For the first time, the Tarleton State University Army ROTC took home first place in the North Texas Regional ROTC Ranger Challenge Competition at Fort Hood, TX that took place from Oct. 27. The 11 member Cadet team advances to the Army ROTC 5th Brigade Ranger Challenge Head-to-Head Competition, competing against the six other regional winners across eight states at Camp Bullis, San Antonio, from Nov. 16-18.

Tarleton fielded two teams for the competition. The Tarleton cadets dominated the 13 team field, consisting of teams from nine other universities: Baylor University, Prairie View A&M University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University – Central Texas, Texas Christian University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, University of North Texas, The University of Texas at Arlington. Over a three-day period, the cadets worked as a team negotiating and competing in 10 events ranging from a physical fitness test, weapons assembly/disassembly, night land navigation, tactical combat causality care, to a 10 mile forced foot march with a 35 lb ruck. Tarleton Cadets placed no lower than third in any event while taking home the first place streamer for the one rope bridge, tactical combat casualty care, night land navigation and weapons assembly/disassembly events.

“The competition was definitely a challenging task, both physically and mentally. My teammates and I trained hard, and remained dedicated, while still completing our obligations to the university. It was rewarding to see all of the work bring honor to the Lord, the University, R.O.T.C, and my platoon. My teammates and I recognize that this competition is a stepping stone to prepare us for an even greater challenge, the defense of the Nation,” says Ranger Challenge Platoon Sargent, Austin Laughlin.

The Tarleton Army ROTC program is under the guidance of Lieutenant Colonel Marty Deckard, professor of military science and Master Sergeant Jacob Gilmer, senior military science instructor.