Six Arkansas Tech University students from the Tech ROTC program will test the limits of their physical and mental endurance during a Ranger Challenge Competition at Camp Gruber in Oklahoma Oct. 23-25.

Tech ROTC cadets Christopher Duran, Corey Jackson, Jamel Jones, Jamol Jones, Justin Newman and Nick Stewart will compete in seven events against students from nine other universities during the three-day event.

Participants will be put through an Army physical fitness test, a written examination, a first aid/obstacle course, a hand grenade assault course, day and night orienteering events, an M16A2 assembly/disassembly competition and a 10-kilometer foot march.

The University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, the University of Central Arkansas, Cameron University (Okla.), the University of Central Oklahoma, Henderson State University, Northeastern State University (Okla.), the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University will also be represented at the Ranger Challenge Competition.

Arkansas Tech’s delegation will be led by Lt. Col. Vixen D. James and Sgt. First Class Travis Lamb.

James said that the Ranger Challenge Competition is designed to “challenge cadets in tough mental and physical competition, enhance leader development, develop team cohesion, develop healthy competition among the battalions and serve as a highly visible and dynamic recruiting and retention vehicle.”

Arkansas Tech’s cadets will travel to the competition via Black Hawk helicopter.

For more information about the Tech ROTC program, call (479) 498-6066.