Experience Helps Cadets Build Leadership Skills and Strengthen Branch Opportunities

Nine Alabama A&M University Army ROTC cadets put their physical endurance, mental toughness and leadership skills to the test while competing in the Titan Brigade Ranger Challenge  Jan. 23–25 at Fort Benning, Georgia. 

The event brought together 473 cadets from 43 teams representing ROTC programs across the Army’s 6th Brigade, known as the Titans. Designed to simulate the demands of combat leadership, Ranger Challenge pushes cadets through a series of physically and mentally demanding tasks completed under strict time constraints.

The AAMU Bulldog Battalion team competed in events emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving and resilience, including marksmanship, land navigation, functional fitness and tactical scenarios requiring precise communication and coordination. The cadets also completed an eight-mile ruck march and a challenging obstacle course that tested strength, stamina and trust among team members.

The AAMU team delivered strong performances. The cadets placed 16th overall in the Call for Fire event, demonstrating technical proficiency and composure under pressure. Team Captain Renayia Buchanan also played a key leadership role during the communications event, successfully guiding teammates through a simulated minefield using radio communication alone.

Participation in the Ranger Challenge provides cadets with valuable experience that contributes to leadership development and adds points to the Army’s Order of Merit List, which is used to help determine future branch assignments.

The competition also included several historically Black colleges and universities, offering cadets the opportunity to compete alongside and against peers from institutions across the region while representing Alabama A&M University on a national training stage.

“Our team demonstrated strong motivation, resilience and teamwork throughout the competition,” said LTC. Diana A’Xaymac, professor of military science at Alabama A&M University. “Although we did not place first overall, we performed exceptionally well and remained committed to finishing what we started, showing determination and pride in representing Alabama A&M University.”