FRIDAY FOTO (April 19, 2019)

Abandon … Boat.

(U.S. Army photo by Amanda Lin)

Members of the U.S. Military Academy’s Black Team (there were also Gold and Gray teams) compete in the zodiac challenge at the 51st Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point, New York,  on April 12, 2019.

The rigorous, two-day competition encompasses physical and mental challenges that reflect the tempo, uncertainty and tasks of combat operations — including physical fitness, marksmanship and land navigation challenges.

While it is called the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition after the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom, the annual competition has always been held at West Point. Sandhurst was started in 1967 when RMAS presented West Point with a British Officer’s sword to use as the prize for a competition to promote military excellence.

Each team consisted of 9 primary and 2 alternate members, including at least one female team member.  Teams were assessed on a variety of individual and squad warrior tasks.

The competition included 49 teams from around the world, including 14 teams from 13 countries: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Korea, Thailand, Colombia, Greece, Japan, Mexico, Chile and Brazil . The British fielded two teams, and West Point fielded 16.

In addition to West Point, the U.S. Air Force (last year’s winner), Coast Guard and Naval academies sent teams. There were also teams from ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) programs at the following U.S. universities: Austin Peay State University, California Polytechnic State University, Central State University, Creighton University, Florida State University, Lehigh University, Tarleton State University, University of Delaware, University of North Georgia, Utah Valley University, Virginia Military Institute, John Hopkins University, Embry-Riddle University, Marquette University, Edinboro University and the University of Hawaii.

The West Point Black Team won the competition. For details on how other teams fared  click here, and click here for more photos.