BYU ROTC cadets are the Ranger Challenge Competition Champions for 2011

The BYU Army ROTC Ranger Challenge Team has again defeated the competition regionally and been crowned champions for the 28th time in the last 30 years.

This past weekend the BYU squad of 7 male and 2 female cadets representing all of the classes at BYU traveled to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and defeated 15 other ROTC teams from throughout the intermountain region including teams from the U of Utah, Utah State, U Colorado Boulder, Colorado State U., Utah Valley U., U of Wyoming, Weber State, Sothern Utah U., U of Colorado – Colorado Springs to name a few. 

The competition requires the team to work together to overcome multiple physical and military challenges as a unit with full military gear to include rucksack, weapon, and boots.  The competition started at 0445 in the morning to freezing rain which quickly turned to snow and near blizzard conditions with wind and cold in Colorado Springs.  The team completed the Army physical fitness test, then moved to various military challenges including the one-rope bridge, hand grenade assault course, land navigation (orienteering) over several miles of rugged terrain, target acquisition and weapons selection, combat lifesaver (first aid) and medical evacuation, and patrolling.  The final event began after dark for a final 7.1 mile forced march (run) with full rucksack weapon and equipment in the dark and several requirements to move casualties, ammunition, 55 gallon drums, and water cans over the course.  The BYU Army ROTC team emerged victorious, winning the patrolling, rope bridge and Ruck march events as well as the overall competition.