A female Army Ranger competed in the prestigious Best Ranger Competition, a gruelling test of endurance, skill, and mental toughness. This milestone was set by First Lieutenant Gabrielle White, who, along with her teammate Captain Seth Deltenre, participated in the demanding three-day event over the weekend. White and Deltenre, stationed at the Army Centre of Excellence at Fort Benning, Georgia, placed 14th overall out of the 16 teams that made it to the final events.
The Best Ranger Competition is an annual event held at Fort Benning designed to identify and celebrate the top performers among Army Rangers. During the competition, soldiers endure more than 30 events, which range from physical fitness tests to complex tactical challenges.
These include navigating difficult terrain, completing obstacle courses, executing helicopter missions, weapons qualifications, and much more. The competition is not for the faint-hearted, as the participants are expected to move more than 60 miles in just three days, with minimal rest.
This year’s competition saw a historic moment as a woman participated for the first time. White, a Black infantry officer, has been part of the Army since graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2021.
Her participation in the Best Ranger Competition is a direct result of the Army’s decision to open Ranger School to women in 2015. Prior to this, women were excluded from serving in the elite Army Ranger role. However, in a groundbreaking decision, the Army officially allowed women to enrol in the Ranger course, leading to significant changes in the armed forces’ approach to gender inclusivity in combat roles.
The Army’s policy shift in 2015 allowed for the first two female soldiers, Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, to graduate from Ranger School, setting the stage for future female participation in elite military roles. By opening up combat roles to women, the Army created opportunities for women to excel in fields that had previously been closed off. White’s participation in the Best Ranger Competition is another step forward in this ongoing transformation.
White, who completed Ranger School in April 2022, was joined by Deltenre, a seasoned Army officer and her competition partner for this event. Despite the intense physical demands of the competition, which include long stretches of physical exertion, land navigation tasks, and testing of military skills under stress, White and Deltenre completed the event with determination and grit, finishing 14th overall in the competition. Their performance proved that women are not only capable of participating in such an elite event but can hold their own against the best that the Army has to offer.
The competition itself is fiercely contested. This year, the two top-performing soldiers were 1st Lt. Griff Hokanson and 1st Lt. Kevin Moore, both of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Their team emerged as the winners of the Best Ranger Competition, cementing their place as elite soldiers. However, the real significance of White’s involvement was not in the outcome of the event but in the symbolism of her participation.
Until now, no female soldiers had entered the Best Ranger Competition, as all prior teams were made up entirely of male soldiers. White’s entry into the competition marks a breakthrough in the Army’s long-standing policies and traditions.
It inspires other female soldiers, showing them that the path to success in the Army is open, regardless of gender. The Army’s increasing inclusivity and the historic participation of women in various roles, including the Ranger competition, demonstrate a shift in military culture towards greater gender equality.
The Army has long faced challenges in promoting diversity and inclusivity within its ranks. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Department of Defence took steps to reduce emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
This included a decision to no longer publicise or celebrate achievements that focus on historic firsts by women and minorities. Consequently, mentions of such accomplishments, like White’s participation in the Best Ranger Competition, were largely omitted from official Army press releases and social media posts.
Despite this, the achievement remains significant in the broader context of military history. White’s achievement signals a changing culture within the military, one that increasingly embraces diversity and inclusion. It reflects the ongoing evolution of the Army’s attitude toward women’s roles in combat and leadership positions.
White’s success is also a testament to her determination and hard work. Becoming an Army Ranger is no small feat. The rigorous Ranger School training is known for its intense physical and mental challenges, with only a small percentage of candidates making it through. White’s completion of the course and her subsequent participation in the Best Ranger Competition highlight her abilities as a top-level soldier and showcase the growing number of female soldiers who are pushing boundaries and excelling in tough military environments.
As of January 2025, 154 women had graduated from Ranger School, with many continuing to serve in various combat and leadership roles within the Army. White is among these trailblazers, continuing the legacy of strong women who are reshaping the military. Her participation in the Best Ranger Competition represents not just a personal achievement but a collective advancement for women in the armed forces.
Though the Department of Defence does not officially publicise White’s achievement, it cannot be overlooked by those within the Army and the broader military community. It marks a historic shift toward greater acceptance of women in combat roles, an ongoing transformation that will continue to break down barriers in the years to come.
In conclusion, First Lieutenant Gabrielle White’s participation in the Best Ranger Competition is more than just a personal achievement. It is a powerful symbol of progress within the military and a reflection of the Army’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.
While the Department of Defence may have chosen not to celebrate this milestone publicly, the legacy of female Army Rangers and the broader integration of women into combat roles are clearly significant parts of the future of the United States Army.
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