LHU’s Bald Eagle Battalion participates in Ranger Challenge

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Bald Eagle Battalion Army ROTC from Lock Haven University participated in the 2021 Ranger Challenge competition at Fort Dix, New Jersey, March 26-28.

Twelve highly motivated and physically fit cadets competed against 29 other universities from across the northeast. The physically demanding competition consisted of 10 events:

• Group physical fitness event including a sled-drag, kettlebell swings, kettlebell squats and hand-release push-ups.

• Orienteering – Map reading and land navigation through dense forest at night.

• Timed obstacle course with 17 different problems to negotiate.

• Timed hand-grenade course – A grueling course consisting of low crawling, barbed wire and targeting obstacles with hand-thrown grenades.

• Tactical Combat Casualty Course – Assess an injured “soldier” and call in a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

• One rope bridge – Cross a simulated water obstacle, create a one rope bridge and get all members across as quickly as possible.

• Weapon proficiency – Future lieutenants had to quickly assemble several different weapon systems and execute a functions check.

• The burden event – Cadets raced with several different supplies such as water and ammo cans, tires and litter.

• Tug-of-war – Cadets competed against other schools in a classic Tug-of-war.

• Six-mile ruck march – The final event consisted of a timed ruck march with a 35-pound ruck, which the battalion’s cadets finished in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The LHU Bald Eagle Battalion is headquartered in Ulmer Hall at Lock Haven University and includes cadets from LHU, Mansfield University, Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology. They are committed to developing the future officers of the U.S. Army and are actively recruiting students that have the scholar/athlete/leader mindset.