The annual Ranger Challenge is back to test the limits of the Army's most elite fighting force members.
The best cadets from The University of Memphis' Army ROTC, as well as those from North and South Carolina, will meet Nov. 5-6 at Fort Jackson, S.C., to compete in the Eastern Region (ROTC) 5th Brigade Ranger Challenge.
Eighteen schools will compete in the Ranger Challenge, which will include eight events: the Army physical fitness test, basic rifle marksmanship, construction and execution of a one-rope bridge, patrolling, weapons assembly, orienteering, hand grenade assault course and a 10K (6.2 miles) road march.
"The challenge really sets the standards a little bit higher for cadets," said junior cadet Kenneth Smith.
Only the first three places are awarded to schools, and after not placing last year, The University of Memphis team hopes to take one of the coveted winning spots.
"We are pretty confident that we will do well," said Maj. David Green, assistant professor of Military Science.
Comprised of 10 people, eight men and two women, the group will compete against other teams based on the amount of experience in each challenge.
Training for the competition began at the start of the semester, and typically includes one hour a day of physical training in the morning and focuses on at least one of the events showcased in the Challenge.Rangers generally have to overcome physical and mental challenges to complete missions, but sophomore cadet Chris Wooten said the hardest part would not be the physical element.
"Going for one day of military athletic exercises is tough, but the competition adds a whole new element," he said.
The Challenge focuses on both individual athleticism and team success, which Wooten said should be no problem.
"You won't find a more tight-knit group of people," he said. "If your buddy falls, then you pick them up and carry them."
Teams in most events will be scored by the average of individual performances. In others, scores will be based only on group times.Green said the Ranger Challenge is pertinent to the cadets' future as leaders.
"The extra time the cadets spend with us furthers development as soldiers, as well as develops them as people," he said.Winning the Challenge will not result in trophies or money, but for The University of Memphis's Army ROTC, the pride that comes with winning means more than plastic.
"If we win, we get to wear the tan beret," said sophomore cadet Mark Martin. "Wearing it is a huge honor."
