NCR Veteran Ranger

The NCR Veteran Rangers are elite Rangers in the NCR Army. They wear the iconic NCR Ranger combat armor, commonly referred to as "Black Armor." They are renowned for their survival and combat prowess.

Background
Veteran Rangers are an elite sect of New California Republic Rangers who have served long enough and with such distinction that they have earned the privilege of wearing the distinctive NCR Ranger combat armor, considered to be one of the most valuable and awe-inspiring items in the entire New California Republic. The inscription on their signature Ranger Sequoia revolvers indicates that the Veteran Rangers carrying them have served in the Rangers for 20 years or more.

In 2281, a contingent of NCR Veteran Rangers are deployed in Baja under orders from President Kimball doing what Chief Hanlon describes as "chasing ghosts," but as the conflict with the Legion draws to its climax, they are slowly deployed to the Mojave to boost the NCR's presence in the Mojave Wasteland.

The Courier hears about the Veteran Rangers from various individuals, as they have a legendary reputation among the people of the NCR and their enemies. NCR troopers will often comment on their reputation for toughness, and even General Oliver's elite NCR heavy troopers admit to being intimidated by them. Members of the Fiends inside Vault 3 advise the Courier to run the other way if they see a Ranger in black armor, remarking that they are capable of picking off entire Fiend patrols from more than a quarter of a mile away.

Locations
Veteran Rangers appear in the few quests just before the Second Battle of Hoover Dam. They can be found at most major NCR military outposts after the player character activates or destroys the Securitron army in Mr. House's secret bunker underneath Fortification Hill.

Alternatively, they may spawn after completing the mission Kings' Gambit. They appear at Camp Golf, Camp Forlorn Hope, and any of the ranger stations in the Mojave. If the Courier is declared a terrorist by the NCR, a group of NCR Rangers will be dispatched to hunt down and kill them.

Other interactions

 * Dependent on the actions in Restoring Hope, the attack force for Nelson can be four Veteran Rangers, but for them to appear, the Courier must do every quest and unmarked quest in Camp Forlorn Hope.
 * Two Veteran Rangers accompany Aaron Kimball during his visit to Hoover Dam to protect him as he gives his speech. Depending on which side the Courier is on, they will either stand out of their way as they protect the president, or attack them if they attempt the assassination during the quest Arizona Killer. If the Courier climbs onto the stage at any time while the president is there, they will automatically attack.
 * Siding with the NCR in the final battle for Hoover Dam, a squad of Veteran Rangers is sent to ensure that the Courier arrives at the Legate's camp. They can provide sniper support, follow or, after passing a Speech check of 85, pave the way.
 * If the Courier sides with Yes Man or Mr. House at the Second Battle for Hoover Dam, Veteran Rangers appear flanking General Lee Oliver after he enters the Legate's camp. If the Courier orders the Securitron army to attack Oliver and his Rangers, the latter will be enemies with the Courier.

Notable Veteran Rangers

 * NCR Ranger Veteran commander - A Ranger officer who leads a squad of veteran rangers to aid the Courier (provided they sided with the NCR) during the Second Battle of Hoover Dam.

Appearances
NCR Veteran Rangers appear only in Fallout: New Vegas.