FORT CARSON, Colo. – The annual Best Ranger Competition challenges the best 53 two man –teams of U.S. Army Rangers throughout the organizations. Teams go through three-grueling days of competition.
Three out of the 53 teams at this year’s competition represented the 4th Infantry Division, team’s five, six and seven.
The six Soldiers that represent the Division included: 1st Lt. Connor Bestwick, 1st Lt. Nick Rodriguez, 1st Lt. Jacob Boyle, Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Detwiler and Staff Sgt. Dale Taylor, all assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.
The three-day competition started with an early morning mass run, which lead into events such the Victory Pond swim, Urban Assault Course, Ranges, and a foot march among many other events.
“Participating in a competition like this felt like stepping out into the Super Bowl field, as the known underdog, having never competed,” said Boyle, assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2IBCT. “I felt proud to represent Fort Carson and all the Soldiers I deployed with last year.”
With each day the number of teams began to reduce, ultimate keeping 16 teams on third and final day.
Among those 16 teams was team six, which included Boyle and his teammate Detwiler, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2IBCT.
“I had an amazing partner and we supported each other during the entire competition, one obstacle at a time,” said Detwiler. “I am incredibly proud that we could (take) the 4th Infantry Division to the end and place.”
The members of team six said they felt honored to be able to compete and that the competition helped them understand the importance of mental strength.
“There are very few opportunities to test your mental grit and this competition has proven to my Ranger buddy and I that have the grit of warriors,” said Boyle.
For Detwiler competing and being able to stay to the very end was like a dream come true.
“To be able to compete in the Best Ranger Competition shows that you are the best of the best within the Divisions, the fact that I was afforded that opportunity was amazing,” he said. “I hope to inspire future Rangers to compete as well.”
