FEATURE: ‘When my name was called, I dropped to my knees in gratitude… knowing I carried the Philippine flag throughout the journey,’ – Igorot soldier is lone Filipino to finish US Army Ranger Course

Bontoc, Mountain Province – An Igorot son from Bontoc has brought pride not only to his family and the Cordillera but also to the entire nation after becoming the sole Filipino in his batch to successfully complete the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger Course (USARC) on March 6, 2026, at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia, USA.

The USARC, commonly known as Ranger School, is one of the most demanding military leadership training programs in the world, conducted by the United States Army.

The course spans 62 days and is designed to test soldiers under extreme physical and mental conditions, including sleep deprivation, limited food, and continuous combat simulations across mountain and swamp environments.

The Igorot Ranger

Captain Cheru A. Chaur, PA, 30, a native of Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “MABALASIK” Class of 2019 and currently serves in the Philippine Army as a Scout Ranger and qualified airborne soldier.

Chaur was among the 142 soldiers who completed the grueling course. In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, he recalled being chosen as the country’s representative through a highly selective screening process.

He shared that he was deployed in Marawi, Lanao del Norte in August 2025 when he received a call from Philippine Army headquarters.

“…based on my qualifications, I had been selected as one of the candidates. The selection process was very strict, as only one candidate would ultimately represent the country. Historically, only a small number of Filipinos have passed the course since 1959, which made the opportunity both an honor and a responsibility—a challenging but meaningful journey not just for myself, but for the country I represent,” he said.

Chaur’s journey to earning the coveted Ranger Tab was marked by extraordinary hardship and determination. During the training, he tore his left pectoral muscle while helping a fellow trainee over an obstacle. He also endured the extreme winter conditions of the Georgia mountains, suffering partial frostbite and nerve damage in his fingers.

Despite medical recommendations to withdraw and undergo surgery, he chose to continue the course under strict supervision.

“I refused to accept it… continuing the course with one arm not functioning was extremely painful and physically demanding. There were moments when I felt like giving up and going home. But every night, I prayed for strength—not just to endure, but to lead. I reminded myself of my purpose: to represent my country and my people,” he said.

His perseverance eventually paid off when he was officially named a Ranger graduate, “When my name was finally called as a Ranger Tab awardee, I dropped to my knees in gratitude. At that moment, I felt immense pride, knowing I carried the Philippine flag throughout the journey.”

The Sole Filipino-Igorot Ranger

Chaur is the only Filipino and the only Igorot in his batch. Within the last five years, Chaur is likely the second confirmed and publicly documented Cordilleran graduate of the USARC, after 1Lt. Castillion Antalus PA from Tinglayan, Kalinga who graduated in 2022.

For the brave soldier, representing both the country and the Cordillera region served as his greatest motivation, and left a message for the aspiring soldiers to serve with a purpose, build discipline and character, and have an unwavering patriotism.

“Wearing the uniform is an honor. And if you choose this path, do it with pride, with humility, and most importantly, with a deep love for our country. Being a soldier is not just a career, it’s a commitment to protect our nation and our people,” he said.

Chaur’s achievement stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of Igorot soldiers, and a reminder that Igorots are capable of excelling on the world stage, and proudly representing their heritage and country in the most elite arenas of military service.