First Lt. Gabrielle White Makes History in Best Ranger Competition
By Carol A. Gasser Moore
Georgia — First Lieutenant. Gabrielle A. White has become the first woman to complete the U.S. Army’s grueling Best Ranger Competition, finishing 14th out of 52 teams alongside her teammate, Capt. Seth Deltenre.
The three-day event, held at Fort Benning, Georgia, tests participants with over 30 physically and mentally demanding tasks, including combat water survival, rope bridges, and bayonet obstacle courses.
White, a 25-year-old West Point graduate and infantry officer assigned to the Maneuver Captains Career Course, has earned multiple military honors, including the Ranger Tab and Air Assault Badge.
Her achievement marks a significant milestone since the Army permitted women to attend Ranger School in 2015.
Captain Deltenre, her teammate, is also an accomplished officer, bringing his own set of skills and experiences to the competition.
Their performance underscores the evolving landscape of the U.S. military, highlighting the increasing integration and recognition of women in combat roles.
The 2025 Best Ranger Competition was ultimately won by soldiers Kevin Moore and Griffin Hokanson.
White’s historic accomplishment serves as an inspiration and a testament to the dedication and resilience required to succeed in one of the Army’s most challenging competitions.
