Recruits had to be male, single, between the age of 19 (though men as young as 17 managed to join) to 28, have attained high school grade 11, stand at least 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weigh not more than 185 pounds (84 kg).

Training, which included paramilitary marching, battle drill and small arms practice, was administered by a sergeant major of the Newfoundland Militia.

They were responsible for carrying out policies of six government departments; Civilian staff were non-sworn members: The force was recommended by Deputy Minister of Justice Brian Dunfield in 1932 to the Amulree Commission.

The Newfoundland Constabulary was to remain as the police force for the major centres on the Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas while the Rangers would service remote areas of the island and Labrador.

recounts the story of Ranger Danny Corcoran, who left his detachment at Harbour Deep to go to Port Saunders, became lost, and was not found for several days.

[10] St. John's based rock band Nicer released the track The Ranger on December 11, 2017 from the unreleased Album Common Sleep.