Final answer:
The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company, involved in the Korean War, was a lightweight, fast-moving unit that lacked heavy firepower such as mortars for prolonged combat, a situation exacerbated by problematic orders from Major General Ned Almond regarding replacements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding the number of mortars in a ranger rifle company pertains specifically to the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company during the Korean War, which is a historical subject. From the context provided, it is clear that the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company faced several challenges. They were put on the front lines for nearly half of their first month in combat, fulfilling roles that went beyond their intended reconnaissance and anti-guerrilla duties. The ranger companies were designed to be agile and lightly equipped, therefore they lacked heavy firepower like mortars that were essential for prolonged combat situations.
Moreover, the controversy surrounding Major General Ned Almond's order to send African American replacement soldiers exclusively into the 2nd Ranger Company, regardless of their training, worsened the situation, making the unit less effective in terms of its specialized combat role.