CMC’s Army ROTC program won the Task Force South Ranger Challenge competition at Camp Pendleton last weekend, the program's second consecutive victory in the grueling military skills, strength, and endurance event.
At one point in the two-day event for Army ROTC programs in California and Nevada, CMC narrowly trailed Fresno State, before pulling ahead by winning the 4.2-mile ruck in 56 minutes, a Task Force South-record time. The ruck – made in full combat gear while lugging 35-pound backpacks – comes immediately after the Army physical fitness test, two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a timed two-mile run.
CMC advances to face winners from other regional events in a Brigade competition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, near Tacoma, Wash. CMC ROTC finished third at the Brigade event last school year.
Major Mike Doyle, CMC Professor of Military Science, praised the cadets’ dedication. In the weeks before the competition, cadets such as CMC’s Hunter LaPla ’19 put in many extra hours of training.
“They sacrificed their time and energy for the program’s benefit,” Doyle said.
– Michael Tesauro