Breaking Barriers: West Point Graduate Makes History as First Woman to Compete in Prestigious Army Ranger Competition

A woman made history at the Best Ranger Competition this year. First Lt. Gabrielle White and her partner, Capt. Seth Deltenre, took part in the prestigious event, finishing 14th out of 52 teams. Their accomplishment is a significant milestone for female soldiers in the Army.

Both White and Deltenre train at the Army Center of Excellence in Fort Benning, Georgia. They were one of only 16 teams to make it to the final rounds of the three-day competition that pushed participants through a grueling series of challenges.

To win, teams must complete over 30 tasks, including helicopter operations, physical tests, navigation challenges, and weapons training. The physical demands are immense, as competitors often cover more than 60 miles with limited rest.

This is the first time a female soldier has competed in the Best Ranger Competition since the Army began allowing women to enter Ranger School in 2015. Back then, two women became the first female graduates of this tough course. The policy change opened up combat roles to women, allowing them to serve on an equal footing within the military.

Despite the significance of their participation, there is a contrast in how such achievements are publicly recognized. Under recent military policies, historical milestones related to gender diversity in the Armed Forces tend to be downplayed.

White, a 25-year-old Black infantry officer, graduated from West Point and completed Ranger School in 2022. As of now, 154 women have graduated from Ranger School, showcasing the gradual progress women are making in the military.

The cultural shift continues, as many social media reaction threads highlight both pride and support for the female soldiers breaking barriers. Users share stories and express admiration for those like White, who pave the way for future generations.

For more insights, you can check the U.S. Army’s official page here to learn about their ongoing efforts in gender integration and the path ahead for female soldiers in elite roles.

Source link

Army Ranger, Donald Trump, United States Military, Pete Hegseth, West Point