Today@Sam Article
Alumnus To Compete For 'Best Ranger' Title
April 12, 2016
SHSU Media Contact: Tammy Parrett
Sam Houston State University alumnus 1st Lt. Colton Barber recently was selected to represent the 25th Infantry Division at the Best Ranger Competition from April 14-18 in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Barber will compete as part of a two-man team in a variety of extreme events; he is the first SHSU alumnus to participate in the competition.
The Best Ranger Competition was established in 1982 to salute the best two-man “buddy” team.
During the Best Ranger Competition, he will compete in an unknown distance run, obstacle courses similar to those on American Ninja Warrior, airborne operations, rifle, pistol and machine gun marksmanship, 20 mile forced march with a 60 pound ruck sack, a 4.7 mile run, helicopter operations, and water operations, all of which must be completed continuously within 60 hours and covers a distance of 60 miles by foot.
“1st Lt. Barber has demonstrated dedication, leadership, motivation, and constant professionalism,” said Maj. William Wiesman, professor of military science at SHSU. “He takes his self-development along with the development of others very seriously."
Barber came to SHSU in 2010 on a four-year Army ROTC scholarship. In 2012, he graduated from air assault school at Fort Benning and became class-A skydive certified by the U.S Parachute Association.
While participating in ROTC, Barber held various leadership roles. He served as ranger challenge captain from 2011-12 and participated on the ranger company scroll for seven semesters.
He served as the rifle team captain for two semesters and participated on 2011, when they earned one of the top 20 spots at the National High Power Rifle Games at Camp Perry.
Barber is a Distinguished Military Graduate and graduated from SHSU in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Military Science.
For more information on the Best Ranger Competition, visit bestrangercompetition.com/live/.
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