A Manitowoc Lincoln graduate is looking for a little redemption this year, as he is battling to take home the gold in the annual Best Ranger Competition.
Sargent First Class Nicholas Whitney took part in the competition last year as well, where he and his partner Sargent 1st Class Joshua Van Horn came in 8th out of 102 competitors.
SFC Whitney tells us he has been training since this time last year in hopes to reach the top of the food chain.
We asked him what made him want to join the Army, and he said, “I had a few family members that had served before me, and I wanted to be a part of something meaningful in life that would also open opportunities in the future.”
As for the competition itself, SFC Whitney noted that there are a large variety of events.
“You’ll move around 60-70 miles through the three-day competition,” he explained. “There’s multiple obstacle courses, events that require you to have skills in a variety of military-related aspects, there’s orienteering, and there’s ranges that require you to shoot a variety of weapons.”
This year, SFC Whitney is teaming up with 1st Lieutenant Zachary Navara.
The competition begins today in Fort Benning Georgia but, day two will actually be held at AJ McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus Georgia.
To learn more about the event or to watch a live stream, visit BestRangerCompetition.com.
