EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 6th Ranger Training Battalion hosted its inaugural Military Affairs Committee Day, March 9, at Camp James E. Rudder, here.
The event provided local community leaders a snapshot into the swamp phase of the U. S. Army Ranger School. The day was a culmination of an idea to get the battalion more involved with the community.
“It was an amazing opportunity to bring all the area Military Affairs Committees together,” said Ryan Price, Crestview Area MAC chairman. “This event gave a glimpse into what a Ranger has to endure in preparation to defend our country.”
There are eight independent MACs serving the tri-county area, each with an average membership of more than 25 local business leaders. Eglin has a long-standing relationship with the panhandle area MACs.
The event offered an opportunity to build relationships between the community and the military members at the 6th RTB.
A mission briefing by leadership was followed by a hands-on demonstration from the Army’s only reptile team. The team highlighted possible creature encounters in the swamp.
The training began with a boats and ropes class that prepared attendees for a one-rope-bridge trek across the Yellow River. The next event was a water movement on zodiac boats to the final objective, the swamp walk.
More than 60 community leaders walked in waist high swampy water just as the Ranger students do to graduate the course. Once on high ground, there were several stations to learn how to fire weapons and continue the day in the life experience of a Ranger.
“This day was about not only getting the Ranger brand out there, it linked our various community partners with members of the 6th RTB,” said Lt. Col. James Pritchett, the 6th RTB commander who participates in monthly MAC meetings representing his battalion. “Our Soldiers are spread through every community represented today. When they leave work, which is located in the middle of nowhere, all they have is their community. They need their community for support and their community needs them.”
Each MAC promotes a cooperative working relationship and direct support to Eglin. Working hand-in-hand with base, they sponsor several events for military members and their families throughout the year including picnics, breakfasts and annual awards ceremonies.