Camdenton JROTC Secures Another Top National Finish In Fort Knox

CAMDENTON, Mo. — After a six-month delay earlier this school year, the Camdenton High School Army JROTC made the most of their long-awaited opportunity, bringing home another top national finish.

The Raiders traveled to Fort Knox, Ky., on April 15 to compete in the National Raider Championships, a physically demanding, multi-day event that tests endurance, strength, and teamwork.

The competition began with the Masters team completing the Battle Fitness Test before spending much of the day supporting teammates in the Challenge Division through a series of grueling events. By the end of Saturday, the Masters team had climbed into the top five, earning a spot in the Ultimate Raider Challenge.

Sunday’s final event pushed competitors to their limits. The 4.02-mile course required cadets to carry 102 pounds of gear along with a 148-pound simulated casualty, all while navigating a demanding obstacle course.

Despite a few setbacks earlier in the competition, the Camdenton team made up ground during the final stretch, finishing second in the Ultimate Raider event and securing third place overall in the nation.

The Raiders also delivered strong performances across individual events. The team placed first in the Cross Country Litter Race, third in the One Rope Bridge, third in the 5K, and third in the Physical Team Test. Additional finishes included seventh in the Battle Fitness Test and ninth in the Gauntlet.

The result continues a strong run for the program, which has now earned first-, second-, and third-place national finishes over the past four years.

Team members credited much of their success to support from family and the community, noting that parents traveled to Kentucky to provide meals and encouragement throughout the weekend.

The competition also marked a milestone for senior cadets, some of whom have been part of the program for all four years of high school.

With another national trophy secured, the Raiders are already looking ahead to next season, aiming to build on their success and continue the program’s standard of excellence.