1st Lt. Gabrielle White is the first woman to finish the Best Ranger Competition. See what she endured in the grueling 3-day event.
In mid-April, US Army 1st Lt. Gabrielle White and her teammate, Capt. Seth Deltenre, competed against more than 50 two-member teams to earn the Best Ranger title.
White graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2021. Upon completing Ranger School in April 2022, she earned her Ranger tab, an embroidered patch symbolizing the elite qualification.
The 25-year-old infantry officer was assigned to an Army leadership development program at the Maneuver Centre of Excellence, the Army's training hub for ground combat forces, at Fort Benning in Georgia, where the Best Ranger events are held.
Arduous competition
The Best Ranger Competition was created "not just to see who is the toughest or the most physically fit," but also to "see who is mentally the strongest, the most determined to finish," according to Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr., a commanding general of Fort Benning and namesake of the event.
For nearly 62 continuous hours, Ranger-qualified soldiers work in teams of two to demonstrate tactical skills, complete difficult obstacle courses, and traverse dozens of miles on both land and water.
The competition events mirror real-world Ranger missions, from helocasting and fast-roping to positioning mortars and cutting through steel-reinforced frames.
Finished in the top 20
Jeffrey Mellinger, a former sergeant major who served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, described the difficulty of the Best Ranger as the Ironman triathlon, the CrossFit Games, and several marathons — stacked back-to-back.
"There is not another competition anywhere in the world that comes close to the mental and physical exertion of this competition," he told The New York Times.
The Best Ranger Competition is so difficult that only a handful of competitors actually make it to the finish line.
White and Deltenre secured a 14th-place finish after 36 other duos were eliminated over the course of the competition.
Women Rangers
In 2015, the Army allowed women to participate in its 62-day Ranger School course. Nearly two dozen female candidates attempted to complete the course, and in August 2015, then-Capt. Kristen Griest and then-1st Lt. Shaye Haver became the first women to graduate from one of the service's most elite programs.
Four months later, the Pentagon opened all military positions to women, including over 200,000 direct combat roles that were previously barred to them. Women make up about 16% of the Army's active-duty troops, according to the Pentagon's 2023 demographics report.
As of January 2025, 154 women have graduated from Ranger School.
Reassessing military standards
White's groundbreaking finish in the Best Ranger Competition comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders a broader review of the requirements for combat roles.
In late March, Hegseth ordered a 60-day review of the military's physical fitness standards to distinguish combat roles from non-combat and implement higher requirements as needed.
"We need to have the same standard, male or female, in our combat roles," Hegseth, a former National Guard infantryman and Fox News host, said in a video posted to X. "Soon, we'll have nothing but the highest and equal standards for men and women in combat."
Hegseth had said during a podcast in November that he didn't believe women should be in combat roles at all, arguing that it "hasn't made us more effective, hasn't made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated."
However, ahead of his confirmation hearing, Hegseth appeared to soften his staunch opposition.
"If we have the right standard and women meet that standard, roger. Let's go," he said during a December interview on the "Megyn Kelly Show."
'Like every other soldier'
The Army is shifting to a new Army Fitness Test with gender-neutral scoring for troops in combat specialties.
Military occupations, like special operations and infantry, subject all candidates to higher physical, mental, and psychological standards, regardless of sex or age.
To become an Army Ranger specifically, the rigorous entry standards are identical, including the eligibility requirements and physical assessment.
Mellinger, who served on an advisory board that oversaw the opening of Ranger School to women, said no standards have been lowered to accommodate the integration. He said White still has to earn her Ranger tab "every day, like every other ranger, like every other soldier."
'A bun on the back of a head'
Kris Fuhr, a former Army captain who advocated for integrating women into Ranger School, described White competing for the Best Ranger title as "a three-day public display of what we've been saying for 10 years."
"This administration sometimes makes decisions based on misinformation and myths," she told The Times. " Military policy should not be based on either of those."
Mellinger, who attended this year's Best Ranger event, said, aside from "a bun on the back of a head," White was indistinguishable from the other male competitors until another spectator pointed her out.
"She had the skill and the physical ability to get it done," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
4 hours ago
- New York Times
The 5 most pressing issues awaiting interim NFLPA executive director David White
The NFL Players Association announced late Sunday night that the players have selected veteran labor executive David White as their interim executive director. The position had been vacant since Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned on July 17 amid a firestorm of criticism and scrutiny over multiple missteps as leader of the players union. Advertisement White was a finalist for the job along with Howell in the summer of 2023. However, players selected Howell because of the belief that the former Booz Allen executive's experience in the corporate world would equip them to further increase revenue and effectively negotiate with NFL owners toward a new collective bargaining agreement in the future. However, the union under Howell endured a summer of controversy, which included a federal investigation regarding potential financial improprieties and findings that NFLPA leaders reached a confidentiality agreement with the NFL to hide information about an arbitration decision involving potential collusion by owners over guaranteed contracts. There were also concerns over Howell's use of NFLPA money to fund two extravagant trips to strip clubs — actions for which he received reprimands. Following Howell's resignation, former union president-turned-chief strategic officer J.C. Tretter also resigned. The NFLPA, which is responsible for representing the players in negotiations with the NFL to ensure quality working conditions as well as fair compensation and benefits, now turns to White in hopes that he can offer short-term stability and assist in the selection of a long-term executive director. Given that members of the executive committee viewed White as a strong choice back in 2023, it's possible that White could eventually receive consideration for the full-time position. But such a decision isn't expected to come for some time. In a statement released Sunday night, NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin said, 'We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership. David has spent much of his career fighting for collectively bargained rights in the labor movement and is committed to putting players first in all the union does. We are confident that he will inspire solidarity and provide the necessary stability during this period of transition. Soon, we will commence a thorough search process for a permanent executive director. This process will continue to be player led, as the strength of our union has and will always lie with our membership.' — NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 4, 2025 White has extensive experience as a labor executive, negotiator and strategic advisor and brings a track record of stabilizing organizations. He previously served as CEO of 3CG Ventures, a premier executive coaching and strategic consulting firm, and is also the former national executive director and chief negotiator of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Advertisement NFLPA leaders took their time filling the interim position because they wanted to avoid setting the union back further by making a hasty decision, executive committee member Austin Ekeler told The Athletic last week. 'We want to make sure we're moving smart and urgent, and this isn't something that has to be immediately done to fill these spots,' he said. 'We have a lot of great staff that we can trust that are in leadership roles.' White has an extensive to-do list awaiting him. Here's a rundown of some of the most pressing items the interim executive director must address: Long gone are the days of the late Gene Upshaw, who commanded respect while representing players in battles with NFL owners, netting victories that reshaped the business of football. (Benefits that stem from his efforts include unrestricted free agency, 401(k) programs, health reimbursement accounts, performance-based pay bonuses, and the list goes on.) The union also experienced a drop-off following the 2023 departure of successor DeMaurice Smith, a former trial lawyer who never shied away from a fight. Smith negotiated new collective bargaining agreements in 2011 and 2021 while helping secure players a larger piece of the revenue pie and dramatically increasing benefits for retired players. In the last two years, critics have raised questions about how in tune Howell was with the needs of players. He also drew criticism for what some viewed as a failure to take strong enough tones of opposition when dealing with the league on other matters, the collusion case ranking among them. Player interest in union matters has been declining in recent years, and many younger members will admit that they have no idea what the union does for them. Tretter successfully implemented the annual player report cards, which have helped hold owners accountable and prompted them to improve player working conditions and player family member accommodations and support. Advertisement However, Tretter and player leaders were also so intent on keeping union business under wraps that some agents said their players often felt like they were left in the dark on key issues. The lack of transparency over the years has caused players to lose interest. During their periodic meetings, NFLPA leaders remind players, 'This is your union.' However, some players have viewed that as lip service. Staffing reductions have also hurt the union. Citing a need for a more efficient and financially responsible operation, Howell authorized the offering of buyouts to nearly half of the NFLPA's 150-person staff this past offseason. Player agents say the staff reductions have translated into a union that is far less helpful compared to what it once was. Also, there's often confusion over whom to contact at the players association when assistance is needed for injury compensation-related disputes. Traditionally, the executive director spends the first several weeks of the preseason and regular season traveling from city to city for face-to-face meetings with players. Howell did this in each of the two previous seasons but had planned on handing that task off to Tretter this season, according to a person with knowledge of those plans. Now, however, it's important for White to get in front of players, hear their concerns and answer questions. The NFL and NFLPA weren't expected to begin negotiations toward a new CBA for another couple of years. But that doesn't mean the executive director doesn't have battles to fight for the players. The NFL continues to expand its slate of international games, which are often a source of concern for players because of the demands of extended travel and how that reduces rest and recovery time. Field surfaces (most specifically, the players' preference for natural grass over artificial turf) remain a source of contention. Players and union employees also believe the NFLPA must continue to push the league for the latest injury and concussion-related data to ensure the safest procedures are maintained and implemented. Eventually, discussions will be had about an expansion from 17 to 18 games. Howell sent mixed messages on this front during his two years at the helm. Initially, he spoke favorably of the expansion to 18 games because of the financial benefits associated with such a move. However, after a year's worth of travels and conversations with players, he shifted to a stance that '18 games is a non-starter.' Although the interim executive director's stay is unlikely to last beyond the completion of the 2025-26 season, it's important that the players form a clear and unified message to help give the next permanent leader a head start. (Again, it's possible that White could wind up having the interim tag removed.) The credibility of the NFLPA has taken a hit this offseason. One former player now employed by the league office described the state of the union as 'embarrassing.' Restoring order and respect is crucial if the players expect owners to take them seriously in discussions about league practices and working conditions. The best way for the NFLPA to achieve this is for the executive director to bolster the player leadership ranks by encouraging greater participation from prominent players. Those familiar with Upshaw's approach praised his ability to draw star players into the fold. Advertisement In the early 2000s, players like Drew Brees, Kevin Mawae, Brian Dawkins, Mike Vrabel, Kevin Carter, Domonique Foxworth and Jeff Saturday spearheaded the union's efforts, and during the negotiation efforts toward the 2011 CBA, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady also became heavily involved in union matters. The number of leading players in prominent NFLPA roles has dwindled as of late, however, which could hurt player efforts. The best way to get the attention of owners on pressing matters, especially when it comes to negotiating the next labor deal (the current CBA expires in 2031), is for the faces of the league to become more involved and vocal. The NFLPA has several openings on its support staff that must be filled. One impending vacancy is that of general counsel, with Tom DePaso set to retire after four decades with the union. There are other looming vacancies to fill to ensure the union operates effectively while serving the player membership. White also must provide oversight for OneTeam Partners and Players Inc., which both generate group licensing revenue for players outside of their contracts with teams.
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Derrick White on being in dad mode when he's not with the Boston Celtics
When he isn't on the road with the Boston Celtics, Derrick White relishes the time he gets to spend with his kids. And given how much of the year being an NBA player can have you away from wherever it is one calls home, it's not surprising that the University of Colorado alum tries to make the most of the time he does have with his children. White, who just put out the first episode of his own podcast this week (aptly named 'White Noise'), spoke on how leans into his time with his kids during part of the show. What does that entail, exactly, given they are still pretty young? Per White, that means he has to "get the kids, get breakfast, get them changed—that whole ordeal." "I feel like the mornings are kind of my time to be with them, mess around with them, let the wife do what she wants to do in the morning," he added. "Get the kids, have fun." "Then I go work out—I lift at 10:00. From 10:00 to about 11:00 or 11:30," said the Colorado native of how that flows into the rest of his routine. "Then I go to the basketball gym, do what I need to do there—however long that takes." But that doesn't mean he's done with being dad for the day, though. "I come back, help put the kids down, get them to nap, and from that point on, I'm just in dad mode. Obviously, during the season it's tough—you're gone a lot. There's a lot of free time, but also a lot of time where you're just stuck in hotels and away from the family, so it's always nice to be around and just enjoy those little things." Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Spotify: iTunes: YouTube:
UPI
5 hours ago
- UPI
David White named NFLPA's interim executive director
1 of 3 | David White previously served as the national executive director and chief negotiator of Screen Actors Guild. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The NFL Players Association elected David White as interim executive director, the union announced. White will replace Lloyd Howell, who resigned last month. "I am grateful to the NFLPA's player leadership for entrusting me with the privilege and responsibility to guide their union as interim executive director," White said in a news release. "It's a duty I do not take lightly, and I'm committed to reestablishing trust and ensuring the union is serving its members best. "I look forward to working with the entire NFLPA team to protect players' health and safety, secure their financial well-being, and further strengthen their voice to shape their futures." White is the CEO of 3CG Ventures, an executive coaching and strategic consulting firm and former national executive director and chief negotiator of the Screen Actors Guild. He also served as board chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and as a board leader of RGP, a global consulting firm. He is a strategic advisor to Ulu Ventures, a venture capital firm. He was a Rhodes Scholar and graduate of Stanford Law School, Oxford University and Grinnell College. NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin said the decision to elect White was the "result of a comprehensive, player-led process." He also said the union plans to soon start its search for a permanent executive director. "We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership," Reeves-Maybin said. "David has spent much of his career fighting for collectively bargained rights in the labor movement and is committed to putting players first in all the union does. We are confident that he will inspire solidarity and provide the necessary stability during this period of transition. "Soon, we will commence a thorough search process for a permanent executive director. This process will continue to be player led, as the strength of our union has and will always lie with our membership."
