Army Ten Miler
Started in 1985, the Army Ten-Miler (ATM) takes place each October in Washington, D.C. to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support Army fitness goals, and enhance community relations. All race proceeds benefit Soldier MWR programs. Each year the Patriot Battalion enters a team slot that allows a certain number of cadets that wish to run the race to do so as a part of the GMU ROTC race team. This event is always a fun way to start off the Fall semester and allow cadets to get more involved in the fun aspects of ROTC, outside of the Fairfax Campus.
Ranger Challenge Competition
The Brigade Ranger Challenge is the Army ROTC Varsity Sport. Teams form early in the semester and train rigorously nearly every morning of the week. Ranger Challenge team members accomplish more before 0800 than most college students accomplish in an entire day. Teams train all the way up until the Brigade Ranger Challenge Competition.
This competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets’ mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events.
On the first day, each team begins at one of the various events (except for the APFT which is on day two) and once complete, moves to another in a specific order chosen at random the night before. This is how the entire day is spent: doing an event, moving to the next one, completing that event, and so on until all the events for day one are done; lunch is eaten in between events.
Each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event (20 points for number one, 19 for second, etc.). The best team in each event is awarded a trophy as are the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year!
AUSA Conference
Held every October by the Association of the United States Army, the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition is the largest land power exposition and professional development forum in North America.
Annual Program Staff Ride
Military Ball
The military ball is a formal night full of fun and festivities where we celebrate the accomplishments of our cadets throughout the school year. We recognize academic accolades, community contributions, and athletic accomplishments across the cadets of all grade levels. We also pay homage to our nation’s service members from the past, present, and future. It’s the perfect opportunity for civilians to meet and greet various military personnel as well as catch a glimpse into the life of those serving this country. We often provide fun activities at the ball including music & dance, a photo booth, and of course the traditional Grog Bowl.
Veteran’s Day Luncheon
Each Fall semester the Patriot Battalion in partnership with George Mason University hosts the Veteran’s Day Luncheon in the Mason Center for the Arts Performing Hall. We host this luncheon for Veterans to come and be recognized for their service to the country, enjoy a nice meal, and hear from organizations and guest speakers that work to support Veteran Affairs and support programs.
The Patriot Battalion’s Color Guard team presents the Nation’s Colors and there is recognition to each of the five military branches with a playing of each of their Service Songs.
