Best Ranger Competition

In July 1981, the Chairborne Rangers, a civilian organization that supports Rangers, asked the Ranger Training Department to design and conduct a “Ranger Olympics” in order to identify the best two-man Ranger team in the Army. From the beginning, the objective was clear; competition should place extreme demands on the team’s physical, mental and technical abilities as Rangers. The standards of performance must vastly exceed those required by the average soldier.

The first two Best Ranger Competitions were held as competitions between teams from each of the three Ranger Department Camps. In 1984, the Competition expanded to include teams from throughout the Army.  Interest in the Best Ranger Competition has risen to such a high level that many of the participating commands now conduct preliminary competitions to select the teams that will represent their unit at Fort Benning each year.

The competition is a grueling three day event consisting of physical and mental tasks undertaken with very little rest between events. Although there always “surprises” within the events, the outline of events currently are: Darby Queen Obstacle Course, Spot Jump, Stress Shoot, Night Foot March, Night Ranger Stakes, Day Ranger Stakes (to include: Tri‐Tower, Hand Grenade Assault Course, Weapons Assembly/Disassembly, Night Orienteering, Water Confidence Test, HELO Cast/Swim, and the Buddy Run.  All events are timed and competitors score points for each completed event.

The events are purposely scheduled back-to-back and around the clock from the start of the competition to the finish line. Both team members must complete each task. It is estimated that each competitor will cover upwards of 60 miles on foot over the course of the three days.  Selected events must be completed to remain in the competition. The historical attrition rate averages approximately 60%.

The Best Ranger Competition is held on Fort Benning and is open to the public.

30th Annual Best Ranger Competition 2013

The 2013 annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning April 12 through 14, 2013.

The first event is scheduled to start at 6 a.m. April 12 on Malvesti Field near the Ranger Training Brigade compound in the Harmony Church area of the installation. The formal awards ceremony will be held April 15 at Marshall Auditorium.

Directions to the Ranger Training Brigade

Take Interstate 185 South towards Fort Benning. After you pass exits 1A and 1B, continue to travel South in the left lane. Please follow all signs to the Visitor Center. All guests without Department of Defense stickers must check in at the Visitor Center. You will need to present a current drivers license and registration for the driver of the vehicle. Each passenger will also need a valid ID.

Click here to download a map.

Please bring your rental agreement if you are renting a vehicle. They will give you a temporary pass to display in your front window. After you pass through the gate, go straight until the T‐intersection and turn left onto Dixie Road/1st Division Road. Continue east past Kelly Hill until a fork in the road. You will veer to the right onto 8th Division Road. Follow this road until you pass the small AAFES Shoppette. Turn right onto Cusseta Road. Stay straight, paralleling the highway. Follow the sign for Sniper School and turn right and into the parking lot directly across from the Malvesti Obstacle Course. The Ranger Training Brigade headquarters will then be directly on your left. Go straight and turn left (by Barracks) into first available opening

For more information, call the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-3512 or (706) 545-2211.

You can find more information and the schedule of events at www.bestrangercompetition.com.