[1][2] The Ranger tab is considered the pre-eminent award for soldiers in combat arms branches within the United States Army.

It is considered an unwritten rule in the Infantry Branch that a Ranger tab is required to achieve full career success,[3] with the majority of commissioned and non-commissioned officers serving in battalion and above leadership roles (within brigade combat teams and infantry divisions) holding the award.

The Ranger tab was created in 1950 and is an embroidered quadrant patch worn on the upper left sleeve of a military uniform.

In addition, as set forth in Army regulations, veterans of certain categories of former wartime service are also eligible for retroactive awards of the tab.

Earning the tab is considered an indication that an officer possesses the skills and stamina necessary to effectively lead soldiers in the infantry.