A groundbreaking achievement occurred at Fort Benning, Georgia, as First Lieutenant Gabrielle A. White made history by becoming the first woman ever to complete the U.S. Army’s Best Ranger Competition. The 25-year-old West Point graduate and her teammate, Captain Seth Deltenre, finished in fourteenth place among 52 competing teams in the grueling three-day event held April 11-13, 2025.
White, the only female competitor in this year’s challenge, demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance throughout the competition widely regarded as one of the military’s most demanding physical and mental tests.
Historic Achievement in Elite Military Competition
The completion of the Best Ranger Competition by First Lt. White marks a significant milestone for women in the armed forces. This prestigious event, now in its 41st year, aims to determine “the best two-man team from the entire United States Armed Forces,” according to the competition’s official website.
Military experts have long considered the Best Ranger Competition one of the most challenging military contests in existence. Competitors face a relentless series of obstacles designed to test their physical stamina, mental toughness, and tactical expertise under intense pressure.
Rigorous Challenges Showcase Military Excellence
Participants in this year’s competition tackled a wide array of demanding tasks including combat water survival, a bayonet obstacle course, ballistic breaching, helocasting, rope bridge construction, and military knots. These challenges require not only peak physical condition but also technical proficiency and tactical decision-making.
“This competition represents the pinnacle of Ranger excellence,” noted a military observer present at the event. “Completing it requires extraordinary determination and skill regardless of gender.”
Distinguished Military Career at Young Age
White’s impressive military background helped prepare her for this historic achievement. Army spokesman Christopher Surridge confirmed that White graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2021 and completed Ranger School in April 2022.
As an 11A infantry officer, White serves with distinction, currently “assigned to the Maneuver Captains Career Course, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 81st Armored Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade.” Her service record includes two Army Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Ranger Tab and Air Assault Badge.
Breaking Barriers in Military Tradition
The Best Ranger Competition has roots dating back to its founder, Dick Leandri. He created the event to honor Lieutenant General (Retired) David E. Grange, Jr., initially to determine which two-person team excelled in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning.
White’s historic completion of the course may prompt reconsideration of the competition’s traditional “two-man team” description. Her success represents another barrier broken in military culture and highlights the growing role of women in combat positions across the armed forces.
Social Media Celebrates Milestone Achievement
News of White’s accomplishment spread quickly across social media platforms. Actress Rosie Perez tweeted her support: “Yay! Congratulations 1st Lt. Gabrielle White! Congrats to all as well!: Soldier becomes first woman to compete in Best Ranger Competition.”
This groundbreaking achievement follows recent policy changes allowing women to serve in all combat roles within the U.S. military. White’s success demonstrates that when given equal opportunity, women can excel even in the most demanding military challenges traditionally dominated by men.
