Twenty Army Ranger teachers and students were hospitalized overnight after 44 of them were struck by lightning Wednesday while “conducting lightning protection protocols” near Elgin Air Force Base near Pensacola.
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The Army initially reported nine students and two instructors remained hospitalized Thursday afternoon for observation.
The group, on day seven of a 10-day training cycle, “reacted and got everyone proper medical care quickly”, said Col. David Fivecoat, Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade Commander.
(1/3) We recently received word that over 40 Army Rangers were involved in a lightning strike incident near Eglin AFB yesterday around 5pm.
Earlier this year, the Army for the first time allowed women to participate in the previously all-male Ranger course, but none passed. The students were two-thirds of the way through Ranger School’s Swamp Phase.
The remaining soldiers were treated and released. “Ranger students and instructors are tough”. Officials did not immediately have information on the extent of their injuries or their condition.
The platoon from the 6th Ranger Training Battalion were taking part in a training mission when a lightning warning within 10 miles was issued.
The Army Times website said the trainees were carrying out exercises in the “swamp phase” of their training, which focuses on waterborne operations.
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Students who successfully complete this phase will graduate from Ranger School and earn the coveted Ranger tab.
