Photo By Capt. Patrick Bracken | First Lt. Andrew Lang avoids a punch from Pfc. Steven Laster during the 5th Squadron,...... read more read more
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FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Resilience is the Army’s byword for creating soldiers who are better equipped to deal with the mental and emotional challenges of life in the Army. An entire week in November 2013 was set aside to provide soldiers with classes, discussions and events designed to enhance their resiliency skills, and increase their overall performance and potential as soldiers in the U.S. Army.
The 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment Commander, Lt. Col. Erik Krivda, envisioned going beyond the standard set of training events.
He tasked his troopers to test their mettle and prove their fortitude in a squadron-wide boxing competition.
“Boxing is all about being resilient,” said Krivda. “It takes personal strength to step in the ring, physical strength to throw a punch, and the mental toughness, once you are knocked down, to get back up and take another swing. This event afforded troopers the opportunity to face an adverse and difficult situation that went beyond their comfort zones. Troopers were expected to give their all, not back down, and continue the fight to the end.”
Troopers were divided into weight classes ranging from the lowest class of 120-135 pounds, all the way up to troopers weighing 225 pounds and over. Each troop provided one fighter per weight class. The fighters fought in two, three-minute refereed rounds. The winner of each bout was decided by knockout, or the judges’ decision.
The competition was highly physical. By the end, troopers' uniforms were drenched in sweat.
“The competition demonstrated what makes cavalrymen so special,” said 5-1 CAV Squadron Executive Officer Maj. Jason Moncuse. “Their willingness to step up and meet the challenge before them is the foundation of what we do on a continual basis. As the brigade’s ‘eyes and ears,’ we must be prepared to push forward of friendly lines at any time and be self-sustaining in arduous conditions.”
“The troopers, both those who participated, and those who cheered them on, found out that resilience can be learned in a classroom,” said Capt. Patrick Bracken, squadron chaplain, “but can only be understood practically by shoring up one’s courage and persevering in the face of difficult and dangerous situations.”
| Date Taken: | 11.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2014 18:28 |
| Story ID: | 120605 |
| Location: | FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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