Eagle Battalion lands top 10 finish at regional competition, teams up with Georgia Southern exercise science experts

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Georgia Southern University’s ROTC program, the Eagle Battalion, earned a ninth-place finish this year at the 6th Brigade Ranger Challenge, a regional military skills competition held at Fort Benning, Georgia after partnering with the University’s Exercise Science program to create a rigorous, individualized training regimen. 

The Ranger Challenge took place Jan. 23-25 and featured ROTC programs from both junior and senior colleges across the Southeast and Puerto Rico, showcasing the mental and physical talents of highly skilled cadets. 

“Finishing ninth out of 43 teams in the 6th Brigade 2026 Ranger Challenge is a testament to the grit, discipline and resilience of our Georgia Southern Battalion,” said Georgia Southern Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Nick Bingham.

Against a field of 470 cadets and trekking more than 28 miles of rugged terrain in just 48 hours, the Eagle Battalion stands ready to pursue success and overcome every challenge with the support of Eagle Nation’s experts by their side.

Bridget Melton, Ed.D., and graduate student Spencer Bolling of the Waters College of Health Professions’ Exercise Science program conducted comprehensive screenings and baseline testing for each cadet. This included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, which measure bone mineral density, and physiological assessments to establish team performance profiles. From there, unique training programs were designed to improve each cadet’s skills, providing a streamlined approach to train each individual. 

“This team trained in the dark, pushed through injuries and fatigue, and showed up ready to fight for each other when it mattered most,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Hay, MS III instructor and Ranger Challenge coach. “Ranger Challenge exposes who you are under pressure, and these cadets proved they have the toughness and heart to compete with anyone in 6th Brigade.” 

Through this multidisciplinary collaboration, the progress of each cadet was tracked and analyzed, with deliberate adjustments implemented throughout the training process to improve recovery, reduce risk of injury and enhance overall performance leading up to the Ranger Challenge.

“This competition demanded excellence under extreme physical and mental stress. Our team proved they belong among the best in the brigade,” Bingham said. “The Eagle Battalion didn’t just compete; they set the standard and built a foundation for even greater success.”

“This finish isn’t the ceiling, it’s the baseline,” Hay said.

Events in the 2026 Ranger Challenge included: 

Day One Events:

M17 Marksmanship Range
Day one opened with pistol marksmanship, where each cadet was individually graded on accuracy and the number of targets hit with the M17, emphasizing fundamentals under pressure.

Weapons Assembly / Disassembly
Cadets demonstrated technical proficiency by assembling and disassembling infantry squad weapons under challenging conditions. This included blindfolded M4 assembly and identifying and correctly assembling mixed components of the M240B and M249, testing muscle memory and attention to detail.

Communications (COMMO) Lane
Teams were evaluated on their ability to accurately transmit and receive information using military communications equipment, with an emphasis on proper radio procedures and clear, concise military language.

Malvesti Obstacle Course
A physically demanding obstacle course designed to test agility, endurance and teamwork as cadets maneuvered through a series of strength and coordination-based challenges.

Hand Grenade Assault Course
Cadets executed three different grenade throws from varying distances and positions, engaging targets while demonstrating proper technique, accuracy and tactical awareness.

Zodiac Lane
A mentally and physically demanding event requiring teams to maneuver a Zodiac raft through an obstacle course while simultaneously solving complex tasks, emphasizing teamwork, communication and adaptability under stress.

Functional Fitness Lane
Teams competed in a series of ACFT-style functional fitness events, aiming to complete the maximum number of repetitions within a 20-minute time limit, testing strength, endurance and team synchronization.

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Lane
Cadets were required to rapidly assess and treat simulated casualties while moving through obstacles. Teams were evaluated on speed, correctness of care and the ability to operate effectively under realistic combat conditions.

Movement Between Lanes
Each event was linked by foot movement, requiring teams to conduct ruck marches between stations. Cadets covered over six miles throughout the day, compounding physical fatigue and testing endurance.

Night Land Navigation
Following the final daytime lane, teams transitioned directly to land navigation. This event included both a practical night land navigation course and a written exam, extending into the early hours of day two and demanding precision despite exhaustion

Day Two Events: 

Eight-Mile Ruck March to Simulation Center
After a short rest period, teams conducted an eight-mile ruck march to the simulation center, reinforcing endurance and mental toughness before the final set of graded events.

Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) & Call for Fire Simulation
Cadets demonstrated tactical proficiency through simulated weapons engagement and call-for-fire scenarios, testing decision-making, communication and understanding of indirect fire procedures.

Titan Challenge (Final Event)
The competition concluded with the Titan Challenge — a culminating event combining intense physical demands with complex mental tasks. Teams were required to work collectively to overcome obstacles and problem-solve under extreme fatigue, pushing through to the finish line and officially closing the 6th Brigade Ranger Challenge.