Embry-Riddle’s Army ROTC Takes Regionals, Advances to International Competition

Cadets from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Army ROTC will compete among the best teams in the world at the international Sandhurst Military Skills Competition April 29-30, at the U.S. Military Academy West Point.

“The Eagle battalion is so proud that these cadets have the opportunity to represent our program, and the 6th Brigade,” said Lt. Col. Jerome Reitano, commanding officer of the Daytona Beach Campus Army ROTC program.

Embry-Riddle Army ROTC cadet Michael Kempany competed in the 6th Brigade Army ROTC Ranger Challenge. (Photo: Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Army ROTC)

The Sandhurst competition will feature teams from Army ROTC units across the United States, all service academies and 16 additional teams from across the globe.

“Considered the varsity sport of ROTC, the Sandhurst competition features the best ROTC, service academy and international military programs in the world, putting their teamwork and strength on display,” said Reitano.

The Embry-Riddle team earned its spot at Sandhurst after placing first in the 6th Brigade Army ROTC Ranger Challenge held Jan. 26-29 at Fort Benning, Georgia. It was one of 10 teams competing in the grueling regional competition. Teams marched with 45-pound rucksacks across 27 miles in 14 hours, while competing in a series of team-based physical events that included a Casualty Evacuation course and an escape-room simulation.

“These cadets are among the best: They are hard-working, resilient and embody the warrior ethos,” said Reitano. “They have truly tested their mental and physical toughness to achieve something great.”

A first-person account of the regional competition, from cadet Ellie Knudson, is included below:

How difficult was the 6th Brigade Army ROTC Ranger Challenge?

It demanded everything from us physically, mentally and emotionally. Our Army skills were put to the test when we were past our physical limits. Our team carried two rounds of 100-pound artillery for one mile and, later, a 160-pound medical litter that simulated the need to evacuate a fellow soldier for two miles up one of Georgia’s mountains. Frost formed on our rucks as we ran through the night during “Ranger Stakes,” as the temperature dipped into the 20s.

How important was this competition, and why did Embry-Riddle excel?

Of the entire 6th Brigade in the Southeast, consisting of 39 university Army ROTC programs, only 10 teams made it to the 6th Brigade Competition. We had placed first in the regional qualifiers in November and were determined to take first again. In this 6th Brigade competition, only the top two teams would move forward.

Most teams took a break. Some teams had members quit. Embry-Riddle’s Ranger Challenge Team does not quit. With only a 30-minute power nap, our team endured 14 hours of competition, starting at 1 p.m. and finally finishing at 4 a.m. the next morning.

How did the team prepare?

Preparation for this test of physical and mental endurance began months ago. Aspiring Cadet Rangers competed against each other in September 2022, with wake-up calls as early as 3:30 a.m., rigorous physical training sessions and tests of team-player mentality. These tryouts have turned away between 40-50 cadets each year for the past few years to keep only the best.

Perfection has been what we strive for in our practice. Each team member, once selected, is required to participate in physical training every day of the work week, and then leave each morning with goals to work on outside of team training.

Was the challenge worth it?

The view of the stars above us through the woods, the laughter of the team when we were delirious and the satisfying feeling of achieving what was once thought to be near impossible made every moment worth it. Without a doubt, we’d do it again.