THOMASVILLE — Area high school cadets recently received some direct training in military physical and mental preparation when the Thomas County Central High School Army JROTC program hosted a Raider Challenge. Held Thursday, Sept. 30, this competition is the program’s varsity-level sport, explains Senior Army Instructor Lt. Col. Kevin “Buzz” Ingram.

“I was pleased with how everything turned out,” Ingram said. “We had some small challenges, but like any military operation, we learn and adjust for future events. The campus here is ideal for hosting, and we had the necessary resources to provide a challenging training opportunity for the participating teams. The biggest thing I want my team and the others who participated [to learn] is continuing to develop their teamwork skills as well as the realization of what they are capable of accomplishing.”

Participants cull from area Army JROTC programs, but naval and air force groups may also join. Teams from Crisp County, Sumter, Turner County, Worth County, Dodge County, Dooly County, and Ware County high schools joined with the TCCHS team for the event. Competition category depends on team configuration: all male, all female, and mixed (at least four females compete in each event).

Generally, each challenge has five events: 

1. 5K Team Run – the team runs five miles;

2. Cross Country Rescue – a cross country team-run carrying 25-pound rucksacks and one 100-pound simulated casualty litter traversing several obstacles;

3. One-Rope Bridge – the team constructs a rope bridge following detailed rules in the quickest time possible;

4. Tire Flip – the team flips a large tire weighing approximately 600 pounds 50 meters down and back;

5. Cadet Fitness Challenge – a sprint team obstacle course with mazes, lifts, jumps, carries, and crawls throughout.

As the host school, TCCHS provided resources, had operational control, and planned the event, which took weeks of prep work. Competing schools provide representatives to serve as judges.

The TCCHS Army JROTC battalion just began its second year. Its Raider team includes 20 cadets, but Ingram said the squad is not for everyone.

“I am proud of the cadets we have and the effort many have put forward,” he said. “We have a good nucleus to build upon for the next few years. In time, we will not be building teams; we will just be reloading.”

Team commander Jackson “Jack” Emmett participates in Raider because he strongly believes in maintaining physical and mental fitness. Also, he appreciates how the program fosters rare camaraderie.

“Raider not only gives me an outlet for healthy competition, but it also helps me train my body to a high standard of physical fitness so that I can prepare for the rigorous training of the military,” he said. “… Every member shares the burden of rigorous physical training, which helps develop a close bond.”

This rigorous training occurs three days a week and tests physical fitness, athleticism, precision, and knowledge through practicing obstacles like a rope bridge.

“Overall, Raider is a great program that gives young people a competitive outlet and an opportunity to develop physical fitness alongside other like-minded cadets,” Emmett said.

Raider occurs each fall and culminates in an area/region qualifier. Those who make the cut may compete at the state championship held in late October.

“This event is just one step in our preparation for the region competition,” Ingram said. “Our goal from day one was to compete at the highest level we can and win a region championship. For us, these events are an opportunity to take our practices to another level and assess where we stack up against our competition. This gives us the feedback to refine and improve our efforts, ultimately setting us up for success at the region championship.”