| ID | 139109 |
| Title Proper | Texas ranger auxiliaries |
| Other Title Information | double-edged sword of the campaign for Northern Mexico, 1846–1848 |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Jennings , Nathan A |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This essay explores how federalized Texas Rangers, in the form of scout companies and larger mounted rifle regiments, provided controversial, and ultimately cost-effective, versatility to the US Army during its campaign in Northern Mexico between 1846 and 1848. It argues that their contributions centered on three tactical tasks that enhanced the invading army's maneuvers: reconnaissance, direct assault, and counterguerrilla patrolling. Each of these actions reflected a distinctive skill-set at which the auxiliaries excelled, marking them as exceptionally multifunctional assets. The Texans' augmentation coincided with, and was necessitated by, the evolving stages of the war in Northern Mexico, beginning with the American army's initial invasion, then transitioning to the assault on Monterrey, and finally ending with a troubled occupation where the rangers' brutality both enabled and undermined American pacification efforts. |
| `In' analytical Note | Small Wars and Insurgencies Vol. 26, No.2; Apr 2015: p.313-334 |
| Journal Source | Small Wars and Insurgencies Vol: 26 No 2 |
| Key Words | Mexican War ; Counterguerrilla Warfare ; Federacion Hill ; Monterrey ; Maj. Gen. Zachary Taylor ; Texas Devils ; Texas Rangers |