The Claremont McKenna College Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team celebrated its first ever first-place finish at the recent, annual Ranger Challenge competition at Camp Pendleton in California, placing ahead of programs at the University of Southern California, San Diego State University, and California State University, Fullerton.
Captaining this year's Ranger Challenge Team the first team in the history of the CMC program to place first was Raymond Hall '09. Cadet Wesley Williamson '10 finished with the top individual fitness prize, scoring 380 points in a test consisting of two minutes of push-ups and sit-ups, and a two-mile run. (Organizers report that most participants finish with fewer than 300 points.)
The Ranger Challenge, this year held Nov. 2-3, is called the "varsity sport" of Army ROTC, testing competitors in basic soldier skills such as rifle marksmanship, land navigation, and a 10-kilometer road march. Cadets were up at dawn, six days a week, running and marching in preparation.
Most ROTC students who receive scholarships agree to complete four years of full-time service with the Army. Some cadets choose to serve part-time in the U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career.
For information about ROTC at Claremont McKenna College, contact Lt. Col. William Fitch, 909-621-8102, or William.fitch@claremontmckenna.edu.