Washington (CNN) Lightning hurt at least 11 Army Rangers on Wednesday as they trained to protect themselves from those very strikes.

The Army said nine students and two instructors were still hospitalized in Florida on Thursday after lightning hit 44 Rangers "conducting lightning protection protocols" at around 5 p.m. near Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola. The group had completed six of the 10 days in their training program.

"The Ranger students and instructors reacted and got everyone proper medical care quickly," said Col. David Fivecoat, Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade commander. "Ranger students and instructors are tough, 31 students will return to training tonight and continue with increased medical monitoring as they try to earn their Ranger tab."

Seventeen students and two instructors stayed at the local hospital Wednesday night. The remainder were treated and quickly released.