Rosa Obergon

Everyday when the rangers have practice it’s always a challenge, between CPT Beach and SFC Abbott, practice is never easy.  Like today, for example, we thought we were just going to do some 2 minute drills but oh, were we mistaken.  We did 2 minute push-ups, 2 minute sit-ups, crunches, flutter kicks, in cadence push-ups, and more.  Oh and let me not forget, a nice little 2 mile sprint to cool us off.  Of course, this was not the end of the practice, in fact; it was only half-way over.  We did a couple iterations of the one-rope bridge, during which the tension on the rope was usually terrible so everyone kept having to pull themselves along the ground.  This, in retrospect, was actually pretty funny watching a bunch of people pull themselves along the ground.  Lastly, we did a couple weapons assembly/disassembly practices.  This wasn’t so bad, run about 50 meters, disassemble your weapon, reassemble the weapon and then run back 50 meters.  The part that was truly amazing is that Leftwich was able to do all that in a minute and 2 seconds!!!  The weapon was like butter in his hands, it just fell apart in no time.  Needless to say, by the end of this, I was smoked.  However, I do have to admit, it was a lot of fun and a lot of work.  Ranger Challenge, is not for the feint of heart.

Kristen Wright

I enjoy being a part of the Ranger Challenge team. The workouts are much more physically demanding than those from my experience in BCT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. I am not used to being the slowest or the weakest, but it is very motivational. Everyone works together to build team strength and tactical skills so I am fortunate for the oppurtunity to learn from faster, stronger, and more experienced soldiers. These past few weeks with the ROTC Rangers, CPT Beach, and SFC Abbott have made me an all around better, more qualified candidate for commission into the United States Army.

The UAB ROTC on Good Day Alabama

UAB ROTC got its debut on Good Day Alabama! The PT looked alot easier on the videos than it actually felt on Monday.

I know I felt really uncomfortable running around that corner witha camera in my face, haha!

“simulated for television.” That’s for sure! We didn’t sweat nearly as much as we normally do!

Hey, I just saw myself! And yes-Cadet Battalion Commander. It’s not that hard!

Hmm…I think this is a repeat, but I am not sure.

Anyway, Ranger Challenge is coming up!!!

And Practice Begins…

 

1225 13 Sep 07

During a typical Ranger Challenge practice you don’t break through a wall, get a second wind or come to muscle failure. No, normally we break through walls, get third and fourth winds and drive on past our comfort level. When the body says no, the mind must say yes.

Today was a little different. While we did do two minute drills, basically pushups and sittups as you would do them during an APFT and further pushed ourselves by doing 80 more of each, we stopped there. We started honing the skills that last year let us claim the title of 1st place in the grenade assault course, and will further continue to mix physical fitness training with the skills training necessary for the different Ranger challenge events. It sometimes becomes hard to focus on a task that requires your complete attention, and much attention to detail, such as in the one rope bride, when you are becoming physically exhausted, but as the saying goes, train like you fight, we won’t be getting any breaks during the weekend of Ranger Challenge.

Last year the Ranger Challenge competition was only one day, but all the events from the APFT to the 10k road march were on that day, making it one long day. This year things are different, but with more events such as an obstacle course, it changed from being a long tiring day, to a long tiring weekend.

We are going to be representing what the UAB Army ROTC program is all about and I think that we will shine and stand out from other schools.

Hardcore Huah

CDT Orosz

UAB Army ROTC Ranger Challenge

Welcome to the UAB ROTC Ranger Challenge blog. Selected members of our 88-member unit is in training for the Oct. 12-14 8th Brigade Ranger Challenge at Fort Benning, Ga. There we will compete with 10 other universities for the Challenge Trophy. Events include 10-K road march, making and crossing a one-rope bridge, hand grenade course, and racing the clock to disassemble and reassemble an M-16. We’ll also take a squad-level patrolling test and a physical fitness test.

Over the next weeks, turn in and watch train the Blazer Battalion train for the challenge and join us as we participate.

Two scoops of  HOOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!