Clarkson University Army ROTC Cadet Devin Hallam of Schenectady Wins Regional Ranger Challenge

2012 Jan 11

A team of Clarkson University Army ROTC cadets recently won the Regional Ranger Challenge competition at Camp Smith, N.Y.

Devin Hallam of Schenectady, N.Y., a junior majoring in computer engineering, participated as a team member in this year's competition.

The Ranger Challenge is a leadership competition, which tests physical and mental endurance.

The competition is composed of several events, including an Army physical fitness test, leaders reaction course, military operations on urban terrain, grenade assault course, marksmanship, land navigation, constructing a one-rope bridge to cross a water obstacle, reaction to an improvised explosive device and casualty treatment/evacuation, weapons assembly, a military competency written exam and a 6.2 mile foot movement, carrying over 35 pounds of equipment.

The competition is approximately 36 hours in duration, covering more than15 miles of foot movement with combat equipment. The team was coached and mentored by Capt. Dan McCarthy.

The United States Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Golden Knight Battalion trains students attending Clarkson University and students from the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley, to become commissioned officers for the United States Army.

The battalion trains the student/cadet using classroom instruction, collective laboratory training, and physical fitness training. Its focus is to develop empowered, critical thinking and adaptive leaders of character.

Cadets who complete the program and are otherwise qualified assume the rank of second lieutenant upon graduation.

For more information about Army ROTC in the North Country, contact Scott Toth at 315-265-2180 or armyrotc@clarkson.edu

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

[A photograph for media use is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/ranger-challenge-2011.jpg.]

Photo caption: A team of Clarkson University Army ROTC Cadets recently won the Regional Ranger Challenge competition at Camp Smith, N.Y. Front Row (l-r) Jennifer Zanghi (Clarkson), Nicholas Olszewski (Clarkson), Russell Austin (Clarkson), Joe Locci (SUNY Potsdam). Back Row (l-r): Lt. Col. Joe Roller (Clarkson Military Science Dept.), Steven Strait (Clarkson), Matthew Wilsey (SUNY Potsdam), Taylor Macci (St. Lawrence University), Christian O'Connor (Clarkson), Devin Hallam (Clarkson), Vidal Garza (SUNY Potsdam), Capt. Dan McCarthy (Clarkson Military Science Dept.), Master Sgt. Cliff Foster (Clarkson Military Science Dept.).