Competitive Rejuvenation and the the Darien Gap Selection Course

Migrants crossing one of the most dangerous areas in the world, the Darien Gap, on the border between Colombia and Panama.

During my time in the military, I had the privilege of serving in several elite Army units, each with its own challenging 'selection courses.' These rigorous courses are meticulously designed to filter out individuals lacking the determination, mental and physical stamina, or the resilience to succeed. For instance, before joining the 82nd Airborne, one must complete airborne school, which is mandatory for service in that unit. Aspiring Rangers undergo the Ranger Indoctrination program followed by a pre-Ranger program, culminating in the renowned Ranger school. Additionally, in the special operations unit I was a part of, candidates faced a grueling multi-week selection course in the mountainous terrain of West Virginia, where over 90% typically do not make the cut, followed by months of training that eliminate about another 25%. I take immense pride in having completed these challenging courses, as they earned me the chance to serve in these units. More importantly, they instilled in me valuable lessons about perseverance, stamina, and what we referred to as 'intestinal fortitude'—the ability to push through, no matter how tough the situation may become.

Now, how does this relate to the title of this post? When I view images of immigrants traversing the treacherous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama, I can't help but feel a deep sense of admiration. I made several training and combat deployments to Panama in the 1980s and currently reside part-time in Colombia near the Darien. I can state from firsthand experience that this region is among the most challenging in the world. Alongside the oppressive heat, humidity, dense jungle, relentless rain, mud, diseases, insects, snakes, spiders, and the lurking danger of predators, the area is also fraught with dangerous narco groups. Instead of hauling rucksacks, these individuals carry their children and essential belongings on their backs. Many travel without shoes, facing the harsh reality of no access to healthcare for injuries or illnesses. This trek spans over 60 miles, part of a daunting 3,000-mile journey that usually takes several months. As a point of reference, the early European settlers covered this same distance over 400 years ago—but they did so by ship, not on foot.

If ever there were individuals truly embodying the struggle to earn their place here, it is these people. They aren't seeking five-million-dollar golden visas; they are genuinely earning their way through relentless hardship, life-threatening risks, and unwavering perseverance in search of jobs and freedom—drawing parallels to our country's ancestors. Comparatively, they are taking as many, if not more, risks than 16th and 17th-century settlers, echoing the journey of native Americans who migrated across the land bridge from Asia to North America thousands of years ago.

To me, this illustrates the ongoing tale of competitive rejuvenation in the US. Our history boasts countless individuals who ventured from different corners of the globe, often risking their lives—and their families' lives—to chase the American dream. Upon arrival, many faced discrimination, yet through relentless hard work, resilience, and a profound appreciation for the opportunities available in America, they thrived and wove these traditions into the fabric of American culture. Unlike some who may feel entitled, these newcomers exhibit a willingness to toil in low-paying, labor-intensive jobs. I believe the descendants of these immigrants will feel just as proud of their lineage generations from now as those whose ancestors arrived hundreds or thousands of years ago.

In one of the units I previously served in, we often remarked, 'selection is an ongoing process,' signifying that no entitlements or resting on past achievements exist; it’s entirely about what you do moving forward. As a nation, we must recognize that, alongside the many benefits of a functional immigration system (when we achieve one), a responsible immigration policy reflects a slight twist on this concept that remains equally fitting: 'rejuvenation is an ongoing process.' This reinvigorates our country, fostering a culture that is more robust, less entitled, and continually enhances our competitiveness.