530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion keeps Soldiers prepared through "Sgt. Major's Challenge

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Willena Payne works to reassemble a M249 automatic weapon during the 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion's 'Sergeant Major's Challenge" Sept. 27, 2008, at Contingency Operating Base, Iraq. Twelve teams comprised of five individuals competed in seven warrior-training tasks  

TALLIL AIR BASE, IRAQ

10.02.2008

Courtesy Story

215th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Anthony Hooker
215th Mobile Public Detachment

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to units in the 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion competed against one another in a series of warrior training tasks during the unit's "Sgt. Major's Challenge," Sept. 29, 2008, at COB Adder.

The 894th Quartermaster and 962nd Ordinance Companies joined 530th's Headquarters' company in an event sponsored by Sgt. Major James Sims, command Sgt. major of the 530th CSSB.

Twelve teams made of five members performed a series of events designed to assess the unit's basic survival skills. The contest began with team members alternately performing pushups and sit-ups over a six-minute period.

Afterwards, the teams raced against one another to disassemble and reassemble a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, complete a radio transmission, push a humvee, and carry a team member on a litter. After carrying the patient a designated distance, teams had to successfully complete an intravenous fluid injection and, finally, one member had to carry that person unassisted to a safe area.

The action was fast and pressure-packed. Supporters of the teams provided coaching and encouragement as the competitors worked to complete the tasks. All of the units finished the challenge, but the command sgt. major's personal security detail posted the winning time of 25 minutes, 35 seconds.

Staff Sgt. Rickylee Pinkney, the leader of the PSD team, said he was happy to win, but was equally encouraged by the cohesion and morale-lifting efforts of the competitors.

"[Today] was an outstanding day because we saw a lot of teamwork and camaraderie," said Pinkney, a native of Augusta, Ga. "We were around people we normally don't interact with . . . seeing people out here give 100% really motivates you."

Afterwards, Sims, a Miami native, said he was encouraged by the skill level of his troops and that he was highly impressed with their drive.

"The excitement of leading Soldiers and watching them execute tasks is great," said Sims. "I didn't know before about the Soldiers' training condition), but this competition lets me know we have balanced Soldiers . . . they can perform their daily duties and also perform [on] a moment's notice their warrior skills, their skill to survive on the battlefield."

Sims said the competition allows he and the 530th CSSB's commander, Col. Robert Horneck, to see the Soldiers perform and learn their strengths and weaknesses.
"The most important thing is having a group of Soldiers coming from different components – Active, [Army] Reserves, National Guard – bring them together as a team, and be able to validate that there's no difference," said Sims. "Today's activities were designed to do that."

Sims said the 530th CSSB, deployed from Ft. Lee, Virginia, validates their battalion personnel every month.

"With every system you have to be prepared," said Sims.

Sims finished his conversation by saying Soldiers become more confident with training tools like the challenge. He added that leaders who successfully perform tasks get more confidence and trust from their Soldiers.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2008
• Date Posted: 10.15.2008 16:52
• Story ID: 25035
• Location: TALLIL AIR BASE, IQ