This story originally appeared on the U.S. Army website.

Mar. 3, 2025—“I met God in the mountains.”

These were the words of 2nd Lt. Janine Colantonio, a 2023 graduate of Virginia Military Institute and newly tabbed infantry officer, as she reflected on her experience at one of the Army's toughest schools—Ranger School.

Colantonio graduated from Ranger School on January 24, 2025. Her journey was more than just a test of physical endurance—it was a crucible of leadership, self-discipline, and perseverance.

A Legacy of Leadership: Inspired to Lead

For Colantonio, the pursuit of excellence wasn't just a personal ambition—it was a legacy she was determined to continue.

Her grandfather, Ron Colan, a VMI Class of 1963 graduate, Vietnam War veteran, and engineer officer, played a pivotal role in shaping her decision to transfer to VMI and join Army ROTC.

As a child, she didn't fully grasp the significance of his service. It wasn't just his military background that inspired her—it was the leader he was and the character he embodied. Those same qualities became the foundation for her own pursuit of excellence as a leader.

When her father encouraged her to follow in his footsteps, she saw VMI and ROTC as the path to becoming the best leader she could be.

The Road to Ranger School: A Test of Grit & Competition

Before stepping into the grueling phases of Ranger School, Colantonio honed her skills and mental toughness through VMI's Ranger Challenge Team. Competing in Army ROTC's toughest event, she trained alongside like-minded cadets who thrived in an environment of high standards and voluntary hardship.

“I was drawn to Ranger Challenge because it was a group of individuals who wanted to put in the extra work and challenge themselves. It's a volunteer competition, and I learned early on that if you want to be the best, you have to get used to being uncomfortable”

That intensity prepared her for the exhaustion, tactical proficiency, and accountability required at Ranger School. More importantly, the experience reinforced a core belief she carried into her military career—when you surround yourself with highly driven people, they will push you beyond your perceived limits.

A Test Beyond 62 Days

Ranger School's "62 and through" mantra is well known. It signifies a Soldier's ability to complete the course without being recycled—a straight path through the grueling 62-day challenge.

But for Colantonio, Ranger School wasn't just about surviving the course—it was about self-improvement. Endurance, competition, and leadership development didn't stop at earning the tab.

“You want to give yourself the best leadership experience. Ranger School is a place where you can get as close to real combat experience and the stressors that come with it without actually being in combat."

Her mindset would soon be tested in ways she never expected.

Endurance: The Power of Pushing Forward

Ranger School is a brutal test of endurance—a relentless cycle of food deprivation, sleep deprivation, and nonstop movement through some of the toughest environments imaginable.

Yet, for Colantonio, the toughest challenge wasn't physical—it was facing failure head-on.

After successfully completing Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course (IBOLC) and Ranger Assessment Phase (“RAP Week”), she entered phase 1 of Ranger School, but was unexpectedly dropped—a setback that forced her to ask herself:

“Do I really want this?"

Instead of giving up, she did what true leaders do—she self-reflected, sought honest feedback, and refined her approach.

“Most people in Ranger School are used to being one of the best. Pride gets to you. But this experience forced me to be honest with myself and recognize areas where I needed to improve."

She reached out to her peers, asking them bluntly:

“What do I need to do better?"

Unlike those who complete Ranger School in 62 days, Colantonio's journey required four attempts before earning her tab—totaling over 190 days in the course.

Her two grueling rotations through Mountain Phase pushed her to new levels of physical and mental endurance. By the time she reached Florida Phase for the second time, she was determined to finish what she started.

“It’s what's expected of us, and I wanted to show up to my platoon as the best and most experienced leader that I can be."

Camaraderie: The Ranger Brotherhood

While Ranger School is designed to push individual limits, no one succeeds alone. The experience forged some of the strongest bonds Colantonio has ever had.

“Ranger School teaches you to be selfless. You can go in thinking you're a team player, but when you're wet, starving, and exhausted, the only thing that matters is the mission and the people to your left and right. That's when you truly learn what it means to put others before yourself."

Through extreme adversity, Colantonio built deep trust with her Ranger buddies, knowing that in the hardest moments, they had her back—and she had theirs.

Hardship and Faith: Meeting God in the Mountains

The Mountain Phase of Ranger School is infamous for its harsh terrain and brutal conditions, and for Colantonio, it became more than just a physical challenge—it was a test of faith.

“One time, I turned to the guy in my squad and said, 'This is horrible. This is not fun.’”

But in those moments of suffering, something kept her moving—the people around her.

“You have guys fighting for their 'go'—a wife, kids, siblings back home—and they're pushing themselves to make it through. You want to do the same when it's your turn. You want other people to fight for you to get your 'go' just like you fight for them."

It was this shared hardship, this mutual sacrifice, that defined Ranger School.

Lessons for Future Leaders: Never Quit, Never Settle

Colantonio's journey through Ranger School is a testament to the power of competition, the necessity of endurance, and the strength of team camaraderie.

For future cadets who aspire to follow her example, she offers this advice:

“Network, seek out mentors, and don't be afraid to push yourself into uncomfortable situations."

The Road Ahead

With her Ranger tab earned and her next assignment to the 101st Airborne Division, Colantonio is more than just a graduate of one of the Army's toughest schools—she is a leader forged through hardship, competition, and an unwavering refusal to quit.

Because true endurance doesn't stop at '62 and through'—it extends far beyond the tab, into the Soldiers she will lead and the challenges she will continue to overcome.

Virginia Military Institute Army ROTC proudly honors its alumni, who continue to set the standard for leadership and leadership in the U.S. Army.

Capt. Pauline Johnson
Assistant Professor of Military Science, VMI Army ROTC
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE