
Ranger Challenge is a competition where teams of eight ROTC cadets compete in various events which include M-16/M-60 assembly, one rope bridge crossing, an APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test), orienteering, a written patrolling test, grenade assault course, BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship), and a 10 kilometer road march.
The teams from various schools compete in the two day regional competition. On the first day, the competitors start with the APFT, consisting of two minutes of pushups, two minutes of situps, and a two mile run. Scoring is based on Army standards, with awards for the best male and female score in each event.
Then cadets go to a timed written patrolling test, in which the team must answer various questions on patrolling tactics. This test is based on speed and accuracy.
The next event is orienteering. In this event the teams break
up into groups of two and go find points in the area using maps
and orientiering skills. The
points are all shown on a master map. The team captains must copy the
points to their map so that each group can copy the points that they will
find. The score for each point is determined by the distance from the
starting point.
The teams then rotate between the BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship), the Grenade Assault course, the One Rope Bridge, and M-16/M-60 assembly.
At the BRM competition, the teams shoot for score. Each team member is given 9 rounds to zero their M-16. Then they are given 40 rounds and shoot for points under a specified amount of time
The Grenade Assault course consists of an obstacle course, and at certain
points on the course, cadets throw simulated grenades at targets. While
on the course cadets must use movement techniques such as the High Crawl,
Low Crawl, and Back Crawl to successfully complete the course. Points are
awarded based on time and grenade aim.
At the One Rope Bridge course, teams must create a bridge and get all team members across to the other side of a water hazard. Only two cadets are allowed to get wet. The Rope Bridge event is based on time, and there is a time penalty assessed if anyone other than the two allowed cadets get wet. The course is run twice with the standing time being an average of the two runs.
The M-16/M-60 asembly is a timed event where each team member must assemble an M-16 and a M-60. The cadets start 50 meters from the parts. Then they must run to the parts, which are all located inside one box, and proceed to put both of the weapons together.
The 10 K Road March is held on the second day of the competition.
It is the only event held that day. The teams must complete a 10 K
run, wearing full equipment including LBE (Load Bearing Equipment)
with two canteens, an M-16, a ruck sack packed with a spare uniform
and an extra set of boots. Each team must also carry their Guide-on
during the run.
Each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event.
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