Richard Merritt served 36 years in the U.S. Army and is a legendary Army Ranger Leader. In 2023, Rick was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger hall of fame, recognizing his lifetime achievement and contributions to American defense. His service included 26 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served in every position from Squad Automatic Rifleman through Regimental Sergeant Major. During combat he also served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) for two US Joint Special Operations Command Task Forces, US JSOTF 17 in Iraq, and US JSOTF 3-10 in Afghanistan for a cumulative four years.

He has also served as an Infantry Soldier with units in Germany and Panama.

In 2012 he became a nominative CSEL, serving as the Division Command Sergeant Major for the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, NY. He later served as the CSEL for the Commanding General, 8th United States Army and U.S. Forces Korea.

He has served in combat over 60 months and conducted over 1,500 raids under Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) with the 75th Ranger Regiment during numerous combat operations including Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He is a highly decorated Soldier who was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment by order of the Secretary of the Army. He is a widely requested speaker and mentor for Soldiers across the Army. Rick’s counsel and expertise is still highly valued by senior Army Leaders at all levels.

Rick has led and mentored thousands of Soldiers throughout his career, and continues to teach, coach, and mentor to this day. He continues to serve as a key advisor and mentor to numerous Army and Special Operations Senior leaders. He embodies his motto, “Ranger for Life.”