New York National Guard Hosts ROTC Cadets for Ranger Challenge Competition

Media Advisory

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. (10/15/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York Army National Guard's military training site here near Peekskill hosts future Army leaders during the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Ranger Challenge warrior skills competition over the next two consecutive Saturdays.

Camp Smith routinely sees the cadets from the nearby West Point Military Academy on site for Air Assault qualification training and thousands of Army National Guard Soldiers use the facility each year for weapons and warrior skill training.

WHO: Reserve Officer Training Cadets (ROTC) from 41 universities and colleges from nine states will be sending 10 of their best cadets to participate in the three-day warrior skills competition.

WHAT: The purpose for Ranger Challenge Program is to challenge cadets in tough mental and physical competition, nhance leader development, develop team cohesion and develop healthy competition among the battalions. Some of the events include: conducting an Army Physical Fitness, disassembling and assembling weapons, conducting military perations in an urban terrain, first aid, and building and crossing a rope bridge.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. and/or Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.

WHERE: Camp Smith, N.Y.

Media Opportunity:

To coordinate attending the Ranger Challenge and contact Donald Scully at (609) 562-3398, or (609)892-6032 no later Oct. 13 for Oct. 16, or Oct. 20 for the Oct 23 event . Email: Donald.Scully@USACC.ARMY.MIL

Background:

The Freedom Brigade spans across nine states in the northeast United States (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, onnecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine). It includes 41 ROTC battalions located at host" universities, along with 87 "partner schools" and 250 other affiliated institutions.

For those interested in the Reserve Officers Training Corps visit: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc.html

Cadets will be participating from the following schools:

Pennsylvania

Bucknell University, Dickinson College, Drexel University, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Gannon University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University, Temple University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Scranton, Pennsylvania State University

New York

Canisius College, Clarkson University, Cornell University, Fordham University, Hofstra University, Niagara University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Saint Bonaventure University, Saint Johns University, Siena College, State University of New York, Brockport College, Syracuse University

Massachussetts

Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts, Widener University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New Jersey, Rutgers University, Princeton University, Seton Hall University

Rhode Island

University of Rhode Island, Providence College

Connecticut

University of Connecticut

Maine

University of Maine

Vermont

University of Vermont

New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire