Bob Jones B-21 Bombers Raider team traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky, April 16-19 to compete in the National Raider Challenge, which is a high-level military event where cadets overcome obstacles and high-intensity workouts against other JROTC groups. The B-21 Bombers Mixed team and Male Team competed in a variety of events, such as the gauntlet, a 5k Run, rope bridge, PTT and Cross Country Rescue (CCR). Each event has obstacles that are conquered by these cadets through vigorous training, true devotion and commitment.
The first event Bob Jones Raider team competed in was the Gauntlet. This was a high obstacle race that tested teamwork, physical strength, and mental endurance. Through navigation and collaboration they did many tasks such as climbing 12 feet walls, going over vaults, maneuvering a culver pipe and a L shaped culvert, Going through tires, climbing ladders and a window obstacle, enduring an inverted wall, a low crawl, and a 8 foot wall.. Both teams did exceptionally well and the Mixed team won 3rd place for the Gauntlet, Congratulations to the Mixed team!
The second event that the Raider team competed in was the 5k run, with high-intensity terrain. This event tested cadets’ physical stamina and endurance. This event was also team building since participants must stick together. They run through a route with rolling terrain that is a marked path, all participants made it out in 37 minutes.
The third event was the PTT (physical team test). Cadets are tested on strategy, strength, and stamina through the half mile course. They maneuver a tunnel crawl and vault, carry water canisters/ammo, guide a maze and agility tire, carry an atlas stone and a 250 pound drag, as well as a tire flip. The Mixed team finished in 8 minutes 20 seconds, and male team finished in 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
The 4th event participated in was the Rope Bridge, which is a timed competition where they must construct a bridge and get members to the other side of the water quickly using only one rope. Participants also must execute a Swiss seat harness and pass a safety inspection before beginning. The Mixed team finished in 3 minutes and 44 seconds.
The second to last event that was participated in was the CCR (Cross Country Rescue). Members complete various tasks with heavy objects (rucks, and a military litter/stretcher). The team must first climb an 8ft wall with heavy objects, then navigate a mud pit and scale a hurdle/wall. After that they go through a tire swing as other team members carry the litter and rucks. Mixed team finished in 20 minutes and 25 seconds, placing 5th place, and male team completed in 21 minutes and 41 seconds.
Due to the successful finishes of the Mixed team, they were invited to compete on the last day in the Ultimate Raider Challenge. Only the top 3 finishers of the All-Service Raider teams and the top 5 finishers in the Masters bracket are selected to compete in the Ultimate Raider Challenge. It’s designed to identify the best team so they can determine the top 3 overall teams. Teams navigate a 4.2 mile course with 102 Pound equipment for 4 brutal events. The B-21 Bombers Mixed team placed 3rd in the Ultimate Raider Challenge!
Overall, the Mixed team placed 3rd place in All Service overall, 3rd place in the Gauntlet and 3rd place Ultimate Raider Challenge. Congratulations to all members of the Raider Team!
