EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 6th Ranger Training Battalion hosted its inaugural Military Affairs Committee Day, March 8, at Camp James E. Rudder, here.
When the MAC members saw the opportunity to learn and participate in the swamp phase of the U. S. Army Ranger School, they jumped on it. This is the second time the 6th RTB offered a first-hand look into a day in the life of an Army Ranger student to local community leaders.
“This day was born because we wanted a greater relationship with the community. We want to be more than just a sign on a highway. This is a way to put our name out there and showcase exactly what we do,” said Lt. Col. James D. Pritchett, 6th RTB commander.
The goal is for civic leaders to connect and learn about the military members in their community.
“Having served, I'm very interested in the involvement of the community and local military,” said Ret. Sgt. Timothy Spayd, MAC member. “We have a number of military retirees in our community that want to give back.”
The Army’s reptile team, the only one of its kind, put on a reptile show offering a personal approach to what students may encounter in the swamp. The next event was a test fire conducted with various weapons systems and the donning of equipment such as rucksacks.
“It is encouraging to see young people that continue to answer the call to duty. It gives me a first-hand appreciation of sacrifices Rangers make daily,” said Spayed.
The attendees also operated a zodiac boat and went for a swamp walk across the Yellow River.
The eight MACs in the local tri-county area provide support for the Team Eglin mission. Every MAC works closely with Eglin leadership and continues to meet virtually through the pandemic.