D
D-n-A
Guest
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/6_1_1.asp?id=29
Canadian excels on Ranger course
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Of the original 230 candidates, only 50 graduated including Sgt Marc Lapointe of 1 R22eR, Capt Louis Lapointe of the Infantry School, Cpl Barry Nisbet of 1 RCR and Lt David Hill of 2 RCR.
CTC GAGETOWN - As one of only six Canadians chosen this year to face the challenge of the American Ranger Course, Captain Louis Lapointe not only returned as a successful graduate, but also as the recipient of two impressive awards rarely captured by Canadian candidates: the Ralph Puckett and the William O. Darby awards.
Capt Lapointe, an instructor at the Infantry School, recently conquered 61 days of hunger, sleep deprivation and extreme physical exertion as he went through what is considered to be one of the most difficult courses offered in the American Army.
Capt Louis Lapointe's outstanding performance during the American Ranger Course earned him two top awards, top officer candidate and distinguished honor graduate.
The Ranger Course, held in the Georgia/Florida area, pushes candidates to the limit of physical and mental exhaustion while applying tactics and techniques of wooded, mountainous and swamp operations. For two months, they battled everything from freezing cold temperatures to constant rain to extreme heat. Hours to rest were few and far between, with the average time to sleep being less than four hours each night.
The feelings brought on by extreme hunger and lack of sleep were like nothing Capt Lapointe had ever experienced before in his military career. He admits that he had never known what it meant to be hungry until now and vows never to be without a snack close by.
There was some degree of fun to be found in everything depending on your perspective, said Capt Lapointe, as he recalled being ordered to sing a solo of the Canadian national anthem after every meal, a practice that soon became the normal after-dinner entertainment.
By the end of the course, Capt Lapointe's outstanding performance earned him the title of Class Honor Graduate, receiving the Ralph Puckett award for top officer candidate.
His exemplary leadership abilities and sustained dedication proved to be worthy of the William O. Darby award for the Distinguished Honor Graduate. This award is given only on occasion when an Honor Graduate has displayed near faultless and flawless skill and ability throughout the entire course and has a high standing amongst course peers. The award represents the original 500 men out of 2 000 volunteers chosen by Major William O. Darby to become the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1942. A rare and prestigious award earned by only a few Canadians.
Of the original group of 230 candidates, only 50 graduated including Capt Lapointe and three of his Canadian comrades.
It gives Capt Lapointe a great deal of satisfaction to have met this personal challenge. He had always wanted to complete the Ranger Course, and after having missed out once before in 1997, he was not about to let this opportunity pass him by again.
"The Americans call it a gut check for top soldiers," he said, "and I wanted to train with the very best."
By 2Lt Kendrah Denny
2Lt Denny is Assistant PAO, Gagetown.
Canadian excels on Ranger course
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Of the original 230 candidates, only 50 graduated including Sgt Marc Lapointe of 1 R22eR, Capt Louis Lapointe of the Infantry School, Cpl Barry Nisbet of 1 RCR and Lt David Hill of 2 RCR.
CTC GAGETOWN - As one of only six Canadians chosen this year to face the challenge of the American Ranger Course, Captain Louis Lapointe not only returned as a successful graduate, but also as the recipient of two impressive awards rarely captured by Canadian candidates: the Ralph Puckett and the William O. Darby awards.
Capt Lapointe, an instructor at the Infantry School, recently conquered 61 days of hunger, sleep deprivation and extreme physical exertion as he went through what is considered to be one of the most difficult courses offered in the American Army.
Capt Louis Lapointe's outstanding performance during the American Ranger Course earned him two top awards, top officer candidate and distinguished honor graduate.
The Ranger Course, held in the Georgia/Florida area, pushes candidates to the limit of physical and mental exhaustion while applying tactics and techniques of wooded, mountainous and swamp operations. For two months, they battled everything from freezing cold temperatures to constant rain to extreme heat. Hours to rest were few and far between, with the average time to sleep being less than four hours each night.
The feelings brought on by extreme hunger and lack of sleep were like nothing Capt Lapointe had ever experienced before in his military career. He admits that he had never known what it meant to be hungry until now and vows never to be without a snack close by.
There was some degree of fun to be found in everything depending on your perspective, said Capt Lapointe, as he recalled being ordered to sing a solo of the Canadian national anthem after every meal, a practice that soon became the normal after-dinner entertainment.
By the end of the course, Capt Lapointe's outstanding performance earned him the title of Class Honor Graduate, receiving the Ralph Puckett award for top officer candidate.
His exemplary leadership abilities and sustained dedication proved to be worthy of the William O. Darby award for the Distinguished Honor Graduate. This award is given only on occasion when an Honor Graduate has displayed near faultless and flawless skill and ability throughout the entire course and has a high standing amongst course peers. The award represents the original 500 men out of 2 000 volunteers chosen by Major William O. Darby to become the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1942. A rare and prestigious award earned by only a few Canadians.
Of the original group of 230 candidates, only 50 graduated including Capt Lapointe and three of his Canadian comrades.
It gives Capt Lapointe a great deal of satisfaction to have met this personal challenge. He had always wanted to complete the Ranger Course, and after having missed out once before in 1997, he was not about to let this opportunity pass him by again.
"The Americans call it a gut check for top soldiers," he said, "and I wanted to train with the very best."
By 2Lt Kendrah Denny
2Lt Denny is Assistant PAO, Gagetown.
