Photo By Sgt. Laura Bonano | Sgt. Jerrod Moore, a platoon sergeant with the 380th Quartermaster Company,...... read more read more
FORT KNOX, Ky. - Twelve soldiers from different Army units under the 38th Regional Support Group participated in a three-day long Best Warrior Competition at Fort Knox, Ky., starting on Feb. 28, 2014.
The soldiers competed in events such as the Army Physical Fitness Test, weapons qualification, a command sergeant major board, land navigation and different stations set up for various Army warrior tasks. The event culminated in a ruck march, each soldier carrying a 35-pound rucksack.
Each soldier was awarded points for each event, and the overall winner would be awarded the title of the RSG’s Best Warrior and would prove they stood above their peers in their knowledge of military tasks as well as their physical prowess.
At the beginning of the competition, Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny McPeek, command sergeant major of the 38th RSG, briefed the soldiers on what they should expect in the competition, and he gave a piece of advice.
“Look to your left, and now look to your right,” said McPeek. “Five minutes ago, the soldier standing there was your friend; they’re not your friend anymore.”
Despite this warning, and the fact they were competing against each other, the soldiers constantly presented their character by helping each other out throughout the event.
McPeek said soldiers have the ability to train for the event throughout the year, and even though the competition would be hard, every one point counted.
Spc. Curtis Simpson, with the 125th Transportation Company, who competed in the event last year, as well as this year, said the event was a chance for soldiers to show they are learning and retaining the things they were supposed to learn as a soldier over their time serving.
“It shows the soldiers who are really doing their best to make an effort to better themselves, better the unit,” said Simpson.
“It’s not going to be a walk in the park, it’s not going to be ice cream or cupcakes and rainbows,” said Simpson. “It’s going to be hard, but you’ve got to get it done. You have to do your best and represent your unit.”
Simpson’s advice for future participants in order to be competitive is to make a constant effort of studying the Army Study Guide at every battle assembly as well continuous physical fitness training in preparation.
He also advised soldiers to practice on the range every chance they had to improve their firing skills as well.
All the soldiers participating in the event gave it their all, but at the end, two soldiers were named the winners, one from the specialist ranks, as well as one from sergeant ranks. Two others were named the runner-ups, respectively.
Sgt. Jason McConnell, with the 380th Quartermaster Company, and Spc. Brandon McKee, with the 811th Ordnance Company, were runner-ups. Spc. Justin Cormack, with the 351st Ordnance Company, and Sgt. Jerrod Moore, with the 380th QM Company, were the overall winners.
The winners were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their dedication and hard work during the competition.
At the end of the competition, McPeek said he wanted to see more soldiers volunteering to participate in the competition. He said it’s not meant to be an intimidating experience, but, “It’s supposed to be fun.”
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.08.2014 18:17 |
| Story ID: | 121727 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 115 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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