Lt. Gabrielle White just made history—and the military may not be ready to talk about it.
This month, Lt. White became the first woman to finish the U.S. Army’s notoriously brutal Best Ranger Competition. The three-day event, held annually at Fort Moore, Georgia, pushes elite soldiers to their physical and mental limits, testing everything from combat survival to obstacle navigation.
But for White, it wasn’t just about endurance—it was about opening doors.
Who Is Gabrielle White?
First Lt. Gabrielle A. White, 25, is a trailblazing Army infantry officer and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. An Ohio native and former high school basketball star, White earned her Ranger tab in April 2022, becoming part of a small but growing group of women Rangers since the school opened to women in 2015.
Assigned to the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, Georgia, White is currently enrolled in the Maneuver Captains Career Course. She’s earned accolades including the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Assault Badge—and is recognized not just for her physical strength, but for her leadership and drive to break new ground for women in combat roles.
The Competition
The Best Ranger Competition is widely regarded as one of the most grueling military endurance events. Over the course of three relentless days, competitors complete more than 30 events—including helicopter missions, tactical swims, obstacle courses, weapons qualification, and land navigation—all while covering over 60 miles with little to no rest.
White competed alongside Capt. Seth Deltenre, and the duo placed 14th out of 52 teams—all others composed entirely of men. They were one of just 16 teams to complete the event in full. Her participation and finish mark the first time in history that a woman has crossed the finish line of the Best Ranger Competition.
Why It Matters
Women weren’t allowed to even attend Ranger School until 2015. Since then, just over 150 have earned the coveted Ranger tab. Yet none had ever competed in—and finished—the Best Ranger Competition. White’s breakthrough isn’t just a win; it’s a landmark moment in military history.
This milestone arrives at a politically tense time. Under current Department of Defense restrictions on diversity-focused communications—policies put in place during the Trump administration—official Army channels have largely stayed silent about White’s historic achievement. That silence speaks volumes.
Her accomplishment matters deeply, not just to women in the military but to all of us who believe in representation and recognition.
A Trailblazer Worth Celebrating
Gabrielle White didn’t just compete—she excelled. She showed up, broke barriers, and let her performance do the talking. In an era where women are still fighting to be seen and supported in elite military and leadership roles, White’s win is proof of how far we’ve come—and a reminder of how far we have to go.
Her grit, grace, and historic performance place her in a growing lineage of women who refuse to be underestimated.
At Neon Gurl, we celebrate women who challenge expectations and lead boldly. First Lt. Gabrielle White is exactly that kind of woman—and her story will inspire many more to follow.
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