The 27th annual Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Best Ranger Competition kicks off today with a 6:30 a.m. buddy run beginning at Camp Rogers — and it only gets tougher from there.
Forty two-man Ranger teams will start the three-day competition, but only about a quarter of those are expected to finish the last event Sunday evening. Others will fall out due to injury or exhaustion.
The 60-plus hour contest will test each competitor physically, mentally and technically.
Specific tasks are kept secret until the teams arrive at the starting line, but each duo must be prepared to tackle land navigation, water courses, weapons assembly, shooting, road marching and running.
Spectator-friendly events include the urban obstacle course and shooting tests on Day 1. Saturday brings day stakes, probably the best opportunity to get up close and personal with a Ranger. Jammed into Sunday are the Darby Queen obstacle course, helocast and water confidence course. The final buddy run to Freedom Hall at Lawson Army Air Field also typically draws a good crowd.
