Day 2 of Best Ranger Competition continued off post during infantry week at Fort Moore

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Soldiers from Fort Moore and across the nation are competing in the 40th Lieutenant General David E Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition during Infantry Week.

It’s the second year Fort Moore’s Infantry Week events have come to Uptown Columbus.

Day two of the Best Ranger Competition continued April 13 in Columbus.

Participants having little time to take an extended break because it’s a 3-day continuous competition.

“We’re starting the second day of the competition today with 50 miles on the backs and feet of those individuals that are running through the course today,” said Commander of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade at Fort Moore, Christopher Hammonds.

It’s test of strength, military skill and stamina.

“You’re looking at world class military athletes,” Hammonds said.

Only 28 2-man ranger teams remained Saturday, April 13, following the 56 that began Friday, April 12.

They took on various obstacle courses at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium followed by running to the Chattahoochee Riverwalk to zip line across the river and kayaking to a helicopter that would take them back to Fort Moore military base for the remaining events.

“By the end of the day, they’ll be pushing close to 80 miles,” said Hammonds.

Family and friends, some even traveling many miles to show their support on the sidelines

“We’re incredibly proud of our son. We’re proud of his teammate Sam and those representing the regiment,” said United State Army Retired Colonel, Chris Boyle.

Boyle is from Springfield, Virginia. He came to support his son from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

“They’ve been training for this for over the past 6 months. They both competed last year. Logan actually placed second. Chandler got 12th. So, this year we’re rooting for first,” said Medeleine Jones.

Jones is supporting her boyfriend Chandler Ramiriez and his teammate Logan Storie. She said their team is from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma Washington.

According to her, the two competing also had people came from other parts in the country to support them.

The final event will be a Buddy Run April 14th between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ending with the finish line at the National Infantry Museum.

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