FORT BENNING, Ga. -- The 75th Ranger Regiment team of Capt. Michael Rose and Master Sgt. Josh Horsager captured the 2017 Best Ranger title April 9 after three-days of grueling competition.
The team maintained the number one ranking going into the third day after a strong showing overnight and through the final day of events, which included the Darby Queen obstacle course, water confidence course and the final buddy run. Capt. Rose was also a member of the winning team in 2014.
The 75th Ranger Regiment team was able to slip past Staff Sgt. Carlos Mercado and 2009 winner Master Sgt. Chad Stackpole of the 82nd Airborne Division who finished in second place.
"This competition was just as tough as the last one, my body is toast right now" said Capt. Michael Rose, a member of the 2-75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash., and who was also part of the winning team in 2014. "I'm more proud of this win because we brought the title back to the 75th Ranger Regiment and this one is for them."
His partner, Master Sgt. Josh Horsager, 2-75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash., echoed that sentiment.
"This is something I've looked forward to since I joined the Army," said Horsager. "It's been one of my career goals and I'm proud to represent the 75th Ranger Regiment."
Rounding out the top three was last year's winning team of Capt. Robert Killian and Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein of the National Guard.
Of the original 53 teams to begin the competition, only 21 completed the Buddy Run on the final day of competition.
U.S. Army Ranger teams from around the world competed in the 34th annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning April 7-9.
The three-day Best Ranger Competition has been compared to the Ironman and Eco-Challenge competitions.
The event challenges two-man Ranger teams in events that test their physical conditioning, Ranger skills and team strategies. The events are purposely scheduled back-to-back and around the clock for 58 hours, allowing little time for rest and meals.
Congratulations to the 2017 Best Ranger winners and to the 106 Rangers who competed in the event.
Rangers Lead The Way!
Social Sharing