ROTC team qualifies for national competition

November included a breakthrough weekend for the Army ROTC unit, which is part of the College of Health and Human Performance.

For the first time since 2013, the ECU Army ROTC Pirate Battalion’s Ranger Challenge Team advanced to compete at the national Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, in May 2025. ECU’s team qualified by finishing in second place among 40 teams at the Mid Atlantic Ranger Challenge Competition.

Cadets in the Pirate Battalion’s Ranger Challenge Team pose with their trophy.

Cadets in the Pirate Battalion’s Ranger Challenge Team pose with their trophy.

Video highlights from the competition are available on Army ROTC social media.

“ECU and Furman will represent our region at the prestigious Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point, where only 16 ROTC programs nationwide advance,” Lt. Col. Scott Nusom said. “This historic achievement highlights the dedication of our cadets and brings tremendous pride and recognition to both ECU and our ROTC program. The program is incredibly proud of this team and their historic accomplishment.”

The Pirate Battalion team consists of 11 high-performing cadets, who began training daily in late August to prepare for the grueling 12-event competition that tested their physical endurance, technical proficiency, tactical knowledge and their ability to lead and perform under pressure. The team captains are Josh Harrelson and Monique StCyr. Coach is Maj. Steve Cross, and Nusom is the Army ROTC commander.

More than 300 teams competed nationwide in the first stage of events. ECU is one of 16 now qualified for the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition.