For four decades, US Army troops have tested their strength and endurance to determine the toughest soldiers during the annual Best Ranger Competition.
Over the course of 62 nearly continuous hours, Ranger-qualified soldiers compete in two-person teams, participating in a gauntlet of challenges mirroring real-world Ranger operations.
From the early hours of the morning to the dead of night, competitors demonstrate tactical skills, complete difficult obstacle courses, and traverse dozens of miles on both land and water.
In April, more than 100 US soldiers competed in the Best Ranger Competition, a mix of an outdoor adventure course with the soldiering's most grueling tasks. This is a look at the contest's three unforgiving days and the first-time competitors from the 75th Ranger Regiment who took home the title.