Auburn cadets test endurance and leadership during prestigious Sandhurst competition

Auburn University’s Army ROTC cadets recently tested their endurance, leadership and teamwork against some of the top military programs in the world during the prestigious Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point May 1-2, 2026. As one of only 16 Reserve Officer Training Corps, or ROTC, programs invited to compete out of 243 ROTC programs nationwide, Auburn’s Army ROTC War Eagle Battalion joined 48 teams from U.S. and international military academies and military programs for the demanding two-day competition.

Held annually each spring at West Point, the Sandhurst competition is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous military training events in the world. This year’s competition featured teams from 17 international military academies, five U.S. service academies, 10 West Point cadet company teams and 16 ROTC programs.

Over the course of two grueling days, cadets completed more than 20 miles of movement while carrying 35-pound ruck sacks and navigating obstacles focused on foundational soldier skills, squad tactics, land navigation and night operations. Teams were evaluated on physical endurance, communication, decision-making and their ability to operate cohesively under pressure, with only one team ultimately earning the title of Sandhurst champion.

For Auburn’s 12-member team, preparation for the competition required months of training and a strong commitment to working together in high-stress environments. Comprised of cadets ranging from freshmen to seniors, the team represented a cross-section of Auburn students preparing to lead in military service after graduation.

“The Sandhurst Competition challenges cadets in ways few experiences can, testing not only physical endurance and tactical skill, but also leadership, trust and teamwork under pressure,” LTC Brandon Davis, former professor of military science for Auburn Army ROTC said. “What makes us most proud is seeing our cadets compete with grit, discipline and a commitment to the team beside them. Those are the qualities that define exceptional leaders and future Army officers.”

Following their return from competition, three senior cadets crossed the commencement stage at Auburn just days later before commissioning into active-duty service in the U.S. Army.

Brandon Mote, a graduate from Huntsville, Alabama, earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the Harbert College of Business and was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in the Active Duty. A “Green to Gold” cadet, Mote previously served as an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army before earning a competitive Army scholarship to attend Auburn and complete the ROTC program.

Evan Rice, also from Huntsville, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management and was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in the Active Duty. Hunter Schmick of Wetumpka, Alabama, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and was commissioned as an Engineer Officer in the Active Duty.

In total, 25 Auburn Army ROTC cadets were commissioned on May 4, including 19 entering Active-Duty service, two commissioning into the U.S. Army Reserve and four commissioning into the National Guard.

Founded at Auburn in 1916, the Army ROTC War Eagle Battalion has prepared more than 8,000 commissioned officers for service in the U.S. Army. The four-year program develops cadets into leaders prepared to serve on Active Duty or in the National Guard or Army Reserve.

To learn more about Auburn University’s Army ROTC program, visit aub.ie/ArmyROTC.