ROTC Cadets From Across The Country Participate In Army Ranger Challenge

ROTC cadets from several universities met up at Camp Gruber to compete in the U.S Army Cadet Command Fifth Brigade Ranger Challenge.

ROTC cadets from several universities came to Camp Gruber to test their skills.

Cadets completed several tasks like obstacle courses and the grenade assault lane, and it wasn't easy.

Cadet Katrina Thoms says as tough as the obstacle course was, it was her favorite part of the day.

"I love the physical stuff," Thoms said. "That's kind of what I excel at, so I was super excited, I loved it. I felt a little short sometimes, but it also came in handy in the other obstacles so It's OK."

With about 70 percent of ROTC cadets enlisting in the Army each year, Colonel Mark Olsen says it's awesome to see the next generation of officers.

"It's really motivational for me sort of towards the end of my Army career, to see cadets who are beginning their Army careers, really embrace the profession," Olsen said.

Olsen says the drills are important for cadets to learn because they resemble real-life situations. He says it's not just a physical challenge, but a mental one too.

Thoms says she doesn't just enjoy the challenges, she welcomes them.

She says being a woman in a male-dominated field, inspires her to be first at the finish line.

"I love being up there with the guys and just showing out and showing that physical capability that we have too, and it's not just the guys," Thoms said. "It's definitely fun to sometimes beat some of them because I feel like I'm showing out that women can beat other guys in this sport and they're not just superior and we're not just in the back and they're not just hauling us along."

After a tiring day, these cadets say the payoff was they did it as a team.