Charles Esther
For the first time in the history of the U.S. Army’s prestigious Best Ranger Competition, a woman has made it to the finish line. 1st Lt. Gabrielle White, a West Point graduate and a dedicated soldier, achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first female to complete the grueling 62-hour event.
This competition is known for pushing soldiers to their physical and mental limits, testing endurance, skill, and teamwork through a series of challenging missions.
White’s achievement highlights the evolving role of women in combat and military leadership, reinforcing the importance of equality and opportunity in the armed forces.
What is the Best Ranger Competition?
The Best Ranger Competition, held annually at Fort Benning, Georgia, is one of the toughest challenges for soldiers in the U.S. Army.
Over nearly three days, competitors endure a battery of events that test their physical and tactical abilities.
From rucking long distances and rope climbing to fast-roping from helicopters and engaging in combat simulations, the competition mirrors the demanding nature of real-world military operations.
The competition is designed not just to find the strongest or most physically fit soldier, but to identify those who possess mental toughness, resilience, and the determination to finish despite extreme fatigue and hardship.
In this year’s event, more than 50 two-member teams took part, and after a series of eliminations, White and her teammate, Capt. Seth Deltenre, managed to finish in 14th place, securing their place among the top competitors.
Gabrielle White’s Path to the Best Ranger Competition
Gabrielle White’s journey to this historic achievement began with her graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2021.
Shortly after, she completed Ranger School, earning her Ranger tab in April 2022.
This qualification is one of the most prestigious in the military, symbolizing a soldier’s elite status within the Army.
Assigned to the Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, White was part of the leadership development program.
In April 2023, she and Capt. Deltenre entered the Best Ranger Competition, competing against the best soldiers the Army has to offer.
Despite the intense physical and mental challenges, White proved she had both the skill and the determination to finish, making history as the first female to ever complete the competition.
The Rigorous Challenge
The Best Ranger Competition is known for its demanding nature.
Competitors face obstacles such as high-intensity rucking, orienteering, and simulated combat tasks.
Fort BenningThe event takes place over 62 continuous hours, during which soldiers rarely rest.
The challenges are designed to test endurance, teamwork, and the ability to perform under extreme stress.
White’s participation in this grueling event was not just about physical strength but also about mental toughness.
Jeffrey Mellinger, a former sergeant major with the 75th Ranger Regiment, likened the competition to an Ironman triathlon, CrossFit Games, and multiple marathons stacked together.
Only the most resilient and capable soldiers manage to cross the finish line.
Women in Ranger School and Combat Roles
White’s historic performance is part of a broader trend within the U.S. Army to open up more roles to women.
In 2015, the Army allowed women to attend Ranger School, the elite training course that prepares soldiers for leadership positions in combat.
The first women to graduate Ranger School, Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, did so that same year, breaking barriers for future female soldiers.
Since then, more than 150 women have graduated from Ranger School, and women are now eligible for direct combat roles, a significant shift in military policy.
Women make up about 16% of the Army’s active-duty personnel, and the integration of women into previously male-dominated roles is ongoing.
Assessing Physical Standards in Combat Roles
White’s success comes at a time when the U.S. military is reassessing its standards for combat roles.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently ordered a review of physical fitness standards to ensure that they are equal for both men and women.
The goal is to ensure that those in combat positions meet the highest standards, regardless of gender.
Hegseth’s stance on women in combat roles has evolved over time.
Initially opposed, he now supports women who meet the rigorous standards required for combat positions.
This shift in perspective underscores the importance of maintaining high standards while ensuring equal opportunities for all soldiers.
Gabrielle White’s Impact and Legacy
White’s accomplishment is more than just a personal triumph; it represents a milestone in the Army’s history and a step forward in the fight for equality in military service.
Kris Fuhr, a former Army captain who advocated for women’s inclusion in Ranger School, called White’s participation in the Best Ranger Competition “a three-day public display of what we’ve been saying for 10 years.”
Her performance is a testament to the strength and capability of female soldiers and serves as a powerful example for future generations of women in the military.
White’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire other women to pursue challenging military roles and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Conclusion
Gabrielle White’s historic finish in the Best Ranger Competition marks a significant moment in military history.
As the first woman to complete the grueling event, she has proven that women can meet the Army’s most demanding physical and mental standards.
Her success is not just a personal victory but a milestone in the ongoing journey toward equality and inclusivity in the U.S. Army.
White’s achievement reinforces the idea that anyone, regardless of gender, can excel in the toughest of challenges as long as they possess the drive, skill, and determination to succeed.
