Guide to Sandhurst
The World's Toughest Military Skills Competition returns!
 What is Sandhurst?
The Sandhurst Military Skills Competition is one of the world’s premier tests of combat readiness and warrior grit. Hosted annually by the U.S. Military Academy at West Point since 1967, the event brings together ROTC programs, U.S. service academies, and international military teams to face off in a relentless series of real-world tactical scenarios. Competitors are challenged on physical endurance, teamwork under stress, and lethal military skills honed for the battlefield.
This year's competition will take place at West Point from 6 a.m. Friday, May 1, to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2.
🏆 Why it Matters
Sandhurst is more than a competiton, requiring leadership, discipline, and global cooperation. It pushes cadets to lead under pressure, trust their teammates, and embody the warrior ethos.
🌎 Teams & Countries Represented
This year, 48 teams from the U.S. and around the globe will battle for the ultimate prize:
🔸 5 Teams from four Service Academies
🔸 16 Army ROTC Teams from U.S. Army Cadet Command
🔸 17 International Teams
🔸 10 U.S. Military Academy West Point Company Teams
Parking & Traffic
Please exercise caution when driving through the cantonment area during Sandhurst, as competitors will be moving on or near the roads. While participants are instructed to use sidewalks where available, please be alert for personnel on the roadway in areas without pedestrian paths. We ask that you adhere to the 10-mph speed limit when passing participants on the road. Please allow extra time for travel and drive safely!
For the most up-to-date parking and traffic information, please check the West Point Garrison and Community Facebook page using the button below. ⬇️
View the map below for parking access on May 1 & 2.
 Parking Map Key:
🔵 Blue - Parking authorized with pass
🟡 Yellow - Parking for all other vehicles
Please note that parking on post is limited. If your vehicle displays a car pass (issued by Sandhurst OIC/AOIC) you can park in one of the car parking lots circled in blue. All other vehicles must park at North or South Dock (marked in yellow). Once parking, transit on foot to accommodation. View the map below for the shuttle bus route on Sandhurst Day 1.
Please do not park anywhere else on post -- you run the risk of being towed/ticketed. Do not park in front of the railway crossing.
🚧 Route 218 and portions of Route 293 will be temporarily CLOSED to all traffic on Friday, May 1st from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in support of the annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. Route 293 will be further restricted to north bound traffic only between West Point’s Range Operations building and US 9W ramps.
Those wishing to enter or exit post during this time should use Stony and Thayer gates to do so. Please be advised that helicopter operations will occur day and night from May 1st to May 2nd. Thank you for your continued support and patience during this year's competition.
Prepare for a weekend packed with long events, extended walks, and unpredictable weather. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack an extra poncho—just in case!
View the map below for the shuttle bus route on Sandhurst Day 1.
 🚌 Spectators are greatly encouraged to take the Sandhurst Shuttle around post on Friday, May 1 running from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shuttle stops is as follows:
1. Visitor Center
- Welcome Center
- Highland Falls
2. Buffalo Soldier Field
- Grenade Assault Course
- Walking distance: Zodiac
3. PX Parking Lot
- Walking distance: Communications
4. Prep School
5. Shea Stadium
- Walking Distance: Functional Fitness
6. Clinton Lot
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care
📍 Need Help?
For directions, last-minute questions, or general information, stop by the Joint Visitors Bureau at the West Point Visitors Center—they’re ready to assist you throughout the event!
Friday Spectator Info
 8 competitions on Friday will run from 6:35 a.m. to 2:35 p.m., with lanes all across West Point.
⬇️ Click on the number event below to see how to get there!
Ruck March
 The ruck march will close out Friday's events, beginning at 4:20 p.m. The ruck march begins along Washington Road, exiting through Washington Gate and utilizing Route 218 to 293.
🚧 REMINDER: Route 218 and portions of Route 293 will be temporarily CLOSED to all traffic on Friday, May 1st from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in support of the annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. Route 293 will be further restricted to north bound traffic only between West Point’s Range Operations building and US 9W ramps.
👀 The best viewing spots include along Washington Road and the Golf Course overpass.
The ruck march is expected to finish between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., make sure to arrive early!
Saturday Spectator Info
The Crucible is the only event open to spectators on Saturday. The first team starts at 8 a.m. with a new team starting every 30 minutes. The last round begins at 1:30 p.m. Stake out a spot around Daly Field to watch!
 Award Ceremony
After battling through two grueling days, one team will emerge as the Sandhurst champion, based on both speed and precision at every obstacle.
The winning team earns the Reginald E. Johnson Memorial Plaque—a mounted cadet saber honoring a competitor who gave his life during the 1980 competition. A symbol of grit, legacy, and victory. The Award Ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Still have questions about the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition or want to take a deeper look? Learn more about the competition’s history, how it’s structured, and what teams face—from the order of march to the final push for the saber.
Explore more background, context, and what to expect:
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