel for that extra punch. Infrared headlights allowed us the drive full speed at night while using night vision goggles. And the RSOV’s slender frame allowed the 75th Ranger Regiment to load these vehicles side by side on the C-141 and single file on the C-130.

Unfortunately, the modern battle-space is riddled with IED’s. And the RSOV wouldn’t stand a chance. It had it’s place in time and I really enjoyed both driving and instructing in it. With the introduction of the wider C-17, up armored HMVEE’s are transportable and offer the protection soldiers need in the current environment.

Share This

About the Author

Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

See All Erik Meisner Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

About Erik Meisner

served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
    Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
    The Biggest Little Roundgun: The 3-Inch Kimber K6s
  • Mossberg Shockwave Versus Remington Tac 14
    Mossberg Shockwave Versus Remington Tac 14
  • Springfield Range Officer 1911: Full Review
    Springfield Range Officer 1911: Full Review
  • The Kaw Valley Linear Comp - Reviewed
    The Kaw Valley Linear Comp - Reviewed

Find Us on Facebook

Recent Comments

  • Winston Smiths on Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • Jared Mize on The Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife: A Commando Blade That Changed Special Forces Forever
  • GomeznSA on MAC-10: The Wild History of America’s Most Iconic (and Overrated) Submachine Gun

Latest From SOFREP

Expert Analysis

Situational Awareness: A Navy SEAL Explains

Military History

Medal of Honor Monday: Alwyn Cashe-A Hero Forged in Fire

Op-Ed

The Bolduc Brief: The Critical Role of USAID in Global Stability and National Security

News

Morning Brief: Trump, Netanyahu Plot Ceasefire as Hezbollah Vows Resistance

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2025 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers