Ranger Challenge 2011

 It was a rigorous two months of training, extending from the end of the hot August month, to the beginning chills of mid-October, but the Fighting Saints Battalion Ranger Challenge Team doesn't quit when the going gets tough. They trained not to the standard, but ultimately above and beyond the standard, exactly the way they wanted to compete.

With many experienced Cadets returning and a handful of the strong freshmen class, the team knew that to be successful, they had to push their limits.  A new cadre member, CPT Martinson, volunteered his time and knowledge to the team, which was also led by MSIV Captain Ben Zilka and MSIII Assistant Captains Jake Lillehaug and Jarod Krog. The early mornings and the hot afternoons consisted of physical exhaustion and mental discipline; the two essential ingredients in being successfully. Whether it was push-ups, planks, for several minutes, rope bridge rehearsals, or the occasionally sandbag sprints, the team put all they had into their training. Through all the blood, sweat, and time put into the season, it was clear that the Fighting Saints came to Camp Ripley to compete and turn some heads while doing so.

After a strenuous and competitive event, the Fighting Saints Black Team was able to come away with a solid 3^rd place overall only falling short of 1^st by a two points. In the meantime, all the Fighting Saints teams showed off their skills and placed well in specific events such as the Obstacle Course (Black Team -1^st / Gold Team - 2^nd),  Weapons Disassembly/Reassembly  (Black Team - 1^st ), Land Navigation (B Company Team - 2^nd), and the 10K Ruck Run (Black Team - 2^nd).  With great success this fall, the FSB Ranger Challenge Teams looks to piggy back from that and make greater things happen next year.

This article was written by Cadet Gerald Pittman