David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition: Testing the Army's Elite
The David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition stands as one of the most grueling tests of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude in the United States military. Hosted annually at Fort Benning, Georgia, by the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade (ARTB), this event identifies the most capable soldiers by pushing them to their absolute physical and professional limits.
To participate, competitors must be active military members who are Ranger Qualified, meaning they have successfully completed the rigorous Ranger School. The competition is structured around two-person teams who must rely on mutual trust and synchronized effort to overcome a series of daunting challenges.
History and Evolution
Established in 1982 and named in honor of LTG David E. Grange Jr., the competition has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially, the event was restricted exclusively to Ranger units. However, starting in 1984, the scope expanded to accept teams from across the entire U.S. Army, opening the door for a wider array of elite soldiers to prove their mettle.
By 2018, the competition typically featured 50 two-person teams. While the majority of participants hail from the 75th Ranger Regiment and the ARTB, the event has also seen representation from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Challenge: 62 Hours of Intensity
The Best Ranger Competition is not a sprint, but a marathon of versatility. Over the course of 62 hours, teams are subjected to a relentless schedule of events designed to test every facet of a soldier's capability. While the exact composition of events changes every year to keep competitors on their toes, the core focus remains on:
- Physical Fitness: Including grueling runs and long-distance marches.
- Marksmanship: Testing precision and accuracy under extreme fatigue.
Legendary Competitors and Records
Few names are as prominent in the history of the competition as Mike Rose. Rose is the only service member to have won the Best Ranger Competition three times, achieving a perfect record by winning every time he entered.
Rose's journey began in 2014 as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 25th Infantry Division, where he and partner 2nd Lieutenant John Bergman became the youngest winners in history. In 2017, now a Captain with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Rose won again alongside MSG Joshua Horsager, who became the oldest winner at age 39. Rose secured his third victory in 2019, reuniting with Captain John Bergman while representing the 101st Airborne Division.
Following the 2019 event, rules were modified to limit contestants to a maximum of three entries over their career. This change effectively makes Mike Rose's three-win record impossible to surpass.
Other notable achievements include five individuals who have won the competition twice: Paul Scurka, Eric Turk, Walter Zajkowski, Timothy Briggs, and John Bergman.
Distinguished Honors
The competition often attracts soldiers of extraordinary bravery. Sergeant Major Thomas Payne, who won the 2012 competition while serving as a Sergeant First Class, is a prime example. His Distinguished Service Cross was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. He was presented with the award by President Donald Trump on September 11, 2020.
Key Facts
- Location: Fort Benning, Georgia.
- Host: Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade.
- Duration: 62 hours of continuous testing.
- Eligibility: Active military, Ranger Qualified.
- Format: Two-person teams.
- Record Holder: Mike Rose (3-time winner).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1982 |
| Team Size | 2 Persons |
| Typical Team Count | 50 Teams |
| Primary Focus | Fitness, Marches, Marksmanship |
| Entry Limit | Maximum 3 entries per career (as of 2019) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to compete in the Best Ranger Competition?
Competitors must be active military members who have earned the Ranger qualification.
How long does the competition last?
The event spans a total of 62 hours of rigorous physical and technical testing.
Who holds the record for the most wins?
Mike Rose is the only person to win the competition three times, winning in 2014, 2017, and 2019.
Can anyone from the military enter, or only Ranger units?
While originally limited to Ranger units, since 1984 the competition has accepted teams from throughout the Army, and has even included a Coast Guard team.
Was the competition ever cancelled?
Yes, the 2020 competition, originally scheduled for April 16–18, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.