My DS (MSII) went back to school a week early to compete for a spot on the Battalion Ranger Challenge team. His battalion is made up of 3or 4 colleges/universities. He tried to explain it to me, but I'm not really sure what it entails. He is so excited about it. Hope he makes it but if not, I know he will try next year. For those who are familiar with it, what are the typical prerequisites to make a team ( and I understand that there will be differences with each team, I'm just asking in general), what is the purpose of the team, the typical time commitment, etc? I know it's DS's show and we're not involved. Would just like to understand more of the AROTC community he's entered. Thanks for any input you can provide!
As you mentioned, every battalion handles Ranger Challenge differently when it comes to try outs and training.
I can give you a little info based on my Son's battalion. The APFT score and ROTC skills were a big factor, run and ruck times and overall endurance was also very important in being selected.
Those that were selected attended their own morning PT 5 days a week instead of the normal 3 days. They would train at least one afternoon during the week and some weekend days, weekends happened more often when they got close to the competition date. They would have special labs every now and then to work on the less physical parts of Ranger Challenge.
Depending on which Brigade the competition could take place over 4 days, my son's team missed 2 days of school.
My younger son did RC his Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years, he won't be doing it this year, just too busy with school.
RC can be a great experience but it does take a lot of extra time and more early mornings. Time management is important to keep up with everything. RC is nice, but if it comes at the expense of Grades then it is not worth it, so tell your son to stay ahead on his school work and he should be fine.
Oh, and if they win their Brigade competition they would go to Sandhurst in the Spring and be away from school for a few more days.
Best of luck to your son.