501st Mississippi Rancor Raiders Garrison

Mississippi's definitive Star Wars costuming organization. A subdivision of the 501st Legion; The largest Star Wars costuming organization in the galaxy!

Birth of the Rancor Raiders

Our roots began when Mississippi was part of what was then the Southern Outpost. The SO was comprised of Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky. At that time there were only a handful of MS troopers. Being isolated from events and other state troopers a few of us decided as fun to create our own little band, an unofficial group of friends that wanted to troop but

too far away from the rest of the Southern Outpost. We called ourselves “Tarkins Talons” and ‘offically’ trooped for the first time at Wizard World 2005 at Chicago. For the next two years we trooped as a gang unto ourselves. In 2007, the Southern Outpost split. Alabama left to from its own garrison, Tennessee and Kentucky formed the MidSouth Garrision and the fate of Mississippi was thrown up in the air. At first Alabama was to take us, but at the midnight hour, they declined. Star Garrison (Texas) wanted to take us but the Legion Council decided Star was already to large. There was even talk of us merging with Louisiana and forming a garrison. MidSouth Garrison reluctantly took us under their umbrella, but Mississippi troopers were not happy about the situation to say the least. So began our road to independence. We began by forming a squad within the MidSouth Garrison called the “Delta Assault Squad”. This eventually lead to my push to become an outpost. Their were many roadblocks, not only from the MSG but the Legion Council itself. There had never been a state of the continental U.S. that had been an outpost before becoming a garrison. (Southern Outpost was formed from three states). With the help of the then current MidSouth CO Glen Tamboia and the founder of the 501st Legion, Albin Johnson, we merged victorious. The Mississippi Outpost was born. We adopted the TIE Mauler as our symbol. This was another first within the 501st since it was the first time an expanded universe vehicle had been used in an official capacity. We also adopted the official colors ‘green and black’ to stand us apart from other garrisons. Seeking something that would give us an edge, I brought the name Rancor Raiders before the troopers and it was embraced. It seemed just what we needed to give us a sense of unity and pride. Once again I’m proud of this garrison. And I’m proud of its role in the 501st Legion. May the 177th Armored Assault Regiment of the 501st Legion also known by the battle name “Rancor Raiders” keep rolling and never die.

“Death Before Dismount”

Brian ‘Vex’ McClure
Founder of the Rancor Raiders

05/07/2026

The Empire gives out fist bumps to all cadets. The force is strong with this one.

Photos from 501st Mississippi Rancor Raiders Garrison's post

04/17/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of one of our brothers in arms. Mark Brown will be sorely missed. Thank you for your service to the Empire. Buckets off.

04/08/2026

We are proud the announce that Central Mississippi is now in its 6 month probationary period before coming an OFFICIAL squad. Soon to become The Trinitite Squad! Bleed Green!

02/25/2026

The Mississippi Rancor Raiders Garrison will have a Fan Table at Coast Con 48 in Biloxi, MS March 6-8 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. Come see your favorite characters from a galaxy far far away.

02/21/2026

Proud to present the new 2026 Rancor Raiders Command Staff! BLEED GREEN!!

06/24/2025

The combined total donation for this weekend from the Star Wars Groups was a whopping $2,965 for the Make A Wish Foundation.

Thank you to all that participated and contributed.

06/17/2025

It’s that time again!! Mississippi Comic-Con is this weekend!! And it’s bigger than ever! Three days instead of two, and it’s outgrown the Trademart, and will be in the colosseum as well!!
As always, we will be running Blast-A-Trooper to raise money for Make-A-Wish of Mississippi! Be sure to by, blast our troops, or just leave a donation! This year, we will be inside the colosseum in space A-1 on the map, along with Chenataa Base of the Rebel Legion, the South Central Droid Builders Club, and Vershok Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs. Stop by and take pics with us!!