What is the West Point Sandhurst Military Skills Competition?

I heard about the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point and I'm curious about what it involves. Is it something all cadets have to participate in, or is it extracurricular? What kind of skills are tested?

The Sandhurst Military Skills Competition is an annual event at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The competition began in 1967 and has grown considerably over the years with teams from military academies around the globe participating, making it a truly international competition. It was inspired by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the UK, hence the name.

It's important to note that participation in the Sandhurst competition is not a requirement for all cadets at West Point. It's an extracurricular activity, and teams choose to participate. These teams often consist of eight to eleven cadets, including a team captain, two squad leaders, additional members, and alternates.

The competition evaluates each team's proficiency in a variety of military skills over a two-day period. These skills can include, but aren't limited to, weapon handling, first aid, navigation, problem-solving, ethics and leadership scenarios, mountaineering tactics, obstacle courses, and rafting. A key component of the competition is physical fitness and endurance, as the teams navigate a rigorous 48-hour course, traveling a significant distance under heavy load.

Each year, the specific challenges in the competition change, keeping it fresh, and competitors must be prepared for a wide range of potential physical and mental challenges. In short, the goal of the Sandhurst competition is to inspire excellence in military leadership through a demanding, team-based challenge that tests military skills and character. It's a notable experience for those cadets who choose to participate.