25th CAB Soldiers compete for NCO/Soldier of the year rotation

Photo By Staff Sgt. Bryanna Poulin | Spc. Nathan C. Wishard with 1st Regiment 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, checks his medical bag during the "evaluate a casualty" lane at the NCO/Soldier of the year board held at COB Speicher June 21-22.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

06.22.2007

Story by Staff Sgt. Bryanna Poulin 

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

By Spc. Bryanna Poulin
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

TIKRIT, Iraq -- Armed with detailed instructions, six Soldiers stood together as they prepared themselves for the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), an event that is quite familiar to Soldiers.

Beginning on June 21, previous winners of non-commissioned officer (NCO) and Soldier trimester boards assembled together to compete for the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade NCO/Soldier of the year rotation board.

"Today's competition was comprised of each winner from one of the previous trimester boards," said Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Kingston, command sergeant major of 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. "These Soldiers have set themselves apart from their peers, proving that even in a deployed environment, they seek more responsibility."

The two-day competition kicked off with the APFT, an event that tests Soldiers' strength, muscular and (endurance) with pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run.

"The APFT is an overall evaluation of the complete Soldier," Kingston said. "The (test represents) the overall physical fitness of a Soldier and their physical ability ... the total warrior package."

Following the APFT, was the M16 qualification, an event where Soldiers zeroed their assigned weapons and then hit as many targets as possible out of 40.

"The most difficult part of the range was firing in the kneeling position ... but I gave it my all," said Spc. Nathan C. Wishard, 1st Squadron, 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

"The range is the event that usually separates 1st and 2nd place," said Kingston. "Firing weapons is Soldiers' bread and butter ... it's a perishable skill that must be tested to determine the Soldier's overall efficiency."

The next part of the two-day event was common task testing (CTT), consisting of an array of tasks, from preparing a vehicle for a convoy to evaluating a casualty.

"Taken from the warrior task manual, the CTT portion plays a significant role for Soldiers in a combat environment, as it applies to the everyday life of deployed Soldiers," Kingston noted. "(These are) combat skills every Soldier should have and be proficient (in) as well."

Wrapping up day one, the two groups of Soldiers took a written exam covering areas such as communication, the Soldier's and NCO creeds, and the Operation Iraqi Freedom uniform, which was devised from the 25th CAB NCO handbook.

"The written exam concluded day one because it shows the Soldier is well-rounded," said Kingston. "In the Army, we have great garrison Soldiers and great tactical Soldiers ... these Soldiers have to be excellent in both realms, with the focus right now being tactical."

To conclude the rotational board on day two, Soldiers appeared before a formal board of command sergeants major in order to test their military (bearing and appearance).

"The board is the finale of the two day events," Kingston concluded. "It confirms day one and shows who the best Soldiers are."

The winners for the OIF 06-08, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade NCO/Soldier of the year rotation held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher are Staff Sgt. Terry C. Ruppe with 2nd Battalion, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th CAB and Spc. Kenneth A. Moore, with 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th CAB.

• Date Taken: 06.22.2007
• Date Posted: 07.02.2007 09:16
• Story ID: 11065
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ