FOR the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets from all five high schools competed against each other in the Extreme Raiders Challenge hosted by Marianas High School on Saturday, Nov. 19.
“This year, it feels more like a competition rather than just our school competing. It feels like a real competition this year,” said Dolphin Battalion Commander C/LTC Shaina Dimalanta.
Various teams from Marianas High School’s Dolphin Battalion — the all-male “Hagu Realz,” co-ed “King Jolli,” and all-female “H.T.S.” teams — topped all three divisions in the Raiders Masters category, with its “2econd Optionz” team finishing second in the male division.
Tinian Jr./Sr. High School’s “Atomic Rangers” topped the Raider Explorers’ male division, while its “Husky” all-female team came in first in its division, with Saipan Southern High School’s “Fanihin Tasi” championing the co-ed division.
Manta Ray Battalion Commander C/LTC Julius Torres said that the SSHS cadets have been motivated, preparing for this competition since this past summer.
SSHS’s all-male team, “Yu’us i Tasi”, came in third in the Raiders Explorers category.
“I just hope that next year and the following years, we’re able to keep this tradition,” said Torres.
Ayuyu Battalion Commander C/LTC Zyaron Espiritu Santo said the KHS cadets were beaming with pride amid the competition, given that their all-male team, “Ayuyus” — that placed second in the Raiders Explorers all-male division — had no substitute.
“Covid-19 happened, and this is our first year back, but I think my battalion is doing really well,” he said.
Each team is comprised of 10 competing cadets, with room for one substitute or alternate, including the rare presence of cadets from Rota and Tinian.
They were all tasked with completing various challenges, graded by U.S. Army Reservists and recruiters. Among those challenges was a Mt. Tapochau hike.
“I’m really proud of my battalion. This was their first time hiking up Mt. Tapochau. They did really good. Nobody needed to ride in a car or anything like that, so I’m really proud of them for that, especially considering that this is their first time participating in Raiders,” said Rota’s Buck Battalion Commander C/LTC Ilaiza Camacho.
Rota saw one co-ed team, “PB&J” compete, finishing second in its division.
Camacho added, “It’s been a while since we’ve had this kind of atmosphere where all the battalions came together. It’s really great that we’re doing something like this again.”
Racing against the clock, cadets also had to complete “The Cadet Challenge,” a test of strength and endurance, including executing sit-ups, pull-ups, and push-ups.
“We didn’t really know what to expect. However, I’m so proud of our battalion for being so resilient. It was very intimidating at first, but the camaraderie has been great. Everyone has just been pushing each other to keep going,” said Stallion Battalion Executive Officer C/MAJ Chad Acollador.
Tinian had an all-male team and an all-female team compete in the ERC.
The tire flip, litter carry, beach assault run, and rope bridge challenges, even amid the heavy downpour of rain, showed how well the cadets could work together as a team, or as one battalion commander described it, as a family.
“In a way, it’s kind of like we have a small family within our schools. I joined this program because I really looked up to all of my family members who were in the program. I saw how much it helped them come out of their shell, and it has done the same for me. We’ve learned a lot about leadership, how to be a better person, and overall, just to have fun and make a lot of friends, not just within our battalion, but with other battalions as well,” said Buck Battalion C/LTC Camacho.
The Extreme Raider Challenge is an annual event hosted by MHS, testing cadets’ strength, endurance, and ability to work together as a team.
JROTC cadets from the CNMI’s five public high schools pose for a photo on Mt. Tapochau with instructors and U.S. Army Reservists and recruiters.
