The "varsity sport" of ROTC
Ranger Challenge candidates first undergo a two-week, physically intensive tryout session. After observing and evaluating all candidates throughout this entire period, the team captains make cuts and establish official teams. Team members then train five days a week over the course of six weeks in preparation for the Task Force Competition comprised of northern and central Illinois ROTC programs. Training is not limited to physical fitness, but also includes various soldier skills such as first aid, hand grenade assault, and marksmanship. These teams then compete annually at Marseilles Training Center, Illinois over a three day period in October. The Rolling Thunder Battalion 9-male and 5-female teams have taken first place in 21 of the last 26 years.
The first place winners in the 9-man and 5-female categories at the Task Force Competition advance to the Brigade Competition held at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. This competition is comprised of the best teams from 8 states across the Midwest and challenges them even more than the Task Force Competition. The winners of the Brigade Competition advance to the annual Sandhurst Competition held at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY.
2017
Task Force Competition
9 person co-ed (TBD October 2017)
5 person co-ed (TBD October 2017)
2016
Task Force Competition
9-man (1st Place)
5-male (2nd Place)
5-female (1st Place)
Brigade Competition
9-male (4th Place)
5-female (2nd Place)
2015
Task Force Competition
9-male (1st Place)
5-male (4th Place)
5-female (1st Place)
Brigade Competition
9-male (T-1st Place)
5-female (2nd Place)
2014
Task Force Competition
9-male (1st Place)
5-male (2nd Place)
5-female (1st Place)
Brigade Competition
9-male (2nd Place)
2013
Task Force Competition
9-male (1st Place)
5-male (1st Place)
5-female (1st Place)
Brigade Competition
5-female (3rd Place)
2012
Task Force Competition
9-male teams (1st & 3rd Place)
5-male (1st Place)
5-female (1st Place)
2011
Task Force Competition
9-male teams (1st & 3rd Place)
5-male (1st Place)
5-female (1st Place)
The Ranger Challenge Events
- APFT
All Team members compete in the Push-up, Sit-up, and Two Mile Run for the best team average. - Day Land Navigation
Teams must find the location of their events in the vicinity of 8-10 square kilometers. - One Rope Bridge
Teams must construct a bridge across a creek using a 150 or 100 foot rope. The creek spans around 50-75 meters depending on the size of the team. - Assemble / Disassemble Weapons
The team must preform clearly an M16 and M9 disassemble completely, then re-assemble performing a functions check to ensure proper performance - all in the least amount of time possible. - Litter Carry
This event measures the endurance of the teams by carrying a weighted litter through 400-600 meters of obstacles or challenging terrain. - 10K Forced Road March
The most challenging of all events, teams race over 10K of treacherous terrain carrying ruck sacks and combat gear.