Ranger Challenge

1. Ranger Challenge WHO: Cowboy Battalion Cadets WHAT: Ranger Challenge Competition WHEN: 04 NOV 13 WHERE: Laramie, WY SUMMARY: Ranger Challenge is the varsity sport of UW ROTC. Every year teams from around the region gather at a central location to pit their best Cadets against each other in a one-day, all-out competition. This year was very different. With the government shut down, all events such as Ranger Challenge were either cancelled or delayed. Through negotiations, a plan B was reached which meant that each school would conduct a series of events, record scores or times and then submit their scores to be ranked against the other teams from the region. The first of these events was the “Ranger PT test.” For this event Cadets completed the standard 2 minutes of push-ups and 2 minutes of sit-ups. Next, each Cadet had as much time as possible in which to do as many dead arm hang pull ups as possible. Graders were strict to ensure that Cadets did not kick their legs up or use their momentum to lift themselves over the bar. After this, Cadets ran a timed two mile course (the standard APFT distance) inside the Arena Auditorium. This time was recorded but the Cadets then had to continue running and complete an additional three miles at which point their total five mile time was recorded. The average APFT score for Alpha team was 454 points and for Bravo team was 428 points out of a possible 500. After a quick change into the Army Combat Uniform, the Cadets completed a five minute written Cadet Knowledge Test and set up the One Rope Bridge in over six inches of fresh snow. Both teams completed the event quickly with Alpha team finishing in 11:12 and Bravo in 15:18. The next event was the 10k ruck march. Alpha Team finished with a time of 1:14:33 with Bravo coming in a mere two minutes behind them. Both teams performed phenomenally, averaging just over 12 minute miles with each member carrying a 35lbs rucksack and a Load Bearing Vest. Overall, Alpha Team placed 9th and Bravo 11th out of 15 teams in the region, a strong finish considering the weather and elevation which none of the other teams faced. Though disappointed at not being able to go head to head with the other schools in the Brigade, each member of the team carried himself or herself well, never complaining but instead pulling up the slack for his or her buddies whenever possible, fully living up to the Ranger Creed. Great job this year Ranger Challenge Cadets!