Driven to Excel

Cadets from Seattle University's MG Patrick H. Brady Battalion took first place in a regional competition last month.

Competing against ROTC students from 10 other universities in the eighth BDE ROTC, Task Force West Annual Ranger Challenge, SU's cadets came out on top in a grueling two-day competition at Camp Rilea, Ore. They beat teams from University of Washington, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, University of Hawaii, University of Portland, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Pacific Lutheran University and University of Guam.

The weather provided an additional challenge as the SU team "braved wind, water, and other forces of nature," says Lt. Col. Kerry Norman, professor of military science. Cadets participated in eight events: 6K ruck march; one-rope bridge; weapons assembly; knot tying; obstacle course with a casualty evacuation; tactical extraction in a chemical urban environment; hand grenade assault course; and a beach physical fitness test. Land navigation, ACIP radio procedures, and long foot movements were also part of the competition.

Seattle U moves on to compete in February for a chance to go to national Sandhurst Competition at West Point, NY.

Lt. Col. Norman sees the Brady Battalion's performance in the competition as indicative of the ROTC program at SU. "The quality of cadets that come out of SU is truly exceptional," she says. "This is a hard enough school anyway when you look at what's expected of the average student. And then you add 40 hours a week of the other responsibilities that cadets have-their dedication is phenomenal."

Mirroring the success of the university's ROTC program, which was recognized as the nation's top program in 2010, SU was recently ranked #6 in the West for best colleges for veterans by U.S. News & World Report  this fall.

Click here to learn more about SU's Army ROTC program.

Pictured above, front row: CDT Kyle Kanuk, CDT Aaron Jo (Team Captain), CDT Taylor Firn, CDT Daisuke Fukagawa; Back Row: CPT Josh Woodke (Coach), CDT Michael Moser, CDT Qi Xuan Huang, CDT Connor Midas, CDT Jose Quintanilla, CDT Alexander Troutman, CDT Jessie Piechowski