Infantry Week 2025

FORT BENNING, Ga. – Infantry Week 2025, held April 7-14 at Fort Benning, showcased the exceptional skills and dedication of warriors from the U.S. Army, sister services and international allies. The intense week of competition brought together top-tier talent to vie for the title of best in their respective fields, encompassing demanding events that tested physical prowess, technical expertise and mastery of essential soldiering skills.

The schedule included four distinct competitions: the Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship, the International Best Mortar Competition, the International Sniper Competition and the David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition.

"Infantry Week embodies the lethality of the Infantry and our relentless pursuit of excellence," said Brig. Gen. Phillip J. Kiniery, commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

"The challenges presented during these demanding events forge stronger, more capable Soldiers and reinforce the fundamental skills necessary to fight, survive and win in the hardest day combat.”

Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship (April 7-11)

Soldiers from across the U.S. Army stepped up to the mat and inside the ring to test their hand-to-hand fighting skills in the Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship. The four-day championship is named in honor of the late Staff Sgt. Pedro Lacerda of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Soldiers test their skills in Modern Army Combatives by weight class during three days of unforgiving back-to-back finals where competitor’s level of lethality increases from basic fighting skills to intermediate rules where fighters add in kicks, punches, and open hand slaps, to the tactical scenario where hand-to-hand combat skills are tested while under fire.

Lacerda Cup competitors had the opportunity to speak with Rorion Gracie, one of the most influential fighters responsible for spreading Brazilian and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-style fighting across North America. Competitors also received words of inspiration from retired Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, a longtime supporter of the Modern Army Combatives program.

Soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment — Spc. Asher Chaffee, Spc. Jaime Martinez, Sgt. Joshua Bustamante, Spc. Jackson Velschow, Sgt. Zachary Pranka, Pfc. Aydan Gwisdalla, Spc. Michael Pereiro, and Sgt. 1st Class Sean Moran — were recognized for taking 1st place in the Lacerda Cup during a ceremony at the National Infantry Museum on April 11.

International Sniper Competition (April 7-11)

Sniper teams from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and across the globe fought for the winning shot during the four-day International Sniper Competition where teams require more than just good aim to compete with the best. The competition tested competitors’ physical endurance, land navigation skills, tactical proficiency, and marksmanship, while the culminating event, “Sniper Showdown,” put competitors head-to-head in a tournament style showdown while shooting at various targets and distances.

Teams from allied forces traveled from countries like South Korea, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Sweden to fight for the winning title of “Best Sniper,” but ultimately the title went to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command 3rd Special Forces Group during an awards ceremony at the National Infantry Museum on April 11.

International Best Mortar Competition (April 7-11)

The International Best Mortar Competition provided a rigorous proving ground for mortar teams to demonstrate their proficiency and teamwork. Spanning four days, the event pushed competitors through a comprehensive evaluation that included the Expert Physical Fitness Assessment (EPFA), demanding written and practical examinations covering the intricacies of mortar tasks and weapon systems, weapons lanes, a medical lane, challenging live-fire exercises involving 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortar systems, land navigation across varied terrain, a timed 12-mile ruck march and the Darby Queen, a physically taxing obstacle course.

This multifaceted competition assessed not only the technical accuracy and speed of the mortar teams but also their physical resilience and ability to operate effectively in a dynamic and stressful environment. The competition fostered a spirit of camaraderie and shared learning among the participants, highlighting the critical role of indirect fire support in modern military operations.

The 2025 Best Mortar Competition culminated with an awards ceremony April 11 at the National Infantry Museum, where the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, claimed the trophy with team members Staff Sgt. Aiden Vanheerden, Sgt. Emmanuel Jackson, Spc. Matthew Bratt, and Spc. Major Ledbetter.

41st David E. Granger Best Ranger Competition (April 11-14)

The 41st David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition kicked off at Camp Rogers, setting the stage for an arduous test of endurance, Ranger skills and unwavering mental toughness for 52 two-person teams.

Over three relentless days, these elite duos traversed more than 70 miles on foot across the rugged landscape, each Ranger carrying a rucksack weighing over 80 pounds.

The demanding competition was meticulously crafted to assess a comprehensive spectrum of combat proficiencies. Teams faced rigorous marksmanship challenges with various small arms, showcasing their accuracy and speed.

The competition's demanding evaluation extended far beyond the firing ranges. Day one commenced with a grueling mass run, immediately followed by a run-swim-run event that included a plunge into Victory Pond. This initial physical gauntlet narrowed the field from 52 to 40 teams before the intense Ranger Reckoning began.

Ranger Reckoning subjected competitors to physically and technically challenging events, including the prusik climb, rappel, a strength competition, weapons ranges encompassing small arms and anti-tank weaponry, grenade launcher proficiency, 60mm mortar skills, the formidable Malvesti Obstacle Course, and the unknown distance movement – all accomplished by foot marches between each demanding station.

With 32 teams left, day two shifted to Doughboy Stadium for Day Stakes, a round-robin competition featuring functional fitness exercises, an axe throw, breaching techniques and a medical lane assessment.

The final day pushed the 16 remaining teams through the Darby Queen obstacle course and a helocast event that challenged their ability to rapidly deploy from rotary-wing aircraft into a waterborne environment.

Ultimately, the competition culminated in a physically and mentally exhausting buddy run, a final testament to their teamwork, resilience and the indomitable spirit that defines a Ranger.

Emerging victorious from this legendary crucible were 1st Lt. Griffin Hokanson and 1st Lt. Kevin Moore, representing the 75th Ranger Regiment. Their triumph underscored the core ethos of the Ranger Regiment: mission first, never quit.

From the combatives arena of the Lacerda Cup to the precision marksmanship of the International Sniper Competition, the technical expertise displayed in the Best Mortar Competition, and the grueling endurance of the Best Ranger Competition, the week underscored the relentless pursuit of excellence within the Infantry community.

These demanding competitions not only identified the best among the best but also served as a vital platform for shared learning and the reinforcement of critical soldiering skills, ultimately enhancing the readiness and lethality of the U.S. Army and its allies.

For more pictures of Infantry Week 2025 click: here